Quiver Quantitative - West Texas experienced its second-largest earthquake on record early Wednesday morning, nearly matching the strength of the state's biggest tremor that occurred in the same oil-rich Permian Basin area almost a year prior. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude of 5.3 for the quake, which struck at 4:27 a.m. local time, approximately 24 miles south of Mentone, Texas. This seismic event follows a pattern of increasing earthquake activity in the region, which includes a magnitude 5.2 earthquake exactly one month after the record tremor of November 16 last year.
The recent earthquakes in Texas are raising concerns about the disposal practices of the oil drilling industry. The Permian Basin, a prominent shale field, has seen an uptick in seismic activity possibly related to the injection of wastewater byproducts into disposal wells. As these wells reach capacity and pressure builds, the risk of induced seismicity rises. Data from B3 Insight highlights the challenges drillers face in managing the toxic saltwater byproduct, which can be up to ten times saltier than ocean water.
Scott Tinker, Texas State Geologist and Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas, has noted a "renewed increase" in significant seismic occurrences across several Texas regions. This trend underscores the need for ongoing research and proactive measures to mitigate potential risks. The Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees oil and gas regulation, responded to last year's record earthquake by implementing restrictions on water disposal in certain areas, a move that has significant implications for shale producers who rely on these wells for wastewater disposal.
The Railroad Commission's actions highlight the delicate balance between resource extraction and environmental safety. As the industry faces scrutiny over wastewater disposal's link to seismic activity, the commission's regulatory decisions are closely watched for their impact on both the oil market and the safety of Texas communities.
This article was originally published on Quiver Quantitative