# inter in the ground **URL:** \ **Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\ **Created:** [April 29, 2006, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765 "2006-04-29T19:25:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mts231f](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bb73d2/32.png) [@mts231f](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mts231f)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2006, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/1 "2006-04-29T19:25:21Z")
At [http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcemeteryrights.html](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcemeteryrights.html) a staff member reports that in New Orleans some bodies are interred above ground. Since the word “inter” means to put into the ground, such a trick as above-ground interment is not possible. ---
**Author:** ![Canadjun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/76d3ee/32.png) [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2006, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/2 "2006-04-29T20:14:27Z")
> [@mts231f](#): > > At [http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcemeteryrights.html](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcemeteryrights.html) > a staff member reports that in New Orleans some bodies are interred above ground. > Since the word “inter” means to put into the ground, such a trick as above-ground interment is not possible. See [inter](http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/inter). Some of the New Orleans tombs are above ground. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2006, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/3 "2006-04-30T03:56:28Z")
The English language has an overwhelming tendency not to care about the literal meaning of the words it is derived from. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2006, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/4 "2006-05-01T20:09:39Z")
> [@Canadjun](#): > > See [inter](http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/inter). Some of the New Orleans tombs are above ground. And from the same site, exhume apparently refers to removing from a tomb as well. Somehow pulling open a drawer in a mausoleum doesn’t have the drama of the bulldozer at the gravesite scene. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2006, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/5 "2006-05-01T21:56:50Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > the drama of the bulldozer at the gravesite scene. Bulldozer??? Why? You need something small & maneuverable, A bulldozer would wreck a whole bunch of the cemetary. My uncle worked at a cemetary for decades, and they never used a bulldozer. Only a backhoe digger, and they used a smaller one than was the norm for construction/excavation use. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/6 "2006-05-02T15:19:41Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > Bulldozer??? Why? You need something small & maneuverable, A bulldozer would wreck a whole bunch of the cemetary. > > My uncle worked at a cemetary for decades, and they never used a bulldozer. Only a backhoe digger, and they used a smaller one than was the norm for construction/excavation use. That’s the one. I thought, forklift, no, must be bulldozer 🙂 I do know that it’s spelled cemetery, though. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Yeeter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/96bed5/32.png) [@Yeeter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yeeter)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/7 "2006-05-02T15:30:05Z")
What is the etiquette here? I have a different question regarding the same article, but didn’t think I should start a new post. ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/8 "2006-05-02T15:35:37Z")
> [@Yeeter](#): > > What is the etiquette here? I have a different question regarding the same article, but didn’t think I should start a new post. You mean a new thread. I’m not sure there is a hard and fast rule. Go ahead and ask here. I’m sure Dex will move it if there is a problem. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2006, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/9 "2006-05-03T13:03:16Z")
**Yeeter** , either approach is fine. If you think your question might generate a lot of discussion, a new thread is probably best. If you think it’s a quick ask/answer type of question, then post here is probably easiest. But no problem either way. Of course, if you do start a new thread, please provide a link to the column. If you don’t know how, check out [Forum Rules](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=286426) and see Post #1. ---
**Author:** ![Yeeter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/96bed5/32.png) [@Yeeter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yeeter)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2006, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/10 "2006-05-03T19:24:19Z")
In the case of New Orleans, where > [@](#): > > the bones are swept into an opening in the floor of the tomb. What do they do for grave markers? Do they have a list of the people whose remains are in the floor of the tomb? On Memorial Day do they have 5 families gathered around the same tomb? All together wishing their dead relatives well. It seems peculiar to me. ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2006, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/11 "2006-05-03T19:49:25Z")
> [@Yeeter](#): > > In the case of New Orleans, where What do they do for grave markers? Do they have a list of the people whose remains are in the floor of the tomb? On Memorial Day do they have 5 families gathered around the same tomb? All together wishing their dead relatives well. It seems peculiar to me. I think this answers most of your question: > [@](#): > > It is a common practice to bury all the members of a family—or multiple families—in the same tomb, with names and dates added to a plaque or headstone as necessary. This procedure is not only sanitary and efficient; it also avoids the problem of growing real estate needs as time goes on. [http://itotd.com/articles/453/](http://itotd.com/articles/453/) [http://www.experienceneworleans.com/deadcity.html](http://www.experienceneworleans.com/deadcity.html) [http://www.tour-new-orleans.com/cemeteries.htm](http://www.tour-new-orleans.com/cemeteries.htm) [http://www.atneworleans.com/body/cemeteries.htm](http://www.atneworleans.com/body/cemeteries.htm) [http://www.stoneangels.net/articleview.asp?Post=12](http://www.stoneangels.net/articleview.asp?Post=12) ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2006, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/12 "2006-05-04T02:18:06Z")
It can be similar with niches for cremains- I have several relatives in the same niche, with a small plaque listing who’s inside. A question about the 3 mile limit- I assume it applies to cremains as well as bodies? And can just anybody dispose of a body at sea, as long as the distance from shore/depth requirements are met? Sounds kind of “eeeeewwwww…” ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2006, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/13 "2006-05-04T03:00:27Z")
> [@EJsGirl](#): > > A question about the 3 mile limit- I assume it applies to cremains as well as bodies? > [@](#): > > Cremated remains shall be buried in or on ocean waters without regard to the depth limitations specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section provided that such burial shall take place no closer than 3 nautical miles from land. [http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/oceans/documents/burialcode.pdf](http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/oceans/documents/burialcode.pdf) (pdf) [http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/oceans/burial.htm](http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/oceans/burial.htm) [http://www.epa.gov/Region2/water/oceans/burials.htm](http://www.epa.gov/Region2/water/oceans/burials.htm) In other words, yes. The 3 mile limit applies, but the depth requirement does not. > [@](#): > > And can just anybody dispose of a body at sea, as long as the distance from shore/depth requirements are met? Sounds kind of “eeeeewwwww…” > [@](#): > > (a) All persons subject to title I of the Act are hereby granted a general permit to transport human remains from the United States and all persons owning or operating a vessel or aircraft registered in the United States or flying the United States flag and all departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the United States are hereby granted a general permit to transport human remains from any location for the purpose of burial at sea and to bury such remains at sea subject to the following conditions: (1) Except as herein otherwise provided, human remains shall be prepared for burial at sea and shall be buried in accordance with accepted practices and requirements as may be deemed appropriate and desirable by the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, or civil authority charged with the responsibility for making such arrangements; \*Id. \* One more requirement: > [@](#): > > All burials conducted shall be reported within 30 days to the EPA Region in writing. [http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/oceans/burial.htm](http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/oceans/burial.htm) Also, > [@](#): > > Burials in inland waters are regulated according to the Clean Water Act. For inland waters burial, a permit is required from the appropriate state agency. So states can give you permission to get even closer than three miles. Wikipedia covers some of this stuff. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burial\_at\_sea](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burial_at_sea) ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2006, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/14 "2006-05-04T13:38:33Z")
Thanks for the help- I don’t read Wiki… ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2006, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/15 "2006-05-04T13:52:58Z")
> [@EJsGirl](#): > > Thanks for the help- I don’t read Wiki… Well, it’s most reliable if you already know the answer. . . 🙂 Anyway, the other stuff covers it. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2006, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/16 "2006-05-04T18:40:53Z")
> [@Exapno Mapcase](#): > > The English language has an overwhelming tendency not to care about the literal meaning of the words it is derived from. People also confuse “inter” with “hold the viewing/funeral service”. A friend of mine once said his girlfriend’s mother had been interred at a particular funeral home. I said, "What do you mean, they buried her under the front lawn? ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2006, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/17 "2006-05-04T19:59:29Z")
“Who is buried in Grant’s tomb?” 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Jake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2006, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/18 "2006-05-12T19:41:28Z")
> [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > “Who is buried in Grant’s tomb?” 🙂 I thought Who was on first. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2006, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/19 "2006-05-14T04:18:48Z")
> [@Gfactor](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > Burials in inland waters are regulated according to the Clean Water Act. For inland waters burial, a permit is required from the appropriate state agency. > > So states can give you permission to get even closer than three miles. Huh. Wish I had known that when we laid my friend to rest in the waters at the mouth of the Kenai River. We just took everybody out in a couple of skiffs, and sprinkled her ashes in the water. I’m quite certain no one bothered with permits. MMM-mmm, maybe that accounts for the unique flavor of Alaskan salmon! ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2006, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inter-in-the-ground/354765/20 "2006-05-14T15:26:31Z")
Yeah, our family has ignored the three mile limit a few times… But only with cremains, not an actual body. I guess having the permit to dispose of the body would be helpful if the body was subsequently recovered and an investigation launched! 😉