2025 Minnesota Statutes

306.991 GREEN BURIALS IN PUBLIC CEMETERIES.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Drainage system" has the meaning given in section 103E.005, subdivision 12.

(c) "Green burial" has the meaning given in section 149A.02, subdivision 42.

(d) "Natural watercourse" has the meaning given in section 103G.005, subdivision 13.

(e) "Ordinary high-water level" has the meaning given in section 103G.005, subdivision 14.

(f) "Water supply well" has the meaning given in section 103I.005, subdivision 20a.

Subd. 2.Green burial requirements.

A municipality, town, or other cemetery governed by this chapter that allows for green burials must comply with the requirements of this section.

Subd. 3.Green burial plot locations.

(a) Green burial plots must meet the following criteria:

(1) be set back 50 feet from property lines;

(2) maintain at least 3-1/2 feet clearance above the ordinary high-water level;

(3) not be in standing water;

(4) not be within zone 1 groundwater source protection zones around a spring, a water supply well, or a shaft drilled into the ground meant to extract water; and

(5) not be within flood-prone areas.

(b) Green burial plot locations must be a certain distance from water sources. Green burial plot locations must be:

(1) 50 feet from water supply wells and shafts drilled into the ground used to extract water;

(2) 100 feet from other springs or watercourses; and

(3) 33 feet from drainage systems.

Subd. 4.Exception.

A property with green burial plots in a designated location on or before July 1, 2025, does not need to comply with the requirement of subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (1).

Subd. 5.Burial depth.

(a) Green burial plots must be at a minimum depth of 3-1/2 feet from the base of the grave to the soil horizon.

(b) Green burials must have 3-1/2 feet of cover.

Subd. 6.Burial density.

Green burial plots must be a maximum of 300 burials per acre over a 100-year period.

History:

1Sp2025 c 3 art 19 s 9