Canadian studies launched in April 2012 to examine fracking and earthquakes

Studies examine fracking and earthquakes by Vincent McDermott, April 20, 2012, fortmcmurraytoday.com
A study by the U.S. Geological Survey released Wednesday found a “remarkable” increase of quakes in the central United States since 2001, arguing that oil and gas production is “almost certainly” the culprit. The study found a sixfold increase in earthquakes and tremors in an area spanning Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Colorado compared to the region’s 20th century average. … “A remarkable increase in the rate of (magnitude 3) and greater earthquakes is currently in progress,” the authors of the report wrote. … A separate study conducted by the British Geological Society found that so long as regulations are strictly followed, the risk of setting off more earthquakes should decrease as fracturing increases. The report recommends the controversial procedure should be halted in regions that register a magnitude of 0.5 or greater. … However, the seismically quiet region of Fort Nelson, B.C. has experienced 36 earthquakes in the last three years. A four-year study was launched in early April by the federal Natural Resources Department. The project will have researchers from the industrial sector and universities investigating whether fracking has induced quakes in B.C., Quebec and New Brunswick.