In determining whether an obstruction is a hazard to navigation for the purposes of marking, the District Commander considers, but is not limited to, the following factors:
(a)
Location of the obstruction in relation to the navigable channel and other navigational traffic patterns;
(b)
Navigational difficulty in the vicinity of the obstruction;
(c)
Depth of water over the obstruction, fluctuation of the water level, and other hydrologic characteristics in the area;
(d)
Draft, type, and density of vessel traffic or other marine activity in the vicinity of the obstruction;
(e)
Physical characteristics of the obstruction;
(f)
Possible movement of the obstruction;
(g)
Location of the obstruction in relation to other obstructions or aids to navigation;
(h)
Prevailing and historical weather conditions;
(i)
Length of time that the obstruction has been in existence;
(j)
History of vessel incidents involving the obstruction; and
(k)
Whether the obstruction is defined as a hazard to navigation under other statutes or regulations.
Code of Federal Regulations
[CGD 91-031, 57 FR 43403, Sept. 21, 1992]