(a) In order to protect the groundwater of the state, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission shall develop a comprehensive groundwater protection program.
(b) This shall contain, as a minimum, the following components as the commission deems necessary:
(1) Assessment and monitoring of the availability of groundwater and its quality;
(2) The classification of groundwater and establishment of groundwater criteria and standards; and
(3) The management of groundwater pursuant to this subchapter, including the issuance of water rights, protection of groundwater quality, and establishment of an education and information program.
(c)
(1) This program shall not be inconsistent with nor shall it preempt or supersede any regulatory authority currently or in the future vested with the Division of Environmental Quality, the State Plant Board, or the Department of Health.
(2) However, no permit or prior authorization from the division, the board, or the department shall be required to implement the provisions of this subchapter.