On Monday, Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Outer Banks community is invited to join Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) rangers at a drop-in volunteer beach cleanup event.
Gloves, garbage bags and trash pickup sticks will be provided by the National Park Service for this organized effort to assist the owner of a collapsed home clean up some of the extensive amounts of debris that has spread up to 15 miles from the collapse site along the Seashore.
To receive supplies, volunteers should meet Seashore rangers at either the Outer Banks KOA Resort at 25099 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe, or the Seashore’s off-road vehicle ramp 23, located just south of the village of Salvo.
Much of the wood pieces that have washed up on the beach have exposed nails, so all volunteers are encouraged to wear thick soled footwear. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
“We are very appreciative of Dare County residents and Seashore visitors who have pitched in from day one of the house collapse by picking up and moving large amounts of debris to above the high tide line,” said David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina. “Additionally, we are thankful to the Outer Banks KOA Resort and North Carolina Beach Buggy Association for partnering with the Seashore.”
On Feb. 11, W.M. Dunn Construction, LLC (Powells Point, N.C.) was hired by the owner of the collapsed house at 24183 Rodanthe, N.C. to remove the house and all associated debris.
Debris has been observed along approximately 15 miles of beach to the south of the collapsed house site and this volunteer beach cleanup event will help to mitigate the impacts from additional debris spread and long-term impacts that may occur as debris is covered by sand.
