New Exchange Report Release:

Updated State Guide Addresses Seismicity Induced by Fluid Injection

The report was prepared by a workgroup comprised of representatives of state and provincial oil and gas regulatory agencies, geologic surveys, and subject matter experts from academia, industry, federal agencies, and environmental organizations. It focuses on four main topics:

• Understanding induced seismicity
• Assessing potential injection-induced seismicity
• Risk management and mitigation strategies
• Considerations for external communication and engagement

In its assessment, the work group noted that the majority of well operations in the United States do not pose a hazard for induced seismicity; however, under some geologic and operational conditions, a limited number of disposal wells and hydraulic fracturing operations have been determined to be responsible for induced earthquakes with felt levels of ground shaking. To evaluate the need for mitigation and management of the risk of induced seismic events, it is important to understand the science.

According to the report, "Management and mitigation of the risks associated with induced seismicity are best considered at the state level, with specific considerations at local or regional levels. A one-size-fits all approach is infeasible, due to significant variability in local geology and surface conditions, including such factors as population, building conditions, infrastructure, critical facilities, and seismic monitoring capabilities."

The Guide has also added updates to case studies and summaries of how states and provinces are addressing induced seismicity.

WateReuse Association Annual Awards for Excellence:

GWPC Selected as a 2021 Advocacy Achievement Award Winner

The Advocacy Achievement award recognizes individuals and organizations for significant achievements in advancing policy, legislation, or regulations that facilitate greater adoption, implementation, or acceptance of recycled water.  

“This year’s award recipients showcase the diversity of applications and drivers for using water recycling to create safe and resilient water supplies,” said Patricia Sinicropi, WateReuse Executive Director. “The award recipients are inspiring examples of how water reuse can be the critical component of a water resources management plan that ensures a community has sustainable and locally controlled water supply.”

For a complete list of this year's award recipients, visit the WateReuse Web site.

Photo Caption: Tara Gross, GWPC Senior Geologist & Water Management Specialist displays the WateReuse Advocacy Achievement Award.

NGWMN Announces 2021 Round Two Funding Opportunity

• Agencies who applied during the first round of funding may submit an application under this Round 2 opportunity. This can include work that was not proposed in a Round 1 proposal or it can include a revised proposal for work that was not funded during the first round of proposals. 
• Agencies who did not apply during the first round of funding are eligible to apply through this Round 2 Program Announcement. 
• Agencies who wish to become a new data provider to the NGWMN may apply for funding for work under Objectives 1, 2, or 3 during this opportunity. 
• Existing data providers who do not have a Persistent Data services project (Objective 2A) active or that will expire soon, could use this opportunity to submit a proposal for funding for the next few years. Proposals for Objective 2 work can be relatively simple. 
• The total funding per year from both Round 1 and Round 2 funding cannot exceed $150,000 per year or $300,000 for a two-year project duration. 

Two Webinars Scheduled

• April 14 at 1 pm ET 
• May 5 at 2 pm ET 

Other details to consider before submitting your proposal: 

• Include details on specific tasks in budgets for contracts 
• Make sure to include a ‘Negotiated Rate Agreement’ if you apply for indirect costs. 
• If you are proposing well drilling, make sure to include form SF424D, ‘Assurances, Construction Programs’ 
• Make sure your project start date is in the range from November 1 through December 30, 2021. 

2021 Upcoming Events