Helping local authorities with pandemic planning requirements
Overview
Over the past few months, the outbreak of the Coronavirus has profoundly affected all of us, creating challenges in both our work and personal lives.
At times like these, it becomes crucial for Local Authorities to have up-to-date Pandemic Plans. These plans are essential to effectively address potential increases in burial rates and, in extreme cases, mass burials. Pandemic planning should be immediate, efficient, and grounded in accurate information.
Understanding Pandemic Burials
It is important to clarify that pandemic burials do not solely refer to ‘mass burials.’ Instead, they involve a higher number of burials within a specific timeframe, surpassing the norm.
Environmental Considerations
Effective management of pandemic deceased requires environmental solutions. The government document ‘Managing the Deceased in a Pandemic’ (March 2020) outlines the requirements for a pandemic burial site:
- Environmental impact assessments for normal cemeteries are based on an annual average burial rate. However, the suitability of a site might differ for higher burial rates during excess deaths scenarios. Hence, all sites should be environmentally screened in advance of a pandemic.
- Burial plots should be at least 250m away from boreholes, springs, or wells used for water supply or food production.
- Burial sites must be located outside of Groundwater Source Protection Zone 2 (SPZ2). Given the high number of burials in a short period, this protective radius is likely to be extended.
Suitability Assessment and Consultation
Local Authorities should thoroughly assess the suitability of burial grounds before designating them as pandemic sites. This evaluation extends to existing sites if burial numbers significantly exceed the normal levels. CDS offers expert advice and support to Local Authorities on site suitability and confidential inquiries. We are here to collaborate with you in developing effective pandemic solutions. For any questions or to reach out to us, please use the form below. We are committed to assisting you in creating successful pandemic strategies.
Additional guidelines from the Cemeteries and Burials: Prevent Groundwater Pollution Guidance 2017 state the following minimum requirements:
- Burial plots should be at least 50m away from other boreholes, springs, or wells.
- Burial plots should be at least 50m away from rivers, canals, lakes, wetlands, or the coast.
- Burial plots should be at least 10m away from field drains, including old agricultural drainage systems.
- Areas with bedrock encountered during trial pits should not be used for burials.
- Areas prone to groundwater flooding or with standing water at the bottom of burial pits are unsuitable.Burial pits should not contain sand and gravel at the bottom.
- There should be at least 1m of subsoil below the base of the lowest coffin.