Dive Brief:

• Covanta Niagara has agreed to pay around $150,000 to have an exterminator survey and exterminate rats that have rapidly multiplied in the area surrounding its Lasalle, N.Y., waste-to-energy facility.

• It has not yet been determined where the rodents are originating, but speculation points to either the plant or a nearby road project where crews are working on a sewer.

• In addition to the exterminator, the city has placed dumpsters so residents can dispose of debris that may be harboring rats.

Dive Insight:

Mayor Paul Dyster and State Senator George Maziarz are praising the company's efforts, with Maziarz saying, "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.”