Induced seismicity in Kansas: Events and responses

Abstract

In September 2013, seismicity suddenly increased in south-central Kansas. That increase was eventually traced to wastewater injection associated with oil exploration and production, including a new wave of horizontal drilling. In response to the seismicity, the state government of Kansas formed a task force composed of representatives of two regulatory agencies and the Kansas Geological Survey, a nonregulatory division of the University of Kansas. That task force developed a seismic action plan that guided regulatory response, which resulted in the staged reduction of permitted volumes of wastewater injection. Seismicity declined shortly after, partly as a response to mandated volume reductions and partly because lower oil prices led to less exploration and production. The Kansas state government response to induced seismicity provides lessons for mitigating natural resource hazards while allowing industry operation.