BAPC says no to crematory in residential zone

WORLAND — The Worland Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission unanimously opposed a special exemption that would allow a crematory at 301 South Eighth where Veile Mortuary is currently located.

Veile Mortuary owner Clayton Dragoo initially approached the city council on Feb. 5 about his proposal and was referred to Building Official Randy Adams and the BAPC. In a letter to Adams, Dragoo said he has two possible locations for a crematory, one where the mortuary is currently located at 301 South Eighth and a building at 114 Grace near the city shop, that he had made an offer on.

Adams told the BAPC at a meeting Feb. 8 that the mortuary is in a residential zone, which would require a variance or special exemption for the crematory. The other location is in an industrial zone and since the city already has a crematory in an industrial zone, albeit a pet crematory for New Hope Humane Society, a special exemption would not be required.

At a public meeting on March 23, the board heard from two couples who live near the mortuary, one who opposed the crematory due to emissions including mercury. Following the hearing the board postponed a decision requesting additional information from Dragoo including a site plan for the crematory, specifications for the unit including the filtration system.

At Monday’s meeting, Adams reported that Dragoo had only provided partial information regarding some emission information but no site plan and no specifications on the unit. Dragoo was not in attendance at Monday’s meeting.

Board member Landis Benson said the research provided by Adams showed that most mercury levels in crematory emissions were below dangerous levels according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Member Dan Frederick said that information he read “didn’t sound too great.”

James Donahue said his research showed that emissions depended on the number of cremations. Benson add that the mercury levels were higher when those over the age 65 were cremated. He added that nationally the number of cremations is on the rise thus there would likely be an increase in the number of crematories.

Regarding emissions, it was noted that while levels fall under acceptable standards by the EPA, Dragoo would have to obtain an air quality permit from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. The permit is the standard air quality permit. There is not a special permit for crematories.

According to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, the crematory company must apply for an air quality permit for the incineration portion of the facility. The process for permit approval can take up to 120 days and usually includes a 30-day public notice period.

The application for the permit must include information on emission estimates and information on the incinerator being installed.

The board debated on whether to table a decision until more information could be obtained.

The board discussed the alternative site which is also near some residences.

Mike Dykman said, “We’ve asked questions and we’re not getting answers. I don’t have a comfort level about putting it in residential area.”

Chairman Scott Fritzler asked Adams for a recommendation.

Adams said, “I don’t want to stifle business one bit, I would recommend the industrial zone.”

He told the board that they needed to make a motion to approve or deny the special exemption request.

Frederick said if they had to make a motion then he would make a positive motion for members to vote on for or against, rather than make a motion to deny the exemption. He then made a motion to approve the exemption. Landis Benson seconded the motion noting he would vote no.

The motion failed with all seven members opposed.

The board discussed addressing crematories in the city code, specifying what zones they would be allowed but no decisions were made Monday.