In a case that dates back to the 1960’s, Ohio’s Attorney General would demand in the United States Gypsum Co. (USG) to recover about $ 17 million spent stabilizing a state drive in northern Ohio threatened by holes that developed above the old company underground gypsum mines and to prevent more.
The demand filed on behalf of the Ohio Transportation Department claims that USG, unlike a purchase agreement, did not maintain the mines, which caused the dangerous holes to develop near Route 2 in County of Ottawa, located near the shore of Lake Erie.
The story of the case goes back to 1965 when Odot bought the ground at USG to build the State 2 route, which would later become a very traveled route used by motorists to reach the lake’s tourist destinations, such as Marblehead, the Kelley Island and the Cedar Point.
The lawsuit claims that, according to the purchase agreement, USG agreed to maintain the integrity of the mines to ensure the stability of the road and the safety of motorists. Instead, the demand that USG filed a 1977 claim deed, removing its commitment to keep the mines and did not notify Odot about the presentation or requested the approval of the Department.
As the decades passed, the demand claims that USG continued to discuss with an Odot the potential of the earth’s movement along the resulting route from holes, but in the early 2000’s, again without notifying Odot, The company presented procedures to legally leave its offer to supervise the road.
With the concerns that continue on the potential of the road that collapsed, Odot carried out a $ 20 million project in 2013 that injected the shine into the flooded underground plaster tunnels in order to stabilize them and safeguard the road. .
In terms of demand, Ohio’s Attorney General Dave Yost said in a video published last month that “it is beyond our understanding why this company forces us to go to court to maintain its promises “.
USG did not respond to a request for comments on the demand. The company continues to operate a construction material business and a factory in Ottawa County.
Hannah Hundley, Public Information Manager of the Attorney General, refused to comment on the Calendar of the Demand for the Demand, CPending litigue.
