Two earthquakes rattled the Fort St. John area in northeastern B.C., less than two hours apart.
Earthquakes Canada says there was no damage reported by either quake, and only the second was felt in the city.
The agency says the first, a magnitude 4.2, happened just before midnight local time Tuesday, about 122 kilometres west of the city and was only felt in the “epicentral region.”
The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) has acknowledged the seismic activity in the northwest region of Fort St. John, and although a number of companies are hydraulic fracking, they confirmed to CJDC-TV that Tuesday’s earthquake was the result of a Tourmaline operation.
“They have suspended all fracturing activity and they’re not planning on resuming operations at this time pending-- pending a review of current information,” said Phil Rygg, Director of Public & Corporate Relations with the BCER.
Tourmaline is required to implement mitigating measures, according to the BC Energy Regulator.
“We do have processes in place where we monitor all hydraulic fracturing operations and we’re in close contact with all the companies involved to ensure public safety,” said Rygg.
Earthquakes Canada says the second magnitude 4.4 quake then struck early Wednesday morning in the same location.
Those followed a magnitude 3.1 earthquake near the same spot earlier this week that was felt in Wonowon, and follows another 4.1 magnitude quake last week, 62 kilometers west of Fort St. John, which was not felt according to Earthquakes Canada.
No damage has been reported as a result of the seismic events.
*With Files from the Canadian Press