The Maryland Department of the Environment detected odors at the plant during at least three inspections this year and issued the city a nuisance-odor violation last month. Baltimore’s Department of Public Works disputed the citation, saying inspectors noted odors inside the facility but did not establish that they were affecting nearby areas.

Residents described the smell as sewage-like. Lavar Hill, who fishes at Back River, said it reminded him of a sewer. Santo Wren, visiting nearby Cox Point Park, called it “a very funky smell.” Another angler, identified as Mazon, said people who lived nearby might consider moving or taking legal action.

Hill said he believes the plant is the source. The city, however, has said community reports do not match the odors associated with sewage treatment and that other facilities or decomposing organic material could be responsible.

Baltimore says a third-party assessment is examining possible odor sources and that monitoring is taking place along the plant’s fence line. The city also says it has held community meetings since last year and completed odor-related assessments requested by the state.

The disagreement leaves nearby residents seeking relief while state and city officials assess where the odors originate. The city and the Maryland Department of the Environment had not provided updates on next steps as of Oct. 19, 2026.