Cape Hatteras Beach Expands Closure Due to Erosion Exposing Petroleum Contamination and Hazardous Materials

Cape Hatteras Beach Closure Expands Due to Erosion and Petroleum Odors

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina – A recent expansion of beach closures has taken place at Cape Hatteras National Seashore following alarming discoveries related to **_erosion_** and **_petroleum odors_** in the area. The closure zone now stretches approximately **0.25 miles**, from beachfront homes at the end of Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton to the old lighthouse jetties.

Petroleum Contamination Concern

Officials from the **_National Park Service (NPS)_** announced that the closure was implemented as a **_precautionary measure_** after erosion exposed contaminated soils and groundwater at a site known as the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS). This contamination is attributed to historic military activities that once took place in the area.

Hazardous Materials Identified

Alongside the petroleum odors, the erosion has uncovered hazardous remnants of Navy and Coast Guard infrastructure, including large quantities of **_concrete_**, **_rebar_**, **_PVC and metal pipes_**, and other assorted **_metal fragments_** and cables that were previously buried. These hazardous materials pose a risk to public safety, prompting officials to discourage access to the area.

Public Advisory and Next Steps

The NPS urges visitors to heed signage posted around the **_beach closure_** and to maintain a safe distance from the affected area. As conditions evolve based on continued field observations, the closure boundaries may change accordingly, so visitors are advised to remain informed about the situation.

This unexpected situation highlights the ongoing challenges related to historical military use of coastal areas and their environmental impacts, and officials are working diligently to assess and manage the risks associated with the site.