Baltimore City approves construction of crematorium despite concerns about air quality impact
BALTIMORE -- Baltimore City has approved the construction of a crematorium which will be built in the Govans neighborhood, despite concerns from residents about the impact on air quality.
In 2020, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services proposed opening a crematorium at their location along York Road.
Residents pushed back against the proposal, saying the facility would impact air quality in the area. Several community members even took legal action, challenging the zoning code.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has several rules and restrictions that crematorium operators must meet to limit pollution.
In August 2024, MDE announced a tentative determination that, if built, the facility will meet air quality standards. Department officials said all operations and emissions will be closely monitored and recorded.
The department also said there would be restrictions on how many bodies can be cremated per hour.
Residents further argued that they want stricter regulations when it comes to clean air.
Cindy Camp, who lives within 200 feet of the funeral home, said the area already deals with pollution.
"We already live on one of the busiest corridors as far as toxins and pollutions and emissions, so that's my concern, we don't need to add to anymore of that," Camp previously told WJZ.
On Tuesday, City Councilmember Mark Conway expressed his disappointment in the decision to approve the crematorium, saying "…it will directly affect the health and safety of our city's vulnerable populations."
In a statement posted to social media, Conway said he plans to reintroduce proposed legislation that would add crematoriums to the zoning code and prevent them from being built in C-2 zones where businesses and residents are.
"The bottom line is this: Our neighborhoods do not deserve to be further impacted by the adverse effects of environmental injustice," Conway said.
It is unclear when construction will begin on the facility.