Question
An oil and gas company plan to expand its fracking area. The company requests a drilling permit from the local government. Before members of the local government vote to approve or deny the company's request, they ask a team of geologists to investigate the long-term effects of fracking. The team's findings are highlighted in the table.
Sphere Observations Potential Risk
Lithosphere Soil samples reveal high levels of salinity in addition to an excess of heavy metals like mercury and lead. Contaminated soil cannot support healthy plant life; limits food production.
Atmosphere High levels of methane gas detected. Methane is a main greenhouse gas which significantly contributes to global warming.
Hydrosphere Millions of gallons of water is needed to frack one well. Wastewater spills and other runoff contain toxic chemicals. Freshwater supplies for residents will be reduced, and drinking water may be contaminated.
Which action will members of the local government most likely take ba
Sphere Observations Potential Risk
Lithosphere Soil samples reveal high levels of salinity in addition to an excess of heavy metals like mercury and lead. Contaminated soil cannot support healthy plant life; limits food production.
Atmosphere High levels of methane gas detected. Methane is a main greenhouse gas which significantly contributes to global warming.
Hydrosphere Millions of gallons of water is needed to frack one well. Wastewater spills and other runoff contain toxic chemicals. Freshwater supplies for residents will be reduced, and drinking water may be contaminated.
Which action will members of the local government most likely take ba
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Based on the findings presented by the team of geologists regarding the potential risks associated with fracking, members of the local government are likely to exercise caution. The observations highlight significant environmental concerns, such as soil contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and risks to freshwater supplies. Given these serious implications for public health and environmental sustainability, the local government may take one of the following actions:
1. **Deny the drilling permit**: The risks associated with fracking, including soil and water contamination, could outweigh the potential economic benefits. Denying the permit would prioritize community health and environmental protection.
2. **Implement strict regulations**: If they are inclined to allow fracking, the government may opt to approve the permit with stringent regulations and oversight to mitigate the identified risks, such as requiring advanced techniques to manage wastewater and limit greenhouse gas emissions.
3. **Request further studies**: They may also choose to delay the decision until more in-depth studies are conducted to assess the long-term impacts, ensuring that all potential risks are understood before moving forward.
Ultimately, the members of the local government are most likely to take a cautious approach, leaning towards protecting the environment and public health based on the geologists' findings.
1. **Deny the drilling permit**: The risks associated with fracking, including soil and water contamination, could outweigh the potential economic benefits. Denying the permit would prioritize community health and environmental protection.
2. **Implement strict regulations**: If they are inclined to allow fracking, the government may opt to approve the permit with stringent regulations and oversight to mitigate the identified risks, such as requiring advanced techniques to manage wastewater and limit greenhouse gas emissions.
3. **Request further studies**: They may also choose to delay the decision until more in-depth studies are conducted to assess the long-term impacts, ensuring that all potential risks are understood before moving forward.
Ultimately, the members of the local government are most likely to take a cautious approach, leaning towards protecting the environment and public health based on the geologists' findings.