Vietnam military mobilizes forces to contain oil spill at Dung Quat

The spill occurred on Wednesday during a diesel fuel transfer operation from the Dung Quat oil refinery to a fuel storage facility, according to the petroleum department under the ministry's General Department of Logistics and Technical Services.

Colonel Duong Ngoc Tuyen, deputy head of the petroleum department, said a contractor hired to inspect a fuel flow meter failed to properly control the transfer process, causing diesel to leak into a collection pipeline connected to a wastewater treatment area.

Heavy rainfall at the time led to overflow at a containment tank, allowing oil to escape through surface drainage systems and spread into the surrounding environment.

"Containment measures were implemented early, but heavy rain and tidal conditions caused the oil to spread," Tuyen said, adding that the spill has now been contained and clean-up operations are ongoing.

More than 200 military personnel are working at the site in coordination with HVG Dung Quat, a company specializing in oil spill response, to assess environmental impact and carry out remediation measures.

As of Saturday morning, oil residue on the water surface had largely dissipated, and authorities aim to complete the clean-up operations by December 31.

The military has also coordinated with Brigade 88 of the Chemical Corps to apply biological treatment agents to contaminated areas. 

Soil and water samples will be collected after treatment to assess environmental conditions, officials said.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the spill to prevent a recurrence. 

Damage assessments and compensation for affected residents will be conducted in coordination with contractors involved in the fuel transfer operation, the department said.

Colonel Pham Minh Nhat, deputy head of the petroleum department, said contaminated oil and water are being absorbed and extracted before being transported to the Dung Quat refinery for treatment.