BP Tries to Secure Leaking Oil and Natural Gas Well in Alaska

By Dan Molinski 

BP PLC is trying to bring a well in Alaska under control after the site began leaking oil and other hydrocarbons, the company said Saturday.

In an emailed statement, BP said the well, located at the Prudhoe Bay oil field on Alaska's North Slope, began to leak Friday. The U.K. company didn't say how much oil or natural gas may have spilled.

"Based on an overflight with infrared cameras, the release appears to be contained to a gravel pad surrounding the wellhead and has not reached the tundra," BP said in an emailed statement. "The focus today is on developing plans to fully and safely secure the well."

There have been no injuries or reports of harm to wildlife, the company said.

BP's operations in and around Prudhoe Bay account for about 55% of Alaska's oil and gas production, according to the company website.

Production began at Prudhoe Bay 40 years ago, and it remains one of North America's largest oil fields, having generated more than 12 billion barrels of oil.

Write to Dan Molinski at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 15, 2017 19:14 ET (23:14 GMT)

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