4.2 earthquake felt in southeastern NM

Carlsbad residents were among the southeastern New Mexico inhabitants who felt an earthquake just before midnight Thursday.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the magnitude-4.2 temblor hit around 11:40 p.m. and was actually in West Texas, about 55 miles south of Whites City, New Mexico.

The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department noted Friday that the Carlsbad brine well remediation project has extensive seismic monitoring systems that detected the activity. “The brine well cavern pressure did not decline and remains stable,” the agency said.