Research Development
Our research and development strategies include sampling, detecting, treating and preventing.
WHAT ARE BLUE-GREEN ALGAE?
Scientifically known as Cyanobacteria, blue-green algae are primitive microscopic organisms that have inhabited the earth for over 2 billion years. Occurs naturally in a wide range of environments including ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. Most often blue-green, but they can range in colour from olive-green to red.
WHAT IS BEING DONE?
Canadian Shield Consultants has been in collaboration with researchers at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine to further develop fast, effective screening for blue-green algae in Northern Ontario lakes. Utilizing aerial photographic technology to identify blue-green algae by visualizing pigments of live bacteria, we can identify the exact strains of algae present in specific waterways. Canadian Shield Consultants is working with a technology that uses ultrasound waves to prevent blue-green algae from developing, as well as looking at other remediation techniques for lakes that are often affected by blue-green algae, and ways to prevent lakes from becoming suitable for the growth of blue-green algae.
ENVIRONMENT
Blue-green algae has a detrimental effect on the environment, including:
- deterioration of water quality.
- reduce dissolved oxygen levels in the water column which can severely degrade aquatic ecosystems and lead to the death of aquatic organisms, causing a decline in biodiversity.
HOW CAN BLUE-GREEN ALGAL BLOOMS BE REDUCED OR PREVENTED?
- use phosphate-free detergents, personal care and household cleaning products.
- avoid using fertilizers on lawns, especially fertilizers that contain phosphorus.
- maintain a natural shoreline on lake and riverfront properties.
- reduce agricultural runoff by planting or maintaining vegetation along waterways. and minimize fertilizer use.
- check septic systems to ensure they do not leak into the water source. Assure that the septic system is installed, operated and maintained as per code. The system may require to have the ability to reduce nutrients like phosphorus and nitrite.
Client Testimonials
"I would be happy to recommend Canadian Shield Consultants Agency and I would hire them again if the need arose."
Madeleine Nadon - Homeowner -
"In my opinion, the true test of a good business is whether or not you would use their services again. In the case of Canadian Shield Consultants Agency, Gerry and his crew, the answer is we still are using their services and we consider them our "Go To" guys!"
Wayne Johnson - Manager - YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg
"Throughout the entire month long project CSCA did not veer from the original goal and made MRWs time in St. Charles a positive experience."
John Sikorski - Engineering Technologist - M.R. Wright and Associates Co. Ltd.
"We are very thankful for all that Gerry and his company have done for us up to now...their expertise and assistance has facilitated the process of purchasing a good quality septic system that meets the Ministry of Environment's standards."
Ms. Réjeanne de Bois - Owner - Minakwa Lodge and Trailer Park
"We were very impressed with your heavy duty machinery, and realized we were not dealing with a start-up company. All workmen on the site knew their jobs and performed all labour with such care and skill. I must add a personal comment that the workers were very amicable, answered all our questions and did not mind the interruptions when we asked for clarification as to what they were doing"
Jean McConnell - Former Manager of Recreational Arenas and Swimming Pools - City of Greater Sudbury