Use the scenario and table to answer the question.

Question

An oil and gas company plans 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 local government most likely take based on the information presented in the table?

(1 point)
Responses

They will approve the company’s drilling permit. Fracking promotes an environment’s overall health and well-being.
They will approve the company’s drilling permit. Fracking promotes an environment’s overall health and well-being.

They will deny the company’s drilling permit. Fracking reduces the probability of air and water pollution.
They will deny the company’s drilling permit. Fracking reduces the probability of air and water pollution.

They will deny the company’s drilling permit. Fracking reduces the soil, air, and water quality of an area.
They will deny the company’s drilling permit. Fracking reduces the soil, air, and water quality of an area.

They will approve the company’s drilling permit. Fracking does not pose any threat to the biosphere.

Answer 1

Based on the information presented in the table regarding the long-term effects of fracking on the lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere, the most likely action members of the local government will take is:

They will deny the company’s drilling permit. Fracking reduces the soil, air, and water quality of an area.

This response is supported by the observations highlighting high levels of salinity and heavy metals in soil, elevated methane levels in the atmosphere, and the significant water demands that can lead to contamination and reduced freshwater supplies. These issues suggest serious environmental risks that would warrant denying the permit.