Erosion Exposes Remnant Petroleum Contamination at Buxton FUDS
Buxton, NC – A recent series of erosion events has revealed contaminated soil and groundwater at the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS), leading to enhanced precautions for beachgoers in the area.
Significant Erosion Uncovers Petroleum Contamination
On the morning of September 5, 2024, the National Park Service reported that in the last day or two, powerful waves have washed away several feet of sand along the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This significant erosion has exposed historic military contamination from the site’s past, including soil and groundwater believed to be tainted with petroleum.
Staff from Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) have observed the newly exposed contamination during the low tide and have raised the alarm by informing the National Response Center, which is managed by the Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers. In response to this situation, CHNS has sought help from the Regional Response Team for coordinated action and expertise.
Potential Hazards and Expanded Beach Closures
Along with the petroleum exposure, erosion has also revealed hazardous debris left over from Navy and Coast Guard activities, including concrete fragments, rebar, and metal pipes. This fragmented infrastructure poses additional risks to beach visitors.
Consequently, CHNS has expanded beach closures, which were previously put in place due to the contamination. The closure area now extends approximately 0.25 miles, starting from the southern end of the beachfront homes in Buxton, near Old Lighthouse Road, and extending southward past the old lighthouse jetties.
Ongoing Monitoring
Officials have indicated that the situation will be closely monitored, and the closure could change depending on future observations. On the morning of the announcement, CHNS rangers detected strong odors of petroleum along Old Lighthouse Beach, heightened by the northeast winds and erosion effects.
For those interested in more information about the site, historical data and various photos can be found online.
Community Safety First
The precautionary measures aim to protect the health and safety of the public as officials work to assess and address the environmental hazards posed by the remnants of military activities at the Buxton FUDS. Visitors to the beach are urged to comply with closures and stay safe as response teams manage the situation.
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.
