"Energy related operations increasingly rely on injecting fluid into rock formations. "Fracking" to increase permeability in gas shale formations has in particular become widespread in recent years. There are now several case histories of fracking causing earthquakes that are troublesome to local populations, including events up to M ~ 4."They go on to discuss the problem in depth and their closing remarks are:
"Seismicity in geothermal areas, in particular that induced by fluid injections, presents both challenges and opportunities. It is important to manage, because it represents a potential hazard, and one that may not be well understood by the general public, especially in areas not prone to natural seismicity."We've already heard of the earthquakes that occurred around Youngstown since the fracking started. They had never experienced an earthquake in that area prior to January 2011. In December of 2011 they experienced a 3.9 magnitude quake. The state has stopped the fracking related activity there indefinitely. Recently the Ohio Natural Resource Department stopped fracking in another location while they investigate 11 earthquakes with epicenters in the same vicinity (and approximate depth) of a fracking operation.
Why should this concern us? On the US Geological Survey maps southwestern PA is shown to be in a low hazard area. Of course the Youngstown and Poland, Ohio area are also in low hazard areas. Slightly higher risk than SW Pa, but still low. The point being are we now ready to live with earthquakes when we most likely would never experience one here without fracking? How much risk are we assuming in the quest for the mighty dollar? Our politicians seem to be locked onto the monetary opportunity like a dog on their favorite treat - and with about the same amount of thought. There appears to be complete tunnel vision on what they can get out of the operation and little concern for how much the people living here might ultimately have to pay for it.
We hear a lot of protests about how these operations might be affecting the ground water. Definitely not a trivial concern. If the water ends up contaminated, what are you going to do? How about the risk associated with an earthquake in areas that have been heavily mined? I haven't found any studies on how vulnerable communities might be that already have abandoned coal mines running beneath them. We already worry about mine subsidence happening. Does it really need a push from the energy industry? What type of risk is this activity posing to all the treasures stored in the old limestone mines (Iron Mountain) north of Pittsburgh? Those old mines are filled with irreplaceable, historic photos, films and documents because it's considered a safe place with a consistent climate. What might an earthquake destroy there? Should we really be worried about this? I don't know. Lacking any evidence that the people orchestrating the drilling (or the politicians approving it right and left) have even considered the possibility of such ramifications makes me wonder.
A lot of people are making a lot of money on this. We really need our leaders to be stronger than the lure of a quick buck. Already the industry has grown too fast and with too few safeguards to our environment IMHO. Is Pennsylvania ready to step up and put a stop to any activity when it starts to generate seismic events, or will they drag their feet, hem and haw, claiming they can't prove it's related. Will people have to start losing their homes and drinking water in statistically significant numbers before anyone responds? Should we be backing the politicians that are jumping into bed with the energy companies - ignoring the protesters that are telling them they don't want the fast money, or that they want the whole process slowed down?
Regarding the mine subsidence issue. For those who don't already live over top an abandoned mine, consider that the fracking industry will be leaving essentially the same hazard in it's wake. As they extract the oil and gas there are changes in pressure and an increased risk of subsidence issues. Many people without mine subsidence insurance might want to consider getting it soon.
Elections are coming up. If any of this worries you then you might want to consider what your representatives are approving, or where the candidates stand on it. This isn't just happening out in the countryside - drilling is being approved in local parks, airports, and on neighborhood school property. Think about it.
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