; and (B) the physical defense was— (i) reasonably necessary; (ii) without reasonable alternative; and (iii) not excessive under the circumstances. (c) Damages In an action under subsection (a), the court may award response costs and damages resulting from the applicable destruction or loss of, or injury to, the system resource. (d) De minimis threshold The Secretary may not make a request to the Attorney General under subsection (a) if the amount that could be awarded under subsection (c) relating to the cause of action would not exceed $5,000. (e) Administrative actions for response costs and damages (1) Action by Secretary (A) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary, after making a finding described in subparagraph (B), may consider, compromise, and settle a claim for response costs and damages if the claim has not been referred to the Attorney General under subsection (a). (B) Description of findings A finding referred to in subparagraph (A) is a finding that— (i) destruction or loss of, or injury to, a system resource has occurred; or (ii) that destruction, loss, or injury would occur absent an action by the Secretary to prevent, minimize, or abate the destruction, loss, or injury. (2) Requirement In any case in which the total amount to be recovered in an action under subsection (a) may exceed $500,000 (excluding interest), a claim may be compromised and settled under paragraph (1) only with the prior written approval of the Attorney General. (f) Response actions, assessments of damages, and injunctive relief (1) In general The Secretary may carry out any necessary action (including making a request to the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief)— (A) to prevent, minimize, or abate the destruction or loss of, or injury to, a system resource