Disposition of Cremated Remains

Scattering: Casting `

Tossing cremated remains to the wind. Most grains will quickly fall to the ground, but some lighter dust will become airborne.

Scattering: It is important to know the wind direction for which method of scattering cremains?

Casting.

Scattering: Trenching

A shallow trench is dug in the soil and filled with cremains. The soil is then placed over the cremains.

Scattering: Where can trenching be done?

1. Beach

2. Garden

3. Forest

Scattering: Raking

The cremated human remains are poured onto the ground and raked into the soil/garden.

Scattering: Water Scattering

The cremated remains are scattered over a body of water.

By what agency, and under what act, does the sea scattering of cremains regulate?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.

According to EPA regulations, C scattering must be performed from vessels or aircraft that are at least how many miles offshore?

3 miles.

what does the 3 mile offshore distance prohibit?

Casting cremains over the ocean while standing on a beach, dock, or pier.

What type of permit is required to dispose of any remains in any ocean?

MPRSA general permit.

What is the depth requirement for cremation scattering by the EPA?

There is none - they do not have one.

Flowers and reefs made of what type of materials may be placed to mark the scattering spot?

Readily decomposable materials.

Within how many days of a scattering must the EPA be notified in writing?

Within 30 days.

EPA regulations require that the written notice of a scattering must include what?

1. Decedent’s name.

2. Type of remains (cremated or non-cremated).

3. Date of cremation.

4. Date and location of the scattering/burial site (latitude, longitude, distance from shore).

5. Vessel’s name and contact information(the owner or captain's name and phone number).

6. Port of departure.

7. Name and phone number of the funeral Director in charge of the decedent’s final disposition.

Scattering and lakes, rivers, and streams: the EPA and MPRSA only cover what type of waters?

Ocean Waters.

Less common disposition options: memorialized in art

Turning a loved one into a literal work of art by mixing the cremains with paint, which is then used to paint a portrait of the deceased, or having them created into glass sculptures.

Less common disposition options: having cremated remains processed into what mineral?

Diamonds.

Less common disposition options: Having cremated remains turned into an hourglass can be passed down as a symbol of what?

The passing of time.

Less common disposition options: keepsakes

Small amounts of cremains can be placed inside pendants for families to wear, or specialized small containers can be used to divide cremains among family members.

Less common disposition options: launched into space

Families can launch a small portion (1-7g) of the cremains into space to either orbit the Earth or be sent into deep space.

Less common disposition options: submerged underwater as a reef

Specialized companies will mix their cremated remains with concrete. The concrete is fashioned into a reef that is eventually submerged onto the ocean floor.