18 November 2019

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

Mount Noddy Cemetery has been in situ since 1916 and continues to be an essential part of our urban infrastructure providing a tranquil final resting place for our residents and their families. Whilst it is not yet mandatory for cemeteries of this age to have a ground water survey, we feel that taking responsibility for the care of our soil and water is as important as looking after the visible, above ground aspects of our cemetery.

The protection of groundwater is an essential requirement at all burial sites and is but one aspect of the environmental issues to be taken into consideration when considering the impact of burial facilities on UK ecosystems. Groundwater is the most obvious receptor to potential contamination from cemeteries and, as groundwater contributes around 30% of public water supply in England, it’s a resource to be protected.

Ground water testing will require us to install a number of groundwater monitoring points on the site, using a small rig (small enough to fit through a household doorway) which will be on site Wednesday 20th November for one day positioning six very narrow bore wells (about the width of a dinner plate) which will be ‘capped off’ in a similar way to domestic water meter. The placement of these has been given detailed consideration and will in no way interfere with any occupied or purchased graves.

Having these temporarily in situ will allow us to ascertain the level, flow and quality of ground water with minimal disruption to visitors and burial services. Any concerns should be directed to cemeterymanager@eastgrinstead.gov.uk