We previously noted the passage of the Crematory Regulation Act, which prohibits the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from requiring in a general permit that a crematory operate at greater than 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, effectively lowering the previous 1800-degree standard.
In light of this legislation, on August 10, DEP published notice of a new GP-14 general air quality permit for crematories and guidance on how the temperature change will be implemented.
Starting August 16, the Act’s effective date, DEP will enforce a temperature requirement of 1600°F, rather than 1800°F, for any crematory currently operating under the prior GP-14 permit. DEP will also apply the 1600°F standard to crematories currently holding a “state-only” operating permit.
DEP also announced that it will no longer enforce the condition of the old GP-14 permit, which prohibits opening the charge door during a cremation cycle. Both GP-14 and state-only permit holders are now allowed to open the door for short periods of time to inspect or reposition remains. DEP recommends that operators keep records of the time, date and duration of when the charge door is opened.
Finally, DEP noted that it has removed from the new GP-14 all conditions related to charging the primary chamber before the secondary chamber exit temperature is established and holding at the required temperature, effectively eliminating the requirement that the crematory be “preheated” before starting cremation.
Going forward, these new standards and several other changes will be incorporated into the new GP-14 general permit for human or animal crematories. It is anticipated that DEP will apply these same standards to state-only crematories going forward as well.
If you have any questions about the implementation of the new crematory temperature standards or DEP permitting, please contact me at any time.
