Regional Commission Orders Immediate Closure of Oil Mill for Environmental Violations
The Regional Commission for Oil Mill Control has ordered the immediate closure of an oil mill for dumping margine, a byproduct of olive oil production, into the natural environment. The decision must be enforced by local authorities as soon as possible, according to a statement from the Commission. Two reports have also been filed for environmental pollution and damage to public water domains, after inspections revealed dumping into a watercourse and the discharge of the oil mill's wastewater into nature.
These measures are part of a regional program to control the management of margine, also known as "zibar", a byproduct of olive oil production. The Commission organized five awareness days for oil mill owners to promote the use of margine as an agricultural fertilizer, and met three times to monitor field inspections.
Since the start of the olive harvest campaign, the National Environmental Protection Agency has conducted 18 inspections in Manouba, resulting in four reports for illegal dumping and damage to ecosystems. These offenses occur while the Regional Delegation for Agricultural Development encourages the use of margine as fertilizer in olive groves and orchards to strengthen soil fertility and improve productivity.
To date, 100 hectares have been fertilized with margine, and the Regional Commission has validated the use of this substance on an additional 500 hectares after studying requests from 25 farmers and oil mill owners. The practices respect strict standards, including a maximum of 50 cubic meters per hectare and spreading once every two years.
Although the collective margine dumping site in Djebel Miyana (Tabarba) has been closed since 2017, the situation does not pose a problem due to the limited quantities intended for agriculture. Margine, rich in organic matter, polycyclic phenols, and alcohols, poses a significant environmental risk if not managed properly.
Key Facts:
- The Regional Commission for Oil Mill Control has ordered the closure of an oil mill for environmental violations
- 18 inspections have been conducted in Manouba, resulting in four reports for illegal dumping and damage to ecosystems
- 100 hectares have been fertilized with margine, with an additional 500 hectares validated for use
- Strict standards are in place for the use of margine as fertilizer, including a maximum of 50 cubic meters per hectare and spreading once every two years
- The collective margine dumping site in Djebel Miyana (Tabarba) has been closed since 2017
