"In 1969, the U. S. Department of the Interior initiated planning for a prototype oil shale leasing program that eventually resulted in Gulf Oil Corporation and Standard Oil Company (Indiana) acquiring an oil shale lease for Tract C-a in the Perchance Creek basin of northwest Colorado. Gulf and Standard submitted the high bonus bid for Tract C-a ($210,305,600) at a lease sale in Denver on January 8, 1974. Rio Blanco Oil Shale Project (RBOSP), an organization directed and staffed by representatives of Gulf and Standard, was formed later that year for the purpose of developing the tract. RBOSP has conducted extensive geotechnical and environmental data collection programs to establish baseline conditions on and around Tract C-a and to provide input for the selection of mining and processing plans. This revised Detailed Development Plan (DDP) describes RBOSP's proposed development and operation of a commercial-scale oil shale complex and support facilities on and around Tract C-a. The development plan, environmental protection plans and environmental monitoring programs are based on the best technology presently available. Specific details of the engineering and environmental projections will change because of continually improving technology in these areas. RBOSP will be flexible and responsive to changes in information and technology and will incorporate new information into the project plans wherever warranted. Before RBOSP can proceed with development of Tract C-a, several approvals and permits must be obtained from County, State and Federal governments. Among these are approval of the DDP, and acquisition or necessary rights-of-way and all permits for construction and operations, which presupposes the emissions and effluents from the from the operation will be acceptable under State and Federal regulations."