Oklahoma Coalition Demands Well Moratorium in Quake Areas

A coalition of environmental and grassroots organizations is calling for a moratorium on the use of wastewater disposal wells by the oil and natural gas industry in areas where they may trigger earthquakes.

Members of the coalition traveled to the state Capitol Monday to deliver 1,500 signed petitions to Gov. Mary Fallin’s office seeking a moratorium on the use of high-volume, high pressure disposals wells in 16 Oklahoma counties.

Angela Spotts of Stillwater says frequent earthquakes in Payne County are damaging homes in the area and taking an emotional and financial toll on residents.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates the oil and natural gas industry, said Monday directives it has issued have resulted in significant changes in the operation of wastewater disposal wells with potential to trigger earthquakes.