Disaster in West Texas

Scurry County, TX officials declare state of emergency after 100+ earthquakes in 8 days. Last Friday, Judge Dan Hicks issued a disaster declaration, citing damage to businesses and residences. By Sunday, the count rose to 103 quakes, with 12 registering magnitude 3 or higher.

Oil Fields to Blame?

The quakes are "almost 99% likely" linked to local oil fields, says geophysicist Justin Rubinstein of the USGS. The culprit? New drilling technology that extracts oil and gas from deep underground, bringing up millions-year-old saltwater that must then be disposed of by pumping it back down into the earth.

"We can say with confidence that these are related to oil and gas extractions," Rubinstein said.

The large volumes of water being pumped underground are causing earthquakes. Officials have found that "saltwater disposal is the most likely cause" of the temblors, an issue seen in this area since 2020.

Texas Oil Regulators Respond

The Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates the state's oil and gas industry, is investigating connections between the quakes and fluid injection into the ground. They've already inspected and shut down two deep disposal wells within 2.5 miles of the quake cluster.

Full Statement: Railroad Commission of Texas

"The RRC has been investigating the earthquakes that have occurred this week in the Camp Springs area along the Fisher/Scurry county line in West Texas. In efforts to reduce seismicity, possibly caused by the underground injection of produced water, several operators in the area have converted deep saltwater disposal wells to shallow ones within the last year. ... We'll continue to take measures necessary to protect the environment and residents in the area."

Location

Scurry County is in West Texas. Located about 250 miles west of Dallas and 50 miles west of Abilene, the county seat is Snyder.