"After almost 40 years of pioneering oil-shale mining. processing, and environmental research and development by government and industry. the Anvil Points Oil Shale Research Facility (APF) near Rifle. Colorado, is being decommissioned. In the spring of 1984. with the Facility no longer needed for oil-shale research. the U.S. Department of Energy decided to begin the $3 million decommissioning of the industrial (research) and housing structures. Decommissioning of the APF began in the summer of 1984 with the initiation of an environmental audit and subsequent hazard cleanup. The audit included sampling and analysis of all transformers, ponds, tanks, drums, and other containers; investigation of known and suspected spill areas; and an asbestos hazard survey. After the known and potential environmental hazards were identified. cleanup and disposal. followed. Once the initial environmental hazard identification and cleanup were completed. a contract for asbestos removal and demolition and reclamation of the industrial plant and housing area was awarded in the summer of 1985. The oil-shale mine. raw and retorted shale piles, and water treatment plant were not included. Asbestos removal and demolition are now completed, and reclamation is nearing completion."