This news item caught my eye, if only because the crematorium's owners almost innocent sounding "the equipment is running just fine" declaration:

EL CAJON, Calif. -- San Diego County's Air Pollution Control District voted Thursday evening to shut down an El Cajon crematorium effective immediately. The APC agreed that the facility should close down until it makes the proper repairs and re-applies for a new permit to operate. That process, 10News learned, could take several months. El Cajon residents who were fed up with how the Neptune Society crematorium disposed of bodies spoke out during a Thursday morning meeting.

The crematorium is owned by Edwin and Beverly Stivers. The Stivers bought the business in 1983. They said during Thursday's hearing that they have 12 employees and every three years the equipment is rebuilt. The couple also insisted the equipment was running fine.The APCD said violation notices have been sent to the crematorium, but its operators have done nothing to correct the problem.

And if you watch the on line video, listen out for the BBQ quips.

In all seriousness though, I know of crematoriums in Australia that to this day regularly continue to emit visible black smoke especially when overworked towards the end of a busy shift.

Read/ view the full story here.