What could have been avoided if the designers of the West Fertilizer facility had more flexibility during construction?

The correct option highlights the potential for a more optimal design in the West Fertilizer facility’s storage capacities. If the designers had more flexibility during construction, they could have reduced the amount of ammonium nitrate stored onsite. This would have likely minimized the risk associated with a large quantity of a hazardous material, thereby reducing the impact of potential accidents or incidents related to the explosive nature of ammonium nitrate.

By allowing for a design that accommodated lower storage levels, it could have helped to ensure a greater safety margin and manage the inherent risks more effectively. The structural and operational constraints that may have been in place could have limited the designers' ability to consider how much ammonium nitrate should be stored, leading to decisions that did not prioritize safety as effectively as they could have.

This reasoning emphasizes the significance of flexibility in the design process, particularly in industries that handle dangerous substances. It allows for proactive measures to enhance safety, ultimately contributing to the protection of both workers and the surrounding community.