McDonald, Ohio Earthquake: 4.0 Quake Felt Near Youngstown

[Courtney Caine]

McDonald, Ohio Earthquake: 4.0 Quake Felt Near Youngstown


First Posted: 12/31/11 03:54 PM ET Updated: 12/31/11 09:30 PM ET


McDONALD, Ohio (AP) — Officials say they believe the latest earthquake activity in northeast Ohio is related to the injection of wastewater into the ground near a fault line, creating enough pressure to cause seismic activity.

The wastewater comes from drilling operations that use the so-called fracking process to extract oil or gas from rock. But the Ohio Department of Natural Resources director said fracking is not causing the quakes. He said four injection wells within a five-mile radius of the already shuttered well in Youngstown will remain inactive while further scientific research is conducted.

The 4.0 magnitude quake Saturday in McDonald caused no serious injuries or property damage. The quake was the latest in a series to rattle the area. The Ohio Seismic Network said more small quakes are possible.