Buckeye Reporter

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.