In a startling turn of events, Scurry County in West Texas has declared a state of emergency following a series of over 100 earthquakes that have shaken the region. This unusual seismic activity has raised concerns and prompted officials to take immediate action to ensure public safety and assess infrastructural damage. Scurry County Judge Dan Hicks wrote in his Friday declaration of disaster that since the first earthquake, registering magnitude 4.9, was felt the night of July 22, “damage has been found throughout Scurry County in businesses and residences.”
The sequence of tremors began with a significant 4.9 magnitude quake and has since included a dozen earthquakes of magnitude three or more. The largest of these, a 5.0 magnitude quake, caused noticeable disturbances, rattling trophies in display cabinets and causing pictures to bounce against walls in the Scurry County Courthouse.
The cause of these earthquakes has been a topic of much discussion and analysis. Geophysicist Justin Rubinstein from the U.S. Geological Survey has stated, “We can say with confidence that these are related to oil and gas extractions,” he said.
The process involves drilling not only vertically but also horizontally, reaching deep into the earth to access oil and natural gas deposits. The resulting ‘produced water’, a byproduct of this extraction, is much saltier than ocean water and must be disposed of by pumping it back underground, a practice known as saltwater disposal. The large amounts of water being pumped underground in turn can cause earthquakes. “We’ve found evidence that saltwater disposal is the most likely cause of the earthquakes in Scurry County. This specific area has seen seismic activity going back to 2020,” Rubinstein said.
This has been identified as the most likely cause of the earthquakes in Scurry County, an area that has experienced seismic activity related to oil and gas operations since 2020.
The implications of this disaster declaration are significant. It highlights the potential risks associated with oil and gas extraction techniques, particularly in regions not naturally prone to seismic activity. The situation in West Texas serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between resource extraction and environmental stability.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of these tremors, questions arise about the future of oil and gas operations in the area and the measures that can be taken to mitigate such risks. The events in West Texas may well become a case study for industry practices and regulatory frameworks aimed at preventing man-made seismic activities.
For now, the focus remains on recovery and ensuring the safety of the residents of Scurry County. The declaration of emergency allows for the mobilization of resources and support from state and federal agencies, providing much-needed relief to the affected community.
The situation is still developing, and further updates are expected as assessments continue and plans for remediation are put into place.
