Understanding groundwater protection
Cemeteries
Like all developers and operators, those involved with cemeteries have a legal responsibility not to cause pollution.
There is the potential for groundwater pollution caused by:
- large numbers of burials in a short time
- the cumulative effects of many burials over a longer period of time
- novel or unproven burial practices
- site specific environmental factors
- a lack of appropriate operational controls
Large numbers of burials in environmentally sensitive locations cause the greatest concern. In many of these locations cemetery developers and operators need ongoing controls to reduce the risks to the environment. This is especially so in areas where the groundwater:
- is vulnerable to pollution
- is used locally as a source of drinking water
- supports nearby sensitive surface waters or wetland habitats
From 1 April 2022, you will need to apply for an environmental permit for a new cemetery development or extension to an existing cemetery if any of these apply:
- it presents a high risk to the environment due to its proposed location
- your site needs active pollution prevention mitigation measures or operational burial controls to protect the water environment
The Environment Agency will inform you as part of its response to the LPA when consulted on the planning application whether your proposed cemetery development will also require an environmental permit.
Further guidance on information required to support a planning application and apply for an environmental permit, please see the following information on GOV.UK:
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-groundwater-from-human-burials/protecting-groundwater-from-human-burials
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-groundwater-from-human-burials/protecting-groundwater-from-human-burials