ATCO Power initiated its formal participation in the CEA Mercury Sampling and Analysis Programme in September 2002 when it sent its implementation plan to Alberta Environment for approval. The formal Memorandum of Understanding between Alberta Environment and ATCO Power was signed on September 1^st, 2002. The General Facility and Site Plan reports found on this site were approved at that time. 

ATCO Power began sampling and testing on October 1^st, 2002 at its Sheerness Generating Station. A month later it started sampling at its Battle River Generating Station. Since the program began, a few modifications have been made to the original implementation plan to address the interests and concerns of both parties, and in particular some practical issues that only emerged once sampling and testing had begun. The first quarter of data was submitted to Alberta Environment on April 2^nd, 2003. Subsequent to further exchanges of information concerning the methods and inputs for calculating mercury emissions rates, the format of the Quarterly facility report has also been altered to its current format.

Of special note, the data presented here is preliminary and has not been peer reviewed by qualified scientists. It is the first step in the Mercury Implementation Program that is expected to continue for some time. As more data is generated and reviewed, we will have a better understanding of the impacts associated with mercury from the coal fired utilities. Based on the first quarter results we have made some adjustments to sample locations and sampling analysis to improve the data set. These changes will be incorporated in the next quarterly report and addressed in the final report that will be issued at the end of the program.