Gulfstream Park illegally discharged pollutants into a canal that flows to the Intracoastal Waterway for at least four years starting in 2011, according to a lawsuit filed this week by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The horse racing track could face fines of $37,500 a day per violation – or more than $50 million — for violating the federal Clean Water Act, said the lawsuit filed Wednesday by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

Gulfstream Park spokesman David Joseph referred questions to the track’s attorney, Michael Fucheck. He was out of town and could not be reached for comment.

Mayor Joy Cooper says she plays tennis near the canal and has noticed a foul chemical odor for years.

“I have pictures of dead fish in that canal,” she said Friday. “It’s disgusting. We need to get this canal cleaned up. I’m glad the feds are involved.”

According to the lawsuit, officials with the Environmental Protection Agency notified Gulfstream on Oct. 23, 2014 that horse wash water being discharged to a 24-acre drainage pond, and ultimately the nearby canal, was not authorized.

Gulfstream, which houses up to 1,100 horses year-round, was issued a notice of civil violation on Feb. 26, 2015.

The 243-acre property, located at 901 South Federal Highway, includes a horse racing track, outdoor shopping village, a detention pond, stables, dorms and a clubhouse.

Hallandale Beach officials were not aware of the lawsuit.

“It does concern me,” City Commissioner Anthony Sanders said. “It would concern anyone when you hear water pollution.”

Hallandale Beach spokesman Peter Dobens was quick to point out that any pollutants that made their way into the drainage canal near the track posed no threat to the city’s drinking water.

When asked whether anyone swam or fished in the canal, he gave this answer: “I have no idea, but I would certainly hope not.”

City Manager Roger Carlton also weighed in.

“We haven’t seen the details, but we will work closely with all parties involved to resolve these issues,” he said in an email.