WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) _ A North Dakota geologist says an
earthquake in the western oil patch is not connected to hydraulic
fracturing.
The Friday quake about 11 miles southeast of Williston
registered at magnitude 3.3 _ enough to be felt but not strong
enough to cause damage.
Geologist Fred Anderson with the state Mineral Resources
Department says that the quake was consistent with historical seismic activity in the
region. He says speculation that oil field fracking might have
caused it isn't plausible.
Fracking involves pumping water, sand and chemicals underground
to break up shale rock so oil can be retrieved.