HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-08-CSCII-min (Health & Enviromental Subcommittee) Ad Hoc Crematory Study II Committee
Health & Environmental Subcommittee
July 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Pursuant to notice duly filed with the Town Clerk, the Health& Environment
Subcommittee of the Ad Hoc Crematory Study 11 Committee convened in a
remotely-held meeting via Zoom video conference on Tuesday, July 8 at 9:00 am as
allowed by legislation (5.2475) extending the suspension of certain provisions of the
Massachusetts Open Meeting Law.
Present:
Jillian Tung, M.D., M.P.H., Subcommittee member; Lexington Board of Health
representative
Joseph Su, Subcommittee member; community representative
Jyoti Puri, Ph.D., Subcommittee member; community representative
• The meeting commenced at 9:02 am.
• The members reviewed the charge of the subcommittee, as conveyed by Select
Board Liaison Joe Pato:
1. Review Mass statute requiring municipal cemetery services, interpreting
this thru Lexington inclusive ethos.
2. Review the research on health, environmental and safety considerations
associated with the operation of a crematory vs. cemetery (eg. mercury,
PFAS& radiation safety; cardiac implantable medical devices and other
plastic, metallic or chemical matter; occupational health; stack testing;
Environmental Justice neighborhood)
3. Review applicable sections of Massachusetts General Laws c.114
(Cemeteries and Burials) and Mass DEP regulations re cremations
4. Review green burials and eco friendly caskets
5. Gather info on how regulations have changed or may change
6. Gather info on how technology has changed or may change
• Health and safety considerations of a possible crematorium were briefly discussed,
including possibilities for abatement of mercury emissions. Dr. Tung will compile
the results of a literature review. Dr. Tung and and Mr. Su will further investigate
health, safety, and environmental considerations.
• Dr. Puri emphasized that the impacts should be addressed in comparison to
conventional burial and green burial.
• The group briefly discussed regulations and permitting. Mr. Su indicated that he
has experience with the permitting process. Dr. Tung and Mr. Su discussed that
environmental regulations are under the authority of the Board of Health.
• With regard to the statute requiring municipalities to have cemeteries, the group
discussed the need for legal expertise. Dr. Tung will contact Cheryl Sbarra, J.D.,
Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, and will
ask Mr. Pato about requesting a meeting with Lexington Town Counsel.
• The group discussed possible ways to organize work and share information while
respecting the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. Dr. Tung will contact Mr. Pato
for guidance.
• The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 via Zoom.
• The meeting concluded at 10:00 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Jillian Tung