Oil drilling in Kansas has slowed since winter, and so have the frequency and intensity of earthquakes in the southern part of the state.

State geologists say it’s no coincidence that a reduction in drilling activity has resulted in fewer earthquakes. What they don’t know is how much of that is caused by a slowdown in the use of disposal wells for the waste saltwater created as a byproduct of the drilling.

A panel of state geologists and regulators gave an update to the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association on Monday.

There have been 67 earthquakes with a magnitude of at least 3.0 in the last year emanating from Harper and Sumner Counties, but only 15 since April 1, and none in July.

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Associated Press information from: The Wichita Eagle