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Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

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  • Cemeteries

    Topics:
    • Environmental Advice for Planning, 
    • Planning consultation development types

    The key environmental issues related to the development of a new cemetery and the documents/information that may be required to ensure that DAERA can provide a substantive response to a planning consultation

    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

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