The Maryland Department of the Environment issues a violation notice against the company today.

Despite two state enforcement actions, smoke plumes persist at Curtis Bay Energy, say residents, who discover that one tool that could have held the company accountable was eliminated by the City Council 14 years ago.

Watchdog groups say the state is not doing enough to prevent the water sluicing off highways, roads and bridges from spreading contaminants into Chesapeake Bay and other watersheds.