A once pea-soupy reservoir in Utah has been miraculously transformed into a clear blue haven, benefiting both migratory birds and boating enthusiasts. The driving force behind this transformation is BlueGreen Water Tech, a pioneering company that has developed an environmentally friendly algicide capable of eliminating harmful algal blooms.
BlueGreen Water Tech funds these extensive cleaning projects by selling carbon credits to companies seeking to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. The impressive transformation of Mantua Reservoir, a large body of water in Utah, stands as a testament to their innovative approach, providing a public service at no cost to the community or the state.
“Harmful algal blooms infect 60 million lakes around the world, ultimately rendering them dead aquatic zones. They also hold an untapped potential to remove 5-15 gigatons of carbon each year,” Eyal Harel, CEO of BlueGreen, explained to Carbon Herald. This untapped potential for carbon removal is unlocked by BlueGreen’s patented LakeGuard product. Comprised of sodium percarbonate, LakeGuard releases hydrogen peroxide upon contact with water. Hydrogen peroxide, a chemical long recognized for its safe algicidal properties, triggers an auto-catalytic cell-death cascade among the harmful algae.
“What happens is that these harmful algae blooms become a giant carbon sink. By sinking that carbon to the sediment level and then allowing it to re-enter natural processes, we restore biodiversity and, more importantly, photosynthesis,” said Jan Spin, the recently-appointed President of BlueGreen’s Americas Division. This process not only rejuvenates the aquatic ecosystem but also significantly enhances carbon sequestration.
The transformation of Mantua Reservoir was part of the Utah Waterbodies Restoration Program, executed in partnership with Brigham City, Utah. Remarkably, this extensive cleanup was funded by the sale of 12,913 tonnes of carbon credits, costing the city and its residents nothing.
BlueGreen’s innovative model not only aids corporations in improving their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores but also allows shareholders to invest in an environmentally responsible manner. For local residents like Paxton Isom from Brigham City, the most significant change is the striking clarity of the water. Speaking to KSL TV, Isom reminisced about the past, “I remember how disgusting the usual pea soup color was at the end of August.”
The pristine transformation of Mantua Reservoir is a beacon of hope for countless other bodies of water plagued by harmful algal blooms worldwide. BlueGreen Water Tech’s breakthrough method shows that large-scale environmental rehabilitation is achievable and sustainable. By addressing both ecological and corporate needs through an innovative funding mechanism, BlueGreen is setting a new standard in environmental restoration and carbon sequestration.
Beyond the technicalities, this transformation speaks volumes about the potential for human ingenuity to harmonize with natural processes. The successful cleanup of Mantua Reservoir illustrates a future where technology and nature coexist symbiotically, offering a clearer, healthier environment for all. BlueGreen Water Tech’s achievements underscore the importance of innovative solutions in tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Their work not only revitalizes local ecosystems but also contributes significantly to global efforts in carbon management and biodiversity restoration.
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