Guidance

Protecting groundwater from human burials

How to avoid causing groundwater pollution when developing cemeteries for burying human remains.

From:
Environment Agency
Published
1 April 2022
Last updated
2 October 2023 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Protecting groundwater from human burials

Ref: LIT 58930

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Details

This guidance is for local councils or other cemetery operators. It coverssets cemeteryout developmentsthe fromEnvironment 1Agency’s Aprilapproach 2022to whichthe needregulation newof planningcemeteries permissionto underprotect section 57 of the Townenvironment. andIt Countrycovers Planningboth Act 1990. The guidance applies to proposals to:

  • develop a new cemetery
  • expand andevelopments and existing cemetery
    • cemeteries.

Expanding

Published an1 existingApril cemetery2022
Last meansupdated extending2 theOctober geographical2023 + show areaall ofupdates

  1. Updated to an extent that you need new planning permission under section 57 of the Townguide and Country Planning Act 1990.

    If you do not take steps to reducereflect the risks,requirements burialsthat canapply presentfrom a2 riskOctober to2023.

  2. First environment.published.

Published 1 April 2022