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Utah Department of Environmental Quality

The mission of the Department of Environmental Quality is to
safeguard human health and quality of life by protecting and
enhancing the environment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2004

Contacts:
Don Ostler and Kiran Bhayani, Division of Water Quality, (801) 538-6146

Water Quality Director Nominated as Engineer of the Year

(Salt Lake City, Utah) - The American Academy of Environmental Engineers has nominated Utah Division of Water Quality Director Don Ostler as one of eight nominees to the Utah Engineers Council for the 2004 Engineer of the Year award.

"Don has made significant contributions as a professional engineer and a leader, using engineering principles to implement programs to protect and enhance water quality in Utah and serve as models for national programs," said Dianne Nielson, executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

"I'm honored to be nominated for this award," Ostler said. "It is a pleasure and privilege to work as an environmental engineer, contributing to the field, protecting and improving water quality in Utah and providing expertise on national issues."

As director of the Division of Water Quality since 1988, Ostler has provided leadership in the development of projects and programs to protect and improve water quality in Utah. He's been involved in various programs such as construction grants, state wasterwater loans, groundwater protection, animal waste management and water restoration plans.

He is associated with the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators, the Western State Water Council's Water Quality Committee and Utah Soil Conservation Commission. He has served as chairman of the Bear River Commission's Water Quality Committee and as a member of the University of Utah's Civil Engineering Advisory Committee.

Ostler's career in environmental engineering began more than 30 years ago. He has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Utah. He's been a registered professional engineer since 1971.

Individuals nominated for the 2004 Engineer of the Year award exemplify the highest professional engineering standards and practices, and demonstrate significant enduring benefit at local, state and national levels.