For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jackie Greger, Jackie.Greger@sierraclub.org
NJ Sierra Club Urges for Restrictions on Crematory Siting in the State to Protect Environment & Health
On Thursday, March 20th, a bill (A5275) sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo that would prohibit crematories from being built 1,000 feet from a school, residential area, or certain recreational areas is up for a vote in the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee. The NJ Sierra Club strongly supports this bill and is currently actively fighting two crematory proposals in both Robbinsville and Middletown, NJ.
In Robbinsville, despite overwhelming public opposition, the proposed location for the crematorium facility is on the grounds of Princeton Memorial Park and less than 800 feet from Sharon Elementary School. The Middletown facility is located in an incredibly environmentally sensitive area that also should not be developed. The location contains steep slopes, over 3 acres of freshwater wetlands and 2 acres of wetlands transition areas, making it a class 1 and class 2 critical area with significant ecological value and a crucial habitat for endangered and threatened species.
Crematoriums are a polluting business. The cremation process results in air toxic emissions, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Additionally, there is significant evidence demonstrating the presence of heavy metals (e.g., mercury, arsenic, cadmium) in crematorium air emissions. These toxins can have a significant negative impact on human health, particularly children, and the environment.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, cremation rates are rising in the United States. U.S. cremation rates are projected to increase significantly, reaching 82.1% by 2045, while burial rates are expected to fall to 13.3%. In New Jersey, the cremation rate is on the rise, with predictions suggesting that by 2030, 64.4% of people who die in the state will opt for cremation.
“Cremation rates are on the rise, which means New Jersey will be seeing more crematorium development across the state at an unprecedented rate. Unfortunately, the cremation process results in toxic emissions emitted, including heavy metals. These facilities should be nowhere near residential areas, schools, and conservation areas. We are fighting two crematory proposals in Middletown and Robbinsville that would be built in residential areas and near a school and park. There needs to be restrictions on crematories to protect the health of the environment and people living in the area,” said Taylor McFarland, NJ Sierra Club Conservation Manager. “We thank Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo for his leadership on this critical issue and urge the New Jersey Legislature and Governor Murphy to support and sign this bill.”
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About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information about our work in New Jersey, visit www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey.