Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Cape Hatteras National Seashore announced on Sunday afternoon, March 24, 2024 the expansion of the size of a previously closed beach area in Buxton. The expansion closes the Buxton Beach Access, located at the end of Old Lighthouse Road, and an additional stretch of beach due to reports of petroleum odors and sheen on the ocean water, noted a CHNS news release.

“The odors and sheen were observed by Seashore staff near a site formerly used by the Navy and Coast Guard,” stated the Sunday afternoon release. “Observations were reported to the National Response Center this morning and the Coast Guard’s Sector North Carolina has responded and is working with the Seashore to monitor the situation.”

Approximately two-tenths of a mile of beach in front of the formerly used defense site has been closed since Sept. 1, 2023. Sunday’s expansion of the closure results in a closed section of beach approximately three-tenths of a mile long, starting at the southernmost beachfront home in the village of Buxton and ending at the first (southernmost) jetty, noted the release.

“The Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers have been notified about the recent observations and the Seashore will be meeting with both agencies,” the release continued. “The Seashore will provide updated public information in the coming days.”

Historical information about the former military site is located at go.nps.gov/buxtonbeach. Recent and historical photos of the site can be found in CHNS’s Buxton Beach Access photo album.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COASTLAND TIMES TODAY!