coal pile runoff

This is a common pollutant from coal pile runoff.

This is a common pollutant from coal pile runoff.

This is the correct answer. While nitrogen can be a water contaminant, it's less directly associated with coal pile runoff compared to the other options.

This is a common pollutant from coal pile runoff.

This is incorrect. Coal pile runoff often leads to lower dissolved oxygen levels, harmful to aquatic life.

This is incorrect. While some nutrients can be present, the overall impact is detrimental due to pollutants.

This is the correct answer. Pollutants in runoff can poison aquatic life, disrupting their growth and survival.

This is incorrect. Coal pile runoff usually leads to a decrease in biodiversity due to pollution.

This focuses on minimizing runoff generation, not reducing pollutants in the coal itself.

This prevents direct contact with rainwater but doesn't reduce pollutants in the coal.

This is the correct answer. Coal washing removes some pollutants before storage, reducing contamination.

This treats the runoff after it's formed, not the coal itself.

This is a crucial best management practice.

This is a crucial best management practice.

This is the correct answer. Increasing production doesn't address the environmental issue of runoff.

This is a crucial best management practice.

While important for the long term, this doesn't directly address the immediate issue of coal pollution.

This is the correct answer. Coal pile runoff contaminates water sources and harms ecosystems, impacting sustainability.

This is a related but separate issue. Addressing coal pollution is crucial regardless of renewable energy development.

This is incorrect. Addressing coal pollution might increase costs initially but is essential for long-term sustainability.

Here's a possible solution to the exercise:

1. Three other mitigation measures:

• Proper Site Design: The power plant could re-evaluate the location of the coal storage pile. If possible, relocating it further away from the river or to a location with better drainage could significantly reduce the amount of runoff reaching the river.
• Covering the Coal Pile: Implementing a covering system like tarpaulins or a roof over the pile would prevent direct contact between the coal and rainwater, minimizing the amount of pollutants that wash off.
• Coal Washing: The plant could consider washing the coal before it is stored to remove some of the pollutants. This would significantly reduce the amount of contaminants available to leach into runoff.

2. Drawbacks and Solutions:

• Proper Site Design: Relocation may be expensive or infeasible due to land constraints. If relocation is not possible, the plant could improve existing drainage systems to divert runoff away from the river.
• Covering the Coal Pile: Covering systems can be costly to install and maintain, and may not be entirely waterproof. Regular inspections and repairs are crucial. Additionally, they might not be suitable for all types of coal storage.
• Coal Washing: Coal washing can be expensive and requires additional infrastructure. However, advancements in washing technologies are becoming more cost-effective and efficient.

3. Multi-faceted Approach:

• A multi-faceted approach is more effective because it tackles the problem from multiple angles, reducing runoff generation at its source, minimizing the amount of pollutants in the runoff, and addressing remaining contamination through water treatment.
• Each measure complements the others, leading to a more comprehensive and sustainable solution. Relying solely on water treatment might not be enough to prevent the contamination of the river, especially if the source of pollution is not adequately addressed.