Is Hydrofracking a Potential Source of Earthquakes?

With the rising costs of gasoline and the increasing pressure to find sources of oil and natural gas, hydrofracking has become a popular method of attainment of oil & gas by such companies nation and worldwide. While fracking is cost-efficient and relatively environmentally friendly, scientists have seen many benefits to using fracking as a method of oil and gas removal. That is until recently, in which studies conducted over the past several months have led to findings by the USGS that the "spike in earthquakes since 2001 near oil and gas extraction operations is almost certainly man-made." While this has yet to officially be confirmed, there is much evidence suggesting that it is a very valid point. The fluid that is used in the hydraulic fracturing of each well is leading to the creation of increasingly larger amounts of wastewater, which are then most often injected into underground disposal wells. There exists thought that the wastewater injections are changing the pressure and adding lubrication along faults, thereby inducing seismicity. 

After reading the following article, I now can understand the reasoning behind the concern of individuals who have recently been informed that hydrofracking wells will be established nearby their residences. In California, a state bountiful with faults and renowned for earthquakes, I, too, would be very much concerned if the USGS installed a hydrofracking well nearby my home. Although this link between hydrofracking and induced seismicity has yet to be confirmed, the evidence that has been released thus far certainly is a cause for concern for those living within the vicinity of a hydrofracking well. 

For those curious to learn more about the process of hydrofracking along with some of the few environmental issues associated with it, please check out this video (accompanied with some very interesting narration!)