When planning a cemetery or cemetery extension in the UK, groundwater investigation is crucial due to environmental, health, and regulatory concerns. Cemeteries can have a significant impact on local water resources, as the decomposition of human remains can release pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals, into the soil. As such, some cemeteries must have an environmental permit. However, there are a series of conditions that new cemetery developments, or new extensions to a cemetery, can operate under without needing an environmental permit. These conditions are to do with hydrology, hydrogeology and groundwater conditions, among some other things.
The UK's Environment Agency requires thorough groundwater assessments to ensure that cemeteries do not pollute water sources. Understanding the hydrogeology of a site helps identify whether the soil and rock formations are suitable for preventing contaminants from reaching aquifers. The proximity of the water table to burial sites is particularly important; if the water table is too high, the risk of contamination increases.
Additionally, groundwater investigations help in planning cemetery layouts to mitigate risks, such as maintaining safe distances between burial plots and watercourses. Compliance with environmental regulations and ensuring public health safety are key reasons for these assessments. Without proper groundwater investigation, the long-term environmental impact could be significant, leading to costly remediation efforts and potential legal consequences. Therefore, groundwater investigation is an essential part of responsible cemetery planning in the UK.
Here at Geo-Integrity, we have undertaken such investigation previously and can provide the necessary reports to help you navigate these conditions. Please give us a call on 01280 816409 or drop us an email on this link.
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