USGS upgrading Oklahoma earthquake to 5.8 magnitude

It noted that 211 square miles of the 725-square-mile area is in Osage County, which is outside the state oil/gas division’s jurisdiction.

According to Billy Pope with the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission, the state is still not considered a high natural disaster zone.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates oil and gas activity in the state, has been issuing restrictions for more than a year aimed at cutting down on the amount of wastewater injected into disposal wells.

Located across more than 2,300 square miles in northeastern Oklahoma, the Osage Nation Reservation, also known as Osage County, is the largest of the state’s 77 counties.

Shutt said reported damaged included some cracks in the brick veneer of the Student Union parking garage, jammed doors at the Animal Sciences building and a broken window on the southeast side of Gallagher-Iba Arena, though Shutt said that the window that shattered was believed to already be cracked.

Many Oklahomans have quake coverage through an endorsement on their homeowners’ policy or through a stand-alone policy. He described it as minor to moderate, with some collapsed chimneys and fallen sandstone facing off buildings; no buildings collapsed.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation inspected roads and 180 bridges within a 30-mile radius of the epicenter and says all were found to be safe.

“We are pleased with the speed and efficiency of our crews in their response to this event and dedication to ensuring public safety”, ODOT executive director Mike Patterson said.

Saturday’s quake, near a complex of oil-storage facilities, led the regulator to order the suspension of about 37 wastewater disposal wells. Kansas saw a 60 percent drop while the frequency of quakes in Oklahoma continued to climb.