Why Was Hydraulic Mining So Damaging to the Environment

question 93

Multiple Choice

Why was hydraulic mining so damaging to the environment?

• A) It used up what little water resources existed in the West and put a stop to western migration.
• B) It entailed the removal of entire mountain ranges, which killed wildlife and changed the climate.
• C) It caused tons of dirt and debris to clog rivers, kill fish, and pollute downstream farmland.
• D) It caused the migration of wildlife like raccoons, bears, and deer into nearby big cities.
• E) It relied on sifting gold dust and nuggets out of riverbeds by means of "placer" mining, or "panning."

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The economic principle where individuals or firms make choices that lead to the highest level of satisfaction or profit.

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