Switzerland is grappling with how to retrieve decades-old munitions lying beneath the tranquil waters of its lakes. Much of this ammunition was discarded between 1918 and 1964, and now officials are actively seeking innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for their removal.
Deep lakes like Lake Thun, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Brienz, known for their stunning natural beauty, have become unintended storage sites for munitions. The federal government, recognizing both the environmental and safety risks these munitions pose, has announced a competition, encouraging new ideas for their retrieval.
The initiative promises to award the three best solutions with a share of 50,000 Swiss francs, approximately $58,000. This public competition is part of broader efforts by Armasuisse, Switzerland’s defense procurement agency, aiming to involve researchers and industry experts.
Many of the submerged munitions were either surplus or outdated supplies, and some remain intact. They rest between 150 and 220 meters deep, lying beneath layers of fine sediment, which poses extra challenges for recovery.
Over the past years, experts have been monitoring these lakes for potential pollutants released by the submerged munitions. Although no harmful contaminants have been detected so far, Switzerland is taking preventative measures to avoid any future ecological impacts.
The 2006 study revealed the depth of sediment covering the munitions may lead to complications such as decreased oxygen levels if disturbed. Such a dramatic shift could be detrimental to the delicate ecosystems at those depths.
The challenges aren't purely environmental; recovering munitions also entails considering their possible instability. Accidental explosions could occur if the munitions are disturbed during recovery efforts or as part of natural underwater disturbances.
The Swiss lakes are home to some hefty items as well, with many munitions weighing up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds). The types of metals used to manufacture these munitions vary, complicate the retrieval process, since some are non-magnetic, making detection more difficult.
This initiative is not the first attempt to solve the problem of munitions recovery; past proposals aimed at removing them ended up threatening the sensitive aquatic environment. Officials are determined to find solutions this time around, without causing additional harm to the lakes' ecosystems.
The competition opened on August 7 and will accept submissions until February 6. The implemented ideas from winners of this competition could eventually pave the way for future research projects aimed at lake pollution safety.
Historically, Switzerland disposed of munitions directly after World War I due to surplus stockpiles. Initially, it seemed logical to dump them as the cold and deep water was believed to manage the inherent risks of pollution.
But as time has passed, the environmental consequences of such disposal methods are coming to light. This past practice now poses threats to lake life and the well-being of those who interact with these waters.
Notably, among the munitions sits some residue from various military exercises held around the lakes, with approximately 4,500 tons still abandoned. This ammunition was primarily from air force drills conducted at the firing range located at Forel.
The history of munitions disposal is complex, with incidents contributing to the underwater environment, such as the explosion of a munitions depot on Rotsee back in 1916. Following this accident, thousands of grenades and other munitions were scattered, many of which still await retrieval today.
Switzerland hopes to not only clean up these lakes but also to protect their fragile ecosystems for years to come. Through innovation and public involvement, the government is paving the path for progress, encouraging collaboration between academia and industry.
This venture reflects growing awareness and responsibility concerning environmental stewardship even for past actions. The urgency to act relates to preserving the pristine beauty of these landscapes and safeguarding local aquatic life.
Earth-friendly retrieval methods could very well redefine how other nations handle similar historic environmental challenges. With the call to action now underway, Switzerland sets the stage for not just retrieving its past but creating sustainable practices for the future.
