Question

An effective way to reduce the waste released into the environment would be to pass a law:

A) limiting the number of fish that can be caught in the river.
B) requiring the factory to pump its water to a treatment plant.
C) requiring the company to release its wastewater into a local pond.
D) requiring people to avoid boating and fishing on the river.

Please select the option that represents an effective measure to reduce waste released into the environment.

Answer 1

The most effective option for reducing environmental waste in the question is B, which suggests treating factory wastewater to improve water quality, aligning with the Clean Water Act.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most effective measure listed to reduce waste released into the environment would be option B) requiring the factory to pump its water to a treatment plant. This action is a direct approach to handling pollution, following the principles outlined in the Clean Water Act and the approach of command-and-control regulation. It is designed to improve water quality by removing contaminants before they enter natural waterways, thereby making water swimmable and fishable. The treatment of wastewater not only prevents environmental degradation but can also provide a sustainable source of water and nutrients if reused properly. This contrasts with option A, which focuses on the sustainability of fish populations, and options C and D, which merely reroute or restrict human activity rather than address the core issue of pollution.