(a) Where high quality waters constitute an outstanding state or national resource, such as those waters designated as Extraordinary Resource Waters, Ecologically Sensitive Waterbodies, or Natural and Scenic Waterways, those uses and water quality for which the outstanding waterbody was designated shall be protected by:
- (1) Water quality controls;
- (2) Maintenance of natural flow regime;
- (3) Protection of instream habitat; and
- (4) Encouragement of land management practices protective of the watershed.
- (b) It is not the intent of the Extraordinary Resource Waters (ERW) designated use definition to imply that ERW status dictates regulatory authority over private land within the watershed, other than what exists under local, state, or federal law.
- (c) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission has responsibility for the regulation of the withdrawal of water from streams and reservoirs, and such withdrawals are not within the jurisdiction of this part.