Jesse Jones and his Carlisle-based company, Jones Manure Hauling, LLP, have been charged in connection with a 2021 spill at Barr Farm in Greencastle, according to the Office of Attorney General.<\/p>\n
Investigators said the company spilled a large amount of Food Processing Residuals (FPR) while transferring the material from a truck into a storage pit on June 30, 2021. The spill happened when a hose ruptured, according to the investigation.<\/p>\n
FPR is made up of organic waste materials, including byproducts from animal slaughter, and is commonly used as fertilizer, investigators explained.<\/p>\n
Authorities allege Jones failed to notify the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection about the spill as required by law.<\/p>\n
Neighbors soon began reporting foul-smelling drinking water. Residents described odors resembling “dead poultry” and “decomposing animals mixed with chicken manure,” according to the Attorney General’s Office.<\/p>\n
DEP later determined the spill had contaminated nearby drinking water supplies, investigators said. Authorities noted the water remains contaminated.<\/p>\n
The Office of Attorney General received a referral in 2023 and filed charges this week against Jones and the company, including unlawful conduct under the Clean Streams Act and related offenses.<\/p>\n
“This company’s neglect after they knowingly spilled FPR cost neighbors access to clean drinking water \u2014 which remains contaminated to this day,” 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.”<\/p>\n
The case is being prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Environmental Crimes Section.<\/p>\n