The Alberta Energy Regulator has cited an energy company for causing a series of earthquakes, including the largest recorded tremblor in the province’s history.
Residents reported being knocked to their knees. The earth was pushed upward by more than three centimetres – enough to register on satellites. “An investigation conducted by the Alberta Geological Society, a branch of the AER, has concluded that Obsidian’s disposal operation induced the seismic events,” it said.
Similarly, Schultz said a look at previous research on so-called “induced seismicity” revealed long lag times between deep-well water injection and earthquakes. Statistical analysis of the correlation between the quakes and the underground pumping was conclusive, Schultz said. Both jurisdictions favour reducing the climate impact of the province’s energy industry by pumping vast amounts of waste carbon dioxide deep underground, much as waste water is injected. So-called carbon capture and storage could have the same seismic effects as deep waste water disposal, Schultz said.
Is anyone in Canada asking why, since 2012, the US EPA has required anyone who injects anything (chemicals, waste water, supercritical CO2, etc.) into a deep reservoir to comply with a permit? Look up 'Class VI' permit to see the site prep & MRV requirements for CO2 injection.