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A CLOSER LOOK EPA rule could sideline S.S. Badger A new federal rule could put an iconic part of Manitowoc's lakefront in danger. Starting next year, a federal rule would prohibit the coal-powered S.S. Badger from dumping coal ash in Lake Michigan, which it does now as it travels between Manitowoc and Ludington, Mich. For the Badger to continue to operate in 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said the ship must stop dumping coal ash in Lake Michigan by the end of 2012, a move that could prove costly and put the ship out of commission, company officials say. One solution is to replace the Badger's coal- fired engine with an engine powered by diesel fuel, a move that would cost as much as $15 million, says Lynda Matson, vice president of customer service and marketing for Lake Michigan Carferry, the company that owns the Badger. Another option, Matson says, is to keep the coal ash onboard, deposit it onshore, and truck it to a dumping area. Estimates on the cost and feasibility of that project are not yet available. The EPA also gave the Badger the opportunity to apply for an individual discharge permit, which requires effluent and water samples. The Badger has sent in samples and is waiting for feedback. Business and civic leaders are seeking a reprieve, saying the Badger, which employs 250 people, is a powerhouse for Ludington's tourism industry, contributing millions of dollars to economies on both sides of the lake. In an attempt to raise awareness about its plight, they've kicked off a campaign called the S.O.S Badger. Through fundraising and contacting elected officials, they're attempting to drum up support for the ship. T-shirts and pins bearing the S.O.S Badger logo are being sold. The 410-foot Badger was built in the early 1950s by the Christy Corp. of Sturgeon Bay as a rail car ferry. In 1992, it began its current route between Manitowoc and Ludington after being retrofitted to handle passengers and cars. For more on the S.O.S Badger campaign, visit http://sosbadger.com. and an EDCMC board member. For the past year, Loden and her team at the EDCMC looked at area industries and identified four key sectors to focus on: manufacturing, energy, tourism and agriculture/ food processing. The next steps are taking those sectors and www. insightonbusiness.com gotoltc.edu 1.888.GO TO LTC • 920.693.1000 1290 North Avenue • Cleveland WI 53015-1414 NCA-Accredited (ncahlc.org • 312.263.0456) [continued] » LAKESHORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON ANY UNLAWFUL BASIS, TO INCLUDE RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, DISABILITY OR AGE, IN EMPLOYMENT, ADMISSIONS OR IN ITS PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES. ALL INQUIRIES REGARDING THE COLLEGE'S NONDISCRIMINATION POLICIES, SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR. August 2012 • INSIGHT | 37 Your bridge between the plan provider and the construction industry Contact us today for a FREE 10 day trial of Wisconsin, Inc. 1 of 4 GET STARTED ON A Manufacturing Management Degree ONE NIGHT A WEEK Associate degree classes start in August & October in Manitowoc Manufacturing Management is a unique associate degree program designed by local industry to meet the needs of the workplace. Classes focus on key topics such as supply chain, quality, lean, leadership and supervisory skills. With a Manufacturing Management associate degree from LTC, you'll be ready to advance in your manufacturing career. • Flexible scheduling helps you balance working and learning • Central location minutes from I-43 so it's convenient to earn your degree • Credit transfer agreements to UW-Green Bay, Lakeland College, Concordia University, Cardinal Stritch University and others make it easy to continue to earn a bachelor's degree Learn more by contacting: Carol Meyer at 1.888.GO TO LTC, Ext. 1295 or carol.meyer@gotoltc.edu 920-687-8782 W2518 CTY RD JJ APPLETON, WI 54913 www.bxwi.com