196. The parcel of land containing an underground reservoir in respect of which a lease to operate an underground reservoir is granted must be comprised within a single perimeter determined by the vertical projection, on the surface, of the perimeter of the underground reservoir and the perimeter of the protected area prescribed by regulation. The area of the parcel of land must not be less than 200 hectares nor more than 2,000 hectares.
Notwithstanding the first paragraph, the Minister may grant a lease in respect of a parcel of land having an area of less than 200 hectares if the estimated area of the underground reservoir and protected area are comprised therein.