The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) found contaminants and malodors outside the Erie Coke plant that are in violation of its operating permit, according to a notice of violation sent to the plant superintendent Monday.

The letter cites eight violations from January to March 2019.

One of the violations said the DEP collected samples of a contaminant, which it has identified as coke, at the East Ave. Boat Launch on Feb. 15.

The notice also said malodors, or a very unpleasant smell, was detected from Erie Coke on March 9 and 27 outside its property.

No pollution is permitted outside the facility, according to the letter.

The DEP has reported numerous, ongoing violations at the facility since June 2017.

Most recently, a tank used to pre-treat wastewater at the plant spilled after a hole developed in the bottom of the tank on March 31.