[GHS Biology Pollution Cleanup Options Menu]

Doing Nothing

This method is definitely the least expensive. In some cases, towns will also decide to shut down the aquifer as a water source. This would involve placing concrete into all wells and covering over all springs. Such action might cost a few thousand dollars to perhaps a million dollars, depending on how many wells there are, and how large the polluted aquifer is.

Cost: About $1 million to pour concrete in all springs, wells, and places where water comes from the polluted aquifer./ This comes to about $20 dollars extra on the tax bill for 10 years.

Pros

1. Very inexpensive.

2. Requires no extra effort from the townspeople.

Cons

1. The aquifer is still polluted.

2. Must monitor water for years. The toxic chemicals may continue to spread!

3. People may suffer from exposure to toxic fumes from the soil.

4. Crops may become contaminated----people could get sick.

5. If people become sick from the toxic chemicals in the soil, they might have to move. Home prices would be reduced, so they would lose money when they sell.

6. A new water source may need to be found. This could be expensive if new pipes need to be laid, especially if the new water source is many miles away or if the water must be trucked in.