Success Story: Aspen Hill Pet Cemetery and Crematory

Kacy recognized the need for affordable pet cremation services in her community, especially for elderly individuals facing financial hardships. After witnessing clients struggle to pay cremation bills, she decided to establish Aspen Hill Pet Cemetery and Crematory in 2017.

In May 2020, Kacy was referred to the Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to install a small incinerator for pet cremation. DEP advised her to submit a Request for Determination (RFD) application to determine if an operating permit would be required. EMAP assisted Kacy with preparing the RFD and emission calculations.

DEP determined that a Plan Approval Application and a minor source State Only Operating Permit were necessary to operate the incinerator. EMAP helped Kacy prepare and submit the Plan Approval and Operating permit applications, along with other required documents.

The Plan Approval application was submitted to DEP in August 2020 and approved in January 2021. Kacy and EMAP then submitted the minor source State Only Operating Permit application package to DEP. Aspen Hill was allowed to operate under the DEP’s “permit-shield” provision until the final Operating Permit was issued. Kacy received her final Operating Permit on February 23, 2022, valid for five years.

Kacy expressed her gratitude for EMAP’s assistance stating “EMAP and Lee Ann were invaluable when it came time for me to navigate the minefield of paperwork, regulations, documentations, and leg work of acquiring a permit. Unfortunately, there is no “how to” manual for owning and running a small business, but with amazing resources like EMAP and the SBDC there is light at the end of the tunnel.”