(a) For the purpose of receiving and responding to written comments and objections and for presiding at a public hearing, the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission or the Director of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality may designate one (1) or more examiners.
(b) An examiner may:
(1)
(A) Set the time and location of the public hearing.
(B) Public notice of the information shall be circulated in accordance with regulations issued by the commission;
(2) Receive all information submitted pursuant to the pending action and permit or deny cross-examination of witnesses;
(3) Recommend denial or approval, in whole or in part, of the proposed or requested action;
(4) Maintain order at the public hearing;
(5) Generally guide the course of the public hearing; and
(6) Arrange with the applicant, upon request of any party, access to the mining area for the purpose of gathering information relevant to the proceeding.