Switzerland has announced a cash prize to encourage innovative solutions for removing old munitions from its lakes, a legacy of past military practices that saw these bodies of water used as dumping grounds.
Legacy of Munition Dumping in Swiss Lakes
For decades, the Swiss military disposed of old munitions by dumping them into the country’s lakes, under the assumption that this was a safe method of disposal. Lake Lucerne alone is estimated to contain 3,300 tonnes of munitions, while Lake Neuchatel holds about 4,500 tonnes. The latter was used for bombing practice by the Swiss air force until as recently as 2021. Some of these munitions now lie at depths ranging from 150 to 220 meters.
Cash Prize for Best Retrieval Ideas
To address this environmental and safety concern, the Swiss defence department is offering a prize of 50,000 Swiss francs (approximately $58,000) for the best ideas on how to safely and effectively retrieve the munitions. The prize will be divided among the top three proposals that present viable and environmentally sound solutions.
High Costs and Complex Challenges
While the prize aims to spark innovative approaches, the actual cost of the salvage operation is expected to run into billions of francs. The challenge lies not only in the safe removal of the munitions but also in ensuring that the operation does not further harm the environment. The Swiss government’s initiative highlights the complexity and scale of the task, as well as the importance of finding a sustainable solution to this long-standing issue.
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