Soil samples are to be shipped overseas as Government continues its investigation into claims Agent Orange was dumped and burned at Kindley Air Force Base.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Works and Engineering Minister Dennis Lister said a local company would collect specimens of soil but the Island does not have the technology to carry out the necessary tests.

Batches will be sent abroad, thought to be to a firm in Canada, with results expected in Bermuda by September 4.

It comes after US Army veteran Ronald Slater alleged the lethal defoliant — now said to cause horrific disfigurements and serious illness to those exposed to it — was disposed at Kindley in the 1960s. Mr. Slater said numerous barrels of the toxic substance were poured into deep pits and set on fire, sending thick smoke over nearby St. David’s homes. He said he was then instructed to bulldoze the remaining waste into the sea.

Yesterday, Mr. Lister said a representative of the firm which undertook original environmental testing at Kindley 12 years ago had confirmed that it had “aggressively sought” to determine whether Agent Orange was present, but that no measurable levels were found.

Mr. Lister said: “Officers have been making arrangements for further testing to determine the presence or absence of Agent Orange at what is now known as Southside.

“The results will be analysed, and compared to samples from control areas away from the identified areas of interest, and to results from the original testing conducted in the mid 1990s. This will enable us to better understand the results.

“I will continue to keep the public advised of the Government’s progress. I fully expect that the results of the current testing will be similar to the tests taken at the time of the US departure from the Baselands. As indicated, those extensive tests did not reveal any measurable levels of contaminants.”

The Minister declined to reveal the cost of the tests, but said: “Cost isn’t a concern. The concern is to ensure the land in question is deemed to be safe.”

The spot where the waste was allegedly dumped, believed to be off Annie’s Bay, is owned by Bermuda Land Development Company.

Andrew Swan, CEO at the company, told the press conference he believed the tests would “put to bed” any fears over the safety of the land. During the 1960s, millions of gallons of Agent Orange were sprayed across parts of Vietnam by the US military. Many war veterans who have suffered ill health after being exposed to its chemical clouds have since claimed compensation from the US Government.

Mr. Slater believes his poor health — including Type Two diabetes — was brought on by exposure to Agent Orange and has been lobbying the US Government for compensation without success for months.

In 2002, Government received $11 million from the US to pay to clean up asbestos, excess oil and other waste materials when the Baselands were handed back to Bermuda in 1995.

The Ministry of Finance says that $3 million of that cash went on repairs to Longbird Bridge, with other cash earmarked for a homeless initiative, anti-drugs project, and facilities at the National Sports Centre, among others.