America’s last large coal-burning steam ferry, the Great Lakes-based SS Badger (pictured), will be able to keep operating and dumping coal ash into Lake Michigan until the end of her 2014 sailing season if a court approves a settlement agreed by Lake Michigan Carferry (LMC), her operator, and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
However, the proposed consent decree will require LMC to eliminate the discharge of ash by the end of the 2014 season while paying a $25,000 civil penalty for violating mercury water quality standards during last year. The 1953-built Badger’s 2013 season began in May and will continue through 13 October with daily sailings across Lake Michigan. JS
