A minor tremor in Oklahoma highlights the state’s challenge to address seismicity in and around its shale basins. Map courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey. Feb. 28 (UPI) — Shale-rich Oklahoma recorded a minor tremor early Wednesday, highlighting state struggles to address geological concerns in its energy sector. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 2.9-magnitude quake in Fairview , an area prone to heightened seismicity. Seismicity peaked in 2015, with more than 900 tremors of greater than magnitude-3 recorded.Two years ago, Gov. Mary Fallin approved $1.4 million in funding to expand efforts to address the issue. One of the U.S. states with a significant amount of shale oil and natural gas, a study from the USGS found the disposal of oil and gas-related wastewater is the “primary reason” for an increase in seismic activity in central states like Oklahoma. That process is different from hydraulic fracturing. According to the […]