Groundwater and cemeteries
The burial of corpses and their subsequent degradation may pose
a risk of pollution of groundwater. Whilst we recognise the
sensitivity associated with burial sites, we also have a duty to
ensure the protection of groundwater under the Water Environment
(Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR). As such,
we would request that bodies are not buried:
- within 250 metres of any spring, well or borehole used as a
source of drinking water
- within 50 metres of any spring, well or borehole
- within 50 metres of any watercourse
- within 10 metres of any field drain
We would also request that a site investigation is undertaken
and the results submitted with any planning application to ensure
that:
- there is no standing water at bottom of burial pit when first
dug
- there is no sand or gravel at bottom of burial pit
- there will be at least 1m of subsoil below bottom of burial
pit
- that the burial pit should be deep enough to allow at least 1m
of covering soil
The investigation should include excavations to over 3.5m to
check for the presence of groundwater, when more detailed
information including the depth of drift materials, its properties,
and aquifer properties will be required for us to assess the
potential risk. Section J of the Policy 19
Groundwater Protection Policy for Scotland provides further
guidance on this.
Planning Advice Notes
Planning Advice Notes (PANS) 
provide advice on good practice and information.
SEPA policy and guidance
The Groundwater section of the
website provides further guidance on groundwater and planning.
Regulatory and best practice advice
Further regulatory information, advice and guidance on
groundwater can also be found in the Groundwater section of the website.