DEP Issues Updated General Permit (GP-14) for Human and Animal Crematory Incinerators
Pennsylvania DEP has finalized updates to General Permit GP-14, which regulates human and animal crematory incinerators. The revised permit became effective on August 16, 2025, and replaces the prior version.
Why This Matters
The GP-14 provides a streamlined and cost-effective alternative to obtaining an individual State-Only Operating Permit. The updated permit reflects new legislative changes, public feedback, and DEP’s ongoing efforts to balance environmental compliance with the practical needs of small businesses.
The updates to the new general permit are meant to improve air quality, operational safety, and administrative clarity. Previous versions of the GP-14 were often deemed too restrictive by crematory owners and operators, and thus were not an option to be covered by a DEP air quality permit. This often forced owners/operators to go the plan approval application route, which resulted in an individualized State Only-Operating Permit specific to one’s operation and equipment.
Key Updates in the New GP-14
The following are some key updates to be aware of:-
Cold Start Requirements: For units charged when cold, the secondary chamber must reach 1600°F and hold before the primary burner can fire. Interlock systems must be configured accordingly.
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Prohibited Materials Clarified: Cremation of remains in plastic containers is prohibited, except for medical body bags. Pacemakers and electronic devices must be removed, and hazardous remedial devices (such as radioactive implants) must be removed “where feasible.”
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Fee Structure: Application, renewal, and annual maintenance fees remain lower than individual permits, but crematories should plan for:
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Application fee: $1,600
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Renewal fee: $750 (every 5 years)
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Annual maintenance fee: $500
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Recordkeeping Adjustments: Crematories must continue to maintain records such as fuel usage, chamber temperatures, operator training, and device removal for five years. DEP decided against its earlier proposal for expanded annual reporting, so records must only be submitted upon request.
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Fuel Sulfur Content: Only fuel oil requires sulfur content certification. Natural gas, LP gas, and propane are no longer included.
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Source Testing: Newly constructed or modified crematory units must provide a recent stack test report from a similar model or conduct a new test within 180 days of startup.
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Training Requirements: Operators must receive formal training that includes combustion principles, safety procedures, recordkeeping, and maintenance.
Additional Important Details from DEP’s Announcement
In addition to the key updates within the permit itself, the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcement provided some important reminders about how crematories must apply and operate under GP-14. These details help clarify how the permit is administered and what steps facilities need to take before beginning construction, modification, or operation.-
Written DEP authorization is required before constructing, modifying, or operating under GP-14.
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Electronic submissions are strongly encouraged through DEP’s Public Upload with Electronic Payment system.
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The revised permit, technical support document, and comment-and-response summary are available in DEP’s eLibrary.
What This Means for Crematory Operators and Your Small Business
The new GP-14 still requires certain operating procedures, recordkeeping, and reporting to ensure the operation remains in compliance with environmental standards. These include:-
Expect tighter controls on cold starts and documentation of operating temperatures.
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Maintain required records but no need for new annual uploads.
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Factor updated fees into long-term operating budgets.
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Update operator training and facility procedures to align with new standards.
Resources
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Read the full GP-14 (August 2025)
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Review DEP’s Comment and Response Document