ON MARCH 6, 2003, A PRN WAS SENT TO DOJ SEEKING DOJ'S APPROVAL OF A SETTLEMENT WHICH WOULD RESULT IN THE COMPROMISE OF A CLAIM INVOLVING TOTAL RESPONSE COSTS WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO EXCEED $500,000, EXCLUDING INTEREST. DURING THE COURSE OF NEGOTIATING THIS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT IT WAS AGREED THAT THE PARTIES WOULD SETTLE BY WAY OF A CONSENT DECREE RATHER THAN AN ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER ON CONSENT.