Vietnam: Environmental Remediation of Dioxin Contamination at Danang Airport Progress Report: June 1, 2013, June 30, 2013

Construction progress included building the containment structure, excavating contaminated soil near the airport runway, and transporting contaminated soil and sediment from the former storage areas and southern wetlands into the containment structure. Water was sprayed on the soil and sediment to prevent contaminated dust from being released into the air. As of June 30, approximately 50 percent of the containment structure had been filled. The side walls of the containment structure, consisting of concrete blocks, insulating concrete, and interlocking steel panels, were nearing completion. Before soil excavation began in the former mixing and loading area near the airport runway, USAID contractors demolished and safely removed a concrete containment cover. The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense Air Defense Air Force Command then cleared the area of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Excavation of the contaminated soil in this area commenced on May 28. USAID contractors continued extensive monitoring, inspection, and testing to ensure no contamination leaves the project area and that construction activities meet design specifications. In addition, USAID contractors continued to collect confirmation soil samples from the excavation limits to ensure the removal of all contamination. All confirmation sampling was being conducted in close coordination with the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense Chemical Command and the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center. Health and safety measures were implemented to protect workers from potential hazards. USAID contractors held daily health and safety meetings with all workers and trained them in safe construction and hazardous waste operation procedures that meet both U.S. and Vietnamese safety requirements. Key elements of worker protection included wearing required protective clothing in contaminated work zones, using proper fall protection equipment when working higher than two meters, avoiding heat stress by taking frequent breaks, and controlling dust in work areas. The project's progress was closely monitored, with USAID contractors working in close coordination with the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense Chemical Command and the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center. The containment structure was being filled with contaminated soil and sediment, and the side walls were nearing completion. The project's health and safety measures were in place to protect workers from potential hazards, ensuring a safe working environment.