The department shall provide a reasonable opportunity for public comment on proposals under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 482-A:3 and shall hold a public hearing for projects with significant impact on the resources protected by this chapter or of substantial public interest. The department shall notify by mail, the applicant and the property owner if different, the local governing body of the municipality involved, the planning board, if any, and the municipal conservation commission, if any, of the hearing. The department shall maintain a chronological file of all applications received under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 482-A:3, which shall be available for public review during normal business hours. The hearing requirement in this section may not apply to such minor projects and to such minor improvements of the shoreline of those waters subject to the jurisdiction of this chapter as the department may by reasonable rule provide.