Published October 04, 2012, 07:15 AM
Geologist: Quake not from fracking
A North Dakota geologist said an earthquake in the western Oil Patch is not connected to hydraulic fracturing.
WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota geologist said an earthquake in the western Oil Patch is not connected to hydraulic fracturing.
The Friday quake about 11 miles southeast of Williston registered at magnitude 3.3 — enough to be felt but not strong enough to cause damage.
Geologist Fred Anderson with the state Mineral Resources Department told The Bismarck Tribune that the quake was consistent with historical seismic activity in the region. He saidspeculation that oil field fracking might have caused it isn’t plausible.
Fracking involves pumping water, sand and chemicals underground to break up shale rock so oil can be retrieved.
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