Swiss Alps: Munitions Buried Beneath Lake Brienz Pose Environmental and Safety Risks
Tourists enjoying the picturesque views of Lakes Lucerne, Thun, or Lake Neuchatel in the Swiss Alps might be surprised to learn about the hidden dangers lurking beneath the pristine alpine waters. For years, the Swiss military used these lakes as dumping grounds for old munitions, believing it was a safe disposal method.
In Lake Lucerne alone, an estimated 3,300 tonnes of munition lie at the bottom, while Lake Neuchatel holds 4,500 tonnes, which were used for bombing practice by the Swiss air force until 2021. Some of these munitions are buried at depths of 150 to 220 meters, posing a significant challenge for retrieval efforts.
Now, the Swiss defense department is offering a prize of 50,000 francs (£45,000) for the best idea to safely remove the munitions. The best three ideas will share the prize pot, but the salvage operation is expected to cost billions due to the complexity of the task.
The presence of these munitions poses a double danger, according to retired Swiss geologist Marcos Buser. Not only is there a risk of explosion due to unremoved fuses, but there is also a threat of water and soil contamination from highly toxic TNT.
The history of problems related to Swiss military munitions is not new. The village of Mitholz experienced a devastating blast in 1947 when stored ammunition exploded, killing nine people and destroying the village. Similar incidents and scandals have occurred over the years, highlighting the need for a comprehensive solution to address the issue.
The task of removing munitions from Switzerland’s lakes is expected to be long and costly. The public has been invited to submit their ideas for retrieval methods, with the winners set to be announced next April. Experts suggest seeking advice from countries with experience in dealing with unexploded weapons, such as the UK, Norway, or Denmark.
As Switzerland grapples with the legacy of its military practices, the need for a safe and environmentally friendly solution to retrieve the buried munitions becomes increasingly urgent. The future of the pristine alpine lakes and surrounding ecosystems depends on finding a viable plan to address this hidden threat.
