Environmental Compliance Services, Inc. (ECS) acquired Environmental Compliance Partners, Inc. (ECP) of Cleveland. ECS and ECP offer complementary environmental services and forged a strong working relationship in 2004, collaborating on several projects since that time. This acquisition bolsters ECS' Ohio presence, bridging the gap between Cleveland and ECS' existing Columbus-area office. ECS is now able to serve the entire state of Ohio and adjacent states. ECS' Cleveland office will be led by ECP's founder, Jeffrey Lawson. Lawson is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) with over 20 years of specialized experience in all aspects of environmental compliance related to retail oil, energy and trucking facilities. His specific proficiencies include environmental site assessment, remediation, and underground storage tank (UST) compliance. "ECP shares so many of the core values of ECS that we both feel this is a natural fit," said Jon Berntsen, ECS senior vice president and regional manager. "We are looking forward to growing in the Midwest under Jeff's leadership and expertise." Lawson founded ECP in 2004 based on philosophies strikingly similar to those of ECS: to avoid a one-size-fits all approach to projects, to focus on the intent of the applicable regulations and the end use of the project, and to remedy environmental issues with solutions that are the most practical and fairly priced. "ECS has the leadership, experience, and infrastructure that I have been looking for in order to increase our sales and marketshare here in the Midwest," Lawson said. "My staff and I are pleased to be joining ECS, and excited to be a part of a team focused on growth and outstanding customer relations." Lawson is joined in the Cleveland office by Jean Godwin, a Compliance Specialist with 20 years of experience in stormwater regulations, UST compliance, and Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans.