DPL backs bill restricting burial

Division of Public Lands Director Bertha C. Deleon Guerrero has expressed support to a proposed measure restricting the burial of human remains on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota to designated public and private cemeteries.

However, DPL recommended that management and monitoring for compliance of cemeteries be given instead to the Department of Public Health for consistency with existing laws for cemeteries.

Public Law 11-117 gives administrative authority to DPH on Marpi Public Cemetery. Currently, it is drafting proposed rules and regulations governing funeral establishments, services, crematoriums and cemeteries.

In a letter to Rep. Dino M. Jones, chair of the Committee on Natural Resources, Ms. Deleon Guerrero also said House Bill 12-172 should be reviewed by DEQ and other agency tasked with handling environmental impacts.

Earlier, DPH also backed the proposed measure as several residents in the CNMI have already called the attention of the department complaining about the mushrooming of burial sites within the neighborhood which they said goes against cultural social values.

“In fact, a resident could argue that a neighboring burial site is a nuisance and not unlike living near a funeral establishment,” said Ned Arriola, acting public health secretary.

While it supports the intent of House Bill 12-127, the department, however, sought certain changes which will emphasize environmental issues involved whenever construction above or below ground takes place, especially in a situation involving burial of degradable material.

In a move to discourage private home burials, government agencies would have to conduct an assessment to ensure that the area surrounding the burial site will not be adversely affected. Again, this places substantial burden on government offices tasked with protecting the environment, especially when permitted public and private cemeteries are readily available.

Mr. Arriola said the Legislature should clarify which agency should be tasked to monitor the compliance on the proposed restriction since the bill is transferring such function to the Department of Lands and Natural Resources.

Currently, the Bureau of Environmental Health is tasked with administering and managing public cemeteries as well as providing regulation for burial permits, burial conditions to protect human health and exhumation under Public law 11-117 or the Public Cemetery Act of 1999.