Tanker truck rolls into Deer Creek Reservoir; US 189 open


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Update: U.S. Highway 189 reopened Wednesday morning, according to Wasatch County dispatch and the KSL Traffic Center. - - - - - -

CHARLESTON, Wasatch County — A tanker truck hauling butane rolled into Deer Creek Reservoir Tuesday morning creating a cleanup situation on U.S. Highway 189 and the reservoir.

The highway was initially closed after the crash and was reopened to alternating traffic about 12:30 p.m. By 1:20 p.m., both directions were reopened until the closure was put back in place shortly after 4 p.m. Right before 10 p.m., Utah Highway Patrol officials said they were alternating letting northbound and southbound traffic through an opening while crews continue to work to remove the tractor portion of the semitruck.

Officials will shut down the all lanes again once crews start working on the main trailer again, UHP said. The areas affected are near Deer Creek State Park Wallsburg Group Area and state Route 113 in Charleston.

Utah Department of Environmental Quality officials said they are monitoring the spill. The spill is posing a low risk to the drinking water and environment, according to officials.

Emergency crews responded to a report of a crash about 11:15 a.m. Wasatch County Sheriff's officials said a semitruck hauling a pair of tankers containing butane crashed into a guardrail and rolled into the reservoir.

From the beginning, troopers said they expected a "delicate" cleanup situation. Wasatch County officials said another semitruck was brought to the scene Tuesday afternoon to allow crews to offload the butane the crash truck to the second truck. An exact estimate for the highway to reopen isn't known.

Troopers said wind conditions have been favorable for the cleanup operation. The Wasatch County Fire Protection hazmat unit was dispatched to the scene to assist in the cleanup.

Wasatch County Sheriff's officials added they were working with troopers and Wasatch County School District to ensure all children in the Wallburg area were transported home.

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Carter Williams is an award-winning reporter who covers general news, outdoors, history and sports for KSL.com.

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