Oil spill shuts down Trans Alaska Pipeline

A crude oil spill was found in the Fairbanks, Alaska portion of the Trans Alaska Pipeline Saturday morning.

Production through the pipeline has been slowed to 5 percent as a result of the spill, according to a statement released by its operator, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. About 842,261 barrels of oil normally flow through the pipeline near Prudhoe Bay.

Workers with the company, along with state and federal officials are working on cleanup efforts and to get the rest of the oil pumping.

“There are no injuries or apparent impacts to the environment as a result of the incident,” the company said in a statement.

The oil was first discovered in a booster pump basement Saturday morning at around 9 a.m. The company shut the pipeline down a few minutes later.

Oil recovery began Saturday afternoon at about 4 p.m.