Updated 2:30pm, Thursday: The Tasmania Fire Service says a chemical spill that earlier forced evacuations in the George Town area has been contained.
As a result of the clean up, authorities say people should avoid swimming in the Tamar River.
“In consultation with the EPA and George Town Council, the spilt acid has been diluted and flushed through the drainage system into the Tamar River,” a spokesperson said.
“As recommended by the EPA, we will continue to flush water through the system for a further four hours to make it safe.”
“While the formic acid present in the Tamar River has been diluted, TFS advises that the community should avoid contact with the water.”
“The EPA will conduct ongoing monitoring and can provide further information on the specifics of this substance.”
Earlier: Residents have been evacuated from parts of George Town after a chemical spill in the northern Tasmanian town.
Tasmania Police and the Tasmania Fire Service are responding to the incident at the intersection of Franklin Street and Thompson Avenue to the Bell Bay train line.
“It is believed a quantity of formic acid has been spilled,” a spokesperson said.
“Exposure to this material will present an immediate danger to people in the area.”
Firefighters have established an exclusion zone around the site, while police have evacuated people from the area.
The exclusion zone has been reduced from an initial one kilometre radius to 500 metres and now 100 metres.
“South George Town Primary School has been evacuated and parents do not need to enter the area,” an alert reads.
“If you cannot leave, stay indoors, close all doors, windows and vents and turn air conditioners to recirculate or off.”
No injuries have been reported, police said.
Police are urging people to avoid the area until further notice.
