Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has initiated legal proceedings against the United States Gypsum Company (USG) for failing to maintain underground mines, which led to dangerous sinkholes near State Route 2 in Ottawa County. The lawsuit seeks nearly $17 million to cover costs incurred by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for stabilizing the roadway.
The suit, filed on behalf of ODOT, aims to recover $16.8 million spent on efforts to prevent the collapse of the highway. “U.S. Gypsum’s failure to uphold their responsibility has put Ohio’s taxpayers in a multimillion-dollar hole,” said AG Yost. “We’re holding them accountable for the money it took to fill it and keep State Route 2 from crumbling.”
The issue traces back to 1965 when USG sold land to ODOT for constructing State Route 2 above its gypsum mines. The agreement required USG to maintain mine integrity for highway stability and safety. However, according to Yost’s lawsuit, USG filed a Quit Claim Deed in 1977, withdrawing its maintenance commitment without notifying or seeking approval from ODOT.
Despite ongoing discussions with ODOT about potential earth movement along Route 2 due to sinkhole development, USG legally ceased its monitoring offer by the early 2000s without informing ODOT. The company continues its construction-materials business and operates a factory in Ottawa County.
In response to persistent concerns about Route 2’s potential collapse, ODOT undertook a $20 million project in 2013 to stabilize USG’s mines by injecting grout into flooded gypsum tunnels beneath the highway. The lawsuit seeks $16,770,000 from USG directly related to these stabilization costs.
AG Yost emphasized the importance of companies fulfilling contractual responsibilities: “It’s beyond understanding why this company would force us to go to court to keep their promise…” He added that it’s unfair to taxpayers and creates a safety concern in northern Ohio.
