[CedarDave]

The increase in salt water production (includes frack wastewater) together with decreasing deep water disposal options is leading increased research in the treatment of the wastewater both for use in drilling and fracking, and possible non-industry uses like agriculture. In New Mexico, the oil and gas agency has put limits on water disposal.

In order to mitigate seismic activity throughout New Mexico, the OCD has implemented a Seismicity Response Protocol that will be “implemented either through voluntary actions by operators and/or orders issued by the OCD”.

The protocol is split into two categories: 1) Effective when two M 2.5 events occur within 30 days and within a 10 mile radius, and 2) Effective with one M 3.0+ event.

Category 1 requires weekly reporting of daily injection volumes and average surface pressures. Operators must provide analysis identifying the perforated injection interval and formation tops and monitor seismicity, via USGS or NMTSO data, within a 10-mile radius of the well.

Category 2 is further split into two categories: 1)M 3.0+ event and 2) M 3.5+ event. If a M 3.0+ event occurs, operators must follow all category 1 protocols and reduce injection rates by 50% or 25% if the event transpires within 0-3 miles or 3-6 miles, respectively. Volume reductions should begin immediately and be completed within a week. Further, if a M 3.5+ event occurs, operators must follow all category 1 protocols, but wells will be shut-in or injection rates will be reduced by 50% or 25% (again based on proximity), 0-3 miles, 3-6 miles, and 6-10 miles, respectively.

Seismicity Response Protocol Announced in New Mexico

(BTW, it's not fracking that's causing earthquakes but disposal of salt water from fracking and production operations.)

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Bush’s fault

[CedarDave]

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[crusty old prospector]

I hope it didn’t crack any well casings.

[JennysCool]

[pfflier]

That area has undergone a significant drought for a few years. Aquifers have been depleating and the ground water level is getting deeper.

[piasa]

I doubt very much anything man does has anything to do with an earth tremor over 4 miles down.

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

:: BTW, it’s not fracking that’s causing earthquakes but disposal of salt water from fracking and production operations ::

Even that is unproven speculation, using several erroneous presuppositions.