Increased earthquake activity linked to hydrofracking

September 30, 2011

Hyrdofracking, the process of extracting natural gas from shale deposits involves injecting a pressurized mix of water and other substances into the rock to release trapped natural gas. In BC’s Horn River area, where there is intensive hydrofracking a noticeable jump in seismic activity has been noted. Over 30 earthquakes have occurred since 2009 when the hydrofracking was first introduced. Several jurisdictions throughout North America have either banned hydrofracking or placed a moratorium on the procedure due to concerns abut water safety, the link to seismic activity is a new one that warrants further investigation. Read more at CBC.