Company Profile
Ecosystem Consulting Service, Inc. was founded in 1980 by Dr. Robert W. Kortmann, Ph.D. (Environmental Science, Rutgers University; Limnology/Ecosystem Ecology University of Connecticut).
ECS, Inc. consists of two divisions; Research and EcoLogial Technologies (EcoTech). The Research Division is run by Dr. Robert Kortmann and staffed by qualified Field Biologists. The Research Division conducts problem solving diagnostic-feasibility studies, monitoring programs, client-based monitoring programs, method and apparatus development and design. In 1985, Charles Bonnell joined ECS, Inc to help develop the EcoTech Division. EcoTech provides design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of specialized apparatus, as well as SCUBA inspections/surveys, and operation/maintenance services.
Our expertise in Applied Limnology has taken us from cost-to-coast, and internationally as far away as Sao Paulo, Brazil.
ECS, Inc. and its professional staff continue to maintain its links to the academic community and private sector through its active participation in:
- American Water Works Association AWWA
- North American Lake Management Society NALMS
- American Society of Limnology and Oceanography ASLO
- American Fisheries Society AFS
Our Approach
Water Resource Management that works in concert with Nature!
Our science-based approach results in effective and innovative resource quality improvement. This approach has led us to develop several innovative methods for varied applications. Some methods include:
- Winter Temperature Manipulation to control impacts of an invasive fish species; land-locked alewife.
- Aeration Technology that uses photosynthesis as an oxygen source.
- Nutrient Inactivation Technology that uses iron generated by anaerobic respiration in a lake.
- Gravity-driven Flow Routing Technology for depth-selective inflow or outflow.
- Downflow Contactor Oxygenation Technology that requires no in-lake mechanical or electrical parts.
- Resource Management Equipment powered by wind and/or solar.
Our Mission is to Improve Lake and Water Supply Reservoir Quality!
To provide cost-conscious, state-of-the-art water resource management, including:
- Research
- Consulting
- Watershed Management
- Apparatus
- Implementation
- Operation & Maintenance
- Monitoring
Consulting
Overview
Ecosystem Consulting Service, Inc. established the Research Division to diagnose causes of lake and reservoir water quality degradation, eutrophication impacts, and habitat loss, as well as to prescribe effective treatments and management approaches. We conduct a variety of studies ranging from "Second Opinion Reviews" to complete multi-year Diagnostic-Feasibility Studies. Most often we recommend a "Limnological Baseline Study" consisting of a review of available information, several samplings at critical times, and preparation of a "Review Report" which identifies the basic nature of the ecosystem, healthy attributes, causes of water quality problems, and those approaches which offer the most cost-effective management potential. Then informed decisions can be made regarding further work.
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