Tonawanda Coke has been issued a cease and desist order by the state DEC, demanding the plant to stop all operations "associated with violations at this facility to prevent potential harm to its workers, the surrounding community and the environment."

The process to revoke all of the facility's air permits is underway according to the DEC.

Tonawanda Coke has not responded to a request for comment.

Located in the town of Tonawanda, the plant has long been one of controversy.

A class-action lawsuit on behalf of people in the town and city of Tonawanda along with the village of Kenmore has been in the works, which cites a decrease in the quality of life for the communities surrounding the plant.