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Berre
The global network
The origins of the Berre salt works date back to the 12th century. This salt works of about 250 ha, as of the seventies, was reconverted to the production of solar salt :
- a consequence of the gradual reduction of salt in the water from the Berre pond (direct feed of fresh water from the River Durance from St Chamas hydro-electric station).
- the availability of highly concentrated brine coming from the creation of strategic caverns in the Manosque rock salt deposit dedicated to hydrocarbon and gas storage.
This brine is delivered by a pipeline, either directly to the Berre salt works or after transit by the Engrenier and Lavalduc storage ponds.
As of springtime and during the summer, thanks to the effect of the sun and the wind, the brine reaches saturation which leads to the natural deposit of salt on the salt beds. Harvested in September, this salt (45,000 tonnes/year) is mainly used for de-icing and is transported by lorry.