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By SARAH EDDINGTON - Associated Press - Associated Press

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

he Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission says two natural gas companies have agreed to extend the shutdowns of two injection wells as researchers study whether they are linked to a recent increase in earthquakes in central Arkansas.

The commission announced Wednesday that the companies owning the wells asked to postpone a scheduled April 26 hearing on the shutdowns until a commission meeting on May 24. One is owned by Clarita Operating LLC and the other by BHP Billiton, which recently acquired the well from Chesapeake Energy Corp.

Both companies agreed to extend the shutdown of the two wells in Faulkner County until the May hearing.

State seismologist Scott Ausbrooks says the area has experienced a noticeable decrease in seismic activity since the injection wells first closed March 4.