More than 20 disposal wells' volume to be reduced in light of recent earthquakes

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Corporation Commission's Oil and Gas Conservation Division is implementing a plan calling "for changes to the operations of oil and gas wastewater disposal wells in the area that dispose into the Arbuckle formation."

27 Arbuckle disposal wells will reduce disposal volume. The area measures 24 miles by 12 miles. The total disposal volume reduction for the area is 54,859 barrels a day.

"The data available indicates that a much larger approach to the earthquakes in that entire part of northwestern Oklahoma is needed, and we have been working on such a plan. However, given the recent earthquake activity in the Fairview area, the plan announced today is a necessary step as part of this ongoing process," said OGCD Director Tim Baker.

According to OGCD, any company that has identified as operating one or more Arbuckle disposal well(s) will need to reduce volumes disposed into such well(s).

"We are also concerned about the possibility of a higher potential risk of earthquakes as a result of a number of disposal wells stopping operation at once because of a general power failure, and then resuming full operation when power is restored," said Baker. "These conditions existed in the Fairview area. We are now advising operators to gradually restore operations in the event of a sudden shut-down due to power failures."

 http://ktul.com/news/local/more-than-20-disposal-wells-volume-to-be-reduced-in-light-of-recent-earthquakes