Induced Seismicity

• Oklahoma
  • Underground Injection Control in Oklahoma is governed by the following regulations: Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAR) 252:652 (Underground Injection Control) and 165:10 (Oil & Gas Conservation)
  • In addition, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission provides for earthquake action plans available at the following website

• Texas
  • In response to the risks of induced seismicity, the Texas Railroad Commission promulgated the following regulations that became effective on November 17, 2014:
    • 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC)  §3.9 (Statewide Rule 9) for disposal into formations that are non-productive of oil, gas, or geothermal resources;
    • 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §3.46 (Statewide Rule 46) for injection or disposal into formations that are productive of oil, gas, or geothermal resources.

• Ohio
  • Preliminary Report on the Northstar 1 Class II Injection Well and the Seismic Events in the Youngstown, Ohio, Area, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (March 2012)
    • This Preliminary Reports provides findings regarding the 2011 earthquakes that occurred near the Youngstown Area and presents an overview of the deep injection well forthcoming reforms.
  • On July 10, 2012, Governor John Kasich signed Executive Order 2012-09K as an emergency amendment of Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Rules 1501:9-3-06 and 1501:9-3-07 to prevent future induced seismicity from occurring associated with Class II injection wells.
  • Deep injection wells and produced water in Ohio are governed by the following regulations:
    • Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Title 1501:9 (Division of Mineral Resources Management – Oil and Gas) in Chapter 1501:9-3 (Saltwater Operation) and Chapter 1501:9-5 (Enhanced Recovery Projects)
    • Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Title 15 (Conservation of Natural Resources) in Chapter 1509 (Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management – Oil and Gas)
  • More information on oil & gas drilling best management practices in Ohio is provided at the following webpage

• Arkansas
  • Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC) General Rules and Regulations relating to Class II Injection Wells (as of July 15, 2017)
    • These rules and regulations do not specifically address induced seismicity risks.
  • Rule H-1 – Class II Disposal and Class II Commercial Disposal Well Permit Application Procedures
    • This rule allows the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC) to identify and designate appropriate areas for injection disposal activities and thus implement moratorium if deemed necessary. This aims to protect drinking water sources and promote the conservation of state oil and gas resources.

• Colorado
  • The Colorado Code of Regulations 2 CCR 404-1 regulate underground injection wells

• Kansas
  • Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment, Art. 46 – Underground Injection Control Regulations (2011)
  • Kansas Seismic Action Plan (Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment, amended in 2015)

• California
  • UIC Program Requirements – 14 California Code of Regulations (CCR), Div. 2, Chap. 4, Sub chap. 1, Article 3 Resources, Art. 3
    • See also UIC Application Guidance for further information on UIC Program Requirements
  •  Well Stimulation Treatments – 14 California Code of Regulations (CCR), Div. 2, Chap. 4, Sub chap. 2, Art. 4 § 1785.1

• Illinois
  • Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act – 225 Ill. Comp. Stat. 732/1-96
  • Illinois Administrative Code - 62 Ill. Admin. Code 240.796

For more information, please contact the Guide Author, Chloe Marie, Research Specialist at The Center for Agricultural and Shale Law.  

Email: cjm445@psu.edu

The Center for Agricultural and Shale Law

Penn State Law

The Pennsylvania State University

329 Innovation Blvd., Suite 118

University Park, PA 16803

Phone: (814) 865-4290

Fax: (814) 865-3851