Alton mayor concerned that sinkhole at Gordon Moore Park was not anticipated

ALTON, Ill. – Alton Mayor David Goins says he has concerns that no one anticipated the massive sinkhole at Gordon Moore Community Park.

A massive sinkhole opened up in the park on June 26, swallowing part of a soccer field and a massive light pole. Remediation efforts are ongoing and the park remains closed until further notice.

New Frontier Materials is a company that was mining underneath the park where the sinkhole took place.

In a letter to the Assistant Secretary of Labor Christopher J. Williamson, Goins says that New Frontier Materials and the Mine Safety Health Administration have been excellent partners during cleanup and safety checks. However, he notes that the lack of knowledge about potential risks prior to the sinkhole and mine’s expansion is concerning.

Goins also writes that he is concerned about who will cover the costs for the massive cleanup effort.

“The citizens and families of Alton impacted by this unfortunate incident deserve to understand what occurred here as well as assurance that real steps are being taken to ensure their safety and a prompt but safe reopening of facilities they enjoy,” said Goins in the letter.

Mike Clarke, CEO of New Frontier Materials, said Tuesday that an investigation is ongoing as to what caused the sinkhole, but there are no clear answers. A news conference Tuesday also revealed that MSHA “determined the subsidence was an anolomy event and it would have been very difficult for New Frontier Materials to predict a sinkhole like this.”

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