Belowground, common grave requirements: what is the maximum number of carcasses in a common grave?

• A. 250
• B. 100
• C. 50
• D. 500

Answer: (A)

A fixed regulatory cap on how many carcasses can be placed in a single belowground common grave is the concept being tested. This limit exists to keep disposal safe and manageable by ensuring the pile isn’t overloaded, which helps the carcasses decompose properly and reduces the chance of odors, pests, and potential groundwater contamination. In practice, if there are more carcasses to bury, the operator needs to use additional graves or add lifts in a way that stays within that cap and maintains appropriate spacing, drainage, and monitoring. The correct choice reflects that regulatory maximum, emphasizing that the grave’s capacity is intentionally limited to balance effective disposal with environmental safety.