Cremation services at Fairview Memorial Park (Albuquerque, NM) harm the quality of life and potentially risk health for area neighbors. Numerous times each year, smoke from the crematorium fills the air, rather than traveling upward to clear the densely populated areas. Plumes of dark, thick emissions travel to the apartments south of Fairview and the single-family houses to the east. Despite years of complaints from those living near the facility, the problem remains.

From a health standpoint, breathing in this acrid smoke, which may include particulates, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and noxious gases, could pose a risk to residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. From a human standpoint, it is heart-wrenching and disturbing to know the smoke you are breathing in is from the burning of people. No one would want their loved one to end up as a noxious cloud of pollution filling area spaces.

Fairview Memorial Park is a valued part of the neighborhood, offering memorial areas and access to remember lost loved ones. It is a large green space, mitigating urban heat and offering wildlife habitat. Established in the 1880s it holds great historic significance to the community. However, part of being a good neighbor is acting with compassion, respect, and responsibility. 

We, the signatories of this petition, believe the City and crematorium operator, Daniels Family Funeral Services have an obligation to fix this problem and prevent future pollution of the area surrounding areas. This may involve options like ceasing cremations at this site altogether, not burning bodies that are likely to cause issues at this particular site, improving equipment, ensuring burning can be monitored by City environmental officials by scheduling activities during business hours, avoiding burning during windy conditions, or other mitigation measures. 

Enough is enough. Those who have passed deserve better. Loved ones using Fairview for cremation services deserve better. The neighborhood deserves better.