(a) Any gas utility desiring to utilize or operate an underground reservoir shall first apply to the Public Service Commission for an order approving the proposed project. The application shall include:

(1) A legal description of the roads, grounds, waters, buildings, and other improvements of any kind under which such underground reservoir is proposed, together with a map thereof;

(2) A map showing the location of existing and proposed stations, wells, fixtures, machinery, and other facilities necessary for the construction, maintenance, and operation of such underground reservoir;

(3) A map prepared by a qualified engineer or geologist showing the location, extent, and depth of the proposed underground reservoir and of all wells drilled or proposed to be drilled to such reservoir; and

(4) Such other information as will provide a clear and concise presentation of the matters relevant to the application.

(b) Upon the filing of the application, the commission shall fix a date for a hearing thereon, and the applicant shall thereupon cause notice of such hearing and a copy of the application to be filed with the Department of Natural Resources, accompanied by an examination fee of $200.00. Notice of such hearing and a copy of the application shall be served upon the director of the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources and upon the state geologist of the Geologic Surveys Branch of the Environmental Protection Division. The applicant shall also cause notice of such hearing to be given by publishing notice thereof at least once each week for three successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties wherein the gas is proposed to be stored, the first such publication to be made at least 21 days prior to the date of the hearing.