Burying Depth Regulations and Practices: Going Beyond Six Feet

Whether a deceased body can be buried more than six feet deep is a topic often discussed, especially when considering the specific laws and practices surrounding burial customs. Funeral director and cemetery practices can vary widely by location, with certain states having unique regulations. In this article, we will explore the requirements and common practices for burial depth in the United States, focusing on the examples from Texas where the author has extensive experience.

State-Specific Burial Regulations

The exact depths for burial are subject to local laws in the United States, and these laws may vary significantly from one state to another. For instance, in Texas, where the author has 33 years of experience as a funeral director, the legal requirements stipulate a minimum depth for burial. If a casket is placed in a concrete or metal outer burial container, it must be covered with at least 18 inches of soil. If no such container is used, the minimum depth requirement is 24 inches.

It is important to note that these legal requirements do not set a maximum depth. In fact, a cemeterian stated that burying a deceased body as deep as desired is possible, with the suggestion of 6 feet as a minimum rather than a limit.

Double-Depth Burial Practices

In some regions, particularly in Texas and other parts of the country, a common burial practice involves burying two family members, often spouses, in a single surface grave space in a double-depth manner. This method can result in a total depth of approximately 10 feet or slightly more. The first casket is placed in the grave with its protective outer burial container, and later, the same grave is reopened to place a second outer burial container on top of the first.

Outer burial containers, sometimes called grave liners or burial vaults, are typically robust and very strong. However, digging such a deep grave is not without its challenges. At a depth of 10 feet, the sides of the grave can be prone to collapsing, making it necessary to use special shoring techniques to ensure the safety of workers and prevent accidents.

Challenges and Safety Considerations

The dangers associated with digging deep graves are significant. At such depths, the risk of the sides collapsing is very real, which can lead to dangerous situations. A deeper grave requires a narrow working space, increasing the complexity of the task and the potential for accidents. In such confined spaces, workers could be quickly buried without completing the necessary paperwork, including the required 24-hour notice. This can result in severe repercussions, such as job loss, and the deceased's remains could be compromised.

While burying a body at a depth of 10 feet is possible, it is not a common practice. The logistics, safety concerns, and legal requirements make it a challenging and potentially risky process. For this reason, most cemeteries and funeral homes tend to adhere to the minimum legal depth requirements, which are often set well below the proposed maximum of 10 feet.

Conclusion

The burial depth for a deceased body can vary widely based on local laws and practices, but there is no strict maximum depth mandated by law.

For those interested in burial practices, it is advisable to consult with local cemeteries and funeral homes to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. While burying a body at a depth greater than six feet is possible, it must be done with the utmost care and consideration for safety and legal compliance.