Long before he joined Black & Veatch in 1998, Dr. James L. Barnard was an accomplished engineer, researcher and process developer in his own right. With more than six decades of experience in wastewater treatment, he was among the most influential water and environmental engineers in modern times, recognized globally as the pioneer of the biological nutrient removal (BNR) process. Now used around the world, the method has helped communities protect water bodies from eutrophication, enhance human health and environmental stewardship for millions of people worldwide.
Barnard, who retired in 2024, passed away Jan. 27. He was 90.
In his 27 years with Black & Veatch, where he served as global practice and technology leader, Barnard touched lives beyond just his industry contributions, often by sharing his passion for his livelihood. Leon Downing, director of Research and Innovation for Water Solutions at Black & Veatch, recalls how Barnard’s selfless work once touched his family.
“When my middle child was in fourth grade, he had to do an inventor project and chose James Barnard for inventing biological phosphorus removal,” said Downing, who was mentored by Barnard.
James spent three calls explaining the history of nutrient removal to a 9-year-old most fascinated by the fact that James was actually alive during World War II. James then invited my son to have a ginger beer with him. He didn't have to take all this time to talk to a fourth grader, but he cared about people so much."
“He will be deeply missed in this community.”
Barnard’s mentorship approach has had a profound impact, helping many learn not only how to harness the power of biology but also how to be a professional and advance their careers — and believe their talents could make a real difference in the world, as his did.
Born and educated in South Africa and America, Barnard’s early research addressed severe eutrophication and water scarcity challenges. His innovative four-stage nitrogen removal process (1972) and pioneering development of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (1974) became the basis for the world’s first full-scale BNR plant in Johannesburg. What began as a regional breakthrough ultimately reshaped water treatment practices worldwide.
He went on to guide the design of more than 100 nutrient removal facilities worldwide, including milestone projects on five continents. His leadership and technical insights supported some of the world’s largest and most complex treatment systems, from New York City to Hong Kong.
“One of the things that made James absolutely unique was his unwavering focus on operations, listening to how the operations staff approached control at the plant, and figuring out what was causing the results they were seeing,” said Chris deBarbadillo, Plant Optimization Practice leader for Black & Veatch. “His ability to do that helped lead to the many process improvements he made over the decades and that the industry adopted, and operators just loved him.”
Barnard’s accolades and awards span decades, winning the American Society of Civil Engineers OPAL Award, the Water Environment Federation Camp Medal and other WEF distinctions, honorary doctorates from three universities, SIWW’s Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, the Clarke Prize and election to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering.
A prolific author and educator, Barnard published more than 50 technical papers, lectured at universities around the globe and helped develop the next generation of engineers and operators through his longstanding teaching roles.
At his retirement while reflecting on his career, Barnard told young engineers to
Be curious and question everything. Don’t just accept that what’s in the box is final.”
“At Black & Veatch, we mourn the loss not only of an incredible scholar and industry expert but also the loss of a friend,” said Donnie Ginn, executive vice president and water solutions portfolio leader for Black & Veatch. “His ability to devote care and attention to those around him has never gone unnoticed, and we as a company are grateful to have worked with him in the last 27 years of his notable career.”
Barnard passed away with his wife, Maryna, and daughter, Yvette, by his side. His celebration of life services will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Johnson County Funeral Chapel in Overland Park, Kansas. Please see the link here for more information.
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