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Earthquakes linked to natural gas fracking in Pennsylvania

In this file photo, a crew works on a gas drilling rig at a well site for shale based natural gas in Zelienople, Pa., using a method known as hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking.".
In this file photo, a crew works on a gas drilling rig at a well site for shale based natural gas in Zelienople, Pa., using a method known as hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking.". AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania environmental regulators say there’s a likely correlation between a natural gas company’s fracking operation and a series of minor earthquakes in western Pennsylvania last year.

READ MORE:The mysterious connection between fracking and earthquakes

They revealed their findings Friday. The quakes were recorded in April, about 50 miles north of Pittsburgh and within a mile of a natural gas well owned by Houston-based Hilcorp Energy Co. They were too weak to be felt by humans and no damage was reported.

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The company stopped fracking at the well pad after the quakes.

READ MORE: Data shows fracking caused earthquakes near Alberta’s Fox Creek

A Hilcorp spokesman said Friday it has no plans to resume activities there and continues to work with the state and monitor for any related concerns.

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Fracking has been tied to earthquakes in Ohio and elsewhere, but never in Pennsylvania, the nation’s No. 2 natural gas-producing state.

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