QUESTION 2
A local government wants to build a landfill on the outskirts of a town. Many people in the town are against the landfill because they think it will pollute their water sources. The local government argues that the landfill will be built above ground in a place where runoff cannot occur. Explain how the landfill might still have negative effects on the local watershed.
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Even if the landfill is built above ground and runoff is prevented, there are still potential negative effects on the local watershed. One concern is the leachate produced by the landfill. Leachate is liquid that drains from the landfill and can contain harmful chemicals and pollutants. If the leachate is not properly managed, it could seep into the groundwater and contaminate local water sources.
Additionally, the landfill may still produce emissions such as methane gas, which can contribute to air pollution and potentially impact the local watershed through acid rain. Furthermore, the construction and operation of the landfill could disrupt the natural flow of water in the area, leading to increased erosion and sedimentation in nearby streams and rivers.
Overall, even if the landfill is built above ground and runoff is controlled, there are still potential negative effects on the local watershed that need to be carefully considered and mitigated.