Oil flowing again at Alaska pipeline

FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- Crude oil resumed flowing through the trans-Alaska pipeline Sunday after workers welded a bullet hole in the line that caused 285,600 gallons of oil to spew onto the tundra.

Permanent repairs on the line 75 miles north of Fairbanks were completed late Saturday and North Slope oil began flowing before dawn. The pipeline was at full capacity by about 7 a.m., Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. spokesman Mike Heatwole said.

The pipeline, which carries about 17 percent of the nation's oil production or about 1 million barrels a day, had to be shut down after the line was pierced by a bullet Thursday.

Crews are now focusing on the cleanup of about 2-3 acres contaminated by the spill.