A few years ago, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake believed to have been caused by injection of waste water from fracking operations into the subsurface struck Oklahoma. The temblor damaged highways, toppled chimneys, and caused other damage. Last year, there were nearly 900 earthquakes above 3.0 on the Richter scale in the state, and others have been recorded in regions where fracking is underway.
As a result, assessment of seismic risk has changed to include these human-caused earthquakes. Building codes in the area have not been adjusted to take into consideration the increased risk of damage, though. Developers should consider constructing new buildings with appropriate seismic standards in affected regions, and consider this risk when evaluating their insurance policies.
Advertisement
Related Stories
Codes + Standards
Public Comment Period Opens for 2024 National Green Building Standard Update
The 45-day public comment period opened Aug. 18, and comments must be submitted by Oct. 2, 2023
Codes + Standards
The Inefficiencies of the Latest Energy Code
The 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) hampers the return on investment for builders and homebuyers
Energy Efficiency
New RESNET Label Provides Home Energy-Efficiency Ratings and Certifications Info
A one-page, consumer-friendly label is now available for all homes in the RESNET Registry