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.