Recent erosion exposes remnant petroleum contamination at Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site

UPDATE: The Buxton Beach closure has been expanded by 0.25 miles as of Thursday morning, September 5

Over the last 24-36 hours, several feet of sand have been washed away from an area of beach in front of the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore). Soil and groundwater that is apparently contaminated with petroleum from historic military use of the site is now exposed to the beachfront during low tide, and wave action during high tide.

Seashore staff have reported observations of the petroleum exposure to the National Response Center, operated by the Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and other State of North Carolina agencies that assist with pollution response. The Seashore has also requested assistance from the Regional Response Team, an interagency team that can help coordinate response and provide technical advice during oil spills or pollution events.

Additionally, erosion has uncovered significant quantities of hazardous remnant Navy and Coast Guard infrastructure, such as concrete, rebar, wires, PVC and metal pipes, metal fragments, and cables that have been left in the ground.

All visitors to the Seashore should heed the signs on the north and south end of the 0.3-mile-long closed section of beach and stay outside of the area.

Updates will be provided as more details are available.

You can learn more about the Buxton FUDS at: www.nps.gov/caha/learn/news/buxton-beach-access.htm.