In recent years, the Swiss military has dumped old ammunition in Lake Brienz, Lake Vierwaldstätter, Lake Thun, and Lake Neuchâtel, believing it to be a safe disposal site.
Only in Lake Vierwaldstätter is it estimated that there are 3,300 tons, and in Lake Neuchâtel 4,500 tons – where the Swiss air force had bomb training exercises until 2021. Some ammunition lies at a depth of 150 to 200 meters, while in Lake Neuchâtel, only six to seven meters from the surface.
Now, the Defense Department wants to tackle the problem and is offering 50,000 francs, equivalent to over 600,000 kronor, to the person with the best idea for how to retrieve the ammunition. The three best ideas for a safe and environmentally friendly solution will share the prize money.
The salvage operation is expected to take years and cost billions. The fact that the ammunition was dumped has been generally known for decades, but only now have discussions about safety flared up. There is a risk of explosion since the fuses were not always removed during dumping, and a risk of highly toxic water and soil pollution.
Until February, proposals can be submitted, and the winners will be announced in April.
