What happens when a parking lot is built in a wetlands area?

Question

Responses

Less precipitation occurs in the area because it has no place to be absorbed by the ground.

Less precipitation occurs in the area because it has no place to be absorbed by the ground.

The wetlands area moves to a new location alongside the parking lot.

The wetlands area moves to a new location alongside the parking lot.

Rain percolates through the pavement into the ground below, causing cracks in the pavement.

Rain percolates through the pavement into the ground below, causing cracks in the pavement.

Runoff carrying pollutants, organic material and excess nutrients flows directly into lakes and rivers.

Answer 1

When a parking lot is built in a wetlands area, several environmental impacts can occur, including:

1. Reduced Water Absorption: Wetlands are natural absorbers of water. Building a parking lot - which is often made of impermeable materials like asphalt - reduces the area’s capacity to absorb precipitation. This can lead to increased surface runoff.

2. Altered Ecosystems: The construction can disrupt the local ecosystem, affecting plant and animal species that rely on the wetlands for their habitat.

3. Increased Runoff and Pollution: Rainfall will not be absorbed as it would in wetlands. Instead, runoff will carry pollutants, organic materials, and excess nutrients directly into nearby lakes and rivers. This can lead to water quality issues, including eutrophication, which is harmful to aquatic life.

4. Potential Groundwater Depletion: The interception of rainwater by the paved surface can also affect groundwater recharge, leading to lower water levels in the aquifer.

5. Flooding Risks: With reduced absorption and increased runoff, areas adjacent to the parking lot might experience heightened flooding risks during heavy rains.

In summary, building a parking lot in a wetlands area leads to negative consequences such as increased runoff and pollution, disruption of ecosystems, and diminished groundwater recharge.