AE2S: Helping utilities navigate change, compliance, and growth

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services (AE2S) is led by Grant Meyer, who has more than 28 years of experience with the firm. With that depth of leadership and institutional knowledge at the helm, utilities that partner with AE2S can be confident they are in capable hands.

Meyer began his journey with AE2S in Grand Forks, North Dakota, starting as an intern after earning his engineering degree from the University of North Dakota. He later helped launch the firm’s expansion into Minnesota, relocating to open a new office in Moorhead and, just a year later, supporting further growth into the Brainerd area. In many ways, Meyer was a driving force behind AE2S’s early presence in Minnesota.

Since 2007, Meyer has been working in the Maple Grove office, gradually shifting from an engineering focus to more client-oriented roles. His positions have included Project Engineer, Project Manager, and roles in Client Development and Business Development. He has also served as Client Development Director, Chief Development Officer, and Operations Manager for the Maple Grove office, beginning around 2007 with an emphasis on business growth in Minnesota. In December 2018, he was promoted to CEO.

Meyer describes how AE2S provides value to MMUA members. With a focus on water engineering, utilities and cities can receive support in projects related to drinking water, wastewater, sanitation, pipe installation, water tower relocation, and overall water system management. He notes that AE2S also assists clients with regulatory compliance, ensuring their water systems meet state and federal laws. Additionally, the firm provides support for customers exploring ways to expand their water system, providing counsel on tactics a city can use to accommodate more customers.

A major topic in the water utility industry currently is PFAS, and AE2S has been focusing on the challenges posed by these “forever chemicals.” Meyer says they’ve also been working on projects related to ammonia in water supplies. AE2S assists utilities in keeping up with the rapidly changing regulations related to these substances.

MMUA member Marshall Municipal Utilities (MMUA) has worked with AE2S on regulatory objectives. This project is notable in Meyers' career because MMU was one of his first clients, and he has continued to work with them for many years. Meyer says MMU’s circumstances are interesting because MMU is responsible for water but not wastewater. Meyer and the AE2S team helped the city and MMU determine how the water and wastewater systems could work together to meet regulatory goals.

“Over a period of time, we've done a number of things systemically with Marshall. To work with them and see some longer-term plans come together, and then see them build a partnership that helps them work with the city to mutually accomplish bigger picture goals has been rewarding. It's been really fun project to be a part of,” says Meyer.

Working at AE2S has shown Meyer the importance of long-term relationships, the impact of passionate people in this industry, and the value of a client-first, people-focused culture. For more than three decades, Meyer has watched AE2S grow from a small staff to nearly 400 employees while fostering and maintaining this culture.

“People just expect their water to work, and they expect to have access to incredibly high-quality sanitation. There are a lot of people working really hard to allow a lot of people to take those services for granted. And I think it's fun to be part of that group of people who are so passionate about something that makes such a big difference in people's lives. I suppose that if we do our jobs really well, no one ever knows we exist. That's exactly what we should be striving for,” says Meyer.

Whether it’s working alongside MMU or helping other Minnesota communities navigate new regulatory and growth challenges, Meyer sees AE2S’s role as simple but essential: to be the quiet partner behind the scenes, so that safe, dependable water is something people never have to worry about.