Ark. Code Ann. § 15-72-214: Surface owner's claim for damages caused by operator neglect

(a) Each operator shall remain liable under the proof of financial responsibility as filed with the Oil and Gas Commission until released by the Director of Production and Conservation.

(b) Any surface owner seeking to recover thereunder for damages caused by the neglect of the operator must file written notice of claim therefor with the commission within one (1) year of the date of issuance of the permit for such drilling operations. However, that claim shall be subordinate to the rights of the commission under the proof of financial responsibility to secure compliance by the operator with the provisions of §§ 15-71-101 - 15-71-112 , 15-72-101 - 15-72-110 , 15-72-205 , 15-72-212 , 15-72-216 , 15-72-301 - 15-72-324 , and 15-72-401 - 15-72-407 , as amended, and the rules of the commission promulgated thereunder.