With a capacity of 141,000 m³: New evaporation ponds for the treatment of olive mill wastewater in Sefrou

Industrial pollution The Sefrou province is strengthening its management system for olive mill wastewater. New facilities are being set up in the Sefrou and El Menzel areas to help prevent polluting discharges from oil mills and protect water resources, particularly the Sebou river, as the 2026-2027 olive season approaches. Evaporation ponds with an annual capacity of 141,000 cubic metres have been set up in the Sefrou province to ensure the treatment of olive mill wastewater, liquid residues from olive crushing, as part of preventive measures taken to fight industrial pollution and protect the Sebou river. These facilities have an annual treatment capacity of 76,000 cubic metres in the Sefrou area and 65,000 cubic metres in the El Menzel area, for a cumulative capacity of 141,000 cubic metres, according to data presented during a meeting devoted to the management of the 2026-2027 olive season, held on Thursday in Sefrou. Since 2024, the Société régionale multiservices Fès-Meknès (SRM-FM) has been responsible for the construction and equipment of these ponds, as well as the transport of the wastewater to the facilities set up for this purpose. For its part, the provincial authority has supported the implementation of this project, notably through the identification of appropriate sites for the development of the ponds and the organisation of awareness and guidance meetings for oil mill owners. These actions, announced during this meeting held under the chairmanship of the Governor of Sefrou province, Ibrahim Abou Zeid, in the presence of representatives of the agriculture and environment services, the Sebou Hydraulic Basin Agency, and the SRM, aim to encourage the adherence of professionals to this environmental approach and to raise their awareness of the importance of responsible management of olive mill wastewater, given its potential effects on water resources and natural environments in the event of uncontrolled discharge. This mobilisation is also part of national efforts to preserve water resources and rationalise their use, in accordance with the High Royal Orientations calling for intensified efforts to mobilise water resources and face the challenges linked to water stress. Receive the latest news from Aujourd’hui Le Maroc directly on WhatsApp