Laws About Scattering Ashes in Ocean, CT
According to the National Funeral Director's Association, approximately 10,240 cremations were performed in the state of Connecticut in 2005. During that time, cremations were performed on almost half of the deaths in the state. This makes the topic of scattering cremains, or ashes, an important topic in the state. Ocean, Connecticut, located on the Atlantic coast of Connecticut places an emphasis on regulating the scattering of ashes over the water.
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Cremation Rules
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Cremations within Ocean, Connecticut adhere to the state laws found in Connecticut Statute 368k-19a-323. The law states that every cremation requires a death certificate and cremation permit issued by the Connecticut Department of Vital Records. Funeral homes and crematoriums can only cremate the body a minimum of 48 hours after death and a death certificate issued by the local medical examiner. Bodies brought to Ocean, Connecticut from out of the area must have their identity and death certification confirmed before a cremation permit is issued.
Scattering in Public
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The funeral home or crematorium may provide spreading services. The establishment provides the permits and adheres to the laws of scattering ashes. In Connecticut, you can scatter ashes without a permit on public property like rural forests that are are considered uncontrolled public land. You must inquire at Ocean's city hall about permits to scatter your ashes around public monuments and in public parks. The law prohibits scattering ashes within 100 yards of public roads and trails. You cannot scatter ashes on private property without permission from the property's owner.
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Special Consideration Over Water
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Ocean, Connecticut is located within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 1. In this region, human remains are considered waste. The EPA has specific rules for scattering ashes over the Atlantic Ocean. According to the Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR 229.1, you must scatter the ashes at a point at least 3 nautical miles away from land. Because the ashes scattering is a burial, you must inform the EPA in writing of your plans within 30 days of scattering the ashes. A special form is available at the crematorium or funeral home.
Non-human Ashes
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The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection regulates the spreading of non-human ashes as well. Ocean residents can spread wood ash, as well as ashes from the fireplace and the charcoal grill on their private lawns without a permit. However, the agency urges homeowners against doing so. While wood ash can benefit the lawn, treated wood ash contains contaminants, as does charcoal ash containing lighter fluid and fireplace ash from prefabricated logs. The DEP suggests placing the ashes into a trash bag instead of scattering them.
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References
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