Switzerland’s $60K Challenge: Clean Up Its Alpine Lakes

Alpine lake in Switzerland, surrounded by mountains and greenery. Alpine lake in Switzerland, surrounded by mountains and greenery.

Switzerland is taking a bold step to address an environmental concern that has been lurking beneath its stunning Alpine lakes. The Swiss government has announced a competition offering a cash prize of 50,000 Swiss francs (approximately $60,000) for innovative ideas to safely remove military ammunition dumped in these lakes between 1918 and 1964.

Key Takeaways

  • Switzerland is offering a cash prize for solutions to remove munitions from its lakes.
  • The ammunition was dumped in lakes between 1918 and 1964 as the Swiss military believed it to be safe.
  • Any salvage operation is expected to cost billions.

The Problem Beneath the Surface

Tourists visiting Switzerland’s picturesque lakes may be unaware that thousands of metric tons of military ammunition lie submerged beneath the surface. This ammunition includes outdated or surplus munitions, as well as rejected batches, which were disposed of in lakes under the assumption that it was a safe method at the time.

The most affected lakes include:

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  • Lake Thun
  • Lake Brienz
  • Lake Lucerne
  • Lake Neuchâtel (which contains around 4,500 metric tons of munitions due to years of bombing practice by the Swiss Air Force)

The Competition Details

The competition, organized by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse), invites academics, industry professionals, and the general public to submit their ideas for the environmentally friendly and safe recovery of deep lake ammunition. The competition opened earlier this month, and submissions will be accepted until February 6, 2025. Winners will be announced in April 2025.

Challenges Ahead

Removing the ammunition poses significant challenges. The munitions are located at depths ranging from 150 to 220 meters, and any salvage operation carries risks of explosion and potential pollution of the lakes. The Swiss government is keen on ensuring that any recovery efforts are conducted safely and with minimal environmental impact.

Future Implications

While the winning ideas from the competition will not be implemented immediately, they will serve as a foundation for further research into the recovery process. The Swiss government acknowledges that any comprehensive salvage operation is expected to cost billions, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead.

As Switzerland embarks on this ambitious initiative, it not only aims to protect its natural beauty but also sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar environmental issues. The call for innovative solutions reflects a growing awareness of the need to address historical environmental missteps and safeguard the future of these iconic landscapes.

Sources

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