ECS was founded in 1982 by Mark Hellstein . Mark's career began shortly after the EPA was formed as he worked in the United Technologies organization helping them maneuver through the tangle of new clean air and clean water regulations. Mark had the opportunity to work alongside representatives of trade and industry associations to craft legislation. He later worked on subcommittees that drew up hazardous waste regulations for his home state of Massachusetts. Armed with little more than a shovel and a pick-up truck, working out of his parents' basement, Mark began the venture of ECS with unbridled enthusiasm. In the early years, compliance was the major focus as Mark targeted clients from small corner gas stations to large industrial manufacturers such as Smith and Wesson. The roster of services has grown over the years, including brownfield and site redevelopment; emergency response management; landfill design, monitoring and permitting; due diligence for real estate transactions; and water and wastewater management.

The growth of the company has stemmed not only from organic growth, but also from acquisitions and startup opportunities since the launch in 1982. Through a well-developed network within the industry in the early years, ECS was able to start up a Tampa office with one employee who knew of Mark Hellstein and about to find himself out of a job. Mark offered this employee an opportunity to represent ECS in Florida and start a new office. Since that time, the Tampa office has grown to almost 30 staffers. Also, in 2004, a significant addition to the ECS family came when ECS acquired Marin Environmental Services, adding 4 new offices to the portfolio.

ECS continue to focus on client needs and values as changes in regulation and legislation continues to impact their business operations. Our employees have been trained to not only handle the most challenging technical issues for clients, but also to ensure our solutions are integrated into their overall business needs. Through working collaboratively with our clients, we can ensure that the objectives of a clean environment and successful businesses are met.