BP To Keep Some Pipelines Open

BP announced Friday that it will try to keep pumping up to 200,000 barrels a day during the time they are doing repairs.

(AP)BP decided to continue supplying oil out of the western side of the field after reviewing 1,400 ultrasound inspections on five miles of the pipeline, and discussing the matter with federal and state regulators.

BP said it will monitor the pipeline around the clock and use infrared cameras from the sky and the ground to detect small leaks. It will run a high-tech "smart pig" device through the line by November to search for weaknesses in pipe walls.

"With greatly enhanced surveillance and response capability, I am confident we can continue to safely operate the line," BP America Chairman and President Bob Malone said in a statement.

The company said it is currently producing about 150,000 barrels of oil and natural gas per day from the western side of the field, but hoped to reach about 200,000 barrels a day.