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Covanta to cover cost of a comprehensive plan by Orkin Pest Control to rid neighborhood of infestation
Covanta Niagara, the owner and operator of the energy-from-waste facility off 56th street in Niagara Falls, in partnership with State Sen. George Maziarz and Assemblyman John Ceretto, today announced a plan to help neighbors with a rodent infestation problem stemming from road construction and sewer work on Buffalo Avenue. Over the past several weeks, Covanta has been meeting with neighbors and state and local government officials to discuss the issue in the community, and hired Orkin Pest Control to conduct a survey and develop a remedial plan.
Initial survey work has been completed by Orkin and has confirmed the primary source of the infestation stems from the road construction and sewer work on Buffalo Avenue. Also, there are significant factors in the neighborhood, such as tall grass and unkempt areas, that are contributing to the issue.
Although it was found that the Covanta facility is not the source of the infestation as was previously alleged, Covanta has volunteered to cover the cost of the Orkin survey and remedial work. Preliminary price quotes from Orkin estimate the project will cost approximately $150,000.
"Covanta is committed to Niagara Falls as a place of business, and as a place where the majority of our employees live and work," said Covanta Niagara Business Manager Kevin O'Neil. "Rodent infestation in the community is a serious issue that must be dealt with as soon as possible, and we are in a position to act immediately. Covanta is proud to be able to help our neighbors, and we appreciate and are grateful for the cooperative relationships we have established with neighborhood representatives, Sen. Maziarz and Assemblyman Ceretto, as we work together to resolve the issue and bring an end to the infestation.
"No family should have to live with the rodent infestation problem that the residents of Niagara Falls have had to live with," Maziarz said. "While the community recognizes that Covanta is not to blame for the situation, the company stepped up and did the neighborly thing and are helping the community. This was a quality of life issue, and I was proud to work with Covanta to help fix the problem. Covanta's dedication to the well-being of their neighbors is something that should be applauded."
"It was extremely important to public health and safety that this problem be addressed and that the rats are removed," Ceretto said. "I was pleased to partner with Covanta to find a solution to this issue and I thank them for their commitment to the community. The most important thing here is that the exterminator will come in and provide a better quality of life for the residents of Niagara Falls."
Orkin will begin rolling out its comprehensive plan and remedial work immediately.