Suppose that you are in charge of surveying a site to build a hydraulic dam for generating electric power. Which of these site features is most beneficial for environmental conservation and human safety?
A.
The water has a large variety of aquatic species.
B.
The water is surrounded by stable rock, soil, and sand.
C.
The site lies on a tectonic plate boundary.
D.
The site is located in a residential area.
E.
The site is next to a water treatment plant.
B. The water is surrounded by stable rock, soil, and sand.
This site feature is most beneficial for environmental conservation and human safety because stable rocks, soil, and sand provide a stable foundation for the dam structure. This stability reduces the risk of dam failure or collapse, which can be catastrophic for both the environment and human populations downstream. It also reduces the risk of erosion, which can impact water quality and the surrounding ecosystem.