Shortly after the recent earthquake in Oklahoma, the U.S. Geological Survey released a statement: “Without studying the specifics of the wastewater injection and oil and gas production in this area, the USGS cannot currently conclude whether or not this particular earthquake was caused by industrial-related, human activities. However, we do know that many earthquakes in Oklahoma have been triggered by wastewater fluid injection. The USGS will continue to process seismic data in the following days and weeks that will help answer this question.”
WENONAH HAUTER, via Seth Gladstone, sgladstone[at]fwwatch.org, @
Executive director of Food & Water Watch, Hauter said in a statement: “The 5.6 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Oklahoma and was felt throughout the Midwest on Saturday threatened countless homes and businesses, and put lives at risk. But it could have been prevented. This earthquake, like hundreds of others over the last few years, was the direct result of the underground disposal of fracking wastewater. There can’t be fracking without disposing of fracking waste, and there is no safe way to do so. This is just one of many reasons why fracking is inherently dangerous and must be banned.” Gladstone is deputy communications director for the group.
