Humans extract metals and minerals from the Earth by mining. Clearing large areas for mining can cause plants and animals to lose their habitat. The mining process also creates a huge amount of waste, which can negatively impact a region's biodiversity.

Which option best reduces the impact of mining waste on the biodiversity of a nearby ecosystem?
A.
disposing of mining waste by pumping it under the surrounding land
B.
gathering water that has been contaminated and moving it away to be treated
C.
treating mining waste at the mining site before it is released into the environment
D.
disposing of mining waste by pouring it into local rivers