Cemeteries

Key environmental considerations

The key environmental impacts arising from the development of a new cemetery/graveyard or extensions to such sites include:

Development footprint

• habitat damage and loss from development footprint
• species disturbance and/or displacement
• alterations to surface water hydrology caused by compaction of soils and an increase in the surface area of impermeable (or slowly permeable) surfaces, removal of site vegetation resulting in a subsequent increase in surface runoff which may, in turn, increase the risk of flooding and soil erosion

Run-off contaminated with organic matter and toxic chemicals

• leaching of embalming fluid, pathogens/microbes and nitrogen compounds into groundwater and discharging into surface waters effecting quality and aquatic ecosystems and fisheries
• contaminated water / groundwater entering a river system causing degradation of the aquatic environment
• mobilisation of sediments from excavated/cleared areas and soil stockpiles

Documents/information required

The following documents/information may be required to ensure that DAERA can provide a substantive response:

Development details

Design details

• annual burial rate/ total number of burials
• site access arrangements
• position of all infrastructure
• site drainage plan (for any roads, parking, paths etc)

Surveys/assessments

• Ecological e.g.
  • habitat
  • priority/protected species
• Water features survey
• Hydrogeological risk assessment

Further Guidance

• Cemeteries Burials and the Water Environment
• Water Features Survey