Mitigating Seismic Risk | Russell T. Rudy Energy LLC
“Rigzone” reports that the “States First” initiative has issued a primer on human induced earthquakes. “States First” represents a joint effort by the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and the Ground Water Protection Council. These groups represent academia, industry, and non-profits, as well as state and federal agencies. The primer is designed as a guide for regulatory agencies in developing strategies to mitigate and manage risks of injection related seismicity. The report involved a number of experts from various backgrounds and perspectives.
Ivan Wong, principal seismologist with environmental consulting firm AECM, cautioned that it is hard to distinguish between naturally occurring earthquakes and induced ones. The depth and timing of seismic events is critical in making this determination. For example, fluids are typically injected into relatively shallow strata. If seismicity involves deeper structures, it probably had nothing to do with injection activities. Also, it is important to note whether an event occurred soon after injection activity or weeks, months or years later.
Another expert involved in the effort is Leslie Savage, assistant director for technical permitting with the Texas Railroad Commission’s Oil and Gas Division. Savage makes the distinction between hazard and risk. Hazard is the source of potential damage, harm or adverse impact. Risk is the chance that harm will result if there is exposure to the hazard. Risk assessment when injection and seismicity are concerned involves two questions: the likelihood of injection posing a seismic hazard, and what would be the outcome of such an event? Sufficient data is required to address both. Depending on the answers, risk mitigation options might be appropriate.
While there is certainly much to learn regarding the relationship between injection operations and seismic events, it is always positive when efforts are made to replace supposition with science.
To read the article in its entirety, please go to http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/142181/Primer .
