Does a “geological formation” referred to in the definition of “dedicated geological storage” refer only to an underground reservoir, or can it include an underground mineral formation used for carbon storage, for example, an underground serpentinite deposit? CRA stated:
[A] “geological formation” will be an identifiable rock body with stable lithic characteristics that distinguish it from adjacent rock bodies and that occupies a particular position in the rock layers (the stratigraphic column). A formation may be mapped on the Earth’s surface or traceable underground. In general terms, a formation can be distinguished on the basis of the identification of a rock unit that has specific internal characteristics that make it different from neighbouring units.
CRA concluded:
[A] geological formation is not limited to underground reservoirs but could instead include rock bodies with the characteristics described above.