Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Departments of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Environmental Services (DES) announce that the building at 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH will re-open for business on Wednesday, January 18; however, the Public Health Laboratories (PHL) will remain closed. The building was closed today to employees and the public after frozen pipes burst, causing damage and flooding to several areas of the building.

“All environmental services and public health employees that work at 29 Hazen Drive should return to work tomorrow,” said DES Commissioner Tom Burack and DHHS Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through this unexpected situation.” Staff who work in the Radiological Health Program with offices in the Public Health Lab should also return to work as work sites are being temporarily relocated. Public Health Lab staff, however, will be contacted individually as to when they will return to work.

The Public Health Laboratory will remain closed until further notice. “Healthcare providers who send samples to our lab are being contacted to make alternate arrangements for testing,” said Public Health Director Dr. José Montero. “We will be working with our regional lab partners to assist us with our day-to-day testing until our facility is operational again.”

The PHL sustained significant damage as a result of the pipes freezing and bursting. The State’s Fire Marshal’s Office, Department of Administrative Services, Division of Homeland Security, Department of Information Technology, the Concord Fire Department, as well as DES and DHHS staff have all assisted with clean up and ensuring all life-safety issues have been resolved.