Dr. Muthu Kuchanur serves as the Administrator of the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Division of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The AML Division is responsible for reclaiming and remediating lands disturbed by historic mining activities, with a focus on addressing hazards to public health and safety and mitigating the environmental impacts of abandoned mine sites.

Dr. Kuchanur has more than 20 years of experience in environmental engineering, mining regulation, mine reclamation, groundwater hydrology, and environmental program management. His background includes extensive collaboration with state and federal agencies, providing technical expertise and leadership in mine permitting, reclamation, groundwater protection, and environmental compliance. Since joining DEQ’s Land Quality Division in 2011, he has served in several leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Land Quality Division Program Manager, advising division leadership and overseeing technical, regulatory, and administrative programs. Dr. Kuchanur holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, both from Texas A&M University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Wyoming and a certified instructor for the National Technology Training Program through the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.