Seismic tests in Texas damaging homes, some residents claim
Some seismic tests being conducted in Texas may be causing some homes to become damaged, several homeowners claim.
According to The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, seismic testing has become a regular practice in the Barnett Shale natural gas field over the past several years, which is done to help workers find oil when they're drilling. But several residents who own homes in the area say the practice is damaging their properties, causing cracks in their walls and foundations. One property owner said her entire patio is no longer level.
The paper reports that the company that does the drilling, Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy, hired a company to inspect the homes of those claiming the drilling was damaging their properties but could not find evidence it was being caused by the testing.
Officials for the company speculate that the damage may be due to extreme drought and heat, as damaged properties have been seen across the region, the paper reports.
Many Texas homeowners insurance claims have been filed in the past several months, mostly due to severe wildfires that recently scorched thousands of acres.
Related Home Insurance Articles:
- Homes destroyed by Nevada wildfire May 23, 2012
- Researchers hope to better understand tornado damage May 22, 2012
- Total costs from Minneapolis tornado reach $80 million May 21, 2012
- Analysis shows more than $2B of insurance claims from Joplin tornado May 18, 2012
- Recovery continues for Michigan tornado victims May 17, 2012
