Switzerland seeks innovations to safely recover sunken ammunition from alpine lakes

Switzerland is calling for innovative solutions to recover military ammunition discarded in its lakes between 1918 and 1964. The Swiss defence department has launched a competition offering CHF50,000 for the best ideas to address the dual challenges of safety and environmental protection.

The submerged munitions, located in lakes such as Lake Lucerne, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Thun, pose significant risks. The threat of explosion remains due to fuses that were not removed before disposal, while toxic TNT could pollute both water and sediment. These hazards are compounded by challenging underwater conditions, including poor visibility, magnetic interference from iron in the ammunition, and varying munition weights.

Hydrographers to the rescue

Switzerland may benefit from the expertise of the hydrographic sector here, as advanced hydrographic technologies could play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and environmentally friendly retrieval of these munitions. The competition is open to experts and the general public alike, with a focus on safeguarding the fragile ecosystems of these alpine lakes.

To effectively plan the remediation of dumped ammunition in underwater environments, it is crucial to have detailed knowledge of the quantity, location and types of munitions. Hydrographers play a pivotal role in this process, by leveraging their expertise in underwater mapping to accurately identify unexploded ordnance. Utilizing advanced sonar, magnetometry and geophysical techniques, they produce precise maps that guide safe, efficient and environmentally responsible removal operations.

This initiative could succeed by harnessing hydrographic expertise to address historical environmental challenges, ensuring the preservation of Switzerland’s aquatic landscapes.

For more information, see here.