Hampton Roads Sanitation District Central Environmental Laboratory

This construction management-at-risk project expands and modernizes HRSD’s Central Environmental Laboratory facility to support future growth and enhance monitoring for the Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) and other programs. The upgraded facility will serve as a critical hub for environmental testing and water quality assurance for nearly 2 million residents across 20 counties and cities in southeastern Virginia.

The project includes the demolition of an 11,000-square-foot water quality testing lab and construction of a new 40,000-square-foot, multi-story lab wing with a mechanical penthouse. The facility will house eight BSL-1 laboratory spaces dedicated to specialized testing – from PFAS detection to nutrients digestion – along with collaboration space and a locker room.

The new addition will be connected to the existing 12,000-square-foot CEL facility, which will be fully renovated and repurposed for administration and support space. The renovation will create administrative office spaces, conference rooms, employee wellness and nursing spaces, a breakroom and café, a maintenance shop, and storage.

The two spaces are joined by a new lobby with monumental stairs, custom epoxy flooring and overhead lighting, and ornamental metal panel walls.

Throughout the three-year project, PC Construction’s Maintenance of Lab Operations (MOLO) plans will maintain full operations for the HRSD team in the existing Central Environmental Laboratory.