Borja explains proposed crematorium to MCS class  

Frances Borja of the Borja Funeral Home visited Mount Carmel School’s Advance Placement Environmental Science class yesterday in response to students’ concerns about the establishment of a funeral home and crematorium in Chalan Kanoa.

In a Letter to the Editor, the class wrote, “With our island’s cemeteries becoming crowded, it is understandable that we need to come up with a solution.” The students said, though, that they do not believe that a crematorium would be an “environmentally responsible thing to do.”

“Crematoriums release various gases and chemicals like dioxins, hydrochloric acid, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases and chemicals are released into the air,” they said. “Because the proposed location for the crematorium is near schools, stores and residential areas, many people will be exposed to these harmful chemicals.”

“Long-term exposure can lead to reduction of oxygen delivery throughout the body, organ failure, and ultimately death.”

The environmental class implored Borja and the funeral home to relocate the crematorium to a less populated area.

Borja told the students in a one-hour presentation at the school that the Borja family has been operating the funeral service business for a long time and has seriously considered offering crematory services as an alternative option to sending off loved ones to the afterlife. 

She noted that the business will not relocate, as  the crematory  service will not expose the community to any harmful chemicals or gases.

Borja was joined by Glenn Lyle, vice president of the American Crematory Equipment Company, who clarified misconceptions pertaining to cremation. 

Lyle also spoke of the process of cremation, the equipment used in a crematory, and the available technology to ensure an environmentally friendly crematory service.

According to Borja, there has been a divide on the issue; however, she assures the community that there is no cause for concern.

Borja said, “If I believe that there is reason to suspect that the proposal we have put on the table will significantly impact our community, I would be the first one to strike it down.”

The benefits, she said, outweigh the disadvantages. 

Borja cited the mitigation of the cost of funeral services as one of the benefits to the island community if the crematory were to be established. She explained that land is also scarce and there will be a time when there will no longer be available lots at the Chalan Kanoa cemetery. 

Borja will be answering questions and responding to more community concerns at a public hearing for the proposed plan at the Multi-Purpose Center this Thursday.