Excavation of petroleum-impacted soil continues as part of an ongoing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Savannah District phased response action at the Buxton Naval Facility, a Formerly Used Defense Sites property located within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

USACE reported that the contractor has graded and widened a temporary hauling route, in coordination with the National Park Service, to create minimal impact to local traffic and aid the heavy equipment hauling the petroleum-impacted soil to an off-site waste management facility. Excavations began October 2 and are anticipated to take about 60 days to complete.

Brig. Gen. Dan Hibner, South Atlantic Division commander, and Col. Ron Sturgeon, Savannah District commander, visited the site the same day the excavation began to meet with the district’s on-site team, the contractors, U.S. Coast Guard, National Parks Service and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality representatives to discuss the ongoing response action.

“Savannah District’s team, as well as the contractors, observed an active oil sheen on the beach during low tide Sept. 30, and the on-site contractor deployed a 100-foot oil-absorbent boom around the perimeter in an effort to contain it,” stated USACE. “The soil in that area was tested using a field kit, and samples were collected for laboratory analyses. So far, no other sheens have been observed since the boom was placed, and the contractors continue to monitor the area.”

Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham Jr., who assumed the duties as the 56th chief of engineers and commanding general for the Army Corps of Engineers on September 13, visited the FUDS property September 24 to see the site firsthand and meet the district’s on-site team as well as NPS personnel.

Additionally, preparations have begun for a public meeting to occur in late October or early November. The date, time and location of the meeting have not yet been released.

The contract for the comprehensive sampling of soil and groundwater within the project area, which will define the nature and extent of the petroleum contamination, is anticipated to be awarded in November.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to coordinate its response and remedial action efforts with stakeholders,” stated USACE.

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