News Summary
A section of Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina is closed to swimming and wading after a petroleum leak was detected, believed to stem from a former Cold War defense site. The National Park Service issued a warning as clean-up efforts continue amidst concerns from local residents over the environmental impact and health risks. The beach closure has raised alarms about contamination from old military structures, compounding issues from previous cleanup failures and recent erosion that has exposed hazardous materials.
Buxton, North Carolina – A section of beach along North Carolina’s Outer Banks is closed to swimming and wading due to a petroleum leak believed to originate from a Cold War defense site. The National Park Service has issued a warning for visitors at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, specifically from Old Lighthouse Beach to the northern boundary of Ramp 43, following reports of a strong odor and visible sheen on the ocean surface.
The presence of petroleum along the beach has been an ongoing concern attributable to erosion that has exposed hazardous infrastructure from a former 50-acre Department of Defense site. This site, which was utilized by the U.S. Navy and later by the U.S. Coast Guard from 1956 until its closure in 2010, has experienced signs of contamination due to previous cleanup efforts that have failed to address all hazardous materials.
The Army Corps of Engineers previously conducted a cleanup operation that removed 4,599 cubic yards of petroleum-impacted soil, 278,000 pounds of concrete, and 1,153 feet of pipe. However, recent erosion appears to have uncovered additional hazardous substances, including old fuel tanks and septic systems, that were not accounted for in earlier remediation efforts.
The beach closure officially commenced on September 1, 2023, and is part of a series of closures that have occurred intermittently between September 2023 and June 2025. Local residents and officials have raised concerns over the slow response to the contamination, particularly regarding the lack of timely soil testing results conducted in May. The chair of the Dare County Board of Commissioners has expressed frustration over the delays in addressing this critical environmental issue.
In addition, community members are urging for the involvement of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure proper action is taken to address the petroleum leak and its long-term effects on the environment and public health. The area has recorded alarming levels of petroleum odors and visible contamination on the sand, heightening worries among local residents and beachgoers.
Engineers are currently working on removing contaminated soil and water from the affected beach area. The Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to return in 2025 for a comprehensive evaluation of soil and groundwater contamination at the site. The ongoing situation serves as a reminder of the environmental impacts that can persist long after the closure of military sites.
This contamination not only affects the natural beauty of the Outer Banks but also poses potential health risks to the local community. The beach area near the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site is particularly impacted, limiting access to Buxton Beach and raising concerns over the safety of recreational activities in the water.
As the investigation and cleanup continue, the focus remains on safeguarding the health of the community and restoring the ecological balance of the region. The ongoing efforts highlight the importance of vigilance in monitoring and addressing contamination issues related to historical military sites.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Petroleum Leak Closes Outer Banks Beach
- Wikipedia: Petroleum Contamination
- WSOCTV: Swimming Banned at Cape Hatteras
- Google Search: Cold War Petroleum Leak
- News Observer: North Carolina Petroleum Leak
- Google Scholar: Petroleum Leak Environmental Impact
- 13 News Now: Buxton Beach Closure Expanded
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Remediation
- Augusta Free Press: Outer Banks Beach Closed
- 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.
