News Summary
The beach access at Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton has reopened after being closed for over a year due to contamination issues. The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that extensive cleanup efforts have ensured the beach is now safe for public use. This reopening brings relief to locals and visitors, signaling a return to normalcy and a boost to the local economy. Although the beach access is available, the parking lot will remain closed temporarily for further testing and restoration work.
Buxton, NC – The beach access and a segment of the beach at the end of Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton have officially reopened for the first time since September 2023, following a year-long closure due to contamination concerns. The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services announced the reopening on Thursday morning, bringing relief to local residents and visitors who have been eagerly awaiting access to the area.
The closure of the beach access had lasted more than a year and a half as a result of a public health advisory that addressed the presence of petroleum-contaminated soils, which had been exposed by beach erosion. This issue garnered significant attention within the community and led to the establishment of the Buxton Civic Association, specifically formed to tackle concerns related to beach contamination.
The contaminated stretch of the beach is located within the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site, a region with a history involving past military operations. In the fall of 2022, significant petroleum contamination and remaining infrastructure were uncovered, prompting an accelerated cleanup effort led by the Army Corps of Engineers that began in September 2024.
Dave Hallac, the superintendent of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, confirmed that the Army Corps played a pivotal role in restoring the site by diligently removing hazardous contamination and infrastructure remnants. As a result of their efforts, current evaluations have indicated that there are no hazardous levels of contamination present on the beach within a three-tenths of a mile section, which is now deemed safe for public use.
The cleanup initiative involved extensive removal work targeting hazardous materials that had lingered from the site’s historical military use. With the recent reopening, local visitors have reported joy and excitement, particularly noting the removal of the area’s closure signs, indicating a return to normalcy for the community.
As the beach area reopens, it is important to note that the parking lot at the beach access will remain closed temporarily while further testing and dune restoration processes are underway, which are being managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The continued efforts aim to ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of the beach area.
The Buxton Civic Association has expressed confidence in the safety of the reopened beach, emphasizing that there are currently no petroleum or chemical leaks present. The decision to reopen the beach access was thoroughly considered by the Dare County Health and Human Services department, taking into account the successful petroleum removal project, results from two separate soil analyses, and an investigation by the Coast Guard into potential contaminants.
The reopening of the beach access is anticipated to positively impact the local economy, as residents and visitors alike can once again enjoy one of Buxton’s natural attractions. For many, the beach holds significant emotional value, and the restoration efforts have not only addressed health and safety concerns but also restored a sense of community spirit and pride.
As Buxton welcomes residents and tourists back to its shores, the focus remains on maintaining environmental safety and ongoing assessments to ensure the area remains free from contamination. The return of beach access marks a significant milestone for the community after months of advocacy, concern, and diligent work aimed at making the beach a safe haven for all.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outer Banks Construction and Tourism Initiatives Update
Outer Banks Real Estate Market Sees Surge in Vacation Home Buyers
Beach Closures in Buxton: Erosion Reveals Cold War Military Secrets
Rodanthe Residents on High Alert as Another Oceanfront Home Collapses
Ocracoke Island Endures Road Closure and Supply Challenges Amid Severe Ocean Overwash
Nags Head Community Gathers for Voter Turnout, Environmental Meeting, and Holiday Candy Drop Amidst Recent Tragedies
Buxton Beach Access Closure and Restoration Efforts Under Review by Congressman Greg Murphy
Rodanthe, N.C. Faces Urgent Threats from Ocean Erosion as Homes Collapse into Sea
Home Falls into Ocean Amid Coastal Erosion in Cape Hatteras
Buxton, N.C. Beach Access Closed Amid Safety Hazards and Erosion Concerns
Additional Resources
- Wavy: Cape Hatteras National Seashore Reopens Beach Section
- Google Search: Buxton Beach closure reopening
- ABC11: Buxton Beach Petroleum Contamination
- Wikipedia: Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- 13NewsNow: Buxton Beach Closure Expanded
- Google News: Buxton Beach reopening
