In 2023, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach, ranked Lighthouse Beach in Buxton, NC, as the fifth best U.S. beach. However, access to this iconic stretch of National Seashore is now completely restricted due to a severe environmental issue. The beach has been contaminated by remnants of infrastructure and petroleum, causing closures and prompting comparisons to an “oil spill from land.”
Last week, Surfline covered the situation, featuring input from Buxton’s top surfer Brett Barley and local photographer Daniel Pullen. Despite the surf community’s efforts to raise awareness, the bureaucratic obstacles have complicated the situation. Wendi Munden, a co-founder of the Buxton Civic Association, has been heavily involved in addressing this issue and provided critical insights into the ongoing problem.
Munden explained that despite the beach being closed for nearly a year, little progress has been made. One piece of pipe was removed at a cost of $525,000, but no test results have been returned, and further testing is still required. Large pipes continue to detach from the remnants of a building foundation, and some of these pipes are releasing diesel fumes strong enough to burn the eyes and throat.
Munden expressed her frustration after recent interactions with government agencies. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) visited the site but declared it outside their jurisdiction, stating the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) should handle it. However, the USACE representative claimed there was no funding available to address the issue. Meanwhile, the National Park Service (NPS), which owns the property, lacks the authority and funds to take action. Munden asked, “If the USCG isn’t responsible, and the NPS has no authority, and the USACE doesn’t have any money, then who else do we have?”
Munden recounted a meeting where Colonel Ronald J. Sturgeon from the USACE spoke poorly and appeared unprepared, which astonished the Dare County commissioners. The commissioners were vocal in their criticism, calling the situation “unacceptable” and “disgusting.” Munden also warned about the upcoming winter season, which could bring strong winds and large swells, making cleanup efforts even more difficult.
The closures have expanded to include the entire Lighthouse area, with park rangers stationed at barricades. Munden emphasized the seriousness of the situation, comparing it to a disaster happening on the White House lawn. She had even contacted North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s office, only to be told they were unaware of the situation. Munden expressed disbelief, as she had been emailing state officials for months.
Munden urged people to take action by contacting government officials to demand a resolution. She emphasized the need for a collective effort to address this environmental disaster and called on someone to take responsibility for the ongoing crisis at Cape Hatteras.
She also provided a list of email addresses for government officials, urging concerned individuals to reach out and demand immediate action to resolve the issue.
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