CLEAN TECHNICA
By Tina Casey
The natural gas picture just got a little more complicated last week, when researchers at the University of Canada released a study linking clusters of earthquakes in western Canada to oil and gas fracking operations. The finding adds yet another layer of risk to a fuel that is being promoted as a “cleaner” alternative to coal.
The new University of Calgary study could motivate a closer look at the direct causation angle.
The study was published last week in the journal Science under the heading “Fault activation by hydraulic fracturing in western Canada.” The area of study is in Alberta, about 30 kilometers away from a town called Fox Creek.
In recent years researchers have established a correlation between oil and gas fracking and seismic activity in this area, but not a direct causal link.
The new study represents the first time that the actual mechanism of causality has been identified and described:
Indirect evidence has pointed to activation of pre-existing faults as the underlying physical mechanism, but precise delineation of these features has been elusive. Without this deeper understanding, formulation of strong mitigation and prevention strategies has been a challenge for regulators and operating companies alike,” wrote the researchers.
Casey writes that the study, partially funded by Chevron Canada Resources Ltd., and ConocoPhillips, will likely lead to stronger regulations, including local fracking bans where geological conditions warrant them.