Environmental officials in Cleveland County have ordered the evacuation of an apartment building located just outside the city limits of Noble after a cracked septic tank released overwhelming sewage odors that made the property unsafe for residents.

Health concerns prompt immediate action

Tenants reported returning home to an “indescribable” smell that caused throat irritation, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. Michele Walker, a resident, described how the odor forced her and her daughter‑in‑law to sit down and vomit, while she also experienced an eye infection and multiple trips to the emergency room.

Walker said the problem had been developing over several weeks, noting, “I’ve had this eye infection for a month. It literally started within days of the smell, and then I had a sore throat. I’ve been to the emergency room three or four times.” She added that she spends most of her time at home, making her more vulnerable to the hazardous conditions than some of the other eight families living in the building.

Owner attributes issue to septic tank failure

The property is owned by Slap Jack Investments, which attributes the foul conditions to a cracked septic tank. Because the building sits outside Noble’s municipal boundaries, it falls under the jurisdiction of Cleveland County rather than the city.

County officials deemed the environment unsafe and ordered the families to vacate the premises. In response, the landlord has arranged temporary hotel accommodations for the displaced residents, with plans to keep them there until Sunday.

Timeline for repairs

The landlord indicated that the septic‑tank repair is expected to be completed by Friday. Until the repairs are finished, the families will remain in the hotel, and officials are monitoring the situation to ensure the health and safety of the occupants.

Community reaction

Residents expressed frustration over the location of the property, questioning why areas outside city limits seem to lack the same regulatory oversight. One resident asked, “Why is there a no man’s land? Why is outside city limits off limits to the rules?”

County officials emphasized that the evacuation was a precautionary measure to protect public health and that they are working with the property owner to resolve the issue promptly.

What residents can expect

Families affected by the evacuation will continue to receive hotel accommodations while the septic tank is repaired. Officials advise anyone experiencing similar health symptoms from strong odors to seek medical attention and to report unsafe conditions to county environmental services.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.