Unless application for approval of the dam has heretofore been made, every owner of a dam completed prior to August 14, 1929 shall, immediately after the effective date of this part, file an application for the approval of such dam.

A separate application shall be made for each dam and shall be filed with the department upon forms to be supplied by it and shall supply such appropriate information concerning the dam as the department requires.

The department shall give notice to file to owners who have failed to do so as required by this article, and a failure to file within 30 days after such notice shall be punishable as provided in this part.

The notice provided for in this article may be given by registered mail and a return receipt signed by the owner shall constitute prima facie evidence of service.