 Company officials compared coal ash to "harmless sand" and planned to keep "Badger" in its original coal-burning configuration.In an effort to continue to minimize the environmental impact to the lake, the Lake Michigan Carferry had explored a number of alternatives including storing the ash on board and unloading upon arrival in Ludington.Another option once considered was the use of compressed natural gas, which would allow the historical boiler system to be maintained and make SS "Badger" the first "green" ship on the Great Lakes.