#USA #Perca #Vermifiltration #Earthworms #Walla Walla

Perca's Innovative Approach to Wastewater Treatment

Perca, Inc., a pioneering environmental technology company based in Walla Walla, Washington, has unveiled a groundbreaking method for treating wastewater utilizing the natural capabilities of earthworms and microbial communities. This innovative system promises to regenerate contaminated water more sustainably and effectively, addressing some of the most challenging pollutants found in industrial wastewater.

Nature-Inspired Technology

According to Russ Davis, President and CEO of Perca, the key to this revolutionary solution lies in mimicking natural purification processes. "Nature has been cleaning water since the dawn of time; we have simply scaled and refined those processes using vermiculture and sustainable principles," he states. The proprietary system, known as vermifiltration, efficiently removes a wide array of contaminants including biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrogen, phosphorus, and even harmful substances like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and deicers.

Davis notes that their technology has demonstrated remarkable success in eliminating more than 95% of certain hard-to-remove pollutants, with ongoing research aimed at enhancing the removal rates of additional contaminants at Perca's advanced Vermi-Tech Innovation Center (VIC).

Proven Results in Real-World Applications

Two significant projects in Walla Walla highlight the effectiveness of Perca’s earthworm-based system. One initiative involved collaboration with the City of Walla Walla, targeting significant wastewater generators struggling with compliance issues. Leah Rohan, an environmental engineer with the city, described the system as a game-changer: "The solution that finally got them back into full compliance was the worm bed."

The other project involved a pilot with the Washington State Penitentiary, where initial tests revealed the presence of potentially toxic chemicals in treated wastewater. Dean Smith, an environmental specialist with the Washington State Department of Corrections, expressed his surprise at the results: "It really is astonishing that such a simple and natural method can be so effective."

Following a successful three-month trial, Perca has proposed implementing a full-scale system to continue the achieved compliance and efficiency. Talks are expected to progress in 2025.

An Eco-Friendly Future in Wastewater Management

The success of Perca's innovative technology has captured the attention of industry experts. Carissa Yaremchuk, a board member of Perca and a director at the multinational engineering firm Black & Veatch, is optimistic about the future. "With these proven results in Walla Walla, I foresee a significant rise in the use of worm beds in wastewater treatment facilities across the country."

Davis emphasizes the urgent need for such solutions: "Chemicals like PCBs and PFAS pose serious risks as they bioaccumulate within human and animal tissues. By addressing these harmful substances directly in wastewater and stormwater, we can prevent them from entering the wider ecosystem."

Scalability and Versatility of the System

Perca's vermifiltration technology is designed for scalability, making it applicable for both large municipal plants and smaller industrial operations. The company is also expanding its reach into new regions facing challenges with wastewater contamination, offering mobile test units for on-site efficacy demonstrations.

As Perca continues to pave the way toward more eco-friendly wastewater treatment solutions using nature's own processes, their mission remains clear: transform the way industries manage and treat water while protecting our environment for future generations.

To learn more about Perca's innovative wastewater treatment solutions, visit perca.net or contact them at 509-876-2124.