ASI Group Ltd.
ASI Group Ltd. (ASI) is a private Canadian company founded
in 1987. The company develops and provides water and
wastewater services for industries, utilities and municipalities
specializing in remotely operated vehicle inspections of flooded
tunnels and pipelines, zebra mussel control, aquatic toxicology,
commercial diving, marine construction and water/wastewater
management. The head office and laboratory is in St. Catharines,
Ontario with a second service branch located in Sarnia, Ontario.
The company has a growing staff of forty-five marine engineers,
technologists, biologists and commercial divers that are
complimented by experienced consultants and equipment suppliers
on a project-by-project basis. ASI ensures that all aspects of
the project requirements are carefully monitored and remediation
solutions meet the objectives of the client.
ASI is recognized as the industrial leader in zebra mussel
control for raw water users. The company has researched and
developed many of the Zebra Mussel control systems available in
the marketplace today. Protocols developed for the control of
this non-indigenous exotic species in North American waters
include:
high intensity ultraviolet source
cathodic protection
oxidant use
potash treatment
heat treatment
filter testing
chlorination injection systems
ASI provides complete systems for inspection, monitoring and
treatment of water/wastewater, fireline protection and industrial
biomonitoring. These systems are competitively priced and
suitably designed for operation to be monitored by plant
employees or on an outsourced basis.
Underwater inspection of water intakes and outfalls led to the
development of a fleet of purpose built remotely operated
vehicles (ROV). ROV's utilized for civil engineering assessment
of structural integrity of pipeline, tunnel and penstocks are
equipped with:
topside controls (real time vehicle maneuvering).
Bore-hole camera
Non-destructive testing
Ultrasound
Radiography
Sonar imaging
fibreoptic technology sonar and function telemetry.
These vehicles are capable of internal inspections of ranging
from pipelines 15 cm in diameter to tunnels 6 meters in diameter.
ASI has conducted over 300 miles of remote tunnel and pipeline
inspections since 1990. The company set a world distance record
(10km) as part of a 120 km tunnel inspection in Finland using an
ROV equipped with a fibreoptic umbilical specifically designed
for this type of project.
Findings from underwater inspections have resulted in the
development of specialized installation repair and maintenance
technology. ASI diving and ROV teams have gained wide
recognition for their practical experience and versatility in
handling complex technical assignments in hazardous underwater
environments.
R&D is an important process at Aquatic Sciences Inc. The company
is determined to provide technical solutions for utilities,
industries and municipalities facing increasing pressure for
environmental responsibility and profitability. In-house
toxicology facilities (CAEL certified), ecological measurement
and environmental assessment services enable ASI to provide every
phases of industrial water and wastewater management. By managing
the interfaces between disciplines, ASI is able to bundle
services and offer greater operating efficiencies in project
management.
CAEAL - Canadian Association of Environmental Laboratories
SCC - Standards Council of Canada
AWWA - American Water and Wastewater Association
OPCEA - Ontario Pollution Control Equipment Association
TEAM CANADA 1998 - Trade Mission to Brazil, Argentina, Chile,
Mexico
UMRUG - Utility Management Robotic Users Group
CTA - Canadian Tunnellers Association
ANS - American Nuclear Society
MTS - Marine Technology Society
ADC - American Association of Diving Contractors
Environmental Profile
Sub-sectors:
1- Marine Inspection Services: Robotics - Underwater Inspections; commercial Diving; construction. 2- Environmental; 3- Toxicology; 4- Engineering.
MARINE INSPECTION SERVICES
PIPELINE AND TUNNEL INSPECTIONS: Civil Engineering inspections using various unmanned remotely operated vehicles (ROV) for continuous distances up to 10 km from a single access point.
Structural underwater applications including: video and Sonar imaging; ultrasound; metal thickness/Non-destructive testing; geophysical surveys including sidescan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, bathymetry and positioning; cathodic protection surveys; location and tracking of buried pipelines; bridge structures; tunnel and shaft investigations; dam site investigations.
REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE (ROV) FLEET FOR: tracked inspection system for small diameter pipelines; medium-sized conduits up to 1.5 km long; long tunnel inspections up to 10 km long; open water video inspections.
MARINE CONSTRUCTION: installation of intake/outfall pipelines; underwater welding/cutting; grout injection and tremie concrete placement; bulkhead and coffer dam installation; mussel control system installations; salvage of sunken vessels; pipeline installation/remediation.
INDUSTRIAL SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE: cleaning/removal of mussels; pumpwell clean-out; trash rack/travelling screen removal and installation; pipeline repair; water storage tanks/reservoir inspections; clarifier/digester/lagoon inspections and cleaning.
ZEBRA MUSSEL CONTROL
INDUSTRIAL CONTROL PROGRAMMES: identification of presence, mortality and life stage of zebra mussel larvae; site assessment for biofouling organisms - zebra mussel, algae, biofilm, etc.; treatment and monitoring of zebra mussel infestations for remediation; government permits and compliance reporting; cleaning and removal of mussel infestation.
FIRELINE BIOFOULING CONTROL: dissolved oxygen monitoring; potash treatment.
ALTERNATIVE ZEBRA MUSSEL CONTROL PROTOCOLS AND RESEARCH: heat treatment; high intensity UV source; filters; modified cathodic protection procedures; chemical treatments.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES; aquatic environmental assessments; phase I, II, III Audits; EEM - Environmental Effects Monitoring; bathymetric and limnological surveys; mine closure and decommissioning plans.
TECHNICAL SERVICES: storm and wastewater monitoring; industrial effluent monitoring; effluent quality monitoring; instrument installations and maintenance; leachate odour control facilities design and installation.
ECOLOGICAL SERVICES: benthic and fish community analysis; habitat assessments; wildlife inventories; creel surveys; ecological risk assessment; wetland rehabilitation and restoration.
ECOLOGICAL TOXICITY TESTING LABORATORY
TESTING SERVICES: toxicology identification/reduction evaluations (TIE/TRE); in situ flow-through bioassays; avoidance response testing; MISA compliance for industrial effluent accuracy; aquatic toxicology tests for effluent: Algae, Daphnia magna, Ceriodaphnia dubia, Rainbow Trout, fathead minnow; sediment toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca, Hexagenia, Chironomus tentans; juvenile Fathead minnows; bacteria (microtox); marine toxicity tests; silver side, Purple sea urchin.
PROTOCOLS FOLLOWED FOR: CAEAL, EPS, EPA, ASTM, APHA, ISO, OECD; MISA, PPER, EEM, MMLER
Aquatic Sciences Inc. (ASI) is a full service professional engineering and environmental technology company providing scientific and technical services to utilities, industry and
government clients worldwide.
ASI excels in robotic pipeline and tunnel inspections, biofouling (zebra mussel) control, commercial diving, marine construction, toxicity analysis, environmental assessments and
freshwater management. Clients utilizing these services include municipal drinking water facilities, hydro-electric plants, nuclear stations, steel mills, pulp and paper mills, oil refineries,
mining mills, smelting plants and private industries using raw water in their processes. ASI has been involved in a variety of projects worldwide: in Europe (Finland, France), in South
America (Chile, Peru, Argentina), in Latin America (Mexico, Dominican Republic) and in all parts of the United States.
Selected areas of expertise include: underwater robotic inspections in submerged pipeline and tunnels doe uninterrupted distances up to 10 km, marine inspection services, industrial
control of zebra mussel biofouling, design and application of protocols and instrumentation in environmental monitoring. The Company's consulting and field services are
complemented by in-house toxicology laboratory facilities, which enhances their full range of fresh water management services. In addition, ASI Marine, a division of ASI, specializes
in the field of marine construction, inspection, geophysical surveys and contamination spill site remediation.
ASI goes well beyond the limitations of consultation reporting, actually implementing our recommendations, procedures and technologies.
Company Details
Year Established:
1987
Total Sales ($CDN):
$1,000,000 - $5,000,000
Number of Employees:
100
Company Information
Barbara Laurens
Title:
Business Development Manager
Area of Responsibility:
Domestic Sales & Marketing, Export Sales & Marketing
Telephone:
(905) 641-0941
Fax:
(905) 641-1825
Email:
Click Here
Products
Environmental Products And Services
Remotely Operated Vehicle (rov) For Long Tunnel And Pipeline Inspections.
Underwater tunnels and pipelines with limited access have been difficult to inspect for structural integrity or obstructions. Traditional dewatering techniques pose considerable structural and human risk when unstable conditions have been identified in the tunnel. Aquatic Sciences Inc. (ASI) provides unmanned Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) to perform internal video and sonar inspections on pipelines ranging from 15 cm to 6 m in diameter. Fibre optic technology integrated into the umbilical cable transports clear and detailed sonar and video images in real time to the surface control station. Continuous inspections of 10 km are routine accomplishments for ASI's ROV expertise in long tunnel surveys.
ASI owns and operates a fleet of ROV for the following applications: 1- ASI Pipecrawler - tracked inspection systems for small diameter pipelines; 2- SI Pipeliner - for medium-sized conduits; 3- ASI HD2 - for open water surveys; ASI Mantaro - for long tunnel inspections up to 10 km long.
Findings from underwater inspections have resulted in the development of specialized installation repair and maintenance technology. ASI commercial diving and ROV teams have gained worldwide recognition for their practical experience and versatility in handling complex technical assignments in hazardous underwater environments.
Zebra Mussel Inspection, Monitoring And Control Programmes.
Aquatic Sciences Inc. (ASI) has successfully researched and developed all of the effective industrial zebra mussel products and controls available in North America.
Control measures include chemical and non-chemical options:potash treatment; dissolved oxygen monitoring; heat treatment; high intensity UV source; filters; modified cathodic protection procedures; chemicals.
Industrial control programmes are tailored to suit the facility including: site assessment for biofouling organisms, zebra mussels, algae, biofilms, etc.; systems of treatment measures; formulation of site specific protocols; routine in line monitoring of treatment effectiveness; remediation measures for affected systems;
ASI provides a turnkey operation, portable metering equipment which is installed temporarily at the site for the delivery of chemical rich solutions to the water system. Equipment includes a metering panel and chemical holding tank with spill containment. Biobox monitors placed at the system extremities are used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Protocols are developed on a site specific basis offering clients the most economical and comprehensive treatment options that satisfy the needs of each facility.
Industrial Reduction Of Effluent Toxicity.
Aquatic Sciences Inc. (ASI) specializes in measuring the effets of chronic exposure of aquatic systems to effluent streams. In an effort to simplify and more accurately reflect real world situations, while improving effluent quality, the use of whole effluent toxicity testing using single test species has become standard protocol.
The Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIE) protocols were developed to aid water dischargers who were having difficulty meeting toxicity regulations and who, therefore needed to characterize, identify and confirm the causative agents of toxicity in their effluent. This evaluation can result in tremendous cost savings when compared to whole effluent treatment which often means dealing with very large volumes of water or conducting very expensive 'exploratory' treatability studies and environmental audits and may ultimately save industry from the enforcement actions of environmental regulators if toxicity persists.
1- Phase I or toxicant characterization tests are designed to identify the physical/chemical properties of the toxic components of the effluent stream through a series of manipulations.
2- Phase II involves toxicant identification which Phase I tests have implicated and may result in toxicant treatability.
3- Phase III confirmation testing of toxic agents is completed in order to isolate or identify artifacts in Phase I and II testing which were caused by the manipulations of these samples.
4- Phase IV involves repetitive testing to develop correlations between the concentration of the suspect toxicant and effluent toxicity, to determine species sensitivity and to identify the specific toxicity of the compound in question through spiking, or deletion in test samples.
Any single effluent treatment test does not by itself provide even limited proof that a certain toxicant or group of toxicants are causing effluent toxicity. As testing accumulates and the TIE proceeds, a 'weight of evidence ' develops that ultimately leads to confirmation of a suspected toxic source.
ASI clients utilize the results of the TIE in order to determine the most economical method of dealing with the effluent toxicity. If the results of the TIE indicate a specific chemical culprit, it is often most economical to eliminate or replace this chemical at source.
Odour Control Design.
ASI designs and implements reliable and cost effective alternatives to existing odour control facilities at traditional landfill sites.
Designs consist of: options for controlling the chemical dosing for odour control purposes; justification for the selected design; sizing of equipment; presentation of concept design drawings; compilation of an equipment and material list; options for data acquisition systems; renovation requirements for the odour control facility building; operation and maintenance requirements; budget cost for the installation;
Phase I: Design Phase; Phase II: Building Refurbishment; Phase III: System installation and commissioning; Phase IV: Service/maintenance and optimization of the new system.
Typical odour control facilities are based on a flow proportional dosing control strategy which utilizes 12% (trade) sodium hypocholorite to neutralize odour causing chemical compounds in the effluent sewer. Prior to discharge to the municipal sanitary sewer the primary odour compounds are those that lead to the formation of hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Odour control systems focus on oxidizing any sulphides present to either sulphate or colloidal sulphur. The reaction of sodium hypochlorite with the suphites at the point of application is almost instantaneous.
ASI recommends a chemical dosing control strategy option with a modified flow proportional based dosing system. Control strategies are designed with appropriate alarms and safety features to ensure the system is operated in a safe and effective manner.
Services
Environmental Consulting
Aquatic Sciences Inc. (ASI) is a private Canadian company founded
in 1987. The company develops and provides of water and
wastewater services for industries, utilities and municipalities
specializing in remotely operated vehicle inspections of flooded
tunnels and pipelines, zebra mussel control, aquatic toxicology,
commercial diving, marine construction and water/wastewater
management. The head office and laboratory is in St. Catharines,
Ontario with a second service branch located in Sarnia, Ontario.
The company has a growing staff of forty-five marine engineers,
technologists, biologists and commercial divers that are
complimented by experienced consultants and equipment suppliers
on a project-by-project basis. ASI ensures that all aspects of
the project requirements are carefully monitored and remediation
solutions meet the objectives of the client.
ASI is recognized as the industrial leader in zebra mussel
control for raw water users. The company has researched and
developed many of the Zebra Mussel control systems available in
the marketplace today. Protocols developed for the control of
this non-indigenous exotic species in North American waters
include:
high intensity ultraviolet source
cathodic protection
oxidant use
potash treatment
heat treatment
filter testing
chlorination injection systems
ASI provides complete systems for inspection, monitoring and
treatment of water/wastewater, fireline protection and industrial
biomonitoring. These systems are competitively priced and
suitably designed for operation to be monitored by plant
employees or on an outsourced basis.
Underwater inspection of water intakes and outfalls led to the
development of a fleet of purpose built remotely operated
vehicles (ROV). ROV's utilized for civil engineering assessment
of structural integrity of pipeline, tunnel and penstocks are
equipped with:
topside controls (real time vehicle maneuvering).
Bore-hole camera
Non-destructive testing
Ultrasound
Radiography
Sonar imaging
fibreoptic technology sonar and function telemetry.
These vehicles are capable of internal inspections of ranging
from pipelines 15 cm in diameter to tunnels 6 meters in diameter.
ASI has conducted over 300 miles of remote tunnel and pipeline
inspections since 1990. The company set a world distance record
(10km) as part of a 120 km tunnel inspection in Finland using an
ROV equipped with a fibreoptic umbilical specifically designed
for this type of project.
Findings from underwater inspections have resulted in the
development of specialized installation repair and maintenance
technology. ASI diving and ROV teams have gained wide
recognition for their practical experience and versatility in
handling complex technical assignments in hazardous underwater
environments.
R&D is an important process at Aquatic Sciences Inc. The company
is determined to provide technical solutions for utilities,
industries and municipalities facing increasing pressure for
environmental responsibility and profitability. In-house
toxicology facilities (CAEL certified), ecological measurement
and environmental assessment services enable ASI to provide every
phases of industrial water and wastewater management. By managing
the interfaces between disciplines, ASI is able to bundle
services and offer greater operating efficiencies in project
management.
Tunnel And Pipeline Inspections
Underwater inspection of water intakes and outfalls led to the
development of a fleet of purpose built remotely operated
vehicles (ROV). ROV's utilized for civil engineering assessment
of structural integrity of pipeline, tunnel and penstocks are
equipped with:
topside controls (real time vehicle maneuvering).
Bore-hole camera
Non-destructive testing
Ultrasound
Radiography
Sonar imaging
fibreoptic technology sonar and function telemetry.
These vehicles are capable of internal inspections of ranging
from pipelines 15 cm in diameter to tunnels 6 meters in diameter.
ASI has conducted over 300 miles of remote tunnel and pipeline
inspections since 1990. The company set a world distance record
(10km) as part of a 120 km tunnel inspection in Finland using an
ROV equipped with a fibreoptic umbilical specifically designed
for this type of project.
Findings from underwater inspections have resulted in the
development of specialized installation repair and maintenance
technology. ASI diving and ROV teams have gained wide
recognition for their practical experience and versatility in
handling complex technical assignments in hazardous underwater
environments.
Zebra Mussel Control
ASI is recognized as the industrial leader in zebra mussel
control for raw water users. The company has researched and
developed many of the Zebra Mussel control systems available in
the marketplace today. Protocols developed for the control of
this non-indigenous exotic species in North American waters
include:
high intensity ultraviolet source
cathodic protection
oxidant use
potash treatment
heat treatment
filter testing
chlorination injection systems
ASI provides complete systems for inspection, monitoring and
treatment of water/wastewater, fireline protection and industrial
biomonitoring. These systems are competitively priced and
suitably designed for operation to be monitored by plant
employees or on an outsourced basis.
ASI has also developed a chlorination programme which utilizes
sodium hypochlorite in an environmentally safe manner. Through
the use of low dose procedures, sophisticated effluent monitoring
and control, industrial clients are able to ensure ``zero
chlorine discharge`` into receiving waters. These programmes are
thoroughly tested by detailed analytical monitoring and
environmental impact analysis. Utilizing these protocols ASI
performs all aspects of the control as an economical outsourcing
service for clients.
Environmental Consultant - Field Sampling & Monitoring
ECOLOGICAL SERVICES
Benthic community analysis
Fish community analysis
Habitat asessments
Wildlife inventories
Creel surveys
Ecological risk assessment
Wetland rehabilitation and restoration
Resource inventories
Rope Access High Angle
Industrial work positioning on high angle structures such as
bridges, piers, dams, penstocks, towers.
Environmental Consultant - Consulting
Environmental Consultant - Engineering Design/Specifications
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Storm and wastewater monitoring
Industrial effluent monitoring
Primary device calibrations
Effluent quality monitoring
Instrument installations and maintenance
Odour control facilities design and installation
Effluent treatability studies
Effluent plume delineations
Environmental Consultant - Environmental Impact Assessments
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES
Aquatic environmental assessments
Sediment contamination delineation and remediation
Assimilative capacity studies
Sediment transport and deposition
Phase I, II, III Audits
EEM - Environmental Effects Monitoring
Bathymetric and limnological surveys
Mine closure and decommissioning plans
Environmental Consultant - Ecological Toxicity Laboratory
ECOLOGICAL TOXICITY TESTING SERVICES
Toxicology identification/reduction evaluations (TIE/TRE)
In situ flow-through bioassays
Avoidance response testing
Aquatic toxicology tests for effluent:
Algae
Daphnia magna, Ceriodaphnia dubia
Rainbow trout, fathead minnow
Sediment toxicity tests
Hyalella azteca, Hexagenia, Chironomus tentans
Juvenile fathead minnows
Bacteria - microtox
Marine toxicity tests
Silver Side, Purple Sea Urchin
PROTOCOLS FOLLOWED FOR:
Canada - EPS
United States - EPA, ASTM, APHA
International - ISO, OECD
Municipal/Industrial Strategy for Abatement - MISA
Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations - PPER
Environmental Effects Monitoring - EEM
Metal Mining Liquid Effluent Regulations - MMLER
Environmental Consultant - Research
ASI is recognized as the industrial leader in zebra mussel
control for raw water users. The company has researched and
developed many of the Zebra Mussel control systems available in
the marketplace today. Protocols developed for the control of
this non-indigenous exotic species in North American waters
include:
high intensity ultraviolet source
cathodic protection
oxidant use
potash treatment
heat treatment
filter testing
chlorination injection systems
ASI provides complete systems for inspection, monitoring and
treatment of water/wastewater, fireline protection and industrial
biomonitoring. These systems are competitively priced and
suitably designed for operation to be monitored by plant
employees or on an outsourced basis.
ASI has also developed a chlorination programme which utilizes
sodium hypochlorite in an environmentally safe manner. Through
the use of low dose procedures, sophisticated effluent monitoring
and control, industrial clients are able to ensure ``zero
chlorine discharge`` into receiving waters. These programmes are
thoroughly tested by detailed analytical monitoring and
environmental impact analysis. Utilizing these protocols ASI
performs all aspects of the control as an economical outsourcing
service for clients.
Other innovations achieved by ASI are:
Specialized sampling techniques for contaminated environments
Robotic dredging
Data transmission systems utilizing radio telemetry
Stereo scopic underwater video dimensioning research
Ship ballast sampling systems for invasive species
Commercial Diving And Marine Construction
ASI Marine, a division of Aquatic Sciences Inc., specializes in
the field of marine construction, inspection, geophysical surveys
and contamination spill site remediation. ASI Marine, while
distinct from Aquatic Sciences Inc., mutually benefits from the
knowledge pool, technological research and the extensive
experience resources of a multi-discipline team.
Underwater inspection and installation of water intakes and
outfalls were the catalysts which led to the specialization in
repair and maintenance of these structures for industry, hydro
electrical utilities, refining facilities and pulp and paper
mills. ASI Marines year-round diving crews are known for their
practical experience in harsh operating conditions, rapid
mobility and versatility at handling a wide range of complex
construction assignments. General and sub-contractor services
also include underwater cutting and welding, design/build and
repair of submerged structures utilizing various construction
techniques and materials.
Aquatic Sciences Inc. excels in Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
pipeline and tunnel inspections, biofouling (zebra mussel)
control, commercial diving, toxicity analysis, environmental
assessments and fresh water management. Technology refinements
driven by continuous research and development have enabled ASI to
achieve unparalleled results. These initiatives have led ASI to
become the world leader in robotic underwater tunnel inspections
of uninterrupted distances of 10 km and development of industrial
standards for biofouling control of invading non-indigenous
species (zebra mussels).