--> Potential Induced Seismicity in the Midcontinent: One State's Experience and Response

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Potential Induced Seismicity in the Midcontinent: One State's Experience and Response

Abstract

The midcontinent has experienced a dramatic increase in seismic activity in the past several years. Seismic activity in Colorado, Arkansas, and Oklahoma has been linked to linked to saline water disposal from oil and gas production, and led to conversations about anthropogenic versus natural seismicity, regulation of saltwater disposal, and agency, industry, and governmental response. In early 2014, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback appointed a state task force to study and determine an appropriate response to increased seismic activity in south-central Kansas. That task force, which included representatives of the Kansas Geological Survey, Kansas Corporation Commission, and Kansas Department of Health and Environment, developed a response plan that included recommendations for enhanced monitoring and a seismic scoring formula that helps guide agency response to these events. The regional nature of this activity has led to coordination with the Oklahoma Geological Survey and the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the KGS has developed public information materials about induced seismicity. Also, Kansas is represented in national efforts to study and address the issue, including work by the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and Groundwater Protection Council, and development of a statement on induced seismicity from the Association of American State Geologists.