text: **11. FUEL HEDGE**
  
  During June 2001, the Company entered into option agreements for approximately 14.3 million gallons of 
  heating oil. Under SFAS 133, the options qualiÑed for and were designated as eÅective hedges of changes in 
  the prices of forecasted diesel fuel purchases. These option agreements settled each month in equal notional 
  amounts through December 2002. The option agreements were structured as zero-cost collars indexed to the 
  price of heating oil. These option agreements expired in December 2002. In accordance with SFAS 133, 
  $1.6 million representing the eÅective portion of the change in fair value for the year ended December 31, 
  2002, net of tax, has been recorded in stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehen- 
  sive income. The ineÅective portion of the change in fair value was a gain of approximately $.1 million for the 
  year ended December 31, 2002, and has been included in other income (expense), net in the accompanying 
  Consolidated Statements of Income. Realized losses of $.8 million related to these option agreements are 
  included in cost of operations in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended 
  December 31, 2002. 