W.O.R.M.S. (Worms Operating to Reduce Municipal Sludge)

W.O.R.M.S.  

(Worms Operating to Reduce Municipal Sludge)

I am the owner of W.O.R.M.S, (Worms Operating to Reduce Municipal Sludge).  The company's principle philosophy is to re-define the definition of "recycling" to include all decomposable organic waste materials and converting them through a biochemical, “non-thermophilic”, approach using redworms as the mechanism, (without heating and using an unnecessary amount of additional energy). 

This process was proven to meet the Class A equivalent criteria of the E.P.A. in 1979 through a pilot program conducted by Clive Edwards in Ocoee, FL.

(2, 16)     

The process using redworms is called “Vermistabilization”.  First, there was “Composting” requiring great lengths of time and labor to decompose organic wastes for later use as a soil amendment. (no worms or vermicastings). Then came “Vermicomposting”, using worms to speed up the process and provide “vermicastings”, (vermi for worm, stabilization for Sludge/biosolids), for ornamental and agricultural use.  Vermicastings is a soil amendment that, unlike fertilizers, contains an organic source of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients to plant roots creating a “living soil” that helps plant roots uptake essential nutrients in the correct proportions. 

Vermistabilization takes the process one large leap forward in producing castings from Wastewater Treatment Plants “Biosolids” or “Sludge”. (7, 3, 4, 9, 13, 17)

Biosolids are produced by wastewater treatment plants after undergoing steps to “partially” reduce pathogens, viruses, or harmful bacteria, (Class B).  Vermistabilization continues this process through stabilizing the biosolids further, utilizing redworms and creating castings that meet E.P.A's. exceptional soil classification called Class A.   Vermistabilization is presently used in numerous countries throughout the World. (See Map)

Worms are the only animal on Earth that can produce the most efficient and non-chemical humic organic soil in a “non-thermal” process readily available for plants cells.

Biosolids are divided into two classes on the basis of pathogen content.  Classes of biosolids include Class A, where treatment meeting 40 CFR Part 503 requirements for Class A biosolids reduce pathogens to below detectable levels, including viruses to a level where they are not hazardous and can be applied without restrictions....or

Class B biosolids, usually land applied and can be odorous to surrounding neighbors and businesses. "Spreading pollutant-filled biosolids on farmland is making people sick, contaminating drinking water and filling crops, livestock and humans with everything from pharmaceuticals to PFAS", (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/05/biosolids-toxic-chemicals-pollution.)

The biosolids have to be incorporated into the soil, have many restrictions where and when they can be applied, how they can be applied, and have detectable pathogens that could be harmful people with compromised immunities.  Sufficient monitoring of the application process and it's requirements are sorely lacking, based on the limited staff available to do so. While regulated as hazardous materials, (why then are they being land applied?), ... employees at WWTP don't wear protective equipment while working near or handling the materials.

Numerous cases of animals being sick or humans becoming ill have been documented after Class B biosolids have been land applied, (misapplied?) to areas. Tons are dumped into the landfill or incinerated if not meeting Class B requirements.

The problems with other than Class A biosolids applied over farm land or dumped in the landfill are many.

• Transportation costs can reach millions of dollars.

• Class B biosolids can be malodorous and potentially harmful to humans, animals and the environment, or people with compromised immune systems nearby.

• Class B biosolids monitoring and oversight requirements for the safety of the public when placing biosolids on fields are minimal at best due to shortages in personnel.

• Many restrictions are required, limiting the amount and location of areas that can be used and waiting periods before plantingobserved for growing crops after spreading Class B biosolids.  Monitoring again is questionable.

• Permits and regulations required are onerous and costly.

• Vermicastings are not produced, limiting the benefits to the soil and increasing the risk of pathogens in the plants and crops produced.  (See “vermicomposting benefits 13).

• Chemical Fertilizers, (used alternatively) are expensive, inorganic, degrade soil, do not last over long periods of time, and may harm the environment through leaching into bodies of water.

• Methane and carbon dioxide emissions are greater from landfills and soils where Class B biosolids are taken. (5, 10, 15).

• Limited landfill space and maximum amounts are placed on what they will accept in many cases.

• The practice is unsustainable over time.