Ohio earthquakes linked to fracking by state geologists

Image: Hydraulic fracturing drill rig in Pennsylvania (Credit: Environmental Protection Agency)

State geologists in Ohio have linked earthquakes that occurred in March near Youngstown with hydraulic fracturing, according to CBS News. They say high-pressure injections of sand and water that goes with the practice contributed to small tremors in the area.

In response, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has halted fracking operations within 3 miles of the tremors and is requiring gas-exploration firms to install seismic monitors if they work  near fault lines. If seismic activity greater than a magnitude of 1.0 is recorded, operations are required to stop.

Officials say past investigations have linked earthquakes to deep injections of wastewater into wells used for disposal. They note this is the first time tremors have been tied directly to fracking.

Image: Hydraulic fracturing drill rig in Pennsylvania (Credit: Environmental Protection Agency)