SAVANNAH, Ga. – Officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Headquarters and South Atlantic Division were at the Buxton FUDS property in Dare County, North Carolina, alongside the Savannah District commander, Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program team and Bay West contractors this week assessing the damage unearthed by Hurricane Erin, to determine the best way forward to clean up the site.
During the walkthrough, the Corps of Engineers team was accompanied by the National Park Service (NPS) team, and members of the Dare County Board of Commissioners. No petroleum sheens or odors were detected during the visit.
“We are committed to doing everything we can within our authorities to remove petroleum-contaminated soil and groundwater from the property,” said Col. Ron Sturgeon, Savannah District commander. “This project remains a priority of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Savannah District.”
After the storm passed, approximately 100 linear feet of transite pipe (a generic term for an asbestos-cement pipe used for water distribution, storm drains, sewer lines, etc.) was removed from the site surface and secured for proper disposal. A small remnant of the asbestos pipe remains attached to a sump associated with the former Wastewater Treatment Plant, and it has been temporarily stabilized and wrapped in place. The removal of the asbestos pipes is authorized under the FUDS authority due to possible risk to the health and safety of the on-site team and public.
Additionally, the NPS has already taken action to remove the additional debris left behind by Hurricane Erin, the downed powerline has been taken care of by the power company, and an alternate road is being used to access the site until the Old Lighthouse Road is repaired by the county.
When Hurricane Erin passed by, the team was in the process of awarding a contract for phase two of the interim response action that began Aug. 8, 2025.
“The District team is working hard at the site,” said Sturgeon. “Once they determine if the impacts of Hurricane Erin call for any changes to the scope of work, we can award a contract for the second phase of the response action and remove petroleum-impacted soil and groundwater along the beach and dunes. We will continue to collaborate with the NPS on the petroleum cleanup efforts.”
The team is evaluating a possible postponement of the comprehensive sampling, due to the interim response action.
“The comprehensive sampling fieldwork can begin once the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) is accepted. However, since the recent weather events have created a need for the additional (interim response action) excavations in the project area, that work might hinder sampling efforts,” said Sara Keisler, Savannah District FUDS program manager. “Therefore, we’re evaluating the possibility of postponing the sampling efforts, so we can ensure unhindered access to all sampling locations. If we do that, the comprehensive sampling fieldwork won’t start until December or January.”