(a) Plans, designs, or specifications must be submitted to the Natural Resources Division of the Department of Agriculture for approval and must meet the following criteria:

1. (1) The plans, designs, and specifications shall meet or exceed minimum standards as established by the Chief Engineer of the Natural Resources Division of the Department of Agriculture;

2. (2) The plans, designs, and specifications shall be developed by:

   1. (A) An agent of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service; or
   2. (B) A registered professional engineer licensed in Arkansas; and
3. (3) For agricultural projects, the project must be certified by the local conservation district as being adopted as a part of a water conservation plan, or if the plan is prepared by someone other than an agent of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service, then the plan must be certified by the local district as being in conformance with accepted soil and water conservation practices.

(b) The design and construction must comply with all state or local codes, rules, regulations, and laws as they may apply to:

1. (1) Construction;
2. (2) Operation; and
3. (3) Maintenance.