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State oil and gas regulatory agencies and geological surveys have partnered with the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission and Ground Water Protection Council to create a work group that will proactively discuss the possible association between recent seismic events occurring in multiple states and injection wells.
There are nearly 151,000 Class II Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells across the country used by the oil and natural gas industry to dispose of produced water or enhance resource recovery, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data.
State agencies participating in the Induced Seismicity by Injection Work Group will collaborate and share science, research, and practical experience to equip the states with the best decision making tools to evaluate the possible connections between seismic events and injection wells, minimize risk, and enhance appropriate readiness when seismic events occur.
This State Oil and Gas Regulatory Exchange (SOGRE) initiative is part of a larger state-led effort called States First. Through the SOGRE, state oil and gas regulatory agencies are collaborating and communicating with one another in an ongoing effort to keep current with rapidly changing technology, as well as to share the very best and innovative practices, procedures, and protocols from state to state.
Participating states aim to include additional stakeholders as they discuss this important issue, including industry, environmental groups, and the scientific community.
Group updates will be made available on the States First Web site (www.statesfirstinitiative.org) or via Twitter @States1st.
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Contact: Gerry Baker, Associate Executive Director
405-525-3556 x112
gerry.baker@iogcc.state.ok.us