ORLANDO, FL, Oct. 19, 2009 -- Dr. Richard Kuchenrither, a vice president and a Global Practice & Technology Leader in Black & Veatch, has been selected by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) as the 2009 recipient of the Emerson Distinguished Service Medal. The award recognizes an individual WEF member who has provided exemplary contributions in promoting and improving the standards of the water industry and in supporting the profession. The medal was presented at the WEF Awards and Presidential Celebration Reception during WEFTEC®.09, WEF's 82nd annual technical exhibition and conference, on 13 October at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
During the course of his 30-year career, Kuchenrither has become an internationally recognized expert in residuals management and has helped many large United States cities implement beneficial reuse programs. A past WEF president, Kuchenrither serves on the National Biosolids Partnership Board. He is also on the nominating committee for the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize and has been honored as the Kappe Lecturer by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. Kuchenrither has served on many committees and chaired WEF's Residuals Management and Education committees. He has authored numerous papers and presentations -- including co-authorship of a widely used textbook -- and has served as principal investigator on several Water Environment Research Foundation projects. He also delivered Congressional testimony on behalf of WEF in the areas of water quality and residuals management.
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