A semi-truck and trailer delivering boulders to Pitkin County’s whitewater feature construction site in Basalt overturned at the staging area located behind the Harry Teague Architects building at 129 Emma Road shortly after 4 p.m. today. There were no injuries and a small amount of diesel fuel, estimated to be less than five gallons, and an insignificant amount of hydraulic fluid spilled onto the ground at the staging area. The spill was immediately contained by contractors on the scene using absorbent pads that are required to be on site pursuant to the construction management plan for this project. The small amount of hydraulic fluid that was dripping from the overturned truck, was collected in buckets. The truck was on its side for slightly more than 1 hour. It has since been towed upright. Pitkin County Environmental Health Manager, Kurt Dahl assessed the accident said he was confident that the spill was contained.
Project engineers from RiverRestoration in Carbondale are expected to assess the accident site in the morning. The contractor for the project is Diggin It River Works Inc. a Colorado whitewater park contractor.
The Pitkin County Healthy Rivers whitewater feature project has been underway since the beginning of September. Heavy equipment has been working in and around the river to create a diversion channel around the work site. Special precautions are being taken to minimize turbidity in the river during the project, to re-vegetate the site, stabilize embankments, and relocate fish. Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2017.