Early in the twentieth century, Lake Konfa became very polluted. Recently fish populations have recovered as release of industrial pollutants has declined and the lake' s waters have become cleaner. Fears are now being voiced that the planned construction of an oil pipeline across the lake' s bottom might revive pollution and cause the fish population to decline again. However, a technology for preventing leaks is being installed. Ttherefore, provided this technology is effective, the fears are groundless.
The statement 'A major leak of oil from the pipeline would harm not only the lake's fish but also populations of other aquatic animals and plants' most seriously weakens the argument.