Concerns have led to the launch of the UK’s first “water cremation” service being stalled.Whilst planning permission has been awarded to Sandwell Council to provide the service, Water UK has stated that it is “not convinced” with the council being refused a ‘trade effluent’ permit by Severn Trent Water.
The service offered by company Resomation claims to be environmentally friendly, with the waste water produced being absent of human DNA.
Already operational in a number of states in the US, “water cremation” involves the body going into a metal chamber, where a process known as alkaline hydrolysis reduces it to liquid and ash.
According to Resomation, the process is much kinder to the environment than cremation, producing a third less greenhouse gas as well as requiring a seventh of the energy.
As the process also allows for the complete separation of bodily implants and dental amalgam, it means that mercury contained in tooth fillings can be collected safely rather than released into the atmosphere. Around 16% of UK airborne mercury emissions is said to originate from crematoria.
Although the council state that they want to “offer people more choice” with the introduction of the service, Severn Trent Water claim that they are looking for governmental guidance, following the refusal of the trade effluent permit.
Speaking to The Independent, a spokesperson from the organisation stated: “In the absence of guidance from government on this matter, and without an industry standard or a thorough appraisal of public opinion, Severn Trent has refused to accept a discharge from this process to our sewers.”
Meanwhile, Water UK have expressed concerns over the public acceptability of the process, telling The Sunday Times “It is the liquefied remains of the dead going into the water system. We don’t think the public will like the idea.”
