text: $ 2.7 
  2.5 
  2.5 
  2.5 
  2.5 
  41.3 
  
  $54.0 
  
  **Environmental Costs**
  
  In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to ongoing environmental investigations by 
  certain regulatory agencies, as well as other claims and disputes that could result in litigation. Environmental 
  costs are accrued by the Company through a charge to income in the period such liabilities become probable 
  and can be reasonably estimated. No signiÑcant amounts were charged to expense during the years ended 
  December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002. 
  
  **4. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS**
  
  The Company acquires businesses as part of its growth strategy. Businesses acquired are accounted for 
  under the purchase method of accounting and are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the 
  
  73 