OXFORD, N.S. - It appears as though Oxford’s growing sinkhole could be slowing down.
For the third consecutive day, officials from Cumberland EMO and the Energy and Mines Department have noticed activity around the hole in the Lions Park is slowing.
“There’s been very little change. Most of it has stayed the same,” Cumberland County’s EMO coordinator Mike Johnson said. “There’s one area that has undermined the parking lot, but it’s just by a bit.”
For nearly a week geologists and EMO officials have been watching almost helplessly as a small sinkhole on the park property has continued to grow to the point that it’s now more than 100 feet in diameter
Earlier this week, as the hole continued to grow members of the Oxford Lions Club had to remove more than $140,000 worth of playground equipment out of fear that it could become a casualty to the sinkhole.
This is the third consecutive day the hole’s size hasn’t increased by much and while it’s still too early to predict if the hole has reached its limit, Johnson is hopeful Mother Nature has played its final act with the park.
“We’re hoping we’re reaching the end, but you never know,” Johnson said.
Oxford's sinkhole neighbours closely watching hole’s creeping growth
Oxford Lions remove playground equipment from park as sinkhole grows
Oxford sinkhole increases by a third since Friday
Although the park has been closed since the sinkhole rapidly expanded in size Aug. 20, traffic is heavy in front of the park as people drive by – and sometimes stop – to get a look at the hole. Johnson said this is creating havoc for traffic control and there have been several minor collisions and angry words exchanged.
“We’re still asking people to stay clear of the site,” he said. “People need to pay attention to their driving and pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings. People need to think safety. The best way to see the hole is not by driving by or stopping to take a look, but on the media, whether on television or in the newspaper.”
Even as the expansion of the hole slows, neighbouring businesses are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Candice Murphy of Irving Oil said the Irving Mainway, directly across from the park, is still open for business – although there had been rumours circulating in the community that Irving was preparing to close the store as a precaution.
“Our site is safe and open for business,” she said. “This week, maintenance work was completed on site that was unrelated to the sinkhole. The safety of our people and our customers is our top priority; we will continue to work with the appropriate authorities as needed in response to this event.”
Twitter: @ADNdarrell
