Question

Which statement best describes an environmental consequence of uncapped landfills built close to the shoreline?

a) coastal erosion can eventually allow waste to slip into water sources.
b) landfills can produce fertile, clean soil that can be used for farming.
c) materials in landfills undergo decomposition for hundreds of years.
d) short-term exposure to mercury and lead gases can leak into the air.

Answer 1

Coastal erosion near uncapped landfills can cause waste to enter nearby water sources, leading to ecological issues, marine life harm, and economic impacts on communities.

The statement is: a) coastal erosion can eventually allow waste to slip into water sources.

Step-by-step explanation:

When landfills are constructed near shorelines, they are at risk of being compromised by coastal erosion. This can lead to the escaping of waste materials into the sea, causing serious ecological issues such as pollution of water sources, harming marine life, and affecting local economies that depend on clean water and healthy ecosystems.

The presence of such landfills can potentially disrupt the natural landscape and contribute to the pollution of our precious freshwater resources, posing hazards to public health and the environment.