Consider this scenario: A major manufacturing firm wants to open in your rural town. Your town currently has a population of fewer than five thousand people. Much of its land is undeveloped and heavily forested. The firm has submitted a proposal to clear a three-mile tract of land on which to build the plant. The town council is considering the proposal and is concerned about the consequences of clearing so much forest land to make room for industry.
Their concerns are likely to include all of the following except _____.
increased biodiversity
soil erosion
increased pollution
water runoff
To determine which option is not likely to be a concern for the town council, we need to understand what each option entails and how it relates to clearing forest land for industrial purposes.
1. Increased biodiversity: Clearing a large tract of forest land can lead to a significant loss of biodiversity. Forests are home to various plant and animal species, and their removal can disrupt ecosystems and cause species extinction. The loss of biodiversity is generally a concern when forest land is cleared for industrial purposes.
2. Soil erosion: Forests play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion. The trees and vegetation act as natural barriers, absorbing rainfall and preventing the soil from being washed away. Clearing forest land can leave the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion. As a result, soil erosion is a legitimate concern when considering the clearing of forest land for industrial purposes.
3. Increased pollution: When a manufacturing firm establishes itself in an area, there is a potential increase in pollution due to various factors such as emissions, waste disposal, and chemical usage. This could include air pollution, water pollution, and soil contamination. Therefore, increased pollution is a realistic concern in this scenario.
4. Water runoff: Forests play a vital role in regulating water runoff and maintaining a healthy water cycle. The roots of trees absorb water and help prevent excessive runoff, which can lead to flooding and degradation of water quality. When forest land is cleared, it can disrupt the natural water runoff patterns. Thus, water runoff is also a valid concern in this scenario.
Based on the provided information, the option that is least likely to be a concern for the town council is increased biodiversity. The firm's proposal to clear the forest land would have a negative impact on biodiversity, making it an unlikely exemption from their concerns.
Three of the choices are negatives; one is positive.
Which is the "one"?