University of Guelph
The reappearance of excessive nutrient loading in Lake Erie and the subsequent algae blooms is an extremely complex issue and is quite different in nature than the previous phosphorous loadings in the 1970s. Unlike the issue in the 1970s, there are far more sources adding nutrients to the late and these sources are diverse in nature ranging from rural to urban. In order to understand the nutrient loading, both in the temporal and spatial domains, more complex analytic and predictive tools are required in order to help policy make sound, science based, and defendable solutions.
The University of Guelph is uniquely positioned to help address the issues around Lake Erie with long standing core strengths in both the agricultural sector and the environmental field. In conjunction with our partner, Greenland Consulting Engineers, and their watershed evaluation tool (CANWETTM), we believe that we have the engineering and technology to extrapolate CANWETTM from the watershed level up to the lake basin level and provide decision-making support for the entire Lake Erie basin.
Hussein Abdullah, Ph.D., P. Eng.
Director, School of Engineering
University of Guelph
January, 26 2015
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
In March of 2013, Greenland International Consulting Ltd. completed a study for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to estimate nutrient loading in small catchment of about 177 square kilometers in the La Salle River watershed in southern Manitoba using the CANWET 4 model. Given uncertainties in some input data and model parameters, the preliminary results using the CANWET 4 model for baseline conditions of stream discharge, nutrient concentrations and loads were satisfactory in our project team as simulated values were within the range of observed values during the validation period.
This study suggests the CANWET 4 modeling approach could be used to predict changes to nutrient loads from changing land use scenarios in watersheds of this region.
Jason Vanrobaeys
Senior Land Resource Specialist
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
County of Simcoe
Greenland provided exemplary consulting services to complete this landmark project. The firm’s attention to detail and proactive ideas was very important to assist the County in addressing the issues of concern about the study’s findings and also providing defendable, yet provocative, solutions based on best available science and proven technologies for the benefit of all local municipalities.
This letter confirms that the study objectives were met within the approved time frame. Greenland also provided a sizeable in-kind contribution to complete value-added deliverables and established new partnerships in terms of future watershed modeling and technology development initiatives involving the County of Simcoe.
Rick Newlove, P. Eng.
General Manager of Engineering, Planning and Environment
County of Simcoe
May 1, 2012
Urban Watershed Group (UWG) is recognized for and specializes in creative and innovative urban land and civil engineering solutions for planners, developers and public sector clients. The team includes environmental, municipal and water resources engineering and other information technology specialists affiliated with the Greenland Group of Companies. UWG provides diverse services and leading-edge capabilities that can support the success of the most challenging urban land projects today. UWG was established in 2002 as a consulting firm with various civil engineering business units that were self-managed, yet worked together as a composite team to produce cost-effective results. In 2006, the company joined GREENLAND® to strengthen its capabilities within increasingly competitive markets and to use all proprietary GREENLAND® decision support system and smart analytical tools. Since incorporation, UWG continues to help shape the world around us – including time-tested experience, comprehensive resources and intelligent solutions for urban land projects.
