Good news from water testing at former Buxton Navy/Coast Guard base

In Buxton and Frisco, Dare County launched its own water testing in an effort to make sure no public health concerns were present at the former Buxton U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard bases.

On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Dare’s county manager Robert L. Outten announced that two weeks ago, Dare County staff pulled samples from ponds in Buxton around the base area and from the raw wells feeding the reverse osmosis plant in Frisco and the treated water in Frisco.

The tested water showed compounds below detectable levels and shows water quality meets or exceeds all potable water standards.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still has not provided test results to Dare County or the Buxton Civic Association. “Everybody is frustrated,” said Outten, “at the lack of response.”

During public comment, Jason Hall with the Buxton Civic Association called the water tests “very, very good news.”

On the July 16 agenda was an item about moving the date of Buxton/Avon beach nourishment from 2027 to 2026. The change was recommended by the county’s Capital Improvement Plan Committee.

In presenting the item, Outten said “erosion is at an enhanced pace.” He cited protection of NC 12. “We can’t afford to lose the road there.”

Outten financing is in place to nourish Buxton and Avon beaches. “We don’t have enough money for Rodanthe.”

During public comment, Brett Barley gave a brief history of the jetties that were installed in the late 1960s. He reported that the jetties fell apart in 2015-16 and a drastic change in erosion occurred. In 2021-22, 10-yard sections of the jetty fell in the ocean. About the sand, Barley said “then it’s gone.”

Hall said “we need something in place to hold the sand.”

The commissioners approved moving the Buxton/Avon nourishment project up one year, to fiscal year 2026. It cannot occur sooner, said Outten, because the county cannot get the project permitted that quickly.

In another action, the Buxton Civic Association is calling for setting up a Restoration Advisory Board for the old Buxton Navy Base property.

The association drafted a letter to be sent to various regulatory and legislative representatives asking for a speed up in the set up. The drafted letter is intended for guidance for others to send to the extensive list of representatives.

The letter states “The lack of transparency from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard, and the National Park Service regarding these issues is unacceptable. The community is entitled to full disclosure and regular updates on the measures being undertaken to address these serious problems.

“Considering these significant concerns, I respectfully request the immediate establishment of a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) program. This initiative will facilitate enhanced communication and collaboration between the responsible agencies and the affected community, ensuring that cleanup efforts are prioritized and effectively managed. Further, I implore all involved agencies to cease the decades-long practice of finger-pointing, blame-shifting, and compartmentalization of the areas and, instead, work together for a comprehensive solution.”

Go to Buxton Civic Facebook Page or BuxtonCivic.com to copy the drafted letter and a list of suggested recipients.

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