(CPV) - The curent status of dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa airbase, one of the three dioxin hotspots in Viet Nam, and the plan for further action were shared at a workshop in Bien Hoa today conducted by the Office of National Steering Committee 33 and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
With the current estimated amount of dioxin contaminated soil in Bien Hoa (250,000 cubic meters with dioxin concentration levels are as high as 1,180,000 ppt), at least USD250 million will be needed to complete the environmental clean up.
Over the past five years, with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNDP and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) have mapped dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa Airbase to give a better understanding of its scope, level and the unique features of the contamination. Through this project, interim measuring facilities have been set up to prevent dioxin from being released to outside the airbase.
The project has also helped develop a master plan for dioxin remediation in the airbase and conducted testing of various dioxin remediation technologies inside the airbase and at the technology suppliers’ laboratories using the contaminated soil from the airbase.
Besides, the Ministry of Defence has completed the containment of 94,000 cubic meters of dioxin contaminated soil in Z1 and developed a plan (Z2 project) to do further containment work in areas around Z1 area.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has implemented a project on design and environmental monitoring and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has funded the environmental assessment.
Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UNDP Deputy Country Director, applauded development partners and non-government organizations for their engagement in dealing with dioxin contamination: “UNDP is pleased to see greater stakeholder engagement in dealing with dioxin contamination in Bien Hoa airbase, including the participation of other development partners and NGOs to support government-led efforts,” he said. “The GEF-UNDP-MONRE project has created a good foundation through capacities, knowledge and technologies to complete the clean-up works so that communities in and around the Bien Hoa airbase can once again safely enjoy this environment.”
All data and information on dioxin contamination status and results of the GEF-UNDP-MONRE project were shared at the workshop and handed over to the Ministry of Defence and USAID for further action.
Associate Professor Doctor Le Ke Son, national director of the project, highlighted the need for further clarification of major issues related to dioxin remediation in Bien Hoa in environmental and environmental impact assessments before implementing the upcoming and overall dioxin remediation project at Bien Hoa airbase.
The issues include the contamination history, assessment of dioxin residue, assessment of dioxin release from Bien Hoa airbase to the outside areas, evaluation of Z1 Project’s outcomes, plan for the Z2 Project, technology selection; environmental assessments as well as environmental and community health assessments of those living near the airbase and being affected by dioxin; and environmental monitoring, environmental incident solving and land use planning in linking with environmental recovery planning.
The workshop brought together representatives from relevant Government agencies, Bien Hoa local authorities, international organizations, national non-government orgnizations, media and scientists, experts working in this area of work./.