(a) It shall be unlawful for the owner or operator of any dam for which a permit is required by this part to remove the dam without the approval of the director.

(b) Prior to the commencement of removing any such dam, such owner or operator shall apply to the director on forms supplied by the division for permission to remove the dam.

(c) Within 60 days after the receipt of a completed application for removal, the director shall approve, or approve subject to appropriate conditions, the applicant's request for removal.

(d) Upon receipt of approval for removal, the removal shall be commenced as soon as practicable; and the impoundment shall be drained and the structure permanently breached.

(e) Nothing in this part shall be construed to prevent the owner or operator of any impoundment from draining such impoundment without authorization from the director.