30 GROVE STREET - HARMONY GROVE CEMETERY - AIR QUALITY PLAN FINAL APPROVAL 3-15-22
Charles D. Baker
Governor
Karyn E. Polito
Lieutenant Governor
Kathleen A. Theoharides
Secretary
Martin Suuberg
Commissioner
This information is available in alternate format. Contact Michelle Waters-Ekanem, Director of Diversity/Civil Rights at 617-292-5751.
TTY# MassRelay Service 1-800-439-2370
MassDEP Website: www.mass.gov/dep
Printed on Recycled Paper
March 15, 2022
Mr. Mason Browne
Harmony Grove Cemetery
30 Grove Street
Salem, MA 01970
RE: SALEM
ePlace Authorization #: AQ02C-0000004
Application No.: 21-AQ02C-0001-APP
Approval No.: NE-21-020
Class: SM25
FMF No.: 52451
FINAL AIR QUALITY PLAN APPROVAL
Dear Mr. Browne:
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (“MassDEP”), Bureau of Air and
Waste, has reviewed your Non-major Comprehensive Plan Application (“Application”) listed
above. This Application concerns the proposed construction and operation of three (3) new
human crematory units (retorts) at your cremation facility located at 30 Grove Street, Salem,
Massachusetts (“Facility”). The Application bears the seal and signature of Mr. Paul G. Richard,
Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineer No. 45899.
This Application was submitted in accordance with 310 CMR 7.02 Plan Approval and Emission
Limitations as contained in 310 CMR 7.00 “Air Pollution Control,” regulations adopted by
MassDEP pursuant to the authority granted by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 111,
Section 142 A-O, Chapter 21C, Section 4 and 6, and Chapter 21E, Section 6. MassDEP’s review
of your Application has been limited to air pollution control regulation compliance and does not
relieve you of the obligation to comply with any other regulatory requirements.
MassDEP has determined that the Application is administratively and technically complete and
that the Application is in conformance with the Air Pollution Control regulations and current air
pollution control engineering practice, and hereby grants this Plan Approval for said
Application, as submitted, subject to the conditions listed below.
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 2 of 17
On February 8, 2022, public notice was published on the MassDEP website for public review
and comment on the proposed Non-Major Plan Approval for your Facility. The comment period
ended March 10, 2022. No comments were submitted.
Please review the entire Plan Approval, as it stipulates the conditions with which the Facility
owner / operator (“Permittee”) must comply in order for the Facility to be operated in
compliance with this Plan Approval.
1. DESCRIPTION OF FACILITY AND APPLICATION
A. FACILITY DESCRIPTION
Harmony Grove Cemetery currently operates three (3) existing human crematory retorts located
on the grounds of its cemetery at 30 Grove Street, Salem, Massachusetts. The three (3) existing
Power Pack II model crematory retorts, manufactured by Industrial Equipment and Engineering
Company, were installed in 1991.
Currently, the Facility operates under Plan Approval No. MBR-89-INC-010, issued by MassDEP
on May 3, 1990 and modified on September 28, 1990.
B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Permittee proposes to install and operate three (3) new Power-Pak I IE43-PPI natural gas
fired retorts manufactured by Matthews Cremation Division, as replacements for the three
aforementioned existing crematory retorts. The three (3) proposed crematory retorts are identical
units, designated in this Approval as Emission Unit 1 (EU1), EU2, and EU3, and are proposed to
operate concurrently. The new crematory retorts will be installed sequentially to replace the
three existing retorts within a one (1) year period so that the Facility’s crematory operations do
not experience significant downtime.
Each retort will consist of a primary incineration chamber, a secondary (i.e., afterburner)
chamber with integrated burners and air controls, and a refractory lined stack. The proposed
retorts are designed for the cremation of human remains only. The proposed retorts have a rated
maximum cremation rate of 150 pounds per hour (lb/hr) of Type 4 human remains. Prior to
cremation, human remains are placed in a cremation casket (i.e., Type 0 waste) to facilitate more
complete incineration.
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 3 of 17
Each retort will automatically control the incineration process by adjusting combustion air and
fuel in the primary chamber. The primary chamber combustion byproduct is a highly
combustible gas mixture that flows into the secondary chamber where more air (i.e., excess air)
is admitted ensuring further oxidation of all material. The secondary chamber is sized to provide
at least 1-second of flue product residence time at 1,600°F to ensure complete mixing and
combustion.
Each of the primary chambers of the three (3) retorts is equipped with an Eclipse ThermJet
Model TJ0150 burner utilizing natural gas as its only fuel and with a heat input rating of
1,000,000 British thermal units (“Btu”) per hour. Each secondary combustion chamber is
equipped with an Eclipse ThermJet Model TJ0150 burner using natural gas as its only fuel with a
heat input rating of 1,200,000 Btu per hour.
In addition, the Permittee proposes to replace the three (3) existing retort exhaust stacks with a
new stack for each emission unit. Said stacks will discharge three feet above the peak of the
crematory building.
This Plan Approval, NE-21-020 (ePLACE Authorization #: AQ02C-0000004, shall supersede
Plan Approval No. MBR-89-INC-010, issued to the Permittee on May 3, 1990, and modified on
September 28, 1990, both in their entirety, once all the three new retorts have been installed.
C. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
1. State Requirements
Best Available Control Technology (BACT)
MassDEP has determined that meeting the requirements as stated in this Approval for the
proposed equipment and subsequent operation of the referenced emission units in Table 1 and
Table 2 represents Best Available Control Technology (BACT).
Air Dispersion Modeling
The Permittee has conducted an air dispersion modeling analysis to demonstrate that the
simultaneous operation of the three cremation retorts, EU1, EU2, and EU3, will not cause an
exceedance of any National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Modeling was conducted
for the following criteria pollutants: Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2),
Particulate Matter less than or equal to 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), Particulate Matter less
than or equal to 10 microns in diameter (PM10) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2).
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 4 of 17
The modeling results, based on the emissions of each pollutant and stack heights proposed by the
Permittee, indicated that the emissions associated with the proposed three new retorts, when
added to monitored background values and compared to the NAAQS, will not cause or
contribute to a condition of air pollution with respect to the criteria pollutant emissions.
2. Federal Requirements
The Permittee has indicated that the Facility is not subject to any federal requirements or
performance standards for source categories in 40 CFR Part 60, New Source Performance
Standards (NSPS) or 40 CFR Part 63, National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants (NESHAP).
2. EMISSION UNIT (EU) IDENTIFICATION
Each Emission Unit (EU) identified in Table 1 is subject to and regulated by this Plan Approval:
Table 1
EU# Description Design Capacity
EU1
EU2
EU3
Crematory Retort:
Matthews Cremation Division
Power-Pak I, IE43-PPI
Primary Combustion
Chamber Burner:
Eclipse ThermJet Model TJ0150
Secondary Combustion
Chamber Burner:
Eclipse ThermJet Model TJ0150
Cremation Capacity
150 lb/hr/unit (incineration rate)
750 lb/unit (charge capacity)
Primary Combustion
Chamber Burner:
1.0 MMBtu/hr/unit
Secondary Combustion
Chamber Burner:
1.2 MMBtu/hr/unit
Table 1 Key:
EU# = Emission Unit Number
MMBtu/hr = million British thermal units per hour
lb = pounds
hr = hour
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 5 of 17
3. APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS
A. OPERATIONAL, PRODUCTION AND EMISSION LIMITS
The Permittee is subject to, and shall not exceed the Operational, Production, and Emission
Limits as contained in Table 2, below:
Table 2
EU# Operational / Production Limit Air Contaminant Emission Limita
EU 1
EU 2
EU 3
Minimum secondary
chamber temperature
≥ 1,600 °F
12 hours per day (7AM to 7PM)
< 360 total cremations per month
for the three retorts
< 3,600 total cremations per any
consecutive twelve-month time
period for the three retorts
≤ 2.376 MMft3 natural gas total per
month
≤ 23.76 MMft3 natural gas total per
consecutive twelve-month period
PM/PM10/PM2.5
0.060 gr/dscf @ 7% O2
0.313 lb/hr
≤ 0.169 TPM total
≤ 1.69 TPY total
NOx
100 ppmvd @ 7% O2b
0.436 lb/hr
≤ 0.235 TPM total
≤ 2.35 TPY total
CO
50 ppmvd @ 7% O2b
0.133 lb/hr
≤ 0.072 TPM total
≤ 0.72 TPY total
SO2
20 ppmvd @ 7% O2
0.121 lb/hr
≤ 0.065 TPM total
≤ 0.65 TPY total
VOC
50 ppmvd @ 7% O2
0.209 lb/hr
≤ 0.113 TPM total
≤ 1.13 TPY total
Opacity
≤ 5%,
except > 5% to ≤ 20%
for ≤ 2 consecutive minutes
during any one hour
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 6 of 17
Table 2 Key:
EU # = Emission Unit Number VOC = Volatile Organic Compounds
MMft3 = million cubic feet TPM = tons per month
°F = Degrees Fahrenheit TPY = tons per consecutive 12-month period
PM = Total Particulate Matter gr/dscf = grains per dry standard cubic foot
PM10 = Particulate Matter less than or equal to 10
microns in diameter
ppmvd = parts per million by volume, dry basis
PM2.5 = Particulate Matter less than or equal to 2.5
microns in diameter
7% O2 = volumetric concentration values corrected to
7% oxygen content
NOx = Nitrogen Oxides ≥ = greater than or equal to
CO = Carbon Monoxide ≤ = less than or equal to
SO2 = Sulfur Dioxide % = percent
lb/hr = pound per hour
Table Notes:
a Short-term (i.e., concentration and hourly) emission limits are for each unit. Monthly and annual emission limits
are for the three (3) units combined.
bBased on the emissions test results MassDEP may re-evaluate the BACT determination (NOx and CO ppm limits)
for the project.
B. COMPLIANCE DEMONSTRATION
The Permittee is subject to, and shall comply with, the monitoring, testing, record
keeping, and reporting requirements as contained in Tables 3, 4, and 5 below:
Table 3
EU# Monitoring and Testing Requirements
EU1
EU2
EU3
1. The Permittee shall monitor temperatures in the primary and secondary chambers with
Continuous Temperature Monitoring Systems (CTMS) during each complete cremation cycle.
A complete cremation cycle shall include burn-down and cool-down time as recommended by
the manufacturer, or the time required to consume all combustible material, whichever is
greater.
2. The Permittee shall equip each temperature monitor or thermocouple with both an audible and
a visual alarm set to alert the operator(s) whenever a temperature deviation occurs.
3. The Permittee shall ensure the primary chamber burner is electronically interlocked with the
secondary chamber thermocouple to prevent ignition of the primary chamber burner or to
automatically shut off the primary chamber burner during the burn cycle should the secondary
chamber thermocouple detect a temperature less than the minimum required temperature as
stated in Table 2 of this Plan Approval.
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 7 of 17
Table 3
EU# Monitoring and Testing Requirements
EU1
EU2
EU3
4. The Permittee shall monitor the opacity of the stack gas from each retort, during each
complete cremation cycle, using dedicated full scale (0-100%) Continuous Opacity
Monitoring Systems (COMS) with associated Data Acquisition System (DAS) which shall
include the corresponding date and time.
5. The Permittee shall install each COMS in an appropriate sampling location in the ductwork or
stack to give a representative and accurate opacity measurement when the crematory retort is
operating.
6. The Permittee shall ensure that each COMS shall have the following design specifications:
a. The light source shall have a peak and mean spectral response between 500 and
600 nanometers (nm). The response at any wavelength below 400 nm or above 700 nm
shall be less than 10 percent of the peak spectral response
b. The light source shall be modulated to filter out the effects of ambient light such as
sunlight
c. Opacity data shall be collected using digital output technology
7. The Permittee shall equip each COMS and DAS with both an audible and a visual alarm set to
alert the operator(s) whenever opacity exceeds five (5) percent opacity for more than any two
consecutive one-minute periods during any one clock hour time period, without exceeding
twenty (20) percent.
8. The Permittee shall ensure the primary chamber is electronically interlocked with the opacity
monitor to prevent ignition of the primary chamber burner or to automatically shut off the
primary chamber burner during the burn cycle should the opacity exceed the limit in Table 2.
9. The Permittee shall operate the crematory retorts in accordance with the manufacturer’s
Standard Operating and Maintenance Procedures (SOMP). The Permittee shall check all air
pollution control and continuous opacity monitoring equipment daily for proper operation and
function before proceeding with the cremation process.
10. The Permittee shall maintain the crematory retorts as necessary to keep them in good working
condition. The temperature monitoring equipment shall be calibrated at a frequency and
maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure continuous
compliance with the temperature limits in Table 2 of this Approval. The COMS shall be
calibrated in accordance with the MES Technical Manual, EMS-800 (WatchDog 800)
Calibration Guidance Document, or equivalent recommendation document provided by the
COMS system manufacturer.
11. The Permittee shall monitor on a daily, monthly, and consecutive twelve-month period basis
the number of cremations performed in each crematory retort.
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 8 of 17
Table 3
EU# Monitoring and Testing Requirements
EU1
EU2
EU3
12. The Permittee shall monitor on a monthly and consecutive twelve-month period basis
compliance with the emission limitations as contained in Table 2 for PM, PM10, PM2.5, CO,
NOx, SO2, VOC, and opacity emission.
13. The Permittee shall monitor on a monthly and consecutive twelve-month period basis the
total natural gas consumption for all three crematory retorts.
14. The Permittee shall conduct emissions compliance testing on EU1 or EU2 or EU3 to
demonstrate compliance with the PM, PM10, PM2.5, NOx, CO, and opacity emission
limitations as contained in Table 2 of this Approval. All compliance testing for particulate
shall include the condensable fraction.
15. The Permittee shall conduct emissions compliance testing within 180 days after the first retort
is installed and operational. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements
and procedures set forth by appropriate USEPA Reference Test Methods; 40 CFR Part 60
Subpart A, 40 CFR Part 51, Appendix M, Air Pollution Control Regulations 310 CMR 7.00,
Section 7.13 and this Plan Approval. The opacity testing shall be conducted in accordance
with the requirements and procedures as contained in 40 CFR 60 Subpart A, Method 9. The
dates and times for conducting the emission tests shall be coordinated with MassDEP
personnel of NERO Office for a mutually agreed upon schedule for testing.
Facility
-wide
16. The Permittee shall monitor all operations to ensure sufficient information is available to
comply with 310 CMR 7.12 Source Registration.
17. If and when MassDEP requires it, the Permittee shall conduct emission testing in accordance
with USEPA Reference Test Methods and Regulation 310 CMR 7.13.
Table 3 Key:
EU# = Emission Unit Number
COMS = Continuous Opacity Monitoring Systems
CTMS = Continuous Temperature Monitoring System
SOMP = Standard Operating and Maintenance Procedure
USEPA = United States Environmental Protection Agency
CMR = Code of Massachusetts Regulations
DAS = Data Acquisition System
nm = nanometer
% = percent
CO = Carbon Monoxide
SO2 = Sulfur Dioxide
VOC = Volatile Organic Compounds
NOx = Nitrogen Oxides
PM = Total Particulate Matter
PM10 = Particulate Matter less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter
PM2.5 = Particulate Matter less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter
MassDEP = Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 9 of 17
Table 4
EU# Recordkeeping Requirements
EU1
EU2
EU3
1. The Permittee shall digitally record temperatures continuously in the primary and secondary
chambers of each cremation retort during each complete cremation cycle using a
computerized data acquisition system and data logger. The data acquisition system shall log
at least one data point (for each temperature) every 15 seconds.
2. The Permittee shall digitally record continuously the opacity of the stack gas from each
retort during each complete cremation cycle using a DAS and digital recorder that records
opacity on a full scale of 0% - 100%. The digital recorder shall record the opacity readings
with corresponding dates and times on a continuous basis. All data shall be stored in
electronic format using a hard drive or comparable storage device.
3. The Permittee shall identify in all records the cremation retort and show the date, start and
end time of each cremation, and shall contain the name of the operator who performed the
cremation.
4. The Permittee shall maintain on site and accessible at or near the subject equipment, at all
times, a copy of this Approval letter and the SOMP for all air-emissions-related equipment
at the Facility. The SOMP for each crematory retort shall include start-up or pre-heat,
cremation loading, and burn-down cycle procedures as well as descriptions of the
temperature monitors, opacity monitors and all interlocks.
5. The Permittee shall keep on-site records of all preventative or corrective maintenance,
calibration checks, adjustments, and evaluations performed on each retort and each retort’s
temperature and opacity monitors, including dates and detailed descriptions of what was
performed.
6. The Permittee shall record the date and number of cremations performed each day in each
crematory retort. The Permittee shall use this data to calculate the number of cremations
performed on a monthly and consecutive twelve-month period basis in each crematory
retort.
7. The Permittee shall record on a monthly and consecutive twelve-month period basis
compliance with the emission limitations as contained in Table 2 for PM, PM10, PM2.5,
CO, NOx, SO2, VOC, and opacity emission.
8. The Permittee shall record on a monthly and consecutive twelve-month period basis the
total natural gas consumption for all three crematory retorts.
9. The Permittee shall maintain on-site documentation, including dated operator’s certificates,
showing that each operator at the Facility has received training in the proper operation and
in the manufacturer’s SOMP for said retorts. Said documentation shall be kept on site
throughout each operator’s employment as well as for at least five (5) years after
termination of employment.
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 10 of 17
Table 4
EU# Recordkeeping Requirements
EU1
EU2
EU3
10. The Permittee shall maintain adequate records on-site to demonstrate compliance with all
operational, production, and emission limits contained in Table 2 above. Records shall also
include the actual emissions of air contaminant(s) emitted for each calendar month and for
each consecutive twelve-month period (current month plus prior eleven months). These
records shall be compiled no later than the 15th day following each month. An electronic
version of the MassDEP approved record keeping form, in Microsoft Excel format, can be
downloaded at https://www.mass.gov/guides/massdep-facility-wide-emission-restrictions-
caps-reporting#WorkbookforReportingon-siteRecordKeeping.
11. The Permittee shall maintain records of monitoring and testing as required by Table 3.
Facility
-wide
12. The Permittee shall maintain a record of all malfunctions affecting air contaminant
emission rates for each approved EU(s) and monitoring equipment. At a minimum, the
records shall include: date and time the malfunction occurred; description of the
malfunction; corrective actions taken; the date and time corrective actions were initiated
and completed; and the date and time emission rates and monitoring equipment returned to
compliant operation.
13. The Permittee shall report every three years to MassDEP, in accordance with 310 CMR 7.12,
all information as required by the Source Registration/Emission Statement Form.
14. The Permittee shall maintain records required by this Plan Approval on-site for a minimum
of five (5) years.
15. The Permittee shall make records required by this Plan Approval available to MassDEP
and USEPA personnel upon request.
Table 4 Key:
EU# = Emission Unit Number
SOMP = Standard Operating and Maintenance Procedure
DAS = Data Acquisition System
MassDEP = Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
USEPA = United States Environmental Protection Agency
CO = Carbon Monoxide
SO2 = Sulfur Dioxide
VOC = Volatile Organic Compounds
NOx = Nitrogen Oxides
PM = Total Particulate Matter
PM10 = Particulate Matter less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter
PM2.5 = Particulate Matter less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 11 of 17
Table 5
EU# Reporting Requirements
EU1
EU2
EU3
1. The Permittee shall submit to MassDEP, the Standard Operating and Maintenance Procedure
(SOMP) within seven (7) days of commencement of the operation.
2. The Permittee shall submit to MassDEP all information required by this Plan Approval over
the signature of a “Responsible Official” as defined in 310 CMR 7.00 and shall include the
Certification statement as provided in 310 CMR 7.01(2)(c).
3. The Permittee shall notify the Northeast Regional Office of MassDEP, Bureau of Air and
Waste Permit Chief by telephone: 978-694-3200, email: edward.braczyk@mass.gov and
NERO.Air@mass.gov, or fax: 978-694-3499, as soon as possible, but no later than one
(1) business day after discovery of an exceedance(s) of Table 2 requirements. A written
report shall be submitted to the BAW Permit Chief at MassDEP within three (3) business
days thereafter and shall include: identification of exceedance(s), duration of exceedance(s),
reason for the exceedance(s), corrective actions taken, and action plan to prevent future
exceedance(s).
Facility
-wide
4. The Permittee shall report every three years to MassDEP, in accordance with 310 CMR 7.12,
all information as required by the Source Registration/Emission Statement Form. The
Permittee shall note therein any minor changes (under 310 CMR 7.02(2)(e), 7.03, 7.26, etc.),
which did not require Plan Approval.
5. The Permittee shall provide a copy to MassDEP of any record required to be maintained by
this Plan Approval within 30 days from MassDEP’s request.
6. The Permittee shall submit to MassDEP for approval a stack emission test protocol, at least
30 days prior to emission testing, for emission testing as defined in Table 3 Monitoring and
Testing Requirements.
7. The Permittee shall submit to MassDEP a final stack emission test results report, within
45 days after emission testing, for emission testing as defined in Table 3 Monitoring and
Testing Requirements.
Table 5 Key:
EU# = Emission Unit Number
MassDEP = Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
CMR = Code of Massachusetts Regulations
BAW = Bureau of Air and Waste
SOMP = Standard Operating and Maintenance Procedures
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 12 of 17
4. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Permittee is subject to, and shall comply with, the following special terms and conditions:
A. The Permittee shall comply with the Special Terms and Conditions as contained in
Table 6 below:
Table 6
EU# Special Terms and Conditions
EU1
EU2
EU3
1. The Permittee shall notify the Northeast Regional Office of MassDEP, BAW Permit Chief by
email: edward.braczyk@mass.gov and NERO.Air@mass.gov, or fax: 978-694-3499, within
thirty (30) days of the start of construction for installation of the proposed units. In
accordance with 310 CMR 7.02(3)(k), MassDEP may revoke any plan approval if the actual
construction has not begun within two years from the date of issuance or if, during the
construction, the construction is suspended for the period of one year or more.
2. The Permittee shall ensure the duration of each cremation is performed as required by the
manufacturer’s recommendations and standard operating procedures.
3. The Permittee shall implement an Operator Training Program to train personnel who will be
operating any of the crematory retorts in the proper operation and in the manufacturer’s
SOMP for said retorts. Said training shall be given by a representative from the manufacturer
of the crematory retort or another qualified organization. The training shall include the
following elements:
a. principles of combustion;
b. operating monitors and controls;
c. operating sequence under normal conditions;
d. safety and operating procedures under foreseeable upset conditions (e.g., power or
fuel interruption, burner malfunction, visible emissions, high and low temperature
incidents, etc.);
e. regulatory requirements;
f. calibration, adjustment and replacement of thermocouples;
g. preventative maintenance practices and procedures and recommended frequency;
h. record keeping requirements and procedures; and
i. calibration, adjustment and replacement of opacity monitors.
Minimum training criteria shall include hands-on control of the retort for at least two (2)
operating cycles in order to complete the program and receive an operator’s certificate. All
training shall be equipment specific. If an existing crematory retort is modified, the
operator(s) must be re-trained to operate the modified retort.
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 13 of 17
Table 6
EU# Special Terms and Conditions
EU1
EU2
EU3
4. The Permittee shall have an operator who has completed the Operator Training Program
present at all times during cremations. The cremation operator shall take any necessary
action, including shutdown of the equipment, to ensure that the Facility operates in
compliance with the temperature and opacity limits contained within this Approval.
5. The Permittee shall utilize the crematory retort(s) only for human-remains-related-material
and their container. No other material shall be incinerated in the crematory retort(s).
6. The Permittee shall ensure that the thermocouple in each retort’s secondary chamber is
located at a position that defines a chamber volume, as measured between the secondary
chamber burner and the downstream thermocouple, such that it is sufficient to provide a
minimum exhaust gas residence or retention time of 1.0 second at 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. The Permittee shall locate the thermocouple in each retort’s primary and secondary chamber
at the exit end of each combustion zone in order to measure each chamber’s representative
temperature and not be otherwise impacted by the flame’s radiant heat effect.
8. In the event of a malfunction or breakdown of a retort or the associated monitoring
equipment, the Permittee shall not initiate any new cremations in said retort until repairs are
completed and normal operation can be restored.
9. The Permittee shall incinerate only containers, including cremation pouches that contain no
chlorinated plastics.
10. The Permittee shall ensure that, prior to operation of applicable emission units, said retorts
are equipped with temperature and opacity monitoring and recording devices that comply
with the requirements contained in Table Nos. 3 and 4.
11. The Permittee shall burn natural gas as the only fuel in retort(s).
12. This Plan Approval, NE-21-020 (ePLACE Authorization #: AQ02C-0000004, shall
supersede Plan Approval No. MBR-89-INC-010, issued to the Permittee on May 3, 1990, and
modified on September 28, 1990, both in their entirety, once all the three new retorts have
been installed.
Table 6 Key:
EU# = Emission Unit Number
QA/QC = Quality Assurance / Quality Control
COMS = Continuous Opacity Monitoring System
SOMP = Standard Operating and Maintenance Procedures
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 14 of 17
B. The Permittee shall install and use an exhaust stack, as required in Table 7, on each of the
Emission Units that is consistent with good air pollution control engineering practice and
that discharges so as to not cause or contribute to a condition of air pollution. Each
exhaust stack shall be configured to discharge the gases vertically and shall not be
equipped with any part or device that restricts the vertical exhaust flow of the emitted
gases, including but not limited to rain protection devices known as “shanty caps” and
“egg beaters.” The Permittee shall install and utilize exhaust stacks with the following
parameters, as contained in Table 7 below, for the Emission Units that are regulated by
this Plan Approval:
Table 7
EU#
Stack Height
Above
Ground
(feet)
Stack Inside Exit
Dimensions
(feet)
Stack Gas Exit
Velocity Range
(feet per second)
Stack Gas Exit
Temperature
Range (oF)
EU1 31 1.67 16 - 20 900 to 1200
EU2 31 1.67 16 - 20 900 to 1200
EU3 31 1.67 16 - 20 900 to 1200
Table 7 Key:
EU# = Emission Unit Number
oF = Degrees Fahrenheit
5. GENERAL CONDITIONS
The Permittee is subject to, and shall comply with, the following general conditions:
A. Pursuant to 310 CMR 7.01, 7.02, 7.09 and 7.10, should any nuisance condition(s),
including but not limited to smoke, dust, odor or noise, occur as the result of the
operation of the Facility, then the Permittee shall immediately take appropriate steps
including shutdown, if necessary, to abate said nuisance condition(s).
B. If asbestos remediation/removal will occur as a result of the approved construction,
reconstruction, or alteration of this Facility, the Permittee shall ensure that all
removal/remediation of asbestos shall be done in accordance with 310 CMR 7.15 in its
entirety and 310 CMR 4.00.
C. If construction or demolition of an industrial, commercial or institutional building will
occur as a result of the approved construction, reconstruction, or alteration of this
Facility, the Permittee shall ensure that said construction or demolition shall be done in
accordance with 310 CMR 7.09(2) and 310 CMR 4.00.
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 15 of 17
D. Pursuant to 310 CMR 7.01(2)(b) and 7.02(7)(b), the Permittee shall allow MassDEP
and/or USEPA personnel access to the Facility, buildings, and all pertinent records for the
purpose of making inspections and surveys, collecting samples, obtaining data, and
reviewing records.
E. This Plan Approval does not negate the responsibility of the Permittee to comply with
any other applicable Federal, State, or local regulations now or in the future.
F. The application is incorporated into this Plan Approval by reference. Should there be any
differences between the Application and this Plan Approval, the Plan Approval shall
govern.
G. Pursuant to 310 CMR 7.02(3)(k), MassDEP may revoke this Plan Approval if the
construction work is not commenced within two years from the date of issuance of this
Plan Approval, or if the construction work is suspended for one year or more.
H. This Plan Approval may be suspended, modified, or revoked by MassDEP if MassDEP
determines that any condition or part of this Plan Approval is being violated.
I. This Plan Approval may be modified or amended when in the opinion of MassDEP such
is necessary or appropriate to clarify the Plan Approval conditions or after consideration
of a written request by the Permittee to amend the Plan Approval conditions.
J. Pursuant to 310 CMR 7.01(3) and 7.02(3)(f), the Permittee shall comply with all
conditions contained in this Plan Approval. Should there be any differences between
provisions contained in the General Conditions and provisions contained elsewhere in the
Plan Approval, the latter shall govern.
6. MASSACHUSETTS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
MassDEP has determined that the filing of an Environmental Notification Form (ENF) with the
Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, for air quality control purposes, was not required
prior to this action by MassDEP. Notwithstanding this determination, the Massachusetts
Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and 301 CMR 11.00, Section 11.04, provide certain
“Fail-Safe Provisions,” which allow the Secretary to require the filing of an ENF and/or an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) at a later time.
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 16 of 17
7. APPEAL OF DECISION
This Decision is an action of MassDEP. If you are the applicant, an aggrieved person who has
submitted written comments, where applicable, or a ten persons group that has submitted written
comments, where applicable, you may request an adjudicatory hearing in accordance with
310 CMR 7.51(1). A request for a hearing must be made in writing and postmarked within
twenty-one (21) days of the date of issuance of this Decision.
Under 310 CMR 1.01(6)(b), the request for adjudicatory hearing must state clearly and concisely
the facts which are the grounds for the request, and the relief sought. Additionally, the request
must state why the Decision is not consistent with applicable laws and regulations. In the
request, an aggrieved person must state with specificity the basis of his or her claim of
aggrievement. A ten persons group that files a request for an adjudicatory hearing must include
affidavits from each person of the group stating their intent to be a part of the group and to be
represented by the group’s authorized representative. The request must comply with all other
requirements of 310 CMR 1.01.
The issues raised in the request for adjudicatory hearing are limited to the subject matter of this
Decision and are limited further to the issues raised during the public comment period. If the
issue was not raised during the public comment period, the issue may be raised upon showing
that it was not reasonably possible with due diligence to have raised such matter during the
public comment period or for good cause shown.
The hearing request along with a valid check payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the
amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) and a completed Adjudicatory Hearing Fee Transmittal
Form found at http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dep/service/adr/adjherfm.doc must be mailed to:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection
P.O. Box 4062
Boston, MA 02211
An aggrieved person or a ten persons group shall send a copy of the request for an adjudicatory
hearing by first class mail to the Applicant and MassDEP’s contact person listed in the Decision.
The request will be dismissed if the filing fee is not paid, unless the appellant is exempt or
granted a waiver as described below.
Harmony Grove Cemetery
March 2022 Final Approval
ePlace Authorization No.: AQ02C-0000004
Application No. NE-21-020
Page 17 of 17
The filing fee is not required if the appellant is a city or town (or municipal agency), county,
district of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Authority, federally recognized Indian tribe housing authority, effective January 14, 1994, or a
municipal housing authority. MassDEP may waive the adjudicatory hearing filing fee for a
person who shows that paying the fee will create an undue financial hardship. A person seeking
a waiver must file, together with the hearing request as provided above, a request for the waiver
of the fee and an affidavit setting forth the facts believed to support the claim of undue financial
hardship as specified in 310 CMR 4.06(2).
Sincerely,
Flavia Paolucci Jacobs
Environmental Analyst
Edward J. Braczyk
Permit Chief
Bureau of Air and Waste
Eccs: MassDEP/Boston - Yi Tian
MassDEP/NERO – Martha Bolis, John MacAuley, Ed Braczyk
Salem Board of Health
Salem Fire Station Headquarters
Paul Richard, PE and Andy Roland, Wood