Which statement regarding landfills is true?

The statement that landfills are subject to strict environmental regulations is accurate. This is because landfills have significant potential to impact the environment, including air and water quality. Regulatory frameworks, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the United States, set forth comprehensive requirements for the design, operation, monitoring, and closure of landfills to ensure that they minimize negative effects on the surrounding environment.

These regulations govern aspects like the materials that can be accepted, the construction practices to prevent leachate (a potentially hazardous liquid formed when waste breaks down) from contaminating groundwater, and the measures needed for monitoring potential emissions of harmful gases. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for the protection of public health and the environment.

Understanding why this statement is true helps underscore the importance of environmental stewardship in waste management practices, and highlights the need for rigorous oversight in landfill operations to safeguard ecological and human health.