Clean Water

Upgrading sewage treatment plants across Maryland has created hundreds of construction jobs, and will create perhaps thousands more as the program now begins to grow. Also, upgrading individual septic systems has employed installers, electricians and others involved in the business. These upgrades have pumped millions of dollars into the local economy, and reduced the amount of dirty, untreated wastewater polluting our rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay. Investing in fixing sewage treatment plants is a win-win for our local economy and clean water.   Elkridge company pays 36 contractors thanks to MDE Mayer Brothers, Inc. in Elkridge staved off significant layoffs this year when the small manufacturing company won a contract from the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) to help supply new septic technology throughout Maryland. President Nancy Mayer says company profits were off 40 percent in the recession. The MDE work not only helped Mayer avoid layoffs at the company’s precast plant, but helped the firm hire one additional technician, and also to pay over $1.2 million to 36 septic installers throughout the state, who in turn also subcontracted work to electricians. "I would have been looking at significant layoffs, the first in this company's 50-year history," Mayer said. "Because we were able to pick up this Bay Restoration Fund work, we more than made up for the loss in work and avoided layoffs. We have been very grateful for the work here at Mayer Bros." Mayer noted that each of the 36 subcontracting installation companies that Mayer used itself employs several workers, and that those companies in turn sub-contracted with electricians to perform the electrical hook.