Construction work on such a dam or reservoir may proceed, provided an application for approval of the plans and specifications therefor is filed, until a certificate of approval is received by the owner from the department approving the dam or reservoir or an order is received by the owner from the department specifying how the construction must be performed to render the dam or reservoir safe. After receipt of an order specifying how construction of the dam or reservoir must be performed, work thereafter must be in accordance with the order.