A flurry of discussion took place on Facebook after an earthquake measuring a magnitude 1.9 was felt in Newcastle at about 9:30 p.m. August 28. A second area earthquake was documented early Friday morning about one mile south of Dibble.
Newcastle residents reported feeling the August 28 earthquake, while Blanchard residents reported feeling Friday’s earthquake Among topics was the cause potentially being because of oil and gas related activities in the area.
After seeing the posts, City Councilman Mike Fullerton gave an update on what State law allows and the abilities for local municipalities to control or regulate oil and gas activities.
Fullerton states, “The earthquake got everyone’s attention again. For many this might be your first time to experience local earthquakes, drilling noise, or heavy tanker traffic on our section line roads, you may wonder why city government can’t simply step in.” Fullerton said the short answer is that state law prevents the City from doing so.
• map by USGS A magnitude 1.9 earthquake was registered in Newcastle on Monday, August 28.
He said, “In May 2015, Governor (Mary) Fallin signed SB 809, taking local control away from municipal and county governments and placing exclusive jurisdiction with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.”
“While the state argues this prevents a ‘confusing patchwork’ of local ordinances, it also means city leaders are legally blocked from banning or restricting oil, gas, or wastewater operations,” Fullerton states.
The city council member said the city can regulate road maintenance and traffic impact, noise and odor limits, setback distances and fencing requirements, and basic floodplain safety. He reiterated that the city cannot regulate drilling, fracking, wastewater disposal, or pipeline placement.
Fullerton said, “I’ve brought our residents’ concerns to the State Capitol many times regarding road damage, noise, and smells. However, because control rests entirely at the state level, meaningful policy changes must come through your state representatives and senators. If you want to see these laws modified, please reach out directly to your state legislators.
The United States Geological Survey shows that the August 28 earthquake was located just off the west side of Main Street in Newcastle, and just south of S.E. 5th Street.
