From the Santa Cruz Sentinel
Tuesday June 8, 2010

AROMAS

Septic truck crashes near creek, spills

A partially-loaded, triple-axle tanker truck run by a septic tank service got stuck dangling over a small creek near Carlton and Thompson roads on Sunday, but no significant contamination was reported, according to authorities.

The Sheriff's Office and the State Department of Fish and Game are still investigating
the crash to determine why the truck, owned by J-J Septic Tank Services, became stuck over Coward Creek off a privately owned farm road that wends through strawberry fields.

The truck was first seen on the property, owned by Surich Brothers Inc., around 6:30 a.m. and, at one point, someone brought out a backhoe to try to free the large vehicle, Sgt. Dan Campos of the Sheriff's Office said.

Eventually, the farm foreman called 911, prompting a response from sheriff's deputies, the county Environmental Health Department, a fire crew and the Department of Fish and Game.

John Carrera, owner of the septic service, reportedly told deputies he had hired a man in the Home Depot parking lot and didn't know why the truck had been backed over the creek, according to Campos.

To try to free the vehicle, Carrara reportedly emptied the holding tank, but he told investigators it only contained water and a cleaning solution and Kelly said the creek had not been contaminated.

"It did not appear to cause any environmental damage to the creek at this point," Fish and Game Lt. Don Kelly said.

Some diesel spilled near a field, but Dane Scurich, general manager of the farm, said Monday the contaminated soil was excavated and there were no lasting problems from the spill.

ALso, Carrera volunteered to pay cleanup and repair costs, which could run $60,000-$70,000, Campos said.

Still, deputies will recommend he be charged with dumping hazardous materials, which carries significant fines and the possibility of state prison time.