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Homeowner's Suburban Dream Becomes Toxic Nightmare
22 Oct
Summary
- Low-flying planes and Geiger counter sweeps caused initial unease.
- Protective-suited crews digging holes in the yard heightened fear.
- The area is known for numerous toxic landfills, including Love Canal.
Lexi Hawk's suburban dream in Niagara, N.Y., has turned into a persistent worry. In the summer of 2024, a plane flying unusually low over her backyard sparked immediate concern. A year later, three men arrived at her home, with one sweeping a Geiger counter across the grass, attempting to reassure her it was likely just a natural rock.
This past summer, the situation escalated dramatically. After finishing her shift at a hair salon, Ms. Hawk returned home to find workers in full protective gear on her property. One individual used a backhoe to dig holes in her yard, transforming the scene into what she described as a horror movie. The homeowner, 24, and her partner, 26, have lived much of their lives near Niagara Falls, an area notorious for environmental hazards, including the infamous Love Canal and numerous other landfills.
