Swiss army clears munitions waste from Säntis mountain

The Swiss army has collected unexploded ordnance and other munitions waste from Säntis mountain, SRF reported. Around 60 army personnel and explosive ordnance disposal specialists spent several days working in difficult terrain.

The waste included remains of anti-tank weapons and propulsion units from mortars. Crews placed the material in jute sacks and transported it to the valley by helicopter, where it was sorted and disposed of.

The Säntis, the highest mountain in the Alpstein, hosts tank-firing exercises by the army on around 60 days each year and is one of its largest troop firing ranges. Cleanup operations take place every few years.

Operations leader Christian Wildermuth said cleaning the site every two to three years was sufficient because the exercises did not produce enough waste to justify sending crews into the terrain more often. More frequent operations would be too expensive, he said.

Unexploded ordnance is marked in the terrain and later detonated. The army now uses drones to search for the items and to help protect wildlife such as ibex and chamois. Soldiers must report immediately if they see an animal so that a planned detonation can be stopped.

In the past, personnel used binoculars to search the area and ensure safety. Drones were clearly more effective, Wildermuth said. However, some detonations still have to be delayed because of dry conditions.