The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may issue permits for the introduction of chemicals into the waters of the state for the control of aquatic vegetation, fish populations or other aquatic organisms. Application for said permit shall be on forms provided by the commissioner and shall be accompanied by a fee established by the commissioner by regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, provided the fee shall be not less than forty dollars. No permit shall be issued without prior approval, if the proposed application of chemicals involves areas tributary to reservoirs, lakes, ponds or streams used for public water supply, by the Commissioner of Public Health. Each permittee shall be responsible for any and all damages resulting from the applications of any pesticide to control aquatic vegetation, fish populations or other organisms. The commissioner, acting with the Department of Public Health, may establish regulations governing the use of pesticides in the waters of the state, including the marine district. The provisions of this section shall not apply to normal, emergency or experimental operations of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Health or public water supply utilities, except that chemicals may not be applied to waters used for water supply furnished to the public or tributary to such water supply without prior approval of the Department of Public Health. Enforcement officers of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Public Health may enforce the provisions of this section.