An energy company has ceased its operations in a part of northern Alberta which has seen heavy hydraulic fracking.

The stoppage comes after the area’s biggest earthquake – in over a year.

And The Alberta Energy Regulator says Repsol Oil and Gas – cannot start up again – without approval.

The regulator says the earthquake measured 4.8 on the Richter scale.

Officials in nearby Fox Creek said some residents felt the shaking – and saw pictures wobbling on their walls.

The Fox Creek area has been the site of hundreds of seismic events over the last year.

The regulator has imposed tighter regulations on fracking in the area –  and is working on a report on the link between the earthquakes and industry activity.