Fracking operations shut down in Fox Creek following earthquake

After a 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck Fox Creek, hydraulic fracking operations were shut down.

In a statement, Repsol Oil and Gas said following the seismic event that took place 30 kilometres west of Fox Creek on Tuesday, they immediately shut down operations.

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The event was reported to the Alberta Energy Regulator.

“The company is not aware of any injuries or property damage related to this event,” reads the statement.

“The company is investigating the event, which includes reviewing and analyzing available geological and geophysical data, as well as the onsite seismic monitoring data. Operations will not resume at this location until a full assessment of the event has been completed and approval has been received from the AER.”

The earthquake is one of three near Fox Creek in the past year that measured 4.0 on the richter scale or over. Around 365 seismic events were recorded by the AER in the province last year, with most being 50 kilometres or less away from Fox Creek.

Premier Rachel Notely said she wants a review of seismic activity in the area by the Alberta Energy Regulator.

“What I’d like to see first of all is a report on what the evidence shows is the relationship between fracking and the seismic activity that we’ve observed up in Fox Creek,” she told The Globe and Mail.