Toxics Program Scientist Selected as 2003 USGS Engineer of the Year

Toxic Substances Hydrology Program scientist Arthur R. Baehr was selected as the U.S. Geological Survey Engineer of the Year for 2003 and nominated for the National Society of Professional Engineers, Professional Engineers in Government Division's 2003 Federal Engineer of the Year Award. This honor is awarded to an engineer employed by a federal agency who has demonstrated excellence in engineering. Dr. Baehr has made significant contributions to hydrologic research on natural attenuation of hydrocarbons and unsaturated zone transport processes. His innovations and significant results include these highlights:

• Methyl-tert butyl ether (MTBE) in the atmosphere can be transported to shallow ground water.
  
• MTBE can degrade in the unsaturated zone.
  
• Used motor oil contains MTBE.
  
• MTBE in lake water can migrate to adjacent shallow ground-water wells.
  
• Computer simulation software can be used to optimize vapor extraction systems in the unsaturated zone.
  More Information
  

More Information

• National Society of Professional Engineers, Professional Engineers in Government Division's Federal Engineer of the Year Award
  
• Bibliography of Toxics Program Publications Authored by Dr. Baehr

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