Background

The Stanton Seismic Response Area, designated by the Texas Railroad Commission to monitor and mitigate induced seismicity in the Permian Basin, has been subject to escalating injection volume restrictions since November 2023. Following a M4.4 earthquake on April 10, 2024, the Commission issued orders requiring operators to reduce deep disposal volumes by an additional 29,000 barrels per day, bringing the cumulative reduction since November 2023 to 84,000 bbl/day—a 29% decrease in permitted injection capacity across the SRA.

The Regulatory Action

The Commission's curtailment orders targeted six disposal wells within the Stanton SRA. Two wells received complete cessation orders, prohibiting all injection activity pending further seismic analysis and potential permit modifications. Four additional wells face mandatory volume reductions calibrated to their distance from the epicenter and injection depths. Operators subject to the curtailment orders must demonstrate compliance through daily injection reporting.

Enforcement Posture

Operators in the Stanton SRA face potential enforcement actions for non-compliance with the curtailment orders. The Commission has indicated its willingness to pursue enforcement measures against operators who fail to adhere to the volume restrictions imposed following the seismic event.

Implications for Disposal Well Operators

The Stanton SRA curtailment actions demonstrate the Commission's approach to imposing substantial volume restrictions in seismically active areas. Operators holding disposal well permits in designated seismic response areas face regulatory risk where injection volumes correlate with increased seismic activity. The 29% cumulative reduction in the Stanton SRA illustrates the magnitude of curtailments the Commission may impose following significant seismic events.