One alternative is for Alyeska to make expensive modifications to handle lower volumes.

WSJ: Drilling Rules Hit Alaska Pipeline

After the pipeline was shut down, Alyeska ordered all North Slope producers to scale back production to 5% of normal levels.

WSJ: BP to Cut Oil Production on Alaska's North Slope

North Slope producers are occasionally advised by Alyeska to prorate production, or reduce output proportionally, for example, when maintenance work is performed on the pipeline.

WSJ: BP to Cut Oil Production on Alaska's North Slope

Alyeska shut down the Trans Alaska Pipeline at 8:50 a.m. and crews were on site to assess the situation and isolate the source of the leak.

WSJ: BP to Cut Oil Production on Alaska's North Slope

Personnel at Alyeska Pump Station 1 discovered oil leaking into the station's booster-pump building on Saturday morning at 8:15, according to Michelle Egan, a spokeswoman for Alyeska.

WSJ: BP to Cut Oil Production on Alaska's North Slope

Officials with the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company said Tuesday evening that they received regulatory approval to restart the Trans Alaska Pipeline System to avoid freezing temperatures from affecting the pipes.

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The pipeline's operator, Alyeska Pipeline Services Co.

WSJ: Drilling Rules Hit Alaska Pipeline

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.

WSJ: BP to Cut Oil Production on Alaska's North Slope