Alton Mayor Reports Progress In Sinkhole Drainage

Day 9 Sinkhole Project Update at Gordon Moore Park

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ALTON — SCI Engineering has made notable progress this week in draining a sinkhole that formed beneath the soccer field at Gordon Moore Park, city officials said Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

The sinkhole draining started on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

The sinkhole, which developed above a mine operated by New Frontier Materials beneath the field, first appeared on June 26, 2024. The City of Alton hired SCI Engineering as an independent consultant to investigate the site and develop a remediation plan.

Doug Booten documented the ongoing work with drone photographs on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. SCI Engineering has spent the past week removing water from the sinkhole in preparation for upcoming tests.

Day 9 Sinkhole Project Update at Gordon Moore Park

Thomas Casey of SCI is overseeing the study, which includes drilling small test points around the affected area to assess soil pressure, moisture, and strength.

Alton Mayor David Goins expressed satisfaction with the drainage progress and the cooperative weather conditions that allowed the operation to proceed.

“I am pleased that SCI Engineering can do their testing of the sinkhole, see if any movement has occurred — that is a step in the right direction,” Goins said. He noted the water was not iced over, which helped facilitate the dewatering process. The weather has been in the 50s for high temperatures on multiple days since the drainage of the sinkhole started this past Monday.

“I went out there and took a look at it," Mayor Goins said. "I was impressed that the water was out, so testing can begin. I am pleased with that progress.”

The mayor added that the city awaits SCI’s test results to determine the best approach to restore the ground around the sinkhole area.

“They will do testing and do what they do, then we will look at remediation of the sinkhole as well. They will do their testing and come up with a way to bring the sinkhole back to its original condition,” Goins said.

The soccer field was not in use when the collapse occurred, and no injuries were reported. Alton City officials continue to monitor the situation as SCI advances its investigation.

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