Eastern Shore Seawater Lab, VIMS

Wachapreague, Virginia

This project is an exercise in innovation. The planning and design of a new 8,000 sf seawater laboratory at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science campus in Wachapreague on the Eastern Shore of Virginia is challenged by low ground elevations (5.5 - 6.0) in a high hazard flood zone; old oyster shell deposits; high groundwater table; septic field needs, etc. A flood and wave study was conducted to determine potential wave level and impact energy for foundation and wall design. Seawater is withdrawn from the adjacent creek, pumped into the lab buildings and returned to the creek.