You have probably noticed the new office trailer at the Transfer Station. Rats are a common problem at landfills and transfer stations, but the problem at the Andover Transfer Station has become extreme.

This winter, even with a professional exterminator waging war against them, the rats took over. They chewed holes in the office walls and floor, ate the insulation under the floor, and burrowed under the building and even under the area in front of the building. The walls are full of rat excrement, which turns to dust and is a huge health hazard to those who inhale it for extended periods of time.

Of course, the Town must keep its employees and the general public safe, so, as an interim measure, the new office trailer was put in place and use of the old building was discontinued.

This is a temporary solution. The Board of Selectmen will be reviewing more permanent options.