Stafford Springs Funeral Director Michael J. Introvigne Serving on State's New Work Group on Crematories

Michael J. Introvigne, a licensed funeral director in Stafford Springs, Conn. and the Treasurer of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA), has been selected to serve on a new State working group to study air emissions factors and permitting that are associated with crematories for human remains. This Crematory Air Permit working group, pursuant to Special Act 26-33, will evaluate how these emissions from crematories are measured and regulated in Connecticut, with a specific focus on mercury vapor and fine particulate matter emissions factors.

The working group, established by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), has been charged with reviewing current emissions factors and scientific methodology used in air permitting and will develop recommendations to ensure that regulatory standards are accurate, science-based, and reflective of modern cremation practices. Its members will develop recommendations for the use of such emissions factors in DEEP’s review of permit applications, registrations and other approvals issued pursuant to section 22a-174 of Connecticut’s general statutes.

As a licensed funeral director, Michael J. Introvigne will provide direct industry expertise and operational insight, helping regulators to better understand the real-world performance of crematory retorts and the practical implications of proposed regulatory changes.

“Special Act 26-33 represents an important opportunity to align environmental regulation with current cremation technology and operating practices,” said Introvigne, a licensed funeral director/embalmer at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., a family-owned funeral home in Stafford Springs, Conn. His family has been in the funeral service profession for 60 years and three generations, since its establishment by his grandfather. “It is critical that emissions standards are both scientifically sound and practically achievable, ensuring strong environmental protections while allowing funeral professionals to continue serving families with care and dignity. I look forward to this important effort.”

For Consumers and surrounding communities, the group’s work will:

·Ensure that crematory emissions standards are based on accurate, up-to-date data;

·Strengthen environmental and public health protections;

·Promote transparency and confidence in how crematories are regulated; and

·Support responsible oversight of air quality impacts.

The working group will submit its findings and recommendations to improve regulatory consistency, environmental protection and the permitting process for new and existing crematory equipment.

Michael J. Introvigne is a licensed funeral director/embalmer at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., a family-owned funeral home in Stafford Springs, Conn. The family has been in the funeral service profession for 60 years and three generations, since its establishment by his grandfather, the late Joseph A. Introvigne. Introvigne became a licensed funeral director/embalmer in 2012 after receiving his professional schooling from Lincoln College of New England (now known as Goodwin University). In addition, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Western New England University in Springfield, Mass. The Stafford Springs resident is the President of the Citizens Scholarship Foundation of Stafford Springs/Dollars for Scholars, and is a Trustee of Stafford Savings Bank.

Founded in 1889, the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) is Connecticut’s only statewide professional organization for funeral service. Based in Wethersfield, Conn., it is comprised of licensed funeral directors at more than 220 funeral homes. CFDA and its members are committed to the promotion and advocacy of high ethical standards in funeral service. This includes the development and presentation of ongoing professional training opportunities for practitioners and educational programs for association members and the public. For more information about the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, call 860-721-0234 or visit www.ctfda.org