Crematory operations (human and/or animal) may be eligible for coverage under the registration permit if the facility is comprised of only the following:

• Crematory incinerator(s);
• Processing station;
• Sources specific to the cremation process; and
• Sources exempt under S.C. Regulation 61-62.1, Section II(B).
• 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.

See an interactive map of crematory operations.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crematory Operations

Criteria

Registration Permit

• A newly constructed crematory incinerator must provide a copy of a stack test performed on an identical unit, a similar unit to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis or do a source test on the newly constructed crematory;
• Each crematory incinerator is allowed to use natural gas, propane, diesel, or a Department approved fuel;
• The combined rated heat input of each crematory incinerator’s primary and secondary chambers shall be less than 10 million BTU/hr;
• 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 Regulation 61-62.1, Section I including but not limited to: 
  • Human/animal carcasses or bedding that has been exposed to or contaminated with pathogens in research or in the production of pharmaceuticals;
  • Sharps; or
  • 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 Regulation 61-62.60, South Carolina Designated Facility Plan and New Source Performance Standards, Subpart Ec.
• A crematory incinerator located at an agricultural facility and used solely for agricultural cremation does not qualify for coverage under this registration permit; and
• Facility is a true minor source.

How Do I Apply for the Registration Permit?

In order to request coverage under the Registration Permit download, complete, and submit the Registration Permit Application for Crematory Operations found below.

Applications/Forms

• Registration Permit Application for Crematory Operations *

*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.