VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Defense estimates that approximately $270 million is needed to process 240,000 cubic meters of contaminated soil and sediment in Bien Hoa airport in the southern province of Dong Nai.

The dioxin-contaminated area in Bien Hoa Airport.

Mr. Le Ke Son holds the lengthy title of Director of the Office of the National Steering Committee on Dealing with the Consequences of Toxic Chemicals Used by the U.S. in the Vietnam War. He says Vietnam has three principal dioxin hot spots - Phu Cat Airport in Binh Dinh Province, Da Nang Airport and Bien Hoa Airport.

Dioxin contamination at the Da Nang airport is currently being treated with thermal absorption technology from the U.S. This project is expected to be completed in 2016. The Bien Hoa and Phu Cat airports are still in the process of selecting the appropriate technology.

Bien Hoa Airport is the most heavily dioxin polluted. This was the location where the herbicide was stored and pumped into planes during the campaigns known as Ranch Hand (1961-1971) and Pacer Ivy (1971-1972). The volume of contaminated soil and sediment here is about 240,000 cubic meters, three times that of Da Nang Airport, and over 30 times more than what Phu Cat Airport has.

Mr. Son says Bien Hoa Airport is testing a technology known as MCD. After trials, the Steering Committee and experts will select the appropriate technology. The Steering Committee is coordinating with the Ministry of Defense and foreign experts to develop the plan to treat dioxin at the airport.

Le Ha