Induced Seismicity Potential in Energy Technologies (2013) / Chapter Skim
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Pages 5-22
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. These broad categories of energy technologies, including underground wastewater disposal, are discussed in detail as they relate to induced seismic events.
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In this report we give examples of seismic events that File path: S:\Proposals\Publication\20120321_Robin\Figures\MXD\InducedSeismicity_US_Figure2.mxd; Date: 06/11/2012; User: Jereme Chandler, LCI Activity Mmax Oil/Gas Extraction < 3.0 Secondary Recovery 3.0 - 4.0 4.0 - 5.0 Wastewater Injection 5.0 - 6.0 Geothermal 6.0 - 7.0 Hydraulic Fracturing (Shale Gas) > 7.0 FIGURE S.1 Sites in the United States and Canada with documented reports of seismicity caused by or likely related to energy development from various energy technologies.
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Both the magnitude and the maximum intensity of a seismic event are directly related to the total area of the fault that undergoes movement: a larger area of slip along the fault results in a larger seismic event. Although the general mechanisms that create induced seismic events are well under stood, current computer modeling techniques cannot fully address the complexities of natural rock systems in large part because the models generally lack information on local crustal stress, rock properties, fault locations and properties, and the shape and size of the reservoir into which fluids are injected or withdrawn.
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generally are not felt. The injection rate and pressure, fluid volumes, and injection duration vary with the technology as do the potential sizes of the seismic events and the possible risk and hazards of the induced events (Table S.1)
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The proportionally very small number of induced seismic events generated by these technologies relative to the large number of wells is in part due to this effort to maintain the original pore pressure of the reservoir. Shale formations can also contain hydrocarbons -- gas and/or oil.
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Hydraulic 35,000 1 2.8 0 Initial positive; Pore pressure OK fracturing (wells) then withdraw increase for shale gas production
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b Although seismic events M > 2.0 can be felt by some people in the vicinity of the event, events M ≥ 4.0 can be felt by most people and may be accompanied by more significant ground shaking, potentially causing greater public concern. c One event of M 4.1 was recorded at Coso, but the committee did not obtain enough information to determine whether or not the event was induced.
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Tens of thousands of wastewater disposal wells are currently active throughout the country. Although only a few induced seismic events have been linked to these disposal wells (Table S.1)
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Energy technology projects that are designed to maintain a balance between the amount of fluid being injected and the amount of fluid being withdrawn, such as geothermal and most oil and gas development, may produce fewer induced seismic events than technologies that do not maintain fluid balance. Of the well-documented cases of induced seismicity related to fluid injection, many are associated with operations involving large amounts of fluid injection over significant periods of time.
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Several questions can be addressed to understand and possibly quantify the hazard and risk associated with induced seismicity associated with energy technologies. Questions asso iated with understanding the hazard include whether an energy technology generates c apparent seismic events, whether such events are of M > 2.0, whether the events generate ground shaking (shallower earthquakes have greater likelihood of causing felt ground shaking than deep earthquakes)
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-- and different state agencies have regulatory oversight, research roles, and/or responsibilities related to different aspects of the underground injection activities that are associated with energy technologies. To date, these various agencies have dealt with induced seismic events with different and localized actions.
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BOX S.1 Research Recommendations Data Collection -- Field and Laboratory 1. Collect, categorize, and evaluate data on potential induced seismic events in the field.
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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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Relative to other energy technologies, such large spatial areas may have potential to increase both the number and the magnitude of seismic events. Proposed Action 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 (see Box S.1)
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Best Practices Finding The DOE Protocol for EGS is a reasonable model for addressing induced seismicity that can serve as a template for protocol development for other energy technologies.
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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 small-magnitude induced seismic events. Government Roles and Responsibilities Findings 1.
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From page 21... ...
Relevant agencies, including EPA, USGS, and land management agencies, and possibly DOE, and state agencies with authority and relevant expertise (e.g., oil and gas commissions, state geological surveys, state environmental agencies) should develop coordination mechanisms to address induced seismic events.
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