Judge mulls BP Alaska probation case

After presiding over a seven-day evidentiary hearing, federal Judge Ralph R. Beistline of Anchorage has taken “under advisement” the question of whether BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. violated its criminal probation.

The hearing wrapped up Dec. 7.

In court papers, prosecutors said a November 2009 pipeline rupture near BP’s Lisburne oil production center demonstrated the company was a “recidivist offender” with respect to environmental laws and regulations.

BPXA is accused of violating its probation stemming from a major pipeline leak in the Prudhoe Bay oil field in 2006. The company pled guilty to a Clean Water Act misdemeanor in that case.

If ruled in violation of its probation, BPXA could face fines, more probation or other punishment.

The company’s lawyer argued the government’s case was “built on 20/20 hindsight,” and that BPXA had not acted negligently in connection with the 2009 pipeline rupture.

—Wesley Loy