News Summary
A section of Cape Hatteras National Seashore has been closed to swimming due to petroleum odors and light sheens in the water, following erosion that exposed contaminants from a decommissioned Cold War defense site. The National Park Service urges caution as the area poses potential health risks. Ongoing monitoring and cleanup efforts are scheduled to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina – A section of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has been closed to swimming due to detected petroleum odors and light sheens in the water. The closure, announced by the National Park Service on August 3, affects approximately half a mile of shoreline. This area extends from Old Lighthouse Beach to the northern boundary of Ramp 43.
The decision to close this section comes in response to the presence of petroleum resulting from leaks at a previously decommissioned Cold War defense site. This hazardous situation has been prompted by recent erosion that has removed significant amounts of sand, re-exposing contaminants that were previously believed to have been addressed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has previously removed over 4,599 cubic yards of petroleum-impacted soil, 278,000 pounds of concrete, and 1,153 feet of pipe during cleanup operations in fall and winter of 2024-2025.
Background on the Contamination
The affected area has a documented history of petroleum issues as a result of its proximity to a 50-acre Department of Defense site that served the U.S. Navy and later the U.S. Coast Guard from 1956 until its closure in 2010. Officials have identified hazardous infrastructure at this former site, including fuel tanks and septic systems used for monitoring purposes.
Previously, a part of this beachfront was closed from September 1, 2023, to June 12, 2025, for extensive cleanup operations. However, with the recent erosion, there is an increased concern regarding the potential risks posed to public health and the environment.
Current Advisory and Future Actions
In light of these unsettling developments, visitors to the affected area are advised against swimming or wading in the waters as a precautionary measure. This is vital for ensuring public safety until officials can guarantee that the area is safe for recreational activities. Moreover, the Coast Guard’s National Response Center has been notified about the petroleum contamination to facilitate immediate response actions.
The Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to conduct further sampling of soil and groundwater in 2025 to assess any residual contamination. This ongoing surveillance and future remediation actions are necessary to address the publicly documented concerns surrounding petroleum contamination at this site.
Additional Information
In addition to the swimming closure, the Outer Banks is currently under a high surf advisory due to large waves, which further exacerbates the beach erosion issue. This advisory heightens the stakes around the situation, as continued erosion could lead to additional exposure of hazardous materials.
The National Park Service is committed to monitoring the situation closely and will keep the public informed of any changes regarding the closure and the safety of the waters at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Public health and environmental protection remain top priorities as officials strive to manage this complex issue.
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Additional Resources
- WITN: No Swimming Advisory at Cape Hatteras
- WCNC: Petroleum Leak Closes Outer Banks Beach
- CBS17: Outer Banks Beach Closed After Erosion
- Wikipedia: Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- News Observer: Cape Hatteras Closure Due to Petroleum Contamination
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Petroleum
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.
