Buxton, North Carolina, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is investigating a fuel leak at a former Cold War-era navy base in Buxton, NC. As a precaution, Cape Hatteras National Seashore has expanded beach closures due to petroleum contamination. Cleanup efforts have begun, focusing on removing affected soil and groundwater while maintaining public safety. Historical contamination risks remain a concern as the area was previously a military facility used for submarine monitoring.
Buxton, North Carolina
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently investigating a continuous fuel leak at a former Cold War-era navy base located on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. As a result of this contamination issue, Cape Hatteras National Seashore has expanded beach closures to protect public health.
The leak has been detected at the southern end of Old Lighthouse Road near Buxton Beach Access, leading to the closure of three-tenths of a mile of beach since 2023 due to petroleum contamination. The Army Corps of Engineers has initiated excavation efforts that may exceed depths of 10 feet, potentially revealing long-buried structures and hidden dangers associated with the site’s history.
To address the contamination, crews are focused on removing impacted soil and groundwater, as well as any infrastructure that interferes with access to the petroleum-affected areas. However, structures deemed unrelated to the leak will remain buried to avoid further disturbances.
Background of the Site
The area in question was once a 40-acre military facility established for secret submarine monitoring, active from the mid-1950s until the early 1980s. Following its closure, the base was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard until 2005, after which it became part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The site’s military legacy, dating back to World War II and Cold War activities, has created ongoing contamination risks, exacerbated by beach erosion which has exposed buried infrastructure.
In previous cleanup efforts, the Army Corps of Engineers removed seven storage tanks in 1989 and three more in 1991. More recently, investigations conducted in June 2024 with advanced electromagnetic induction and magnetometer equipment revealed subsurface infrastructure but no remaining underground tanks.
Current Cleanup Efforts
As part of the ongoing cleanup efforts, significant amounts of contaminated materials have already been removed from the site. This includes:
- 4,599 cubic yards of soil
- 99,526 gallons of petroleum-impacted water
- 278,000 pounds of concrete
- 1,153 feet of pipe
Public Health Advisory
Given the concerning levels of contamination, Dare County public health officials have issued advisories cautioning against swimming, wading, or fishing in the affected areas. Additionally, residents near the impacted site are encouraged to test their private drinking wells for contaminants, as health risks associated with petroleum exposure could extend beyond the closed beach area.
The public safety situation has been further aggravated by reports of petroleum odors and sheen observed at Buxton Beach. In light of this, the closed beach area has been expanded to ensure visitor safety.
Conclusion
As investigations and cleanup efforts continue, the Army Corps of Engineers, alongside the Coast Guard, remains committed to addressing the contamination and remnants of military infrastructure at this historically significant site on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
FAQs
What is being investigated at the former navy base in Buxton?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is investigating a persistent fuel leak at a former Cold War-era navy base on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
What has the Cape Hatteras National Seashore done in response?
Cape Hatteras National Seashore has closed three-tenths of a mile of beach due to petroleum contamination since 2023.
What historical significance does the site have?
The site was once a 40-acre military facility for secret submarine monitoring, operational from the mid-1950s to the early 1980s.
What public health advisories have been issued?
Dare County public health advisory warns against swimming, wading, or fishing in affected areas due to contamination risks.
What efforts have been made to address the contamination?
Cleanup efforts have included the removal of 4,599 cubic yards of soil, 99,526 gallons of petroleum-impacted water, 278,000 pounds of concrete, and 1,153 feet of pipe.
Key Features of the Investigation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investigator | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| Location | Buxton Beach Access, North Carolina |
| Closure Length | Three-tenths of a mile of beach closed |
| Years of Operation | Mid-1950s to early 1980s |
| Cleanup Material Removed | 4,599 cubic yards of soil, 99,526 gallons of petroleum-impacted water, 278,000 pounds of concrete, 1,153 feet of pipe |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Swimming Closure
Beach Closure in North Carolina Due to Petroleum Leak
Additional Resources
- News Observer: Investigation into Fuel Leak at Buxton
- Wikipedia: Buxton, North Carolina
- Spectrum Local News: Buxton Beach Closure Expanded
- Google Search: Buxton petroleum contamination
- News Observer: Public Health Advisory in Effect for Buxton
- Google Scholar: Buxton North Carolina military base
- News Observer: Cleanup Efforts in Buxton Progressing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Buxton North Carolina
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.
