Stuarts Point evacuations ordered after septic tanks overflow causes biohazard

Scientists left to work out plan of attack as residents trudge out of town and undergo decontamination.

A Fire and Rescue NSW Hazman team respond to a biohazard emergency in the Mid North Coast town of Stuarts Point. Photo courtesy of Nine News.

Residents in the town of Stuarts Point were given gumboots and ordered to evacuate last night after the overflow of septic tanks triggered a biohazard.

Rises in groundwater caused by recent heavy rainfall were deemed the root of the problem as onsite septic systems spilled out into streets and backyards in the town located about 35 km south of Nambucca Heads.

Residents in 45 homes across seven streets were ordered to stay indoors as NSW Health confirmed the risk of faecal matter and bacteria in the discharge before NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW began the evacuation.

Residents are evacuated after septic tanks overflowed in the Mid North Coast town of Stuarts Point. A biohazard was declared and Fire and Rescue NSW assisted residents to a nearby youth centre for decontamination. Photo courtesy of Nine News.

32 people were required to leave their homes in gumboots provided by FRNSW before they were later decontaminated in a footbath and taken to Yarrahapinni Adventist Youth Centre.

Any vehicles in the affected water were unable to be moved and would be detained if found to have been removed from the area.

While the need for the evacuation order will be reassessed daily, the Advocate understands it could last between seven to ten days.