1. (a) A storage operator must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that the wells will be sited in areas with a suitable geologic formation. The storage operator must demonstrate that the geologic formation is composed of the following:

   1. (1) An injection zone of sufficient areal extent, thickness, porosity, and permeability to receive the total anticipated volume of the carbon dioxide stream.
   2. (2) A confining zone free of transmissive faults or fractures and of sufficient areal extent and integrity to contain the injected carbon dioxide stream and displaced formation fluids and allow injection at proposed maximum pressures and volumes without initiating or propagating fractures in the confining zone.

2. (b) The department may require a storage operator to identify and characterize additional injection zones that:

   1. (1) will impede vertical fluid movement;
   2. (2) are free of faults and fractures that may interfere with containment;
   3. (3) allow for pressure dissipation; and

   4. (4) provide additional opportunities for:

      1. (A) monitoring;
      2. (B) mitigation; and
      3. (C) remediation.

As added by P.L.161-2026, SEC.54.