SS Badger - Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact

The SS Badger came under fire from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and environmental groups in late 2008 because of its daily practice of dumping untreated coal ash from its boilers directly into the waters of Lake Michigan. Burning 55 tons of coal a day produces 4 tons of ash. Coal ash is a byproduct of the Badger's propulsion system.

The Badger had earlier been the subject of EPA Clean Air action but was granted an exemption from regulation. Lake Michigan Carferry President and CEO Bob Manglitz has rebuffed the EPA demand that Badger find a way to capture and safely offload ash, change the fueling configuration of the ship, or cease operations by 2012. Manglitz has frequently equated coal ash to "harmless sand" and vowed to keep the Badger in its original coal-burning configuration. In an effort to continue to minimize the environmental impact to the lake, the SS Badger has explored a number alternatives including, storing the ash on board and unloading upon arrival in Ludington. Another option being considered is the use of compressed natural gas, this would allow the historical boiler system to be maintained and making the SS Badger the first "green" ship on the Great Lakes.

Lake Michigan Carferry plans to start their 2013 sailing season in May. They signed a proposed consent decree with the DOJ and EPA in March, 2013 to end ash discharge within two years, utilizing a new ash retention system. As of 17 April 2013 (2013-04-17) that proposal is open to public comment until April 26, 2013. Lake Michigan Carferry also paid a $25,000 civil penalty for violating mercury water quality standards in 2012.