Scott Leimer always enjoyed being outdoors as a
child. As he grew older, his work with a construction
company kept him outside even more. When
Leimer decided to attend college, he felt civil engineering
would be a great fit for him.
"Working outdoors in a construction company while
growing up was one of the many reasons I chose civil
engineering as a major and career field," said Leimer. "It
seemed like a good fit."
In his current position as the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Galveston District Levee Safety Program manager,
Leimer continues to work outdoors while conducting
yearly inspections on the seven federal flood control
levee systems in Texas, including the Galveston Seawall.
According to Leimer, levee construction and inspection
is an evolving process that takes into account new
technologies and scientific research.
"As the engineering career field changes, the analysis
methods change as well," said Leimer. "Inspections
are an engineering assessment of the levee system that
involves reviewing the original design documents and
comparing them to our current design criteria."
It is these methods of inspection that will strengthen
the levee system and help mitigate flood risk.
"Re-evaluating the levee system based on current
criteria helps us look for troubled areas that might not be
performing as originally intended," said Leimer. "It takes
into account lessons learned and the further development
of the science behind the analysis of soil structures and the
interaction and stability of the floodwalls."
Additionally, Leimer manages U.S. Code -- Title 33,
Section 408 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation of
1899 for the district. According to Section 408, the Corps
must approve any modifications to federal flood control
projects to ensure any changes will not impair the usefulness
of the works.
In addition to his responsibilities as an engineer, working
for the Corps has given Leimer as opportunity to assist
people affected by natural disasters.
"I've worked on disaster relief missions for hurricanes
Rita, Frances and Jeanne and I find it rewarding to see how
the government responds in these situations," said Leimer.
"We go in and provide services that private industry insurance
would not do for people, such as install blue roofs to
provide protection so they can mitigate their losses."
Leimer earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering
from Texas A&M University in 2003 and has worked with
the Corps for eight years.
Leimer is a licensed professional engineer and was recognized
as the 2010 USACE Galveston District Engineer
of the Year.
A Galveston native, Leimer is married with two children
and enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing in his free
time.
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