There is a growing consensus among seismologists that injecting fluid near the crystalline basement rock layer can put pressure on faults, and could trigger earthquakes. [...] the ongoing and unusual increase in seismic activity drove Tim Baker to change his approach to the permitting process for wastewater disposal wells. Despite the fact that the conditions governing disposal well permits can change without a hearing, the state's largest industry trade association hasn't objected to the agency's approach. In March, Baker expanded the area of interest for examining disposal wells near seismic swarms, or series of earthquakes in a short period of time and in close proximity. OCC spokesman Matt Skinner said the agency has to be flexible in its regulatory response to seismic activity near disposal wells because those tremors are an unpredictable force.