Final answer:
The EPA in Ghana can mitigate mining hazards by enforcing disposal regulations, monitoring ecological impacts, implementing emergency response plans, promoting recycling and safe disposal of hazardous waste, and empowering local communities with environmental impact assessments.
Step-by-step explanation:
To control the environmental hazards created by mining in Ghana, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can take several measures:
- Enforce strict regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste from mines, ensuring that toxic substances like mercury and cyanide are not released into the environment.
- Implement monitoring programs to regularly assess the impact of mining activities on the local ecosystem and public health, particularly water quality in nearby streams and drinking supplies.
- Require mining companies to develop emergency preparedness and response plans for accidents involving hazardous materials and to engage in active remediation efforts.
- Encourage the recycling and safe disposal of hazardous materials, limiting the accumulation of waste and preventing potential contamination.
- Support local communities in holding mining companies accountable through environmental impact assessments and public reporting, fostering transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes.