Final answer:
Hazardous waste sites are often located on impermeable recharge zones, increasing the risk of groundwater contamination. These areas can trap pollutants, leading to contamination of aquifers. Proper site selection for waste facilities is critical to prevent incidents like the Love Canal tragedy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hazardous waste sites are often located on impermeable recharge zones, making groundwater contamination a common risk. These impermeable zones prevent infiltration of water, potentially trapping waste and pollutants above the impermeable layer which can contaminate the groundwater below.
Recharge areas are locations where surface water infiltrates the ground, but when hazardous materials are present, they can contaminate these sources. Groundwater pollution may extend to aquifers, crucial for providing water for various uses. Contaminants such as heavy metals and pharmaceuticals can emanate from various sources, including industrial activities, and pose significant health risks to humans and wildlife.
The process of cite selection for hazardous waste facilities aims to reduce such risks by considering economics, geology, and politics, but when the prevention of contamination fails, it can lead to tragedies like the Love Canal incident. This demonstrates the severity of groundwater contamination and the need for thorough consideration regarding the location of hazardous waste sites above recharge zones.