Buxton Naval Facility | Dare County, NC

Public Health Advisory - Buxton Naval Facility

Click here to view the March 25, 2024 Public Health Advisory

Public Safety Hazards:

Dare County's Public Health Director Sheila Davies issued a public health advisory on March 18, 2024, due to impacts from petroleum contaminated soils likely exposed by recent beach erosion near the former United States Coast Guard Group Cape Hatteras station area in Buxton at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The area includes Buxton Beach Access, located at the end of Old Lighthouse Road, and an additional stretch of beach.

Until the petroleum contaminated soils are mitigated, and the area is declared safe, environmental and public health officials recommend:

Avoid swimming, wading or fishing in this area in Buxton, from Buxton Beach Access, located at the end of Old Lighthouse Road, and the additional stretch of beach until further notice.
If skin comes in contact with contaminated sediment or water, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water.

In addition to the potential health risks related to petroleum contamination, there are a number of remnants of previous U.S. Coast Guard and Naval installations, including concrete bunkers and steel infrastructure that may pose hazards to swimmers, surfers and beach goers.

Site History:

How to Report Signs of Petroleum:

Remediation Updates:

For general information about the Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS), please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, at 912.652.5673. For FUDS media queries, call the Army Corps at 912.652.5014.

Click here to view the latest updates on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District - Buxton Naval Facility FUD webpage.

For more detailed information about Cape Hatteras National Seashore's Buxton Beach Access, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the primary risks associated with the site in its current condition?

Until the petroleum contaminated soils are mitigated, and the area is declared safe, environmental and public health officials recommend:

Avoid swimming, wading or fishing in this area in Buxton, from Buxton Beach Access, located at the end of Old Lighthouse Road, and the additional stretch of beach*until further notice. Reports of varying mild to moderate symptoms including headache, nausea and skin irritation have been shared by individuals after participation in recreational water activities in the impacted area.
If skin comes in contact with contaminated sediment or water, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water.

In addition to the potential health risks related to petroleum contamination, there are a number of remnants of what is believed to be Navy and Coast Guard infrastructure, including concrete bunkers and building foundations that may pose hazards to swimmers, surfers and beach goers.

Where can I view the resolution that was passed by the Dare County Board of Commissioners on March 4, 2024?

Where can I view the public health advisories that have been issued by the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services?

Is it dangerous to surf in the waters off the shoreline of Buxton?

Where can I report any issues I encounter or dangers I see in the area?

How can I view the video from the USACE and Dare County meeting in Buxton on May 14, 2024.