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Ohio Leading Group Of Drilling States Exploring Human-Made Earthquakes
By: Associated Press
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Ohio is leading a group of drilling states working with seismology experts at energy companies, government agencies and universities across the U.S. on how best to detect and regulate human-induced earthquakes.
The initiative follows Ohio's discovery in April of a probable link between the drilling practice called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and five small tremors in eastern Ohio, a first in the Northeast. In 2012, Gov. John Kasich halted disposal of fracking wastewater surrounding a well site nearby after a series of earthquakes later tied to a deep-injection well.
Ohio Oil & Gas Chief Rick Simmers tells The Associated Press state regulators seek up-to-date information in developing appropriate detection procedures and regulatory practices.
One environmentalist, Teresa Mills, says ending fracking is the most effective way to halt the quakes.