Water quality agency names acting chief

Walt Baker, a water quality manager, has been selected to serve as the acting director of the Utah Division of Water Quality.

Baker will temporarily replace Don Ostler, who resigned to take a position with the Upper Colorado River Commission, until a permanent director is named.

"Walt has extensive knowledge and experience managing water-quality issues," said Dianne Nielson, executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. "We are fortunate to have Walt's leadership abilities and expertise moving the division forward.

Baker started with DEQ's Division of Water Quality 20 years ago as an environmental engineer. He moved up the ranks and last year became manager of the engineering and water quality branch. Before DEQ, he worked for five years at a consulting engineering firm in Vernal.

He holds a bachelor's degree in civil and environmental engineering from Utah State University. He has received numerous awards and served on many water quality management committees.