Colonel Phan Minh Nhat, Deputy Director of the Department of Petroleum, reported on 27/12 about an oil spill from Warehouse 85, which spread to rivers and lagoons in the Dung Quat Economic Zone. The incident affected 18 hectares of rice and crops in Van Tuong commune, with 10 hectares directly impacted.

Colonel Phan Minh Nhat (left) explains the oil spill incident in the Dung Quat Economic Zone. *Pham Linh*

According to Nhat, Warehouse 85 is a Ministry of National Defense project, invested since 2023 and constructed by Quang Ngai Petroleum Services Joint Stock Company. Operations and trial runs began on 19/12 in preparation for acceptance. During the final stage, calibrating the flow meter required removing a technology joint to install a standard meter for error comparison and adjustment.

On the morning of 24/12, while pumping diesel from the Dung Quat Refinery into the warehouse for calibration, a valve failed to seal properly. This caused fuel to leak through the pipeline and flow into the wastewater treatment system, with approximately 500 liters entering the first compartment. Heavy rain subsequently caused the oil to overflow, escaping into the surface drainage system and then through canals to the surrounding fields. The incident was not detected promptly due to the nearly 150-meter distance from the observation point to the oil collection pit.

Prolonged rainfall beforehand had saturated the soil, allowing the oil slick to spread widely. Combined with tidal movements and wind, the oil continued to disperse. Three local residents experienced allergic reactions to the oil's odor and received medical attention.

In areas where oil slicks were on the water's surface, forces used oil-absorbent paper. *Thach Thao*

Immediately following the incident, the Department of Petroleum mobilized approximately 200 personnel from Brigade 88 (Chemical Corps), the Oil Spill Response Center, local militia, contractors, and specialized units to address the situation. Equipment such as containment booms, high-capacity oil skimmers, vacuum pumps, oil-absorbent paper, and other machinery were deployed to cordon off the area and maximize oil collection. The affected area is now under control, preventing further spread.

The Department of Petroleum will collaborate with Brigade 88 to monitor and treat the environment using biological products, aiming to restore the land and water. This process is expected to be completed before 31/12. Authorities are currently assessing damages, developing support and compensation plans, and reviewing records to identify the responsibilities of all involved parties, both collective and individual.

Pham Linh