(a) No owner shall begin the construction of any dam to which this chapter applies without written approval from the Department. Owners intending to construct any dam to which this chapter applies shall file with the Department a preliminary application which shall include a dam break analysis, the dam height, the maximum impounding capacity, purpose, location and determination of hazard class, and other information required by the Department. If on the basis of this information it is the opinion of the Department that the proposed dam is exempt from the provisions of this chapter, it shall notify the owner that no approval from the Department is required. If on the basis of the submitted information it is the opinion of the Department that the proposed dam is not exempt, the Department shall notify the owner that construction shall not be commenced until a full application has been filed by the owner and such application approved in accordance with §§ 4206 and 4209 of this title. The Department shall require emergency action plans and operation and maintenance plans for high or significant hazard potential dams, and may also require of owners so notified the filing of any additional information it deems necessary, including, but not limited to, streamflow and rainfall data, maps, plans, and specifications. Every owner applying for approval of a dam subject to the provisions of this chapter shall also file with the Department a Certificate from a qualified professional engineer, licensed in the State. The Certificate should state that the engineer is qualified and responsible for the design of the dam; that the design is safe and adequate; and that the engineer shall be responsible for construction quality assurance to certify that the construction has been completed in accordance with the approved plans.

(b) The Department shall send a copy of each completed application to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and other state, federal and local agencies it considers appropriate for review and comment.

(c) Upon receipt of a full application in proper form, the Secretary shall give notice in the form of an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the activity is proposed and in a daily newspaper of general circulation throughout the State:

(1) The fact that the application has been received;

(2) A brief description of the nature of the application;

(3) The place at which a copy of the application may be inspected; and

(4) Procedures to request a public hearing.

The Secretary shall hold a public hearing on an application, if the Secretary receives a request from any party whose interests are substantially affected by the proposed application, as determined by the Secretary, if such request is received within 21 calendar days of the public notice. Such notice shall also be sent by mail to any person who has requested such notification from the Department and provides a name and address.

74 Del. Laws, c. 392, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.