The contractor will: Conduct secondary research to compile and analyze existing data from state, federal, organizational, scientific and peer-reviewed resources to identify the environmental and health impacts of green burials and natural organic reduction, including health impacts of groundwater and surface water and the health protections necessary for workers performing green burials and natural organic reduction, mourners, and the public. Produce a written research report in an electronic format that summarizes the study and includes: an executive summary; introduction and background; research design and methodology and analysis; recommendations and outcomes; conclusion; any recommendations for future study; and a list of the references citing the information utilized in the report. Draft report due by September 30, 2024. The study and recommendations will, at minimum, address topics that include: (1) the siting of locations where green burials are permitted; (2) the minimum distance a green burial location must have from groundwater, surface water, and drinking water; (3) the minimum depth at which a body buried via green burial must be buried, the minimum soil depth below the body, and the minimum soil depth covering the body; (4) the maximum density of green burial interments in a green burial location; (5) procedures used by individuals who come in direct contact with a body awaiting green burial to minimize the risk of infectious disease transmission from the body; (6) methods to temporarily inhibit decomposition of an unembalmed body awaiting green burial; (7) the time period within which an unembalmed body awaiting green burial must be buried or held in a manner that delays decomposition; (8) use of natural organic reduction of a human body; (9) identify any health and environmental impacts of green burial and natural organic reduction occurring nationally and in Minnesota, and (10) recommendations to protect ground and surface water and the health of workers performing green burial and natural organic reduction, mourners, and the public.
