(a) The agency staff will, at the request of any person having a legal interest in property and contemplating a regulated activity thereon, provide an advisory opinion as to the value rating of any particular wetland. The opinion may be based on:

1. (1) the specific characteristics of the wetlands involved, such as:

   1. (i) proximity to streams, lakes, rivers, and aquifer recharge areas;
   2. (ii) covertype or types;
   3. (iii) historical, archaeological or geographical significance;
   4. (iv) location and size in relation to the drainage basin involved;
   5. (v) underlying soil types; and
   6. (vi) historical or traditional use;
2. (2) whether the wetland possesses any additional values not mentioned in the Freshwater Wetlands Act or this Part;
3. (3) whether preexisting degradation is present and, if so, if such degradation is irreversible or has diminished the original values of the wetland; and
4. (4) whether, due to any of these considerations, a value rating other than that derived from these general guidelines is recommended and the basis therefor.