Cape Hatteras beach closed again due to petroleum odors; visitors are also advised not to swim or wade in waters near Old Lighthouse Beach and Ramp 43.
BUXTON, N.C. — A section of shoreline along Cape Hatteras National Seashore has been temporarily closed again due to the presence of petroleum odors and a light sheen in the surf.
The National Park Service announced on Saturday that a precautionary closure of about three-tenths of a mile of beach near the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site. The closure stretches from the southern boundary of Buxton Village to the southernmost groin (jetty) at Old Lighthouse Beach, the same area that was previously closed from September 1, 2023, through June 12, 2025.
In addition to the beach closure, park officials are now advising visitors not to swim or wade in the water from Old Lighthouse Beach to the northern boundary of Ramp 43. This water advisory is also due to petroleum odors and visible sheens in the area, stemming from the Buxton Formerly Used Defense Site.
According to officials, heavy surf over the past 24 hours caused significant erosion, stripping away beach sand and exposing contaminated soils believed to be contributing to the pollution.
The Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, and the Coast Guard’s National Response Center have been notified. Petroleum contamination at the site is well documented, and the Corps conducted major cleanup efforts in fall 2024 and winter 2025. Additional sampling and potential remediation are ongoing.
The closure and advisory are precautionary measures intended to protect public health and the environment. There is currently no timeline for reopening the affected areas.
Park visitors are asked to avoid the closed beach and water access area and to report any signs of contamination to park staff.