OCC Taking Further Action In Pawnee Area Hit By 5.8 Earthquake

Based on new data, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Oil and Gas Division (OGCD) announced it is taking further action in the Pawnee, Oklahoma area struck by the 5.8 magnitude earthquake on September 3.

According to officials, this action is a collaborative effort involving the OGCD and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as it involves Osage County, which is under EPA jurisdiction. Officials said the new data is the result of work by the Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Due to new fault data, officials decided to take 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 with EPA jurisdiction. Officials said 32 wells will cease operations, including 27 in the OGCD jurisdiction, and five in the EPA jurisdiction.

The total volume reduction would be 40,000 barrels a day (OCC jurisdiction only.)

OCC officials said the action is an evolution of the directive issued on September 3. This latest directive is taken under the OCC’s emergency authority and is mandatory.