The department is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the storage and release to the environment of substances hazardous or acutely hazardous to public health, safety or the environment. Such rules and regulations may require the users of substances which may meet the criteria upon which the lists referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subdivision one of section 37-0103 of this chapter are based to furnish to the department for the public record any information regarding such substances which the said user may have, and the nature and extent of research performed by said user concerning the effects of such substances on human health and the environment. Prior to promulgation of rules and regulations hereunder, public hearings shall be held upon notice in two newspapers in the locality of said public hearings, at least two times per week in each of three successive weeks. Such hearings shall be conducted not less than sixty (60) days following the date of last publication.