Arkansas Code Title 15. Natural Resources and Economic Development § 15-72-217. Plugging dry or abandoned well by lessee or operator

(b)(1) If after notice and a hearing the commission finds that a well drilled for the exploration, development, storage, or production of oil or gas, or as injection, salt water disposal, salt water source, brine injection or disposal has been abandoned, as defined by the commission, or is leaking salt water, oil, gas, or other deleterious substances into any fresh water formation or onto the surface of the land in the vicinity of the well, or creates an imminent danger to the health or safety of the public, the commission shall issue an order that the well be properly plugged, replugged, or repaired to remedy the situation.

(1) Relieve any well operator otherwise legally responsible from any obligation to plug, replug, or repair a well; or

(2) Limit the authority of the commission to require the proper plugging, replugging, or repair of a well.

(d)(1) Any person who enters upon the land on which the well is located to plug, replug, or repair the well, or who supports or contributes to any such action in accordance with the order of the commission and under contract to the commission, shall not be liable for any damages resulting from operations reasonably necessary or proper to plug, replug, or repair the well, except for damages to growing crops and improvements.

(2) The person shall not be held to have assumed responsibility for future remedial work on the well or be liable in damages or otherwise for conditions subsequently arising from or in connection with the well.