In accordance with § 148.715(b) of this part, the deepwater port proposal and reasonable alternatives will be evaluated on the basis of how well they:

(a) Accord with existing and planned land use, including management of the coastal region, for which purpose the proposal must be accompanied by a consistency determination from appropriate State agencies for any designated Adjacent Coastal State;

(b) Adhere to proposed local and State master plans;

(c) Minimize the need for special exceptions, zoning variances, or non-conforming uses;

(d) Plan flood plain uses in ways that will minimize wetlands loss, flood damage, the need for federally-funded flood protection or flood relief, or any decrease in the public value of the flood plain as an environmental resource; and

(e) Avoid permanent alteration or harm to wetlands, and take positive steps to minimize adverse effects on wetlands.