A study was initiated as a result of the need to develop background and preliminary data on the environmental effects of coal-fired power plants. The objective of the study was to measure the concentration of eleven trace elements in plants and soils in the Four Corners area of New Mexico. Selection of the elements was made on the basis of data obtained from a survey on the chemical make-up of the fly ash emitted by the power plants in this location. These eleven elements are: As, Be, Cd, Cr, F, Pb, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Se. Some of the elements studied, such as mercury, lead and selenium, are known to be toxic to animals in relatively low concentrations. This study, by sampling plants and soils in two different locations, attempted to develop preliminary data on the potential buildup of each trace element. (Author)