Fracking linked to Californian earthquakes

The process of injecting wastewater from fracking sites has been linked to earthquakes in California in a new study.

There are numerous environmental objections to the process of fracking for oil, with earthquakes the latest to add to that long list, according to a new study. This time, it is the disposal of the wastewater created by fracking that is causing concern, as opposed to the process itself.

The method of injecting this waste into the earth has already led to strong opposition and a number of lawsuits, with protected aquifers seemingly not exempt. Now, however, the connection between these injections and earthquakes could set further alarm bells ringing.

A study focused on a group of earthquakes in Bakersfield, Ca, suggests that the injections can result in earthquakes within a wide radius imminently, and after a period of months or even years.

Although this study, released last week, is the first to conclusively link fracking with earthquakes, previous research has also suggested that there might be a connection. It is the hope of a number of environmental groups that further evidence could result in the limitation of wastewater injections from fracking sites in the near future.

Recent legislation was passed to enforce that all fracking companies monitor the resultant seismic activity during the fracking process, however no such measure was taken for waste disposal. There has been a huge increase in the volume of wastewater being disposed of in this manner, which makes this the most concerning aspect of the fracking process for many experts.

In Oklahoma, where wastewater injections are in fact less frequent than in California, measures have already been taken to limit them due to the link with earthquakes in the locality.

Further research is now being funded across a number of states to ascertain the link between fracking and earthquakes, with conflict between fracking companies and local populations reaching boiling point.