"Cushing Quake Follows Rules To Curb Seismic Activity Tied To Wells"

"An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 that struck near the U.S. crude oil hub of Cushing, Oklahoma on Saturday occurred just days after regulators imposed new rules meant to prevent temblors in the area and said more changes were possible.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC), which regulates the state's oil and gas industry, ordered companies on Sept. 18 to shut or reduce usage of five saltwater disposal wells around the north-central Oklahoma city of Cushing.

Saltwater, a normal byproduct of oil and gas work, is put into deep disposal wells that scientists say have contributed to a rash of small and medium-sized earthquakes in Oklahoma since 2009."

Terry Wade reports for Reuters October 11, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Okla. Officials May Lack Authority on Seismicity Issues" (EnergyWire)

"Earthquake Hits Near Oklahoma Oil Hub Amid Fracking Regulations" (Aljazeera America)