News Summary
Buxton Beach Access at Cape Hatteras National Seashore is temporarily closed due to petroleum contamination from a former military site. Detected odors and visible oil sheens prompted safety concerns, leading to the closure of a half-mile stretch of beach. This area has faced significant erosion which has exposed hazardous remnants from Navy operations. Cleanup efforts are underway, but there’s no timeline for reopening the beach as authorities prioritize public safety.
Buxton, North Carolina – A portion of Buxton Beach Access at Cape Hatteras National Seashore is temporarily closed due to ongoing petroleum contamination issues stemming from a former military submarine monitoring site. The beach closure is the result of detected petroleum odors and visible light oil sheens in the water, which have raised safety concerns for residents and visitors.
The specific area affected spans three-tenths of a mile, extending from Buxton Village’s southern boundary to the southernmost jetty at Old Lighthouse Beach. This region had initially been closed from September 1, 2023, until June 12, 2025, for necessary improvements and cleanup efforts. However, recent coastal erosion, exacerbated by strong surf conditions, has caused significant loss of beach sand, thereby exposing contaminated soils at the site.
The National Weather Service is currently monitoring the situation closely and has issued a high surf advisory for the Outer Banks, with wave heights reaching up to 8 feet. This weather pattern not only contributes to the erosion but also poses additional risks to beachgoers.
The former military site, which covers nearly 50 acres, was operated by the U.S. Navy for submarine monitoring until its closure in 1982. Cleanup initiatives led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began in the fall of 2024, with ongoing efforts into winter 2025 aimed at addressing the extensive petroleum contamination left behind. Samples taken in early September 2023 indicated the presence of petroleum-contaminated soil at the beach, prompting the emergency closure.
The coastal erosion has not only revealed hazardous remnants from Navy and Coast Guard operations—including concrete, rebar, wires, PVC and metal pipes, metal fragments, and cables—but it has also heightened concerns about public safety. Officials have expanded the beach access closure area to approximately half a mile due to these newly exposed contamination sites and infrastructure remnants.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to steer clear of the affected area to mitigate risks of exposure to petroleum and potential health hazards from the exposed military debris. Reports have surfaced detailing mild to moderate symptoms experienced by individuals who came into contact with the contaminated water, with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and skin irritation noted.
As of now, there is no specific timeline for when the beach access will be reopened to the public, as cleanup and monitoring efforts continue to ensure the safety of individuals who may frequent the area. The situation is being closely watched by environmental authorities, who are dedicated to restoring Buxton Beach Access for safe use in the future.
Residents and visitors are advised to stay updated on the status of the public access and adhere to advisories regarding beach conditions as recovery efforts progress. The National Park Service is expected to provide further announcements and updates regarding the situation as they become available.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 17
- Wikipedia: Buxton, North Carolina
- ABC 11
- Google Search: Buxton Beach Closure
- News Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: U.S. Navy
- WTKR
- Google News: Outer Banks Beach Closure
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
