OCC Releases Action Plan Following 5.0 Earthquake In Cushing

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission's Oil and Gas Division (OGCD) released a new action in response to the 5.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Sunday night near Cushing.

Related Story 11/6/16: Large Earthquake Damages Downtown Cushing, Rattles Residents Across The State

The plan covers a total of 58 disposal wells that inject into the Arbuckle formation,  Four of the disposal wells were shut-in by OGCD directive in October, 2015, the total number of wells requiring action is 54.

It is important to note that this plan is an initial response, and operators are being warned that work is underway on a broader plan that will encompass a greater area and more Arbuckle disposal wells. Work is expected to take several weeks. On Tuesday, Gov. Mary Fallin also declared a state of emergency for Payne County.

Gov. Mary Fallin issued the following statement shortly after the plan was released: 

“I support the quick action taken today by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates the oil and gas industry in our state, as it worked closely with state researchers at the Oklahoma Geological Survey to put in place mandatory reductions in activity impacting induced seismicity.  Two years ago, we established the coordinating council on seismicity which has been proactive to shut down disposal wells or reduce the volume of disposal well and flow pressure in known fault lines where we believe there is a correlation to earthquakes.”

Details regarding the plan are as follows:

• There are 3 areas in the initial plan, at 6, 10, and 15 miles from the location of the 5.0 earthquake that struck the area Sunday evening.
• 6 miles – all Arbuckle disposal well operations in the area must cease. 
• 10 miles – all Arbuckle disposal wells must reduce volume by 25 percent of their last 30 day average.
• 15 miles – all Arbuckle disposal wells in the area are limited in volume to their last 30 day average.

Those wells that will have to take new action:

• 7 Arbuckle disposal wells will be shut-in under the new directive.
• 16 Arbuckle disposal wells will be reduced 25 percent in volume from their last 30 day average (Note: This is in addition to the 40 percent volume reduction that was  imposed earlier this year).
• 31 Arbuckle disposal wells will be limited in volume to their last 30 day average (Note: This is in addition to the 40 percent volume reduction that was  imposed earlier this year).
• The deadline for shut-in compliance is November 14. The deadline for volume limit compliance is November 21.