Emergency services work to decontaminate Stuarts Point following septic leak

The Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) issued an evacuation order at 9.30pm on Friday March 26, after NSW Heath confirmed a risk of faecal matter and bacteria in the discharge from onsite septic systems impacted by floodwaters.

The leak was caused by the recent weather event and is impacting at least 45 homes.

The evacuation operation included door knocks of homes, with multiple agencies assisting residents to evacuate their homes to a nearby youth camp at Yarrahapinni.

Residents were assessed by NSW Health staff for signs or symptoms of illness at the evacuation centre prior to admission.

North Coast Public Health Director Paul Corben said all floodwaters should be treated as contaminated.

"Floodwater can be extremely polluted and contaminated with sewage and chemicals. Contact can lead to skin and stomach infections and other rare, but serious conditions, such as leptospirosis," Mr Corben said.

"If you are cleaning up after flooding, please remember to wear safety equipment including boots, gloves and eye protection and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards," Mr Corben said.

While many residents evacuated from their homes were able to find private accommodation, about 30 people spent Friday evening at the Yarrahapinni evacuation centre.

A number of residents are unable to return to their homes and are currently staying with family members, friends or have found accommodation at the evacuation centre and hotels.

Local police and the SES have cordoned off affected streets and identified danger areas at nearby crossroads.

To reduce the possibility of contamination spread, residents from other parts of the township, who have not been evacuated, are advised they should only drive for essential purposes.

Vehicles can leave the area via Ocean Avenue but may require decontamination if they have driven through or come into contact with the groundwater.

As water in the township recedes outside of the sewer-impacted area, inspections are being carried out and lime treatment applied as a protective measure.

Council's Environmental Health Officers and EPA have run tests on the ammonia and ecoli levels in the groundwater with results indicating the levels are lower than treated effluent discharged from sewerage treatment plants, council's website states.

Fire and Rescue NSW, in consultation with the EPA, have worked with council to commence pumping the ground water into the existing stormwater system

Pumping will remove the water faster to a certain depth before natural dissipation occurs, allowing property assessment and disinfection to begin.

Drinking water in Stuarts Point has been tested and remains safe to consume.

The need for the evacuation order will be assessed daily, but residents are advised it may last between seven to ten days.

Any residents requiring urgent assistance or specialist care are advised to contact SES on 132 500.

In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

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