SAVANNAH, Ga. – August 22, 2025 — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District team returned to Buxton, North Carolina, on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, to begin a post-Hurricane Erin assessment of the former Buxton Naval Facility, a Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) property within Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Dare County.
Hurricane Erin has significantly impacted the FUDS property, causing widespread deterioration.
A noticeable amount of the of the petroleum-impacted soil is now located closer to the ocean and underground soils are being disturbed by wave action and releasing petroleum vapors. No visible sheen has been seen on the water.
USACE’s team is on-site and prepared to conduct limited containment and removal of visibly contaminated soils. However, challenges such as flooding, debris, and a downed power line are hindering accessibility. USACE teams will develop a course of action in the coming days.
The team will continue to monitor the FUDS property and will remain in place through the weekend.
– 30 –
Release no. 25-035