Badger now has 2 years to stop dumping ash

Ludington — The S.S. Badger has been given another chance by the federal government. Lake Michigan Carferry, owner of the Badger, has signed a consent decree agreement with the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency that will require the Badger to end the ash discharge within two years.
According to a statement from LMC, the agreement is a product of a lengthy process of LMC working with the EPA to find the best solution. It includes installation of a sophisticated ash retention system.
The consent decree will be lodged in federal court in Grand Rapids by the Department of Justice and includes a 30 day written public comment period prior to final approval by the court.
“The resolution of this issue has taken far longer than we had hoped, but the end result has been worth the effort,” said Bob Manglitz, CEO of LMC. “This agreement will save the jobs of our 200 plus employees as well as many other jobs in the states of Michigan and Wisconsin. We appreciate the support we have received from our elected representatives in Michigan and Wisconsin and the encouragement of the thousands of people who have supported our efforts to keep the badger sailing.”
The basis of the agreement is expressed in the following language found in the Consent Decree: “WHEREAS The United States and LMC (jointly, the “Parties”) have agreed that settlement of this action is in the best interests of the Parties and in the public interest, and that entry of this Consent Decree without further litigation is the most appropriate means of resolving this matter.”
LMC’s coal ash discharge permit with the EPA expired the end of 2012. The company had been saying it was exploring liquid natural gas as a way to fuel the 60-year-old steam ship.