There are contingency plans that are created, but it is very important for me to say that I am very confident in the continued operation of Line 5. The continued operation of Line 5 is non-negotiable.
If you look at what the impact could be were it not operational, which is why the stakes are high, I would make the argument that product would get to market, but it is how it would get to market.... It would be by truck, with a jammed-up Highway 401. It would be by rail and possibly by ship as well. It would get to market. It would not be anywhere nearly as safe as Line 5 has proven to be over many decades. That has stood the test of time.
It's also important to mention, too, that Enbridge is looking at significant investments of around $100 million in order to make sure that, at the Straits of Mackinac, the pipeline is deeper beneath the lake-bed and is encased in concrete, to make sure that nothing happens in the Great Lakes.
It has been proven over the course of time by the U.S. Government's transportation department. It has an agency that looks after these things—hazardous materials and shipments. It has rendered it safe. Everybody has rendered it safe, and the permitting for the improvement to Line 5 continues. That permitting is by the State of Michigan.
I am very hopeful...more than that. I shouldn't say “hopeful”. Hope has nothing to do with it. I am confident that the state and Enbridge are going to come to an agreement. I feel even more confident with the recent court decision to make sure that they have a mediator and that the mediator is chosen within the month.