US and Vietnam complete environmental remediation at Danang airport

Today, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink and Vietnam Ministry of National Defense (MND) Vice Minister Nguyễn Chí Vịnh witnessed the signing of an agreement to hand over 13.7 hectares of remediated land at the Danang International Airport to the control of the Ministry of Transportation. 

This is the third and last portion of land to be turned over for expansion of Danang International Airport. The ceremony also marked the completion of the six-year, $110 million Environmental Remediation of Dioxin Contamination at Danang Airport Project, jointly implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and MND.

Launched in August 2012, USAID’s Environmental Remediation of Dioxin Contamination at Danang Airport Project serves as an important milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two governments and will result in a cleaner, safer environment for the people of Danang. 

 The project has successfully treated over 90,000 cubic meters of contaminated soil and sediment through thermal desorption and safely contained an additional 50,000 cubic meters of low concentration, dioxin-contaminated material. USAID and MND tested the treated soil and sediment to determine if the cleanup objective of 150 parts per trillion (ppt) was achieved. Phase 1 treated soil was less than 9 ppt and Phase 2 even lower (<1 ppt), exceeding all project goals.

USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Michael Greene stated, "We are very pleased that our successful efforts with Vietnam's Air Defense-Air Force Command have resulted in over 30 hectares of additional land for expansion of Danang International Airport, which will drive regional economic growth."

Ambassador Kritenbrink said: "Today we celebrate an historic achievement, two former adversaries working together to overcome the past while partnering for a mutually prosperous future. Over these past six years, we have worked as a team with the Ministry of National Defense to make the city of Danang and Vietnam safer. And we are now ready to continue this collaboration at Bien Hoa.”

The United States is committed to working with Vietnam and MND to resolve war legacies while continuing to strengthen the economic, cultural, and security ties between the two countries.

The Bien Hoa Airbase area is the largest remaining hotspot of dioxin contamination in Vietnam. On May 11, USAID signed a grant with Vietnam's Air Defense-Air Force Command for a total expected contribution of $183 million towards remediation activities in the Bien Hoa Air Base area over an initial five-year period. The signing of this joint project document is the first step in this important initiative.

Since 2000, the United States has worked with Vietnam to resolve humanitarian and wartime legacy issues. These include the removal of unexploded ordinance, the identification of remains of missing personnel, and the remediation of dioxin.

PSNews

Other News

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

To accelerate the implementation of the the Ethnic Affairs Strategy by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and local authorities to continue thoroughly carrying out the Party and State’s policies on ethnic affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of State management and strengthening oversight of policy implementation.

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

The team examined the APEC 2027 Convention Centre, where main conference activities are scheduled; Sun Serenia Hospital, designated to provide healthcare and emergency medical services for delegates; provincial road DT.975, which connects Phu Quoc International Airport to the convention centre; and the area surrounding Phu Quoc International Airport.

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

According to the municipal Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, the city is simultaneously implementing seven projects, namely Tu Lien, Ngoc Hoi, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Cat, Van Phuc, Hong Ha and Me So bridges. Construction is being carried out on multiple fronts, focusing on bored piles, pile caps, piers and superstructure works.

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Seventy-two years after the Dien Bien Phu Victory, its legacy still reverberates. The unity, self-reliance, and resilience forged in that historic triumph remain a powerful internal engine, now propelling Dien Bien toward fast and sustainable development.

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

In the 2027–2030 period, the city will accelerate the transition towards the complete phase-out of fossil fuel-powered buses. The share of electric and green energy-fueled buses is projected to reach 79–89% by 2029 and 100% by 2030.

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

At 8:00 the same day, KN475 began towing the disabled fishing boat toward Da Tay A island. The towing operation was carried out safely, and by 18:30 both the vessel and its crew had arrived at the island without incident, where repairs and additional support procedures were arranged.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

By the end of April, the number of buses using electricity and other green energy sources in the city is expected to reach 822, including 683 electric buses and 139 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, representing 42.1% of the total number of vehicles.