Why is monitoring environmental impact crucial during de-icing?

Monitoring environmental impact during de-icing is crucial primarily because it plays a significant role in protecting water sources from contamination. De-icing fluids, which often contain chemicals harmful to aquatic ecosystems, can run off into nearby water bodies during and after application. This can lead to detrimental effects on water quality, affecting not only aquatic life but also the overall health of the ecosystem.

By closely monitoring the environmental impact, agencies and organizations can implement strategies to minimize the release of these harmful substances into the environment. This not only helps in preserving biodiversity but also safeguards human health since contaminated water sources can have far-reaching consequences for communities relying on those water supplies.

The other options, while relevant to various aspects of the de-icing process, do not directly address the critical need to protect the environment from potentially harmful substances associated with de-icing practices.