Tūākau residents evacuated after a large amount of an unknown chemical entered local drains last night are allowed to return home.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the hazardous substances incident was reported around 4pm, and residents from 10 houses were evacuated on Kowhai St, Cottle Lane and George St. A further two households chose to evacuate.
"Other residents remaining in the area are advised to stay inside with their doors and windows closed to avoid the risk of being exposed to fumes," a FENZ spokesperson said at the time.
Shortly after 10pm, Assistant District Commander Brad Harvey said firefighters would be demobilising from Tūākau.
He said firefighters had been flushing the drains, and atmospheric readings showed that the air quality in and around the drains had returned to safe levels.
"Residents who were evacuated earlier this evening are able to return home. The advice to other residents to stay inside with doors and windows shut has also been lifted," he said.
"The scene will be left in the hands of local water management staff. The nature and source of the substance which prompted the emergency response has not yet been established.
Iawai spokesperson Nigel Ward told 1News there was no issue with drinking water or stormwater networks as a reult of this issue.
"IAWAI is working with FENZ to flush wastewater pipes after reports of an odour of fuel in a Tuakau street. Around 12 homes in the area have been evacuated for safety purposes," he said.
"There is no impact on drinking water or stormwater networks, and no issues with drinking water quality. The fuel odour was noted earlier in the day in the wastewater system. FENZ were notified and this evening established a control centre in the area while the issue is addressed."
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