HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against a Carlisle-based company and its owner for causing a Food Processing Residuals (FPR) spill in Franklin County that was never reported to authorities and led to contamination of residents’ drinking water supply.
Investigators determined that Jones Manure Hauling, LLP — owned by Jesse Jones — spilled a large amount of FPR in 2021 at the Barr Farm in Greencastle. Neighbors in the area soon noticed an awful smell in their drinking water, and DEP ultimately determined that the spill contaminated the water supply.
The Office of Attorney General was referred the case in 2023 and filed charges this week against Jones and the company, including a felony count of unlawful conduct under the Clean Streams Act and related misdemeanors.
“This company’s neglect after they knowingly spilled FPR cost neighbors access to clean drinking water — which remains contaminated to this day,” Attorney General Sunday said. “We recognize and appreciate the many benefits provided through Pennsylvania’s rich history of strong agriculture, but this sort of conduct is unacceptable. Every Pennsylvanian has a basic right to clean water.”
According to the investigation, Jones Manure Hauling provided numerous farmers with FPR — a combination of organic materials, including waste from animal slaughter, which can be used as a fertilizer.
On June 30, 2021, a large amount of FPR was spilled, due to a hose rupture, while transferring from a Jones truck to a storage pit at the farm. Jones did not contact DEP and report the spill, as required.
Neighbors soon noticed a smell, and reported water that smelled like “dead poultry,” and “decomposing animals mixed with chicken manure.” It was determined the spill contaminated their drinking water supply.
The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Environmental Crimes Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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