VOORHEES, NJ, March 11, 2015 -- American Water (AW), the nation's largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company, has announced that Dr. Mark LeChevallier, director of Innovation & Environmental Stewardship, has been selected by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to receive the 2015 A.P. Black Research Award. The award was established in 1967 in honor of Dr. A.P. Black to recognize outstanding research dedicated to water science and water supply that is carried out over an extended period of time.
Since 1985, LeChevallier has worked for AW and currently directs the research and environmental compliance programs, including the development of environmental management plans for more than 1,000 operating centers, environmental audits to ensure compliance, development of a national cross connection control program, and implementation of environmental stewardship and greenhouse gas control programs.
LeChevallier also leads AW's Innovation Development Process (IDP), which tests and develops new technologies and processes for use in the company and the water industry. The results of his leadership and expertise are evidenced by AW's industry-leading compliance with EPA standards, achieving a score of greater than a 99.9 percent for drinking water, as well as by the innovations being brought to the industry by the company in the areas of water and wastewater treatment and water-energy efficiency.
"Mark is an extraordinary leader in both American Water and the entire water industry and is most deserving of this prestigious honor," said Susan Story, AW president and CEO. "Mark is committed every day to leading efforts to ensure the sustainability, safety and quality of the water and water services that are provided to our customers and communities, and he is highly engaged in national efforts to do the same. The entire industry has benefited from his knowledge and world-class research, which has helped pave the way for innovations and advancements in drinking water treatment, water recycling and reuse and technological advances."
LeChevallier's contributions to the water industry include more than 20 awards, 14 AWWA positions and over 100 research papers authored or co-authored. He has also served as principal investigator or co-investigator on 83 research grants totaling more than $36 million. He has also been dedicated to advancing the science of water for more than 30 years through participation in national research foundations, including conducting more than $5 million of research on water reuse and desalination. Additionally, he has served on a variety of professional committees at the local and national level, including several for AWWA and EPA.
Despite the demands of his professional work, LeChevallier has always made it a point to serve his community. He is a mentor and guide for other scientists. He has actively engaged students at the elementary, high school and college level, and has served on graduate student committees at numerous universities. He is also known around the industry for his talent for making complex scientific concepts more easily understandable to the general public. With this goal in mind, he began writing a blog on AW's website at www.drwater.amwater.com/.
See also:
"Video: USWP2014: Dr. Mark LeChevallier"
"American Water enters exclusive U.S. partnership with ino3W water technology accelerator"
About American Water
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states as well as parts of Canada. For more information, visit www.amwater.com.
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