(a) Each county within this state may employ an environmental officer who shall inspect all landfills within that county, ensure compliance with all environmental ordinances, collect evidence of noncompliance and present the evidence to the prosecuting attorney. This officer shall issue citations for violation of any county ordinance prohibiting dumping of waste, garbage, litter, or any hazardous materials throughout the county.
(b) The environmental officer may complete the training course for law enforcement officers at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. After satisfactory completion of the course the environmental officer shall be a law enforcement officer.
(c) After completing the training course at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, the environmental officer may carry firearms, execute and serve any warrant or other processes issued under the authority of the county pertaining to violations of county ordinances concerning environmental protection, and make arrests and issue citations for violations of county ordinances concerning environmental protection.