Question

The big news in Raccoon Springs is a planned expansion of a local mine. The mine operators promise well-paying jobs, safe operations, and lots of tax money flowing into the community. However, many residents are worried about the possibility of an accident that could release toxic materials into local streams. Ms. Noriega's class is studying a devastating mine spill that took place in Colorado in 2015. Over 3 million gallons of contaminated water flowed into the Animas River. The students find a map of the spill in relation to major watersheds in the United States.

Based on the map, communities in which watershed were most likely affected by the Gold King Mine spill?
A) Columbia River Watershed
B) Colorado River Watershed
C) Mississippi River Watershed
D) Missouri River Watershed

Answer 1

Communities in the Colorado River Watershed were most likely affected by the Gold King Mine spill in Colorado in 2015.

Step-by-step explanation:

The communities most likely affected by the Gold King Mine spill in Colorado in 2015 would be those in the Colorado River Watershed. This spill resulted in over 3 million gallons of contaminated water flowing into the Animas River, which is part of the Colorado River Watershed. Such environmental incidents underscore the importance of balancing industrial activities with the protection of our watershed ecosystems, as the consequences of contamination can have far-reaching impacts on human health, local economies, and biodiversity.