BP To Resume Alaska Production Sooner Than Expected

BP has discovered that the pipes might not have been as corroded as previously thought.

(AP)"The idea that there was widespread corrosion simply was not correct," David Peattie, London-based BP PLC's vice president for exploration and production told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

He said the corrosion was isolated and that ultrasound tests now being conducted — foot-by-foot in some sections of pipe — are to determine how much of the shut down pipeline might be returned to service temporarily.

BP officials emphasized that any resumption of oil flow in the closed eastern section will depend upon whether the company can convince the federal Transportation Department that such a move can be made without risk of another spill.

Yeah that would be nice.