Petroleum odor closes larger stretch of Outer Banks beach

A larger stretch of beach on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Buxton is now closed due to petroleum odor and a sheen on the water.

According to the National Park Service, approximately two-tenths of a mile of the beach has been closed since September 2021.

On Sunday, the closure was expanded to close the Buxton Beach Access, located at the end of Old Lighthouse Road, and an additional stretch of beach.

According to NPS, the odors and sheen were observed by Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff near a site formerly used by the Navy and Coast Guard.

The new, expanded closure blocks approximately three-tenths of a mile of the beach starting at the southernmost beachfront home in the village of Buxton and ending at the first (southernmost) jetty.

The petroleum odor was reported to the National Response Center, and the Coast Guard is monitoring the situation.

Rainy and windy weather has closed N.C. Highway 12 from the National Park Service Pony Pens to the ferry terminal at the north end of the island until at least noon on Saturday. Sand and overwash on the road continue to be a problem, according to the DOT.