FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2004
Contacts:
Don Ostler, Division of Water Quality Director, (801) 538-6081
Dianne Nielson, UDEQ Executive Director, (801) 536-4402
(Salt Lake City, Utah) - The nation’s longest-serving state water quality director, Don Ostler, today announced his resignation after 32 years of service with the State of Utah. He has accepted the position of executive director for the Upper Colorado River Commission. His last day at DEQ will be Friday, May 14.
“I am excited for the future, but I will miss the people at DEQ so very much,” Ostler said. “There are some great and dedicated people at DEQ, and much has been accomplished to improve our environment and protect our water. I am proud to have been a part of it with them.”
“Utah’s water quality is better because of Don’s work,” said DEQ Executive Director Dianne Nielson. “His leadership and commitment to quality surface water and groundwater are reflected in the quality of our environment.”
Ostler became director of the Utah Division of Water Quality in 1987. He provided leadership in the development of projects and programs to protect and improve water quality in Utah, including implementation of the Clean Water Act and development of the state Groundwater Protection Program. Recognizing the value of “National Standards, Neighborhood Solutions,” Ostler and other state, federal and private partners developed the state environmental program for concentrated animal feeding operations, which became a model for the federal regulatory program. He has also been involved in the administration of various programs such as construction grants, state wastewater loans and water restoration plans.
During his career, Ostler has served as president of the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators, chairman of the Bear River Commission’s Water Quality Committee, chairman of the Western State Water Council’s Water Quality Committee and member of the University of Utah’s Civil Engineering Advisory Committee and the Utah Soil Conservation Commission.
Ostler was recently nominated by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers as one of eight nominees to the Utah Engineers Council for the 2004 Engineer of the Year award. He has also received a public service award from the Water Environment Association.
Ostler has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Utah. He has been a registered professional engineer since 1971.