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.
