(a) Unless the economic, social and other benefits to be derived from the activity proposed compel a departure from these guidelines, the agency shall not issue a permit for regulated activities in the following wetlands unless the findings set forth below are made.

1. (1) Wetlands rated1. The proposed activity:

   1. (i) would be compatible with preservation of the entire wetland; and
   2. (ii) would not result in degradation or loss of any part of the wetland or its associated values.

2. (2) Wetlands rated 2. The proposed activity:

   1. (i) would result in minimal degradation or destruction of the wetland or its associated values; and
   2. (ii) is the only alternative which reasonably can accomplish the applicant's objectives; or
   3. (iii) alternatively to subparagraph (ii), is the only alternative which provides an essential public benefit.

3. (3) Wetlands rated 3. The proposed activity:

   1. (i) would result in the minimum possible degradation or destruction of any part of the wetland or its associated values;
   2. (ii) is the only alternative which reasonably can accomplish the applicant's objectives; and
   3. (iii) would, weighing the benefits of the activity against its cost and the wetland values lost, provide a net social and/or economic gain to the community.
4. (4) Wetlands rated 4. The proposed activity is the only alternative which reasonably can accomplish the applicant's objectives.