Historic Lake Michigan Carferry to be allowed to continue dumping coal ash into lake

[TheMightyFavog]

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120208/GPG0101/120208065/EPA-Badger-ferry-can-apply-continue-coal-ash-dumping?odyssey=mod|defcon|text|FRONTPAGE

LUDINGTON, Mich. — Federal regulators will let operators of the passenger ferry S.S. Badger apply for a permit to continue dumping coal ash into Lake Michigan.

The Badger typically puts more than 500 tons of waste ash into the lake every year during its crossings between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wis. The Environmental Protection Agency previously set a December deadline for the company to stop the practice.

The Ludington Daily News reports that EPA on Tuesday told Badger operators they could apply to continue the dumping as they study ways to convert the ship to burn natural gas.

Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga tells The Muskegon Chronicle that the Badger is a historic vessel that provides jobs on both sides of the lake.

Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan also praised the EPA decision.


I'm torn. yes, they need to stop dumping that shit in the lake. Coal ash is nasty stuff, but however, they need time to plan out Badger's conversion to natural gas. And yes, that ship brings a LOT of tourism money into Manitowoc. Their library is within walking distance of the ferry dock, and when Badger comes in, they see a LOT of traffic, as do all the downtown businesses. As long as Lake Michigan Carferry does not drag its feet on only goes one, maybe two more years before conversion tops, I'd really be fine with this. However, if they abuse this and keep filing for extension after extension....

Besides, Badger's too beautiful a boat to not still be sailing Lake Michigan.

[shraby]

1. I've made several trips to Michigan on the Badger. Sure beats about a 10 hour trip

up around the peninsula then down to the Traverse City area.

[safeinOhio]

3. I love the Badger trip.

Kind of a "poor man's Love Boat". Also more fun than driving thru Chicago.

[Brickbat]

2. Works for me.

[RKP5637]

4. That certainly seems like a workable solution! n/t

[roody]

5. I rode it a few years ago to relive a childhood

experience, and the exhaust fumes were very unpleasant. May they change it quickly.

[Canuckistanian]

6. They take the mercury out before they dump it, right?

Right? (crickets)

[izquierdista]

7. Ash is a natural fertilizer

But pile enough of it up in one place and let the heavy metals accumulate in the leachate and it ain't so benign. If we had a functioning EPA, they would require it to be recycled. It's a valuable raw material from some point of view.