TUESDAY 29TH JULY 2025
CEMETERY SOIL AND DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
An ICCM event in association with the CDS Group
To be held at –
The Studio, Riverside West, Whitehall Road, Leeds, LS1 4AW
Soil is a fascinating substance. All cemetery operators need to be aware of it’s value on the environment, how to manage the soil in their sites, and how to legally dispose of any surplus soil resulting from their operations.
The Environment Agency have published guidelines on the management of groundwater in cemeteries. All cemetery operators must undertake an appropriate risk assessment and be managed to reduce their risk and impact on the environment. Whether you are planning a cemetery extension or developing a new site, compliance with the latest regulations is essential.
The aim of the seminar is to inform all burial authorities of their responsibilities for managing soil and groundwater in a lawful and best practice way. The day will be informative, educational, and fun!
Attendance, including lunch and refreshments, is £100.00 + VAT for ICCM members, and £150.00 + VAT for non-members.
Seminar Programme
10:00 Registration
Welcome and Introduction to the Seminar
Session 1: Callum Ward – Environmental Solutions Team Manager (CDS)
Cemetery waste: an issue not to be buried
• Waste soil and what to do with it
• How to construct a Materials Management Plan
• Make sure you don’t break the law!
Refreshments
Session 2: Alex Vickers – Soil Scientist Consultant (CDS)
Cemetery drainage: soil and water management
• How do soil and water interact?
• How to manage and maintain its movement in cemeteries
Lunch
Session 3: Justin Smith – CEO (Green Pigeon Consulting)
Understanding the true value of soil
• How can the value of soil be enhanced in cemetery settings?
• Can soil be audited and preserved?
Session 4: Ben Copeland – Senior Planning Projects Manager (CDS)
New cemeteries and cemetery extensions
• How can groundwater and drainage impact on plans for new sites and extensions?
• How can this impact be mitigated?
• Why is early planning and preparation so important?
Session 5: Q&A – Panel Discussion (CDS & ICCM Representatives)
Update on Environment Agency Permitting Consultation
• Soil and environmental risk in cemeteries
• Latest developments
16.30: Close of Seminar
Book your place now