Project Spotlight – North Dakota State Laboratory

Project: Laboratory at North Dakota State
Application: Centralized chemical neutralization for new Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) laboratories
Products:
- Lab Basin™: Centralized Neutralization Tank
- CC-1 Command Center™: pH Monitoring System
- SPK: pH Sensor Placement Kit
- SI-UPC-1016: Sand Interceptor
- LS-50: 50-lb bags of limestone
- HDK: Hold Down Kits
Rep: Brekke Sales

Background:

The State of North Dakota is nearing completion of a new, centralized laboratory facility designed to serve the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under one roof. The new North Dakota State Laboratory replaces multiple aging facilities and consolidates laboratory functions to improve efficiency, testing capability, and long-term value for the people of North Dakota.

Construction began in April 2024 and is scheduled for completion in early 2026. Once operational, the facility will support a wide range of laboratory functions, including forensic analysis, environmental testing, public health services, training labs, and future expansion spaces. With tens of thousands of tests performed annually and the critical role the lab plays in protecting public health and the environment, reliability and durability were non-negotiable requirements throughout the design process.

The Solution:

Striem’s Lab Basin™ Centralized Neutralization Tank and CC-1 Command Center pH Monitoring System was selected as an ideal solution for this application. Designed specifically for laboratory environments, the Lab Basin system provides a robust, low-maintenance approach to acid waste neutralization. Constructed from polyethylene, the tank offers excellent chemical resistance and long service life, making it well-suited for laboratories. Its lightweight design simplifies handling and installation, while field-adjustable risers and a cover adapter allow finished floor elevations to be achieved cleanly and accurately.

For a public-sector project with a long service horizon, the system’s lifetime guarantee provided additional confidence—ensuring the neutralization system will perform reliably for generations without the risk of corrosion or structural degradation common in traditional materials. Equally important, the product is 100% made in the USA, aligning with the expectations and standards typically associated with U.S. state government projects.

Key Takeaways:

Centralized acid neutralization is critical for large-scale laboratory facilities with diverse testing requirements. A neutralization tank ensures low pH wastewater is brought back up to an acceptable level onsite before discharging to the sanitary sewer / wastewater treatment facility.
Material selection matters — polyethylene provides superior resistance and longevity in chemical waste applications.
Lifetime-guaranteed systems reduce long-term risk for public and institutional owners and the native soil, groundwater, and surrounding waterways.
Striem’s Lab Basin™ solutions are well-suited for projects ranging from educational labs to advanced state and municipal laboratory facilities.
Utilizing the CC-1 Command Center pH Monitoring System ensures the acid neutralization system is performing as intended and safeguards against unexpected low pH discharge.