A section of Cape Hatteras National Seashore has been temporarily closed due to concerns over petroleum contamination. The closure affects a three-tenths-of-a-mile stretch of shoreline near the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site, extending from the southern boundary of Buxton Village to the southernmost jetty at Old Lighthouse Beach.
Park officials said the closure is a precautionary measure following the detection of petroleum odors and light sheens in the area. This same stretch of beach was previously closed from September 1, 2023, to June 12, 2025.
Recent strong surf has exacerbated the situation by causing significant erosion, which has led to the loss of beach sand and the exposure of contaminated soils at the site. Petroleum contamination is known to be present, and both the Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, and the Coast Guard’s National Response Center have been notified.
The Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, has previously undertaken efforts to remove petroleum-impacted soil and groundwater during the fall of 2024 and winter of 2025. They continue to work on additional sampling and potential remediation efforts as needed.