In the provinces of Chefchaouen, Ouezzane, and Larache, mixed inspection commissions have been dispatched in recent days to monitor olive oil extraction units, whose by-products—liquid and toxic residues from pressing—continue to pose a major environmental threat.
According to the daily Al Akhbar, this field campaign is part of a strategy of heightened vigilance as the new olive oil season approaches, a period when pressure on presses reaches its peak. The objective is clear: to enforce environmental regulations and prevent disorderly discharges into waterways, which sustainably contaminate groundwater and degrade ecosystems.
Despite repeated reminders and awareness campaigns, the management of by-products remains a significant Achilles’ heel for the Moroccan olive oil sector. Numerous units—often artisanal—continue to discharge their effluents untreated. Recent inspections aim to penalize violators while assisting in the technical upgrading of facilities.
Local authorities, however, face criticism for the slow implementation of planned measures, particularly the establishment of dedicated industrial zones and the organization of collection and recycling systems for by-products. While these projects constitute a long-term response, their impact remains limited due to inadequate existing infrastructure and a lack of incentive mechanisms.
The current campaign is accompanied by graduated technical proposals tailored to the size and capacity of the units. For traditional, low-yield presses, a simple and inexpensive solution is recommended: the installation of 200-liter barrels and small evaporation basins, which help limit soil runoff. The investment, estimated at 20,000 dirhams per unit, is considered modest compared to the expected environmental benefits.
In contrast, semi-modern and modern units require more sophisticated devices. Waste treatment occurs in two phases, separating oil from solid residues to reduce the volume of liquid by-products. The remaining waste, rich in organic material, is then dried before disposal or recovery.
As for three-phase presses, which generate significant quantities of liquid waste, they necessitate the installation of sealed evaporation basins, combined with systems for separating and filtering oils and solid materials. These solutions significantly reduce the pollution load and help preserve local water resources.