CLEVELAND, Tenn. - State inspectors have concluded that "noxious odors" emanating from the New Chapel mausoleum at Sunset Memorial Gardens are linked to decomposing human remains.
The cemetery, owned by Cecil Lawrence Inc. of Dallas, Ga., and located on North Lee Highway, faces a possible suspension of its license due to numerous issues cited during inspections that occurred between July 31 and Aug. 7.
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has penalized the cemetery owner with a $5,000 fine and given the company 30 days to come up with a plan to fix the problems in accordance with a consent order filed after an informal hearing on Aug. 21.
Three crosses overlook Sunset Memorial Gardens, located on a ridge on North Lee Highway in Cleveland, Tenn.The consent order calls for the cemetery owner to "retain the services of a person of sufficient expertise and knowledge in the construction of mausoleums" to address the matter and "to properly seal all crypts and prevent smells inside the mausoleums that are offensive to the reasonable sensibilities of the survivors of those whose remains are entombed" within.
During the informal hearing, the respondent - listed as Cecil B. Lawrence in the consent order - claimed pungent odors within the mausoleum could be abated by replacing its flooring, which is covered by a stained carpet.
Inspector Joey Henson disagreed, according to the consent order.
The investigation of the New Chapel mausoleum, which previously has experienced seepage from one of its crypts, concluded "that the smell is more likely than not that of decomposing human remains."
The consent order stated that the mausoleum odor has been a problem for at least three years and the owner has "been disciplined multiple times" for failing to properly maintain a cemetery.
Issues involving a second Sunset Memorial Gardens mausoleum were cited in the consent order, including leaks, cracks in the drywall and ceiling, mold on the floor, missing crypt plates and debris scattered on the floor.
An electric lift was discovered blocking hallways at that mausoleum on two separate occasions during the recent inspection period.
Cecil Lawrence Inc. is also hearing from the 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office, which has filed a petition with the Chancery Court of Bradley County for contempt to enforce a consent decree issued earlier this year.
The petition was filed on Aug. 25, citing the owner's failure "to maintain certain standards and procedures based on citizen complaints related to the maintenance and upkeep of cemetery grounds and mausoleum," in accordance with a Jan. 5 consent order.
Company spokesman Dale Lawrence could not be reached for comment.
Lawrence did not respond to a previous request for comment concerning a $500 fine assessed against Sunset Memorial Gardens in association with a June 29 consent order regarding an April 15 complaint filed with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
In that complaint, a man said he and his sister could not find their father's grave during an April visit because it was not marked. The father was buried in December 2014.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.