Petition to Stop Another Human Crematorium in Oxford, CT

Airamid, LLC currently has an application before the Oxford Planning and Zoning Commission to establish four human crematory units at 13 E Commerce Drive [Lot 14, Woodruff Hill Industrial Park].  Two other crematoriums, one pet and one human, are less than a mile away and another human crematorium is just two miles down the road in Middlebury.  Additionally, within this concentrated area of the proposed crematorium, we have CPV Towantic Power Plant and Waterbury-Oxford Airport.  A third crematorium coming into the neighborhood presents a public health and safety hazard for everyone living and working in close proximity. One residence is just 600 feet away and other homes and businesses are almost as close to the intended site.  These environmental contaminants negatively impact all aspects of the environment: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the crops we grow, our livestock and our farms.  From a human standpoint, it is heart-wrenching and disturbing to know that the smoke we inhale, even now, is from the incineration of people. We oppose adding another smokestack business to the Woodruff Hill Industrial Park.

Scientific evidence shows crematoriums release numerous toxins and pollutants into the air. When smoke from the stacks is released, rather than traveling in a straight line upwards, plumes of thick emissions travel to the surrounding area beyond the property line of a crematorium ending up in our backyards.  When mercury from dental fillings and implants is exposed to intense heat from the cremation process, the emission of a colorless, odorless gas and particulate matter along with sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide enter the atmosphere.  The EPA confirms that there are serious health effects from even low-level exposure to mercury including concerns for the brain, kidneys and lungs and have been linked to cancer.

We are worried about the equipment malfunctioning as these facilities do not have mandatory and regular inspections and are unregulated.  Oxford should not have to bear the heaviest pollution burden from the cumulative impacts of crematory emissions!  We are already dealing with air pollution from the other crematoriums, the power plant, and airport.  We say “NO” to more air polluters in our town’s industrial parks!  We need stricter environmental regulations for businesses coming into Oxford with stringent safety standards that will protect the health and safety of our citizens and businesses. We are proud residents of Oxford and we don’t want our property values to plummet with the addition of another crematorium.  The presence of a crematorium will push potential businesses away from coming into Woodruff Hill Industrial Park.

We, the undersigned residents and business owners in Oxford, CT object to the application by Airamid before the Oxford Planning and Zoning Commission to establish four human crematory units at 13 E Commerce Drive [Lot 14, Woodruff Hill Industrial Park]. By signing this petition you are letting the Commissioners know that this proposal is not wanted because it provides no positive benefits to our Oxford community.  The next public hearing is February 7, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.  Your attendance will make a difference.