TREASURE COAST, Fl. (CBS12) — The algae that has taken over waterways along the Treasure Coast may have met it's match. There's a new machine that will process thousands of gallons of water in a new experimental solution.
How it works and how long it could take:
At a local marina, the algae is anywhere from 4 to 8 inches thick. One local company is now hoping a new technique will remove this algae - and they can then take their method to other parts of the Treasure Coast.
It's a thick, green sludge that is destroying wildlife -- and taking over businesses
"You smell the burning sensation," said Stephen Leighton from Ecosphere Technologies. "Its just horrific."
Now, at Casa Rio Boat and Motor Sales, one local company is taking action. Ecosphere Technologies has a plan -- and they are starting with a machine they say will eat away the algae that's taking over the waterways.
"We destroy very tough bacteria strands as well as algae level in various types of water so we'll be processing roughly approximately 4,000 gallons a minute in this area for the next few days."
It's a tough task, but Ecosphere Technologies is no stranger to environmental challenges. Today's demonstration is what they hope will restore the community.
"We're gonna eradicate it, we're gonna detail it out," said Corey McGuire, Director of Marketing. "This is a new day for Martin County and we're gonna move forward and get this squared away."
The company hopes to continue the process throughout the coming days - and have this marina cleared of the algae by the end of the weekend.