According to a report in today’s Globe, a state judge has ruled that BU’s environmental assessment of its new infectious disease lab (including a BSL 4 facility) now under construction in the South End didn’t sufficiently consider building in less populated areas nor did it thoroughly assess worst-case scenarios (ie accidental release of pathogens). He said the assessment, which was approved by the state, “was arbitrary and capricious” and “lacked the necessary rational basis,” according to the Globe article.

So Suffolk Superior Court Judge Ralph Gants is now ordering a new assessment by the state, which may stall construction as it would prevent the city and state from issuing some permits. BU says it plans on appealing this decision. It’s always said that it’s done full and complete reviews of the new lab. Opponents of the lab, ranging from community residents and activists to local scientists (see our story on this), some of whom have filed their own lawsuits surrounding the lab, are certainly happy with this decision.