Oilpatch impacts concern mayor of Alberta town hit by earthquake

The Alberta Energy Regulator hasn’t definitively linked the activity to the amount of fracking in the area, but it has implemented special regulations and is conducting research.

The B.C. OGC confirmed late past year a 4.6 quake in August was caused by fracking.

“They have ceased operations and will not be able to resume until we have approved their mitigation plans”, Carrie Rosa of the Alberta Energy Regulator said Tuesday.

Concerns about seismic activity in the Fox Creek area began in December 2014, when a series of 18 earthquakes between 2.7 and 3.7 in magnitude rumbled the area.

The quake was felt as far away as St. Albert.

Fox Creek, between Grande Prairie and Edmonton, seen in relation to Fort St. John.

According to Environment Canada, the 4.5 magnitude quake happened just before 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, between Jasper and Fox Creek, Alberta.

“The order comes after several seismic events – possibly related to hydraulic fracturing – were recorded in the Fox Creek area”, the regulator said in a news release at the time.

Before starting to frack, companies must consider the likelihood of resulting earthquakes.

We have been working closely with Industry asking for information on their planned work activities in this area so that we are aware of what is happening and are able to respond to inquiries and keep our residents informed.

“The company is investigating the event, which includes reviewing and analyzing available geological and geophysical data, as well as the onsite seismic monitoring data”, the statement says. Fox Creek has land for an Industrial area to allow businesses a place to set up shop here, and we are constantly getting in touch with various developers to come to Fox Creek and start new businesses in the commercial areas.