(a) Applications for feasibility studies shall be evaluated using the following criteria:

1. (1) the extent to which preliminary economic and/or technical work has determined that the waste prevention technology and/or practice to be studied is likely to be employed or become commercially viable;
2. (2) the potential for applying the results of the feasibility study to other business enterprises;
3. (3) the potential impact that the feasibility study results would have on reducing the amount of waste requiring disposal;
4. (4) the potential environmental benefits to the State to be derived from the waste prevention technology and/or practice being studied;
5. (5) the potential cost savings to the business to be derived from the waste prevention technology and/or practice being studied;
6. (6) the total cost of the feasibility study, including the degree to which the requested grants would leverage matching cash funds from the applicant and other sources;
7. (7) the ability and qualifications of the person or firm to perform the feasibility study;
8. (8) the financial need of the applicant; and
9. (9) the degree of the applicant's ability and commitment to implement the feasibility study results.

(b) Applications for program assistance, other than feasibility studies, shall be evaluated using the following criteria:

1. (1) conformity with program eligibility requirements;
2. (2) soundness of the business enterprise;
3. (3) credit history;
4. (4) depth of management experience;
5. (5) ability to repay the loan;
6. (6) potential impact of the project on reducing the quantity of waste requiring disposal;
7. (7) the adequacy of the collateral available to secure the loan; and
8. (8) such other criteria as the department may deem appropriate.