Any person, firm, or corporation who shall have failed to give the notice described in section 615 of this title or who, without having received from the Attorney General of this State the certificate and permit described in section 617, shall begin or attempt to begin any alteration or improvement of the banks or bed of the Connecticut River, the erection of any building, dam, or other structure upon the banks or bed of such river or any other operation which will affect the waters or flow of such river shall be fined not more than $5,000.00.