Switzerland's pristine lakes, such as Lucerne, Thun, and Neuchatel, conceal a significant and complex hazard beneath their clear alpine waters—unexploded ordnance (UXO). For decades, the Swiss military used these lakes as disposal sites for outdated munitions, a practice that was long believed to be safe. However, the presence of an estimated 3,300 tonnes of munitions in Lake Lucerne and 4,500 tonnes in Lake Neuchatel now poses substantial risks, both in terms of potential explosions and environmental contamination.
The UXO in these lakes includes munitions deposited at various depths, some as shallow as six to seven meters below the surface, raising concerns about public safety and ecological impacts. The Swiss Defence Department has acknowledged the significant challenges associated with recovering these munitions in an environmentally responsible manner, particularly given the poor underwater visibility, the presence of magnetic iron, and the varying weights of individual ordnance.
Past incidents, such as the devastating 1947 explosion in Mitholz, where 3,000 tonnes of stored ammunition detonated, underscore the dangers posed by improperly managed military stockpiles. The ongoing issue of unexploded munitions in Swiss lakes reflects broader concerns about the long-term safety of munitions disposal practices and the potential for soil and water contamination from toxic compounds like TNT.
In response, the Swiss government is actively seeking innovative solutions to mitigate these risks. A competition offering 50,000 Swiss francs in prize money has been launched to incentivize the development of safe, practical methods for UXO retrieval. However, the complexity of the task suggests that the eventual salvage operation may require significant time and resources, potentially costing billions.
The legacy of munitions disposal in Switzerland's lakes serves as a cautionary tale for the importance of rigorous, forward-thinking UXO management practices. As the country grapples with this challenge, the need for international collaboration and expertise, particularly from nations like the UK, Norway, and Denmark, with experience in similar operations, becomes increasingly evident. The successful resolution of this issue will not only safeguard #Switzerland's natural resources but also serve as a model for addressing #UXO risks in other regions worldwide.
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Photo: VBS/DDPS
#EOD #maritime #lake #EOKHUB
Responsable des opérations juridiques et de titrement @Gip Commission d'urgence foncière de Mayotte | Legal Procedures
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