The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce has called for urgent measures to address contamination at Buxton Beach.

The closure of a stretch of shoreline since September 2023 due to offshore hurricanes has prompted community concerns and advocacy efforts. In a letter sent to 18 legislators and stakeholders on April 1, the Chamber emphasized the need for a solution to the contamination issue, which has affected a significant area of the coastline. The closure of the beach access poses potential economic repercussions for businesses, rental properties, and residents, with implications for the local tourism industry.

The Chamber represents nearly 850 businesses and over 3,000 employees along the Eastern North Carolina coastline, including the Buxton area on Hatteras Island. The letter urges legislators and agencies to prioritize funding and action to address the situation before the upcoming summer season, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Cape Hatteras National Seashore as a national treasure.