Bismarck, ND – A new State Laboratory under construction on the Capitol grounds in Bismarck will significantly expand North Dakota’s capacity to address public health and environmental concerns, including testing for harmful “forever chemicals,” also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The facility, slated for completion by June 2026, is expected to enhance the state’s ability to conduct timely tests for PFAS, lead, copper, and other toxic substances, ultimately improving health outcomes and environmental management.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals widely used in products ranging from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware. Due to their persistent nature, these chemicals break down very slowly in the environment and accumulate in water, soil, animals, and humans. They have been linked to a range of serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental delays in children.
Currently, North Dakota’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) sends up to 100 samples each year to out-of-state laboratories for PFAS testing. According to Karl Rockeman, deputy director of DEQ, the turnaround time for results from these external labs can take as long as nine months. The new State Lab is expected to dramatically reduce this waiting period to just two to four weeks, assuming it is fully staffed, equipped, and certified.
“We’re seeing an increasing need for PFAS testing as more research reveals the widespread impact of these chemicals,” said Rockeman. “By having the lab here in North Dakota, we can accelerate our response and help ensure safer drinking water and better environmental management.”
Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, who chaired the State Laboratory Steering Committee, highlighted the importance of the new facility during an October ceremony marking the placement of the final structural beam in the lab’s construction. She emphasized that North Dakota aims to establish a regional PFAS testing hub by 2030, noting that testing options in the region are currently limited.
“We want to build a lab that can serve as a regional resource for PFAS testing,” Miller said. “This facility will not only benefit North Dakota, but also other states and communities in the region facing similar challenges.”
The new $70 million State Lab will house approximately 50 staff members from the DEQ and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In addition to PFAS testing, the lab will play a key role in supporting the state’s efforts to comply with federal regulations regarding lead pipe replacements in homes. Miller noted that while the state currently conducts about 1,300 lead and copper tests annually, that number is expected to increase to 8,000 tests per year as part of the federal mandate to replace lead pipes within the next decade.
The lab will also bolster North Dakota’s ability to provide toxicology services, essential for diagnosing and managing exposure to harmful substances that may pose significant public health risks. HHS has indicated that the facility will be crucial in providing timely and accurate results, which will aid in the prevention and management of health issues related to environmental toxins.
Rockeman explained that while the lab’s initial focus will be on PFAS testing, the facility will have the capacity to analyze a wide range of other environmental contaminants, further enhancing the state’s overall public health response.
“The lab is going to be a vital asset for North Dakota,” Rockeman said. “It will improve not only the speed and efficiency of our testing but also our ability to understand the broader scope of contamination in the state.”
The new lab is expected to provide cost savings for the state in the long term, although Rockeman cautioned that these savings would be modest compared to the overall costs of testing and environmental monitoring. Regardless, he believes the lab will be a critical tool for ensuring North Dakota’s water and air quality meet the highest standards.
Once completed, the State Lab will help North Dakota not only better manage emerging environmental threats but also position the state as a leader in public health and environmental testing in the region. As the lab becomes fully operational, officials are optimistic that it will improve response times, reduce reliance on out-of-state testing, and enhance public safety.
