Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) Screening & Detection Services in Northern Ontario – Canadian Shield Consultants
NOSM Research Partnership
Canadian Shield Consultants Agency (CSCA), in partnership with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), leads innovative blue-green algae detection in Northern Ontario. Using cutting-edge aerial cyanobacteria screening technology, we help protect public health, prevent waterway closures, and ensure safe drinking water and recreation across Sudbury, Timmins, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, and beyond.
The Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Threat in Northern Ontario
Blue-green algae blooms are a growing concern in Northern Ontario lakes and rivers, especially during warm summer months. These harmful algal blooms (HABs) produce cyanotoxins that pose serious health risks, including:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness and weakness
- Numbness in limbs
- Liver damage (in severe cases)
Lakes used for drinking water, swimming, fishing, and boating are at risk. Municipalities, cottages, First Nations communities, and public health units face frequent beach and waterway closures due to confirmed cyanobacteria outbreaks.
Advanced Aerial Blue-Green Algae Detection – CSCA & NOSM Research
Canadian Shield Consultants is proud to collaborate with NOSM University on a revolutionary aerial screening method for rapid cyanobacteria identification in Ontario waterways.
How It Works:
- Drone & aircraft-based imaging captures high-resolution photos of lake surfaces.
- Spectral analysis detects unique pigment signatures of live cyanobacteria.
- Faster, cost-effective alternative to traditional water sampling and lab testing.
- Enables early warning systems before visible blooms form.
Currently in validation phase – with proven success on Lake Nipissing, St. Charles, ON
Proven Results: Lake Nipissing Blue-Green Algae Detection
In St. Charles, Ontario, our aerial screening technology successfully identified cyanobacteria blooms in Lake Nipissing — days before visual confirmation. This early detection allowed:
- Timely public health advisories
- Targeted water testing
- Reduced risk to residents and visitors
- Data-supported decision-making for local authorities
Who Benefits from CSCA’s Cyanobacteria Monitoring Services?
| Sector | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Municipalities & Public Health Units | Early bloom alerts, reduced closure duration |
| First Nations Communities | Safe drinking water protection, cultural waterway preservation |
| Cottage Associations & Resorts | Maintain tourism, avoid revenue loss |
| Conservation Authorities | Ecosystem monitoring, compliance reporting |
| Provincial Parks & Recreation | Safe beaches and boating areas |
Why Choose Canadian Shield Consultants for Blue-Green Algae Services in Ontario?
- Local Northern Ontario expertise – Based in Greater Sudbury with regional response teams
- Partnership with NOSM – Backed by medical and environmental research leaders
- MECP-compliant reporting – Seamless integration with Spills Action Centre and Ministry of Environment
- Rapid deployment – Aerial surveys within 24–48 hours of request
- Eco-friendly & non-invasive – No water disturbance or chemical use
Protect Your Waterway – Contact CSCA Today
Request aerial cyanobacteria screening for your lake or river.
Research & Development Engineering Blue Green Algae
Research & Development Engineering by Canadian Shield Consultants Agency (CSCA)
Research & Development Engineering
Research & Development Engineering by Canadian Shield Consultants Agency (CSCA)
recent projects
Protect your property and Ontario's pristine environment with advanced residential wastewater treatment systems from Canadian Shield Consultants. Serving homeowners across Ontario—including cottage country, rural estates, and lakeside retreats—we specialize in custom septic system design, installation, and maintenance tailored to challenging soils like the Canadian Shield's rocky terrain.
Canadian Shield Consultants delivers rapid, compliant spill response services across Ontario, protecting the environment, ensuring regulatory compliance, and minimizing downtime for businesses. As a leading spill response company in Ontario, Canada, we specialize in hazardous material spill cleanup, emergency spill containment, and environmental remediation for industrial, commercial, and municipal clients.
Canadian Shield Consultants Agency (CSCA) delivers ultra-fast containerized wastewater systems for Sudbury mining operations. For Lakeshore Gold (now Agnico Eagle), CSCA installed and commissioned a full-scale treatment plant in just 1 week – enabling +200 additional workers at the Holloway Mine demolition site without any operational shutdown.
Canadian Shield Consultants Agency, established in St-Charles Ontario in 1996, first became involved in environmental consulting during the diversion of wastewater regulations from the Environmental Protection Act to the Ontario Building Code in 1998 sensing a need for service delivery between the regulatory framework and the public.
“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!”
“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”
“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.”
“I would be happy to recommend Canadian Shield Consultants Agency and I would hire them again if the need arose.”
“Throughout the entire month long project CSCA did not veer from the original goal and made MRWs time in St. Charles a positive experience.”
