The consent decree requires Lake Michigan Carferry Service, Inc. (LMC) of Ludington, Mich., to cease the discharge of coal ash from the S.S. Badger at the end of the 2014 sailing season. The consent decree was strengthened in response to almost 8,000 public comments on a proposed consent decree that was lodged in March 2013. The consent decree also:

• doubles stipulated penalties for non-compliance with the deadline for ceasing coal ash discharges
• limits the mercury and coal ash content of coal used by the S.S. Badger during the 2014 sailing season
• requires LMC to report information on the quantity of coal ash discharged by the S.S. Badger
• requires LMC to pay a $25,000 civil penalty for violating mercury water quality standards in 2012

• Amendment to the proposed consent decree (PDF)(10 pp, 260 K, September 13, 2013)
• Motion to enter consent decree as amended (PDF)(19 pp, 69 K, September 13, 2013)
• Refiled Proposed Consent Decree (PDF)(43 pp, 411 K, Setpember 13, 2013)