On Tuesday, a ceremony took place at Da Nang International Airport to announce the successful completion of the 1^st phase of the project to remove dioxin contamination at the airport. 

In attendance at the event were US Ambassador to Viet Nam Ted Osius, Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh, and some representatives from municipal government departments and agencies.

According to the announcement, around 45,000m³ of dioxin-contaminated soil and sediment at the airport have been effectively treated and now meet the requirements of an agreement between the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Vietnamese Defence Ministry. 

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh (left) and US Ambassador Ted Osius

The treated soil and sediment will be used by the Viet Nam Aviation Corporation to build new taxiways and aircraft parking areas at the airport in preparation for the 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

During his speech at the event, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh praised the US government and its people for their great efforts in successfully implementing the 1^st phase of the project.  He hoped that the 2^nd phase of the project would be completed on schedule.

Ambassador Ted Osius expressed his honour and pleasure to be at the ceremony to witness the scientific and historical achievement.  The US diplomat remarked, “The project is a symbol of honesty with the past and helps to further the bilateral cooperation with Viet Nam.  I hope the 2 sides will continue boosting their closer cooperation ensure the success of the 2^nd phase of the project”.  

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Duc Dam underlined that the 1^st phase of the project is only the first important step in addressing post-war consequences, especially dioxin-related issues, since Viet Nam still has many other dioxin-contaminated areas and Agent Orange-affected people.

The ‘Removal of Dioxin Contamination at Da Nang International Airport’ project started in August 2012.  The 2^nd phase of the project, which involves excavating more contaminated soil and sediment and the installation of treatment systems, is planned to be completed in the 2^nd quarter of 2018.