HARRISBURG, PA — A Carlisle-area company and its owner are facing criminal charges after investigators alleged an unreported agricultural waste spill contaminated a Franklin County drinking water supply.
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against Jones Manure Hauling, LLP and its owner, Jesse Jones, stemming from a 2021 spill involving Food Processing Residuals, commonly known as FPR, at a farm in Greencastle.
According to the Office of Attorney General, FPR is a fertilizer material made from organic waste products, including byproducts from animal processing operations.
Investigators allege that on June 30, 2021, a large quantity of FPR was released at Barr Farm when a hose ruptured during a transfer from a company truck to a storage pit.
According to the investigation, Jones Manure Hauling failed to report the spill to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as required.
Authorities said nearby residents subsequently reported foul odors and unusual conditions in their drinking water. According to investigators, some residents described the water as smelling like “dead poultry” or “decomposing animals mixed with chicken manure.”
The Department of Environmental Protection ultimately determined that the spill contaminated the local drinking water supply, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Investigators further allege that the affected water source remains contaminated.
The Office of Attorney General was referred the case in 2023 and filed charges this week against Jones and the company. According to authorities, the charges include a felony count of unlawful conduct under Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Act and related misdemeanor offenses.
The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Environmental Crimes Section.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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