A certificate of approval shall be issued upon a finding that the dam or reservoir is safe to impound water within the limitations prescribed in the certificate. Upon written request by an owner for a certificate of approval, the department shall issue the certificate if it finds that the dam or reservoir is safe to impound water within the limitations prescribed in the certificate. Pending issuance of a certificate of approval by the department, the owner of the dam or reservoir shall not, through action or inaction, cause the dam or reservoir to impound water.