Induced Seismicity Potential in Energy Technologies (2013) / Chapter Skim
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7 Addressing Induced Seismicity: Findings, Conclusions, Research, and Proposed Actions
7 Addressing Induced Seismicity: Findings, Conclusions, Research, and Proposed Actions
Pages 165-178
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From page 165... ...
The findings, gaps, proposed actions, and research recommendations outlined in this chapter, based upon material presented earlier in the report, address • the types and causes of induced seismicity; • issues specific to each energy technology addressed in the study (geothermal nergy, e conventional and unconventional oil and gas production, injection wells for dis posal of wastewater associated with energy development, and carbon capture and storage [CCS]
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From page 166... ...
Al C though of immediate relevance to geothermal energy projects, the results would benefit understanding of induced seismicity in other energy technologies.
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From page 167... ...
2. Conduct focused research to advance development of linked geomechanical and earthquake simulation models that could be utilized to better understand potential induced seismicity and relate this to number and size of seismic events.
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From page 168... ...
Proposed Actions The actions proposed to advance understanding of the types and causes of induced seismicity involve research recommendations outlined in Box 7.1. These recommendations also have relevance for specific energy technologies and address gaps in understanding induced seismicity.
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From page 169... ...
The high pressure hydraulic fracturing into generally impermeable rock associated with the stimulation operations at enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) projects can cause hundreds of small microseismic events and an occasional earthquake of up to M 3 due mainly to the imposed increased fluid pressures.
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From page 170... ...
Generally, withdrawal associated with conventional oil and gas recovery has not caused significant seismic events; however, several major earthquakes have been associated with conventional oil and gas withdrawal.
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From page 171... ...
The quality of the event locations was not adequate to fully establish a direct causal link to the hydraulic fracture treat ment. Hydraulic fracturing for shale gas development has been confirmed as the cause of induced seismic events in one case worldwide -- in Blackpool, England (maximum M 2.3)
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From page 172... ...
The models discussed in Chapter 2 are critical to developing the capacity to make such predictions. Proposed Actions The actions proposed by the committee to address the potential for induced seismicity related to injection wells for disposal of wastewater are similar to those suggested for geothermal energy technologies: 1.
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From page 173... ...
Proposed Actions Because of the lack of experience with large-scale fluid injection for CCS, continued research supported by the federal government is needed on the potential for induced seismicity in large-scale CCS projects. Some specific research recommendations are outlined in Box 7.1.
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From page 174... ...
Significant new resources would be required if the USGS mission is expanded to include comprehensive monitoring and research on induced seismicity. Gap Mechanisms are lacking for efficient coordination of governmental agency response to seismic events that may have been induced.
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From page 175... ...
HAZARDS AND RISK ASSESSMENT Gap Currently, methods do not exist to implement assessments of hazards upon which risk assessments depend. The types of information and data required to provide a robust hazard assessment would include • net pore pressures, in situ stresses, and information on faults; • background seismicity; and • gross statistics of induced seismicity and fluid injection for the proposed site activity.
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From page 176... ...
, while also illustrating how these activities should be adjusted as a project progresses from early planning through operations to completion. Gap No best practices protocol for addressing induced seismicity is generally in place for each of these technologies, with the exception of the protocol recently developed for EGS.
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From page 177... ...
Addressing Induced Seismicity: Findings, Conclusions, Research, and Proposed Actions of the adopted system at a public forum prior to the start of operations is advised so that these safeguards are clearly known and understood by all concerned. Simultaneous development of public awareness programs by federal or state agencies in cooperation with industry and the research community could aid the public and local officials in understanding and addressing the risks associated with smallmagnitude induced seismic events.
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