UDOT truck crashes into Big Cottonwood Canyon water treatment plant

BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah — The Unified Fire Authority says no injuries were reported after a Utah Department of Transportation truck crashed into a water treatment plant in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Crews are monitoring the water for any contamination. UFA said a minimal leakage of differential fluid has been contained, and they do not suspect any further contamination.

The UDOT mechanic truck crashed into Big Cottonwood Creek Monday morning, leading to a hazmat response. The creek is a major source of drinking water and is a protected watershed area.

The canal is west of where water treatment begins, and the water treatment facility manager told KSL NewsRadio there’s no threat to the drinking water because of where the leak was located.

“It was very loud,” Russ Ranck, the water treatment facility manager, said of the crash. “Huge crash and a shake. Just came running out and saw smoke.”

He said fortunately, the truck landed where it did to keep from contaminating the water.

“It happened below where the water comes in the plant, so there is no contamination to the drinking water, no concern about the safety of your drinking water.”

This is going to be a major operation. Back up is growing. pic.twitter.com/D8Q7YL43UJ

— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) March 20, 2023

John Gleason, UDOT’s spokesperson, said the driver is very lucky to be OK.

“You look at the severity of the crash and the extent of the damage of the vehicle, we are incredibly fortunate that our employee seems to be OK,” he said.

Now they have to figure out why he drove off the side of the road.

“They will be tested for any signs of impairment and interviewed and try and determine what caused the crash.”

Some lanes on state Route 190 were closed for a time Monday while a tow truck worked to remove the truck from the culvert.