Fracking caused an earthquake in northern BC last year

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – An investigation finds fracking was the causing of a 4.4-magnitude earthquake near Fort St. John last August. The leader of the federal Green Party says this proves fracking is a quote “dangerous and environmentally irresponsible practice.”

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says more investment in sustainable energy is a must. “We could be doing much more in expanding the suite of energy options that are renewable. For instance, tidal energy has tremendous potential for British Columbia. We’re looking at right now on the East Coast of Canada it’s Nova Scotia in the lead in pursuing tidal for their Bay of Fundy resources.”

Scientists don’t know a lot about how dangerous earthquakes caused by fracking can be. LNG operations haven’t caused damaging quakes, but SFU Geophysicist John Clague say that doesn’t mean that isn’t possible.

Most earthquakes caused by fracking are fairly small and stop occurring when fracking does. The shaking happens when fracking fluid injected deep into the earth causes it to slip and shift.

Clague says fracking earthquakes in remote areas may not pose much risk. “In Alberta, they have been fracking closer and closer to things like dams… If you were to get an unusually large earthquake, there’s been some suggestion in other parts of the world they can get up to magnitude-6, then that becomes more of a serious concern.”

Another earthquake happened near Fort St. John earlier this month. There is an investigation into if it was caused by fracking.

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