Fox Creek rattled by second large earthquake

By Nerissa McNaughton

Last January Fox Creek was shaken by an earthquake. This January, the small town experienced another earthquake, and this one was large enough to be biggest fracking-related quake in Canada’s history – that is, if it was actually caused by fracking.
The debates about whether or not earthquakes are caused by fracking rage on with both sides stubbornly clinging their opinions on the issue. Was it fracking that caused this quake? Well, it is telling that the Repsol, the hydraulic fracturing operation near Fox Creek, was shut down following last Tuesday’s quake.
Carrie Rosa is a spokesperson for the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and in a media statement said, “The company has ceased operations… and will not be allowed to resume operations until we have approved its plans… 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 AER automatically shuts down operations on any fracking site when an earthquake larger than 4.0 magnitude happens in the area. Fox Creek’s earthquake registered 4.8.
However, not all are convinced the earthquake had anything to do with fracking.
“It’s too soon to tell if it’s related to fracking,” said Camille Brillon, a seismologist who works with Natural Resources Canada. “It was a light earthquake that would have been felt.”
Whether it was fracking related or not, one thing remains clear. The residents of Fox Creek don’t appreciate being shaken up this way, and many are casting dark glances at the oil and gas operation that is sparking so much debate in their community.
We’ll all be watching the news as more information comes to light about this latest quake, and see if Repsol will be able to continue operating its fracking equipment in the area.