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Crematory Operations

A qualifying crematory operation may be eligible to receive a registration permit if it contains the following sources, besides exempt equipment, at the facility:

  • Crematory incinerator(s);
  • Processing station and;
  • Sources specific to the cremation process.

The crematory incinerator must be one such that most of the necessary equipment required for cremation is sold in one package. Field assembly should be minimal; the unit should be pre-tested, pre-plumbed, and pre-wired at a factory. The unit shall be of the controlled atmosphere design, consisting of a primary chamber, secondary chamber, controls, burners, and/or refractory lined stacks. Details of the unit's volumes, dimensions, and other requirements shall be accessible through manufacturer's data, maintenance manuals, and/or operating instructions.

A crematory incinerator located at an agricultural facility and used solely for agricultural cremation does not qualify for coverage under this registration permit.

See an interactive map of crematory operations.

List of Crematory Operations covered by a Registration Permit

Criteria:

  1. A newly constructed crematory incinerator must provide a copy of a stack test performed on an identical unit, or do a source test on its unit in accordance with S.C. Regulation 61-62.1, Section IV, "Source Tests".
  2. Each crematory incinerator is allowed to use natural gas, propane, diesel, or a Department approved fuel.
  3. The combined rated heat input of each crematory incinerator's primary and secondary chambers shall be less than 10 million BTU/hr.
  4. The crematory incinerator(s) shall only process human or animal remains and associated materials. The incinerator(s) shall not process Hospital / Medical / Infectious Waste as defined in S.C. Regulation 61-62.1, Section I including but not limited to:
    1. Human/animal carcasses or bedding that has been exposed to or contaminated with pathogens in research or in the production of pharmaceuticals;
    2. Sharps; or
    3. Human/animal remains that were known to have been exposed to infectious agents during research, isolation wastes or any other waste that could be defined as hospital/medical/infectious waste per 40 CFR 60 Subpart Ec and S.C. Regulation 61-62.60, Subpart Ec.

Applications/Forms:

Copy of the Permit:

** Note that these copies are provided for use by facilities that have already been granted coverage by the Bureau. Download and use of these permits does not constitute coverage.**

If the operations covered by construction permits are located in one of the eight coastal counties of the Coastal Zone under DHEC-OCRM's jurisdiction (Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry and Jasper), then a coastal zone consistency certification may be required.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crematory Operations