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UPDATE: A new public hearing has been scheduled by the Maryland Department of the Environment to discuss the proposed crematorium.
Original story below…
WHITE MARSH, MD—Plans for a crematorium in White Marsh are set to move forward after a piece of legislation was tabled earlier this week.
A bill introduced by Councilman David Marks that would have prohibited the construction of crematoriums within 500 feet of any residences was tabled at Monday evening’s Baltimore County Council meeting.
Earlier this year, Evans Funeral Chapel announced plans to construct a crematorium at 11543 Philadelphia Road. The White Marsh-Cowenton Community Association then created an online petition opposing the plan.
A public meeting was then planned and subsequently postponed once Councilman Marks announced plans to introduce his piece of legislation.
Residents had voiced concerns over the potential for toxic materials and smoke to be released into nearby neighborhoods.
Some residents are concerned since there are two daycare facilities nearby, a church, and over 100 residences. In the petition, created by WMCCA president Heather Patti, the organization cites studies showing that crematoriums emit gases and volatile organic compounds including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury, hydrocarbons and particulate matter/fine dust.
Evans Funeral Chapel’s construction application, meanwhile, states that the projected emissions would fall well under the safety limits imposed by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
The new crematorium in White Marsh is expected to open in early 2024.
