Martin Ecosystems

Baton Rouge, LA

225.292.6750

water quality

Wastewater Treatment Success Across the Globe

Wastewater Treatment

Our counterparts in New Zealand and Australia have seen great success in wastewater treatment on their side of the planet. Their stories inspire us and our vision to see the same wastewater treatment success here in the United States.

What can we learn from wastewater treatment operations in New Zealand?

Wastewater Treatment in New Zealand

Waterclean Technologies has introduced Floating Treatment Wetlands to New Zealand, becoming an industry leader for municipal wastewater treatment.

Waterclean states that Floating Treatment Wetlands are a low-cost choice for wastewater treatment: “The low-tech, biological nature of Floating Treatment Wetlands makes it a true low cost option. Compared with other water treatment solutions, very little capital expenditure and up skilling is required and the floating treatment wetlands has nominal maintenance costs.”

Waterclean is currently helping municipalities extend the productive life of existing assets by retrofitting floating treatment wetlands.

They’ve partnered with Spel Environmental, a family owned business across Australia, that specializes in stormwater and water quality improvement.

Spel has also found Floating Treatment Wetlands to be efficient and a low-cost means to enhance municipal wastewater treatment plants. Spel says, “You can retro-fit it to existing facilities with minimal cost or long-term overheads- or work the media into the design of new facilities with low operational costs… It also offers a truly environmentally-sound and sustainable way of cleaning water- something increasingly important to councils and municipalities.”                                                                              

Spel Waterclean Floating Wetlands Applications

These two companies have worked together to see a dramatic effect on municipal wastewater and stormwater applications.

They have found that Floating Wetlands can be positioned in loaded “hot-spots” in natural waterways to improve water quality. Beyond stream and lake restoration, they also make beautiful environmentally-enhancing features in waterbodies in facilities such as parks and zoos. Because they are so visually appealing, they make stunning landscaping features for private residential projects as well.

 A Solution to Cleaning Wastewater for Communities Everywhere

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, America’s wastewater infrastructure was recently given a grade of D+, and the cost to fix this problem has been estimated to cost $271 billion over 20 years. As seen in New Zealand and Australia, Floating Treatment Wetlands are a green, innovative, and cost-effective solution for cleaning wastewater everywhere that can save thousands of dollars in capital and operational costs.

Contact us to learn more about this innovative solution to your wastewater treatment needs!

 

The Double Impact Floating Islands Are Making Along the Chicago River Waterfront

This month we’re sharing a beautification case study of our floating islands at work in Chicago, IL. Once considered a grungy area of town, the Chicago Riverwalk is now an attraction that has added value to the windy city. Five areas were constructed, including the Marina, The Cove, Water Plaza, the Jetty and the Boardwalk through an initiative to improve the environment for the enjoyment of not only Chicagoans, but also for the inhabitants beneath the surface of the water. Along the Riverwalk you will find fountains, mists and sprays for children to play in along with seating and staircases, but the Jetty has an educational focus.

The Work of Floating Islands in The Jetty

This section of the Riverwalk includes floating wetlands and water gardens along the piers, providing an opportunity for people to learn about the river’s ecology and search for fish. Because of The Jetty the aquatic species beneath the surface now have better living conditions as floating islands work diligently to remove contaminants in the water. Sasaki Associates, one of the architect organizations that led this beautification project, says that floating Islands “provide a healthy habitat for the Chicago River’s diverse native fish population, as well as educational and recreational opportunities for visitors to observe and interact with the aquatic ecosystem.” We’re connecting people with the wonder of nature by bringing nature to them through floating islands.

Beyond Beautification

Sasaki Principal and landscape architect Gina Ford of ASLA started off with the thought of creating an experimental “fish hotel”. A critical element of the aquatic ecosystem are the plants in the floating islands whose roots enable biofilm to grow and filter river water. The Chicago Riverwalk’s “unique plant palette” was designed by Terry Ryan, ASLA, of Jacobs/Ryan Associates. What is so fascinating about this case study is that floating islands are a part of an elaborate design that provides aesthetic beauty to the Chicago River but also makes a huge impact on the environment. Sasaki says, “The Jetty falls in line with understanding that truly sustainable design accounts for the whole environment—not only for humans, but also for all species of wildlife and plants potentially impacted by a design.”

The Chicago River was once polluted and uninviting but it has come quite a long way. With the construction improvements, the mindset of the riverfront of Chicago has changed and it has become yet another place for Chicagoans to gather. We’re thrilled to play a role in this project by helping educate the public, improving water quality for aquatic life, and providing beauty that invites people to the waterfront. Click here to learn more about our floating islands and how they work both below and above the surface of the water.

Here’s a behind the scenes look at the installation process of our floating islands:

Opportunity of a Lifetime

Last week I attended the Gulf of Mexico Alliance 8th Annual All Hands Meeting held in Tampa, Florida. The Gulf of Mexico Alliance is a partnership of the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, with a goal of significantly increasing regional collaboration to enhance the ecological and economic health of the Gulf of Mexico. The Alliance encourages collaboration among government agencies, businesses, education providers and non-governmental organizations. Priority issues addressed by the Alliance include water quality, habitat conservation, ecosystem assessment, nutrient impacts, community resilience and environmental education.

Martin Ecosystems was recognized with an EPA/Gulf Guardian Award for the Elayn Hunt Correctional Waste Water Project. Our Isle de Jean Charles project partner, Shell Oil was also recognized for that project as well.

The overwhelming theme heard in session after session is that the Gulf Coast states have been given an opportunity of a lifetime.

With the passing of The RESTORE Act, Congress has dedicated 80 percent of Clean Water Act fines from the BP oil spill to the five Gulf States to restore coastal environments and economies. Billions of dollars will now be sent to the 5 states.

For most of my lifetime, coastal land loss in Louisiana has been at crisis levels. Plans have been written and projects proposed, but neither had the funding nor the money for implementation. The RESTORE Act fines will provide the opportunity of a lifetime Louisiana has been waiting for. I hope that my state and the additional 4 Gulf Coast states work together, stick to the plan, and use this money wisely. The rest of the country will be eagerly watching us in order to see how we spend it.

Opportunities like this one are too good to waste. I just hope we make the most of it.