Press Releases
Huizenga Lauds EPA Decision to Allow S.S. Badger to Apply For Permit to Continue Operations
West Michigan,
February 7, 2012
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Lauren Phillips
((202) 225-4401)
Tags:
Great Lakes Issues
Citing significant public interest, today the EPA today announced it would allow the S.S. Badger to apply for an individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to continue operating on Lake Michigan.
The Badger is currently authorized to operate under the 2008 Vessel General Permit until December 19, 2012, when that authorization expires. U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, who has championed the Badger's continued operation said, "I’m thrilled there is progress being made to give the Badger more time to make common sense changes to develop and implement what would be the cleanest operating vessel on the lakes. The Badger is an important, historic vessel, which is a job provider to Ludington and Manitowac, and makes West Michigan and the Great Lakes basin more attractive to visitors near and far. I look forward to building on the work of my predecessor, Rep. Pete Hoekstra, and continuing to work in a bipartisan way with my Great Lakes colleagues to ensure we see the continued success of all Michigan’s economic drivers, including the Badger. ” For more information, including the S.S. Badger's petition for an individual permit, visit http://www.epa.gov/r5water/npdestek/badger/ ### |