Yann Le Moullec points out the importance of the issue, especially since 20% of the population in France is affected by non-collective sanitation, which amounts to five million people. Premier Tech, a Canadian company, has taken on this challenge and developed a high-performance system. According to a study by Inrae, their system has shown the best purification performance.
This system consists of two concrete tanks. The first tank is used for primary treatment and acts as a septic tank that receives all wastewater (from toilets, showers, dishes, etc.). During this initial treatment, solid materials settle at the bottom, while liquid flows into the secondary treatment tank where a biofilter made of coconut husks or maritime pine bark removes the risk of pollution. The purified water is then released into the ground. The system is gravity-based, mechanical, and does not require electricity. Depending on the size of the land, there is an all-in-one model available as well.
Yann Moullec explains that septic tank pumping should be done every four to five years, and the biofilter should be replaced every 12 to 15 years.
Four years ago, the research and development department launched a process to ensure the reliability of the concrete system. After two years of research, the first tank obtained certification. Following this success, Premier Tech built its first production plant in Montbrison, Loire. They then expanded to cover markets in western and southwestern France where non-collective sanitation is significant, with Gironde representing 20% of the region.
To reach customers within a 300 km radius, the company opted to build the tanks in Saint-André-de-Cubzac in the southwest. The goal is to produce close to customers to reduce carbon footprint from deliveries. The company acquired and renovated a former metallurgical building at the Aquitaine Industrial Park with a $3 million investment, and production started in early March.
Currently operating at 15% capacity, Premier Tech aims to increase production in the next three to five years, going from 7-8 employees to around fifteen. Lafarge, in collaboration with Premier Tech, handles the construction of the tanks at the concrete plant in Bussac-Forêt, processing 8 cubic meters per day.
