(a) Pipeline companies operating in this state as common carriers and companies operating pipelines in this state for conveying natural or artificial gas for public utility service may transport by pipeline ammonia and other substances and materials composing commercial fertilizer, or used in manufacturing commercial fertilizer, when specifically authorized to so do by the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
(b)
(1) Applications for authority to operate under subsection (a) of this section shall be heard and determined by the department.
(2) Appeals from the department's orders in such matters shall be granted pursuant to § 23-2-211.
(c) The department shall make such reasonable rules as may be necessary to administer this section.
(d) All companies authorized by the department to operate under subsection (a) of this section are given the right of eminent domain. The procedure to be followed in the exercise of this right shall be the same as prescribed in § 18-15-1201 et seq. relating to railroad companies, telegraph companies, and telephone companies.