Americas News
Great Lakes S.S. Badger Drops LNG-power Concept
The operator of the coal-fired Great Lakes ferry S.S. Badger says it is no longer considering converting the vessel to liquefied natural gas (LNG) power because of the deadlines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for reducing the amount of ash released by the ferry, industry news site HHP Insight reports.
"The ash retention system was the only possible solution we had that will meet the time requirements of the EPA," said Lake Michigan Carferry (LMC), Badger's operator.
The company had received a $75,000 grant from the State of Wisconsin to investigate switching to the use of LNG.
"Given the large investment in the ash retention system, natural gas is not likely to be an option in the near future."
The EPA reached an agreement with the ferry operator last month that requires it to reduce the discharge of coal ash this year and in 2014 and to eliminate it entirely by the end of the 2014 season.
The company plans to start the Badger's season two weeks early, on May 6, so that it can transport tower sections for a wind power project in Michigan.
"The 80 sections being transported during the two-week-early season will save over 24,000 driving miles, 6,000 gallons of fuel, and eliminate traffic congestion," LMC said.
