Richard Friesner is the director of water quality programs at the NEIWPCC Lowell, Massachusetts office and works on a variety of projects including water quality standards.
Q: When did you start, and what initially drew you to NEIWPCC?
Richard: I began working at NEIWPCC in 2016. I am a water nerd, and have advanced degrees in water quality, including a bachelor’s in environmental studies, a master’s in environmental engineering and science, both from the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. in environmental science and public policy from George Mason University. This is my dream job based on those experiences.
Q: What did your road to NEIWPCC look like?
Richard: My interest in science started as a Scout camp counselor, teaching environmental science to other scouts. In undergrad, I took a limnology class which is the study of lakes, and I thought that was really fascinating. In my master’s program I studied water as a focus, and in my doctorate, I studied section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The section includes impaired waters, so we would monitor water, identify it as polluted, develop a plan to clean it up, and then continue to assess it. Water quality has always been a life passion for me.
Q: Which of your contributions or projects have you enjoyed the most?
Richard: I enjoy NEIWPCC’s role as an interstate agent, filling in the gaps that exist between state agencies, federal agencies, and other partners. Our workgroups allow the states to coordinate in the region, which is so valuable. With these workgroups, we identify potential projects that will help the states and the region improve water quality.
Q: What is an important lesson you have learned from the environmental industry?
Richard: I’ve learned that these organizations are filled with people like me – that care about improving the environment for human health and other species. This profession is noble in the sense that we are making the world a better place.
Q: What first got you interested in the outdoors and the environment?
Richard: I’d say it goes back to Scouts again. I started Scouts when I was young and am an Eagle Scout. What I love about Scouts is exploring the outdoors, and it’s fun. The activities make you feel accomplished – like climbing a mountain or building a fire – knowing you can do that. Now I look at Scouts as family time because my kids are into it. One distinct childhood memory is my dad taking me fishing in a reservoir and the water level was way down, and there were dead fish floating in the water. We had driven several hours, but it was obvious you couldn’t fish there, and we just had to pack up and leave. That subconsciously had a profound impact on me.
Q: What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Richard: I like to run, and I try to run every day at lunch. I have run a dozen or so marathons, and in graduate school I ran a 100-mile race and finished in just under 24 hours, which I think is respectable.
Q: Tell me a fun fact about yourself!
Richard: Hmm… In elementary school, my best friend and I played chess frequently. In middle school, we organized a chess club, where we would compete in local and national tournaments. At one of the national tournaments, I finished in the top 10. I don’t play very much anymore, but I will with my kids or my dad every so often.