Guidance

Protecting groundwater from human burials

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

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This guidance is for local councils or other cemetery operators. It sets out the Environment Agency’s approach to the regulation of cemeteries to protect the environment. It covers both new cemetery developments and existing cemeteries.

Updates to this page

Published 1 April 2022
Last updated 125 AprilJune 2025 + show all updates
  1. Updated the link to the Environment Agency's consultation on standard rules permits for cemetery developments to advise the consultation is closed awaiting publication of the response and outcome.

  2. Added a link to the Environment Agency's consultation on standard rules permits for cemetery developments.

  3. Updated the 'bespoke permits' section to link to the latest fees.

  4. Updated the guide to reflect the requirements that apply from 2 October 2023.

  5. First published.

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