Cemex supports construction of Paris’s Austerlitz Wastewater Basin

Cemex has supplied 30,000m³ of concrete and managed the transport of construction waste for the Austerlitz Basin, a large wastewater storage project near Gare d’Austerlitz in Paris. The basin, which began operation in May, is designed to prevent untreated wastewater from entering the River Seine.

The Austerlitz Basin is a cylindrical structure measuring 50m in diameter and more than 30m deep, with a capacity of over 50,000m³. Wastewater is directed into the basin via new underground tunnels and two collector wells. During heavy rainfall, the stored water is gradually released back into the sewer system for treatment.

Historically, some wastewater flowed directly into the Seine, but this new system significantly reduces such discharges. The project has already supported water quality improvements, enabling swimming in the Seine during last summer’s international sporting events and paving the way for future public use.

To construct the basin, Cemex supplied concrete from its Ivry-sur-Seine and Paris Tolbiac plants. This concrete was used for diaphragm walls, collector wells, and 60m-high barrettes that support the structure.

Cemex also managed the removal of 128,000 tonnes of construction, demolition, and excavation waste via its river operations. This material was transported to quarries in Normandy and Bruyères-sur-Oise for sorting and treatment.

The project involved multiple stakeholders, including the Impluvium consortium, led by Urbaine de Travaux, and subcontractors like Charier and Extract. The basin is owned by the City of Paris.

Commenting on the company’s role, Michel Andre, vice president of materials for western Europe, said: “This project reflects how building materials can play a role in creating sustainable urban infrastructure while benefiting local communities.”