An evacuation order from emergency officials has been put into effect in the nearby surrounding area of the Lafayette Utilities System North Water Plant. This is due to a chemical hydrated lime spill that happened Sunday.

LUS officials, Lafayette Fire Department, Lafayette Police Department and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality have isolated the affected areas to err on the side of caution. LUS and ES&H are working to neutralize the situation by removing the substance from the contained area.

A small amount of hydrated lime was released from the LUS North Water Plant and caused a cloud of the material to spread over the area, covering nearby roofs and structures. The white powdery substance, when airborne, can cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation. Residents in the area who may have come into contact with the substance are cautioned to wash any exposed skin with plenty of water.

All residents in the evacuation area have been notified and relocated until further notice. Upon return, residents should change their HVAC filters.

The intersections of Buchanan Street and Greig Street, Buchanan Street and Hobson Street, Mudd Avenue and Gladys Avenue, and Mudd Avenue and Monroe Street will be blocked off until the situation has been resolved.

In the case of an emergency, please seek professional medical attention immediately.