Switzerland Offers Prize to Get Ammunition out of Lakes
Switzerland Offers Prize to Get Ammunition out of Lakes
01:32
27 de ago. de 2024 19:26
Descripción
Switzerland has a problem, and it needs your help. Between 1918 and 1964, lots of military ammunition was thrown into lakes around the country. At the time, it was believed to be a safe way to dispose of it. And it wasn't a small amount, either. According to a government press release, about 8,000 metric tons of ammunition lies underwater, mostly in three lakes: Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and parts of Lake Lucerne. Some of the ammunition lies as deep as 220 meters, and some is just a few meters deep. Now, the country needs help getting it out, and it's offering a prize of about $58,000 for the best ideas. Getting the ammunition out won't be easy — although it has been underwater for a long time, the risk of explosion is still high. Some of it weighs up to 50 kilograms, and the water visibility is poor in many parts of the lakes. Some of the ammunition has components that can pollute the water and soil if moved, so the government is also looking for ideas that are environmentally friendly. The competition to find the best idea is open now, and will run until February 2025. The three best ideas will be announced in April next year, and the winners will share the $58,000 prize. The government said this doesn't mean the ideas will be implemented immediately, but said they could help with future research on the issue of underwater ammunition.
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