Company tests new ways to get rid of algae in Cape Coral

With more water from Lake Okeechobee now heading down the Caloosahatchee river toward the Gulf of Mexico, it’s safe to say the toxic algae isn’t going away by itself.

Cape Coral has approved to allow testing of a new way to battle the blue-green algae, with bacteria. The Cabot Canal off SE 26th Terrace is where the City plans to conduct the test.

“We’ve had it for weeks and weeks with nothing going on that’s improved it, so I’m all about trying something,” said Barbara Kozma who lives in Cape Coral.

The City is partnering with Cape Coral-based Ecological Laboratories for a free trial in the Cabot Canal behind Barbara and Stephen Kozma’s home.

“Let’s find some solutions,” Stephen Kozma said, “This is not good.”

The biotech company plans to use its bacteria product called “Microbe-lift” to fight the algae.

Vice President of Ecological Laboratories, Inc., Matthew Richter says their product eats the nutrients in the water that feeds the algae, “Why would we want to continue to see the environment around us degrade when this is exactly what we do?”

The algae then dies and the product even eats the dead algae.

“This is the solution,” Richter said.

He says it’s worked on fish tanks and ponds all over the world.

“It would be wonderful if one of our companies, one of our local entities, help contribute to solving this problem,” said Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello.

Coviello says they are also looking at other options to try to stop the blue-green algae from growing in the canals.

“Most of the things that we’re doing have never been tried before. We’re in a test trial, but we’re working hard to find a solution,” Coviello said.

The fire department plans to install booms at two other canals in SW Cape Coral next week. The City is also looking at a bubble curtain technology that puts oxygen back in the water to get rid of the algae.

That carries a $50,000 price tag.

“I think it’s worth it to spend the money,” Kozma said.

Ecological Laboratories, Inc. tells WINK News they are aiming for next Wednesday to start putting their product in the canal, but it will likely take a couple of weeks to see results.