Is fracking really causing earthquakes?

The question has been raised again and again: Does hydraulic fracturing really cause the earth to shake, rattle and roll?

Well, apparently the answer is now “yes,” though only a “very small fraction” of fracturing activities have led to earthquakes noticeable to the public, says a new report from the National Research Council, which advises the government on these kinds of matters.

Since the 1920s, a range of human activities have contributed to earthquakes, including explosions related to mining or construction, underground nuclear tests and confining reservoirs behind dams.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-New Mexico, requested that the council study the matter following concern about reports of earthquakes in multiple states, including Colorado, being caused by fracturing. A group of geologists and engineers, many from Colorado, conducted the 239-page study.

The findings aren’t likely to cause much of a shake-up.

Among the study’s key conclusions:

1) Hydraulic fracturing does not pose a high risk for causing earthquakes that people can feel;

2) Disposal of fracturing wastewater deep into the ground poses some risk for increased earthquake activity, but very few have been recorded over the past several decades.

The researchers recommended further research be done to better understand and address the potential risks associated with human-caused earthquakes.

Seek volunteers

Embrace Northern Colorado, a nonprofit focused on the future of Northern Colorado, is in search of volunteers to staff some of its initiatives in the coming months.

Embrace is in need of support for both its board of directors and marketing efforts, as well as development project management. Volunteer opportunities also exist for writers who would like to put their skills to work contributing to Embrace’s monthly newsletter.

The nonprofit is also in the hunt for new office space, having inhabited a suite at 760 Whalers Way for the last three years. Embrace has outgrown its current office space and is on the lookout for a building that can house volunteers and provide meeting space for the board.

Embrace works to accomplish three goals: Identifying a common framework for the future of Northern Colorado, assisting area leaders and citizens so that those with diverse views can work together on common issues, and finding solutions to the challenges here and taking action to implement those solutions.

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