Each year, thousands of petroleum leaks and spills are reported to the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) / Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Thousands of others may go unreported mainly because they have not yet been discovered. These leaks can enter the ground, seep into an aquifer and contaminate a water supply. In some places, water wells have been closed down and people have had to vacate their homes. Even small amounts of petroleum in soil or groundwater can be tasted or smelled and can subsequently affect health.

Leaking petroleum storage tanks are a major source of groundwater contamination. The DEC/DEP estimates that there may be as many as 185,000 tanks storing petroleum, which are subject to state regulations. Many of these tanks are bare steel and were installed underground in the 1950's and 1960's. These tanks have weakened by rust and have a fifty percent chance of developing leaks.

With the ever-changing environmental laws, MEC can provide clients with information on the latest regulations. As well as coordinate the removal/abandonment of UST’s in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.