The U.S. Dept. of Transportation has approved BP Exploration Alaska Inc.'s request to reopen and test a pipeline shut since August when a leak was discovered. That leak prompted BP to close the eastern part of the Prudhoe Bay field, reducing the flow of oil from a key production area.
DOT's Sept. 22 approval will let BP pump oil into its eastern, low-pressure line so it can use a mechanism, called a "pig," to clean the line. Then, BP can send an inspection device called a "smart pig" through the line to analyze it.