Question

Virginia’s mineral resources are vast, varied, and extremely important to the economy and business of the state. They come from raw rock and mineral deposits that are mined. Virginia’s most significant mineral deposits include: limestone, granite, sand, gravel, and coal, which is the most important mineral resource in the state. Of the nation’s twenty-five coal-producing states that reported domestic production totaling 774 million short tons in 2017, Virginia ranked twelfth with a 1.7 percent share of the total. Many Virginia industries and individuals depend on the mineral resources of the state, including: transportation, manufacturing, farming, art, science, construction, and the mining industry,

Coal mining has an important effect on the economy and industries in Virginia. However coal mining also has a significant effect on the environment. Which is NOT an environmental impact of coal mining?
Responses

A destruction and disturbance of habitatsdestruction and disturbance of habitats

B increased incidence of black lung from coal dustincreased incidence of black lung from coal dust

C erosion of exposed hillsides where mining has occurrederosion of exposed hillsides where mining has occurred

D water pollution, including aquatic biodiversity impactwater pollution, including aquatic biodiversity impact

Answer 1

The option that is NOT an environmental impact of coal mining is:

B increased incidence of black lung from coal dust

While increased incidence of black lung is a significant health impact associated with coal mining, it primarily affects the miners' health rather than having a direct environmental impact on the ecosystem. The other options (A, C, and D) describe direct environmental impacts caused by coal mining activities.