Central Arkansas growing weary of relentless tremors

sara1981

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Central Arkansas growing weary of relentless tremors
Central Arkansas growing weary of relentless tremors - CNN.com

Guy, Arkansas (CNN) -- Things are still shaking in Arkansas.

More than 500 measurable earthquakes have been reported in central Arkansas since September 20, ranging in magnitude from a barely noticeable 1.8 to a very noticeable 4.0 (recorded on October 11), according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Geologists can't say whether they'll stop anytime soon.

Steve Wilson is looking forward to the quakes going away, he said.

"In the beginning, it was fun, it was neat, it was a cool thing to experience. But now we're wanting it to go away," said Wilson, assistant superintendent at Woolly Hallow State Park. "We've had all the fun we want."

Although drilling for natural gas has been ruled out as a cause for the quakes, experts want to continue looking at salt water disposal wells, said Scott Ausbrooks, geohazards supervisor for the Geological Survey. Disposal wells occur when drilling waster is injected back into the earth after drilling.

Earlier this month, the Arkansas Oil and Gas commission issued an emergency moratorium on permits for new disposal wells. The commission will ask for a six-month extension for the moratorium at a January regulatory meeting.

The state also will soon become one of a few to require companies to disclose the chemicals used in fracking fluid, the water-and-chemical solution used in high-pressure drilling operations, said Shane Khoury, deputy director and general counsel for the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission.

"I think everyone recognizes that there is an increased number of seismic events occurring in and around this area. If you look at the maps, at least circumstantially, there appears to be evidence that they may be related to disposal operations," said Khoury. "But we also know that this is an area that is historically active."

Meanwhile, Sam Higdon, the mayor Guy, says the quakes' novelty is worn out.

"I think everyone just kind of figures maybe it'll just go away," he said. "And that's what we're all hoping."
 
It has got me thinking about the New Madrid Fault Line. Could the fault line be extending further out or shifting causing these tremors? Everyone wants to say that it is because of the Fayetteville Shale drilling. I don't think so.
 
Wirelessly posted

I hope those living in that area are ok. I know that's like.
 
I doubt it. All the diamond stuff is south of Little Rock towards Scott.
 
A friend in St. Louis told me she felt a small quake an hour ago and she said there was a moderate one in Indiana. Anyone know?
 
gosh, recently buffalo to syr and then LI got it last month and now ark. sheesh.
 
No quakes here yet, but if I feel the world do a shimmy I'll let you know. ;)
 
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