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Official: Spilled treated sewage did not contaminate public water

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Police said a tractor-trailer carrying treated human waste overturned Monday afternoon in Gaston County, spilling its contents.

The truck was carrying about 6,500 gallons of treated waste on Highway 321 when it crashed, spilling about half of its contents.

No sewage spilled from the tanker truck contaminated the public water system, according to officials.

The tanker was traveling north on Highway 321 and while attempting to turn left on Stagecoach Road, it turned over, resting on the side of the vehicle, according to a news release from the Gastonia fire inspector.

About 3,000 gallons of treated sewage spilled on the roadway.

The Gastonia Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Team patched the sewage leak in approximately 10 minutes.

The driver of the tanker truck was taken to Caromont Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol ruled the cause of the accident was due to excessive speed by the driver.

No other injuries were reported.

Police shut down Highway 321 near the wreck to clean up the scene.