About the Consortium

The Kansas Geological Survey manages a consortium intended to oversee the operation of and basic data analysis for several seismic networks designed to record and allow accurate location and magnitude estimates of microearthquakes hundreds of times smaller than routinely possible with current regional networks.

These network stations will be strategically located and designed for either long-term occupation or temporary deployment—to be moved frequently—to address the most current and highest priority needs of the consortium members.

Members are currently only from the UIC Class 1 disposal well community, but industry partnership is not limited to Class 1 operators. Membership is purely voluntary, with a common goal of understanding seismicity in proximity to member resources so as to establish a baseline for 'normal' seismicity and provide a scientific basis for differentiating and possibly identifying seismic activity that is inconsistent with natural trends and catalysts.

Expectation and Limitation of Members

Tier 1

Deliverables. KUCR shall:

1. conduct monitoring, including but not limited to purchasing, deploying, maintaining, and operating seismograph station equipment;

2. maintain a catalog of seismic events recorded via monitoring, which will be updated weekly, and provide status reports to any Tier 1 members of an earthquake with a magnitude of two (2) or greater within thirty (30) miles in twenty-four (24) hours or less;

3. provide summary reports of monitoring findings on a quarterly basis to Tier 1 Members, which shall include basic analysis of any earthquakes, such as preliminary location, magnitude, and error estimates, and may include discussion of larger trends, patterns, or characteristics of seismic activity; and

4. host an annual meeting of Members, KGS collaborators, and Kansas Department of Health & Environment staff tasked with responsibilities for Class 1 well owners during which the annual summary report will be shared, findings discussed, and strategic goals for the following year will be determined. Each Tier 1 Member has one (1) vote for each item submitted for a vote at the Annual Meeting. Tier 1 Members shall receive a copy of the Annual Report at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the Annual Meeting for review and comment. Only Tier 1 members can use the findings and analysis presented in the annual or quarterly reports in documents that circulate outside their company.

Tier 2

Deliverables. KUCR shall:

1. conduct monitoring, that could include operating a roving, temporary network of seismography stations across the state of Kansas to provide general awareness of seismicity in areas of interest to the CSTS; and

2. host an annual meeting of Members, KGS collaborators, and Kansas Department of Health & Environment staff tasked with responsibilities for Class 1 well owners during which the annual summary report will be shared, findings discussed, and strategic goals for the following year determined. Tier 2 Members and KDHE may participate in discussions but have no voting rights. Annual reports provided to Tier 2 members can be used for internal company use only and not incorporated into documents distributed outside the company.

About...

The Consortium to Study Trends in Seismicity is a public-private project to study trends in seismicity in Kansas.

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