Vietnam, U.S. Ink Agreement On Dioxin Remediation in Bien Hoa Airport

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Air Defense-Air Force Service under the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense signed an agreement on non-refundable aid for a project on dioxin remediation in Bien Hoa airport in Hanoi on May 11, state media and the RFA Vietnamese news service reported. Michael Greene, Mission Director for USAID/Vietnam, and Lt. Gen. Le Huy Vinh, Commander of the Air Defense-Air Force Service, signed the document to start the plan making process for the work, the state-run news outlet Vietnam Plus reported. The project, estimated to cost $390 million, will be completed within 10 years. The U.S. side has vowed to collaborate with Vietnam and its Ministry of National Defense in addressing war consequences while continuing to foster bilateral economic, cultural and security relations. According to the assessments of Vietnam and the U.S., Bien Hoa is the largest remaining dioxin hotspot in Vietnam and some 500,000 cubic meters of dioxin contaminated land in the airport needs to be treated. The successful dioxin decontamination in this area will contribute to reducing risks of dioxin exposure and affecting human health. Since 2000, the U.S. has collaborated with Vietnam in dealing with humanitarian issues and war legacies, including removing post-war unexploded ordnances, identifying remains of servicemen missing in action and treating dioxin. Through the end of 2018, the USAID and the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense will complete a six-year project worth $110 million on dioxin decontamination in Danang International Airport. (Vietnam Plus May 12)