Sediment Contamination
Critical Thinking Set #2
Student Questions

Years ago, people were not as aware of how chemicals damage the environment as we know to be true today. Many factories and manufacturers buried old chemicals and waste products on the land around them. The soil became contaminated with the chemicals. Rainwater running over the site eroded the soil and carried it into the nearby streams and rivers.

What do you think happened to the soil when it went into the streams and rivers?

Where is it now?

Now that there are laws to protect the environment, chemicals and wastes can't be buried along streams and rivers any more. Do you think the problem has been solved?

What should be done to clean up the bottoms of rivers and streams? Who should pay for it?