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.
Click Here for a copy of the announcement.
Related Articles This Week:
-- Attorney General Sunday Charges Company With Franklin County Food Processing Waste Spill That Contaminated Residents’ Drinking Water [PaEN]
-- House Committee To Consider Bills To Prohibit Road Dumping Oil & Gas Wastewater, Set Minimum Standards For Power Plant Community Benefit Agreements, Encourage Monarch, Native Insect Habitats On June 8 [PaEN]
-- Reminder: DEP June 15 Hearing On 22 Transfer LLC Municipal Waste Transfer Station Permit In Cooper Twp., Montgomery County
-- Keep PA Beautiful Seeking Volunteers To Become PA Waterway Stewards To Reduce Litter On Water Trails, Waterways [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- PennLive-Charles Thompson: Residents Say Water Smelled Like Poop, Death, Now Company Faces Criminal Charges For Illegally Spreading Food Processing Wastes On Farm Fields In Franklin County
-- The Allegheny Front: Beyond The Compost Bin: How Pittsburgh Restaurants Are Reimaging Waste
-- Scranton Times: Volunteers Compete To Beautify Scranton Streets In Garbage Olympics
-- Warren Times: Warren County DA Holds Prescription Drug Take Back Event Thru June 26
[Posted: June 3, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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