Switzerland’s stunning alpine lakes, known for their pristine beauty, are hiding a dangerous secret beneath their tranquil surfaces. Thousands of metric tons of military ammunition, discarded over decades, now rest on the lakebeds, posing potential environmental and safety risks.
The Swiss government, through Armasuisse, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement, is taking action by launching a competition to find innovative solutions for safely recovering this hazardous material.
50,000 Swiss Francs prize for best ideas
Armasuisse has announced a cash prize of 50,000 Swiss Francs (approximately £43,000) for the three best ideas submitted in their new competition. The aim is to devise methods for the “environmentally friendly and safe recovery of deep lake ammunition.”
This initiative is not just a call to action for environmentalists; it targets academics, industry professionals, and innovators who can bring fresh perspectives to this complex problem.
Between 1918 and 1964, the Swiss military disposed of outdated or surplus ammunition by dumping it into lakes across the country, a practice considered safe at the time.
The majority of this munitions stockpile now lies submerged at depths between 150 and 220 metres in Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and Lake Lucerne.
Lake Neuchâtel, another affected area, has approximately 4,500 metric tons of munitions in its waters, remnants of years of bombing practice by the Swiss Air Force.
The environmental and safety implications
The presence of these munitions is not merely a historical curiosity but a contemporary concern. While the risk of explosion remains, the greater threat may be environmental.
As these munitions corrode over time, they could release toxic substances into the water, endangering aquatic life and potentially affecting the water supply for nearby communities.
The Swiss government’s competition aims to mitigate these risks by encouraging the development of techniques that can safely recover the munitions without disturbing the delicate lake ecosystems.
The challenge is daunting. The munitions are not only difficult to reach due to the depth at which they lie, but they are also dispersed over large areas.
Traditional recovery methods may not be feasible, and any approach must ensure that the munitions are handled carefully to avoid accidental detonation.
A long-term project with significant costs
Even with the best ideas in hand, the recovery of these munitions will not be a quick or inexpensive endeavour. The winning concepts from the competition, expected to be announced in April 2025, will form the basis for further research and development.
Any eventual salvage operation is projected to cost billions, requiring a long-term commitment from the Swiss government and its partners.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Switzerland to address its environmental responsibilities, particularly in areas where past military practices have left a lasting impact.
The competition is open until February 6, 2025, and is expected to attract a wide range of participants from various fields.
As the Swiss government turns to innovative solutions for this hidden problem, the success of this endeavour could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges.
With thousands of metric tons of munitions resting on the lakebeds, the stakes are high, and the need for a safe, effective solution is more pressing than ever.
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