The Sebou Water Basin Agency revealed that 58 olive mills in Taza Province produce more than 141,000 cubic meters of “margine” annually, which is the liquid waste from olive pressing.
This was announced during a communication meeting held yesterday, Wednesday, in Taza, where it was reported that the Provincial Committee inspected 38 mills, resulting in three violation reports.
The mills are distributed as follows:
- 13 mills in Taza city and its district
- 20 mills in Oued Amlil municipality and district
- 10 mills in Tahla city and district
- 9 mills in Aknoul district
- 6 mills in Tainaste district
The Agency announced plans to establish two treatment stations for “margine” on an area of 11 hectares, with a processing capacity of 71,000 cubic meters annually.
The Governor of Taza Province, Mustafa Al-Maaza, warned of the environmental risks of “margine” on water and soil quality, calling on mill owners to comply with environmental laws.
Bushra Wassouari, Head of Water Quality Service at the Agency, confirmed that olive waste pollution reduces the productivity of neighboring agricultural lands by up to 30% and increases drinking water treatment costs in nearby villages.
The Agency’s Director, Khalid Al-Ghamari, revealed the allocation of 10 million dirhams for daily laboratory analyses at six points along the Sebou River to ensure water quality flowing into the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Dam.
It’s worth noting that the pollution removal program in the Sebou basin includes establishing “margine” treatment stations with an annual capacity exceeding 759,000 cubic meters.