The Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Oil and Gas Division issued an advisory on Monday as new data from the Oklahoma Geological Survey and the United States Geological Survey revealed a newly discovered fault near the site of the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Pawnee, Oklahoma on September 3, according to a report by News9.com.
Based on the new data, the OCC decided to increase the number of disposal wells with restrictions by taking action in an area of 1,116 square miles where there are 48 Arbuckle disposal wells within the OCC jurisdiction and 19 Arbuckle disposal wells within the EPA’s jurisdiction. OCC officials said 32 wells will cease operations, including 27 in the OCC’s jurisdiction, and five in the EPA jurisdiction. The total volume reduction for OCC jurisdiction is approximately 40,000 barrels a day.
Eleven wells were allowed to resume disposal operations but must do so at a 25 percent reduction, according to the EPA. One well was determined to be outside the perimeter area.
Monday’s restrictions represent the second time that the state regulatory agency has acted under emergency authority to make an order mandatory. Both instances were in response to the Pawnee earthquake after state lawmakers granted the power to the OCC during the last legislative session.