Oklahoma Orders Shut Down of Injection Well After Quakes

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A SandRidge Energy injection well has been ordered shut down because of numerous earthquakes near the well in north-central Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission issued the order after a 4.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the area. The well is the second to be shut down since the commission began a new monitoring system in 2013.

Injection wells are used to dispose of wastewater produced from oil and gas wells. Several studies have linked injection wells and earthquakes.

Corporation Commission spokesman Matt Skinner told the Tulsa World that SandRidge was operating with a permit that said the well would be shut down if there was any seismic activity.

SandRidge Vice President Jeff Wilson said the company is cooperating with the commission as it reviews the well.