News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Temporarily Expands Beach Closure

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News Release Date: September 5, 2024
Contact: David Hallac, 252-216-5520
Contact: Mike Barber, 252-473-0221

MANTEO, N.C. — Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) expanded the size of a previously closed beach area by approximately 0.25 miles this morning in Buxton, North Carolina. The precautionary expansion, implemented in consultation with the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services, closes the beach from the southern end of the location of beachfront homes in the village of Buxton, located at the end of Old Lighthouse Road, to approximately 0.25 miles south of the old lighthouse jetties. The closure includes the beachfront in front of the southern groin and the Old Lighthouse Beach parking areas. The closure may change over the coming days based on ongoing field observations.

On the morning of September 5, 2024, Seashore rangers noticed strong petroleum smells along Old Lighthouse Beach, near the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS). The odors were impacting the area due to the strong northeast winds and erosion which is apparently exposing historic petroleum contamination at the FUDS. Observations were reported to the National Response Center this morning.

The Seashore will provide updated public information in the coming days. Historical information about the former military site is located at http://go.nps.gov/buxtonbeach.

Recent and historical photos of the site can be found in the Seashore’s Buxton Beach Access photo album. 

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