W.O.R.M.S. (Worms Operating to Reduce Municipal Sludge) is dedicated to the research of converting municipal wastewater treatment plant sludge “non-thermophillicly” (without heat) to a Class A biosolid meeting all the requirements of E.P.A. 503 PFRP (Processes to Further Reduce Pathogens) through the use of "Vermistabilization" with Redworms. (Vermi-worm Stabilize-Sludge) This research was originally begun by Dr. Roy Hartenstein, PhD, in 1978-1989 under multiple National Science Foundation Grants. (9) Dr. Hartenstein has 69 Peer reviewed published articles in Science Publications and Journals.
It was later revisited by Dr. Clive Edwards in 1996 through a two year pilot study and field trial in 1997. (2) While Dr. Edward’s pilot project appeared to meet all criteria needed to demonstrate its effectiveness as a bio-chemical, "non-thermal" technology for meeting Class A pathogen stabilization, no E.P.A. approvals were issued. It was put on hold by the EPA; not due to lack of scientific findings, but due to the approval committee’s inability to understand the methods of the mechanism used (redworm) and skepticism that it could be done consistently on a larger scale. No further research was attempted on a larger scale. (16, 2)
Numerous research studies and field experiments of the vermistabilization process, (in other Countries) have concluded it to be an environmentally safe and cost effective method, using less fossil fuels for energy consumption and having less detrimental consequences to water, air, and soil health than through the use of alternative methods, (landfill, incineration, land application, composting, thermophilic processes and gas to energy conversion). These alternative methods are costly due to transportation, labor, and energy costs; chemical additives, pollution abatement, large capital expenditures for start-up costs and upgrading of building and equipment requirements. They are also more harmful to the Environment, contributing greater levels of emissions of GHG, (Greenhouse Gasses).
Vermistabilization requires redworms, land, a front loader, some containers and minimal but strict management oversight. It is done in a controlled environment with strict monitoring of conditions for the worms; the food they're given and their living conditions. Laboratory tests are performed on a regular basis to guarantee the end result. A reduction of sludge treatment and disposal costs of at least 50% can be realized, and a 75-80% total weight reduction of biosolids can be achieved when meeting vector attraction reduction requirements. Best of all, a byproduct of the converted sludge is a Class A biosolid comprised of “vermicastings”/worm castings; a rich humic substance that serves as an organic soil amendment to add organic matter to the soil used on plants, gardens, crops, vineyards, golf courses, landscaping, and for reclaiming lost agricultural soils due to erosion, poor farming methods or polluted soils, i.e; superfund sites and possibly PFAS contaminated soil....no samples are available for research purposes at this time. (8, 13)
The castings are odorless, containing “humus”, (separate article) and have a peritrophic membrane around them to protect the other worms from diseases. Disturbance of the vermisoil can result in rupturing this membrane causing the worms to vacate that area and look for cleaner vermisoil. When the worms need to be separated a food source is placed into one or more corners where the worms will migrate to the food. Vermicastings in the remaining area is then removed.
The production of the Humic Substances is the real “magic” of how the worms remove the pathogenic microorganisms containing enteric viruses, salmonella, toxins, or helminth ova and excrete the castings with little or no harmful pathogens, or metals detected. (See Humus Article). By meeting Class A requirements, (2, 16) no restrictions of where, when and how they can be used are required. No one in America has ever taken the opportunity to do a large scale “proof of concept” pilot project due to the high costs for obtaining the worms, finding the space necessary, and the extremely high costs necessary to do the numerous lab tests required, which alone can amount to over $200,000. One average size wastewater treatment plant is paying over $1million/year just to have their biosolids transported for disposal by application to land or landfills, including permit fees, landfill fees, and transportation and energy costs. Some older WWTPs are spending over $100 million for upgrades, repair and maintenance of existing equipment. The vermicastings with savings would generate in excess of $3 million in revenues the first year processing 40K tons of sludge/biosolids. Now, that’s turning a Waste into a Resource! The best part is the workers (redworms) processing the biosolids; you just feed them, keep them in the dark, let them eat 24/7 and let them procreate with any other worms as many times as they want. As hermaphrodites, their dual sexuality allows mating with any other worm. More worms...more castings.
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