(1) 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 Division of Environmental Quality may designate one (1) or more examiners.
(2) An examiner may: Set the time and location of the public hearing.
(3) Public notice of the information shall be circulated in accordance with rules issued by the commission;
(4) Receive all information submitted pursuant to the pending action and permit or deny cross-examination of witnesses;
(5) Recommend denial or approval, in whole or in part, of the proposed or requested action;
(6) Maintain order at the public hearing;
(7) Generally guide the course of the public hearing; and
(8) Arrange with the applicant, upon request of any party, access to the mining area for the purpose of gathering information relevant to the proceeding.