Big Rig Tanker Overturns Into Gully

ALAMEDA COUNTY — A big rig hauling a double tanker overturned on a sharp curve on Calaveras Road in Alameda County Wednesday afternoon. According to the California Highway Patrol, the tanker was carrying 46,000 gallons of chemicals in its tanks, later identified by the Alameda County Fire Department as aluminum sulfate that was headed to the Sunol Water Treatment Plant.

Earlier, the fire department identified the chemical as ammonium sulfate, but corrected the error shortly before 10 p.m.

A fire department Hazardous Materials team determined that none of the aluminum sulfate leaked from the tanks. However, coolant from the tractor did leak, a situation handled by the crews at the scene.

The driver was able to get out of the vehicle's cab and refused transport to the hospital. No other vehicles were involved.

The site of the crash is just one mile into Alameda County, near the Santa Clara County border. Calaveras Road is closed in both directions from Geary Road south to Felter Road. The CHP reports that the road closure is expected to last until Thursday afternoon.

Most emergency crews have been released from the scene. The trucking company is handling the transfer of materials and the removal of the truck.

Fire Department Public Affairs Manager Cheryl Hurd said that the big rig is about 100 yards from a nearby lake, but the chemical does not pose a threat, according to Haz Mat officials.

The crash is about five miles north of Calaveras Reservoir. It was first reported by the CHP at 12:05 p.m.