What is ecological burden?

Ecological burden is a serious disturbance to natural balance, most often by chemical contamination. In the event of improper handling, chemicals may penetrate the soil, into the river or into groundwater. These troubles may not occur immediately, but may even occur after several decades. Severe ecological burdens include, for example, the expansion of surface mines, where dangerous chemicals are also used, and where there is also a great loss of arable land and greenery due to mining activities.