2-Bromo-2-Nitro-1,3-Propanediol (Bronopol); Exemptions from the Requirement of a Tolerance, 67906-67910 [05-22255]
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67906
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 216 / Wednesday, November 9, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
Correction of Publication
Accordingly, 26 CFR Part 1 is
corrected by making the following
correcting amendment:
I
PART 1—INCOME TAXES
Paragraph 1. The authority citation
for part 1 continues to read in part as
follows:
I
Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *
§ 1.951–1
[Corrected]
1. In § 1.951–1(a), the undesignated
paragraph is designated as paragraph
(a)(3).
I 2. Section 1.951–1(e)(6), paragraph (ii)
of Example 5, sixth sentence, the
language ‘‘common shareholders by
reference to the’’ is removed and the
language ‘‘common shares by reference
to the’’ is added in its place.
I 3. Section 1.951–1(e)(6), paragraph (i)
of Example 7, sixth sentence, the
language ‘‘income of United States
shareholder under’’ is removed and the
language ‘‘income of a United States
shareholder under’’ is added in its
place.
I 4. Section 1.951–1(e)(6), paragraph (i)
of Example 8, third sentence, the
language ‘‘Foreign Individual N, a
foreign individual.’’ is removed and the
language ‘‘Individual N, a foreign
individual.’’ is added in its place.
I
Cynthia E. Grigsby,
Acting Chief, Publications and Regulations
Branch, Legal Processing Division, Associate
Chief Counsel, (Procedure and
Administration).
[FR Doc. 05–22260 Filed 11–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4830–01–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[OPP–2005–0280; FRL–7743–5]
2-Bromo-2-Nitro-1,3-Propanediol
(Bronopol); Exemptions from the
Requirement of a Tolerance
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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This regulation is effective
November 9, 2005. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before January 9, 2006.
ADDRESSES: To submit a written
objection or hearing request follow the
detailed instructions as provided in
Unit IX. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION. EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number OPP–2005–
0280. All documents in the docket are
listed in the EDOCKET index at https://
www.epa.gov/edocket. Although listed
in the index, some information is not
publicly available, i.e., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Certain other
material, such as copyrighted material,
is not placed on the Internet and will be
publicly available only in hard copy
form. Publicly available docket
materials are available either
electronically in EDOCKET or in hard
copy at the Public Information and
Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm.
119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St.,
Arlington, VA. This docket facility is
open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The docket telephone number
is (703) 305–5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Karen Angulo, Registration Division
(7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 306–0404; e-mail address:
angulo.karen@epa.gov.
DATES:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes
exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of 2-bromo-2nitro-1,3-propanediol, which is also
known as bronopol (Chemical Abstracts
Service (CAS) Registry Number (Reg.
No.) 52–51–7; 1,3-propanediol, 2bromo-2-nitro- (9CI)), when used as an
inert ingredient in-can preservative at
0.04% or less by weight of the total
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pesticide formulation when applied to
growing crops or to raw agricultural
commodities after harvest under 40 CFR
180.910, and when applied to animals
under 40 CFR 180.930. BASF
Corporation submitted a petition to EPA
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by
the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996
(FQPA), requesting the exemptions from
the requirement of a tolerance. This
regulation eliminates the need to
establish a maximum permissible level
for residues of 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3propanediol.
I. General Information
A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. Potentially
affected entities may include, but are
not limited to:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111)
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• Animal production (NAICS code
112)
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311)
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532)
This listing is not intended to be
exhaustive, but rather provides a guide
for readers regarding entities likely to be
affected by this action. Other types of
entities not listed in this unit could also
be affected. The North American
Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes have been provided to
assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to
certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of
this action to a particular entity, consult
the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies
of this Document and Other Related
Information?
In addition to using EDOCKET (https://
www.epa.gov/edocket/), you may access
this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet
under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at
https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. A
frequently updated electronic version of
40 CFR part 180 is available at E-CFR
Beta Site Two at https://
www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
In the Federal Register of December
24, 2002 (67 FR 78459) (FRL–7277–5),
EPA issued a notice pursuant to section
408(d)(3) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C.
346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a
pesticide tolerance petition (PP 2E6475)
by BASF Corporation, 3000 Continental
Drive - North, Mount Olive, NJ 07828–
1234. The petition requested that
exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance be established for residues of
2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol under
40 CFR 180.910 (growing crops or to
raw agricultural commodities after
harvest) and under 40 CFR 180.930
(animals) when it is used as an inert
ingredient in-can preservative at 0.04%
or less by weight of the total pesticide
formulation. This notice included a
summary of the petition prepared by the
petitioner BASF.
For ease of reading in this document,
2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol will be
referred to as bronopol. The CAS Reg.
No. of bronopol is 52–51–7 and the CAS
name is 1,3-propanediol, 2-bromo-2nitro- (9CI).
Comments were received from the
United States Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in response to the
notice of filing. FDA’s comments
pertained to the possible formation of n-
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nitrosoamines, which are potentially
carcinogenic compounds, when
pesticide formulations containing
bronopol also contain a nitrosatable
amine. Rebuttals to FDA’s comments
were submitted from two companies.
EPA acknowledges the concerns of FDA.
The Agency evaluated the carcinogenic
potential of bronopol and found there to
be evidence of non-carcinogenicity for
humans based on a lack of cancer effects
in acceptable studies with two animal
species, the rat and mouse. It should be
noted that n-nitrosamines are also
possibly formed by the action of
bronopol with naturally occurring
nitrosatable amines that are present in
the diet of humans or are present as
bodily constituents. In addition, Agency
policy requires that pesticidal
formulations be analyzed for
nitrosamine content, and limits the
allowable amount to 1 part per million
(ppm). Pesticide formulations
containing bronopol will be subject to
this requirement.
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of the FFDCA
allows EPA to establish an exemption
from the requirement for a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) defines ‘‘safe’’ to
mean that ‘‘there is a reasonable
certainty that no harm will result from
aggregate exposure to the pesticide
chemical residue, including all
anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Pursuant to
section 408(c)(2)(B), in establishing or
maintaining in effect an exemption from
the requirement of a tolerance, EPA
must take into account the factors set
forth in section 408(b)(2)(C), which
requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and
children to the pesticide chemical
residue in establishing a tolerance and
to ‘‘ensure that there is a reasonable
certainty that no harm will result to
infants and children from aggregate
exposure to the pesticide chemical
residue....’’
EPA performs a number of analyses to
determine the risks from aggregate
exposure to pesticide residues. First,
EPA determines the toxicity of
pesticides. Second, EPA examines
exposure to the pesticide through food,
drinking water, and through other
exposures that occur as a result of
pesticide use in residential settings.
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III. Toxicological Profile
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D)
of FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other
relevant information in support of this
action and considered its validity,
completeness and reliability and the
relationship of this information to
human risk. EPA has also considered
available information concerning the
variability of the sensitivities of major
identifiable subgroups of consumers,
including infants and children. The
nature of the toxic effects caused by
bronopol are discussed in this unit.
A Reregistration Eligibility Decision
(RED) was completed in 1995 for
bronopol. The RED is available on the
Agency’s website at www.epa.gov/
pesticides/reregistration/status.htm. The
Agency is not aware of any more recent
information that changes the risk
findings of the RED, therefore, the
toxicity findings of the RED are being
used here for the evaluation of the
petition. The following briefly
summarizes the toxicity findings of the
RED.
Bronopol is moderately toxic in acute
oral toxicity studies with rats, with a
lethal dose (LD)50 of 307 milligrams/
kilogram (mg/kg) for males and 342 mg/
kg for females (Toxicity Category II)
(Toxicity Category I has the highest
toxicity and Category IV the lowest). In
an acute inhalation study on the rat,
bronopol was found to be slightly toxic
with an lethal concentration (LC)50 of >
5 mg/liter (L) (Toxicity Category III).
Results from an acute dermal toxicity
study (rat) suggest that bronopol is
highly toxic by the dermal route
(Toxicity Category I), with an LC50 of 64
to 160 mg/kg. Slight to moderate
erythema and slight to severe edema
was noted, and the results of this study
determined that bronopol was a slight to
severe irritant (Toxicity Category II). In
a study to determine dermal
sensitization potential (ai >98.8%,
guinea pigs), bronopol was determined
not to be a skin sensitizer. In addition,
bronopol has been shown to be a
corrosive eye irritation (Toxicity
Category I).
A 90-day oral toxicity study using rats
indicated that bronopol is a severe
gastrointestinal irritant. The no
observed adverse effect level (NOAEL)
and the lowest observed adverse effect
level (LOAEL) for systemic toxicity, for
both sexes, are 20 mg/kg/day and 80
mg/kg/day, respectively. A similar study
in beagle dogs indicated only treatmentrelated effects of increased liver and
spleen weights in the high dose group.
In a 90–day dermal toxicity study in
rabbits, a NOAEL of 2 mg/kg/day and a
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LOAEL of 5 mg/kg/day were determined
based on dermal irritation.
A chronic feeding/carcinogenicity
study with rats resulted in high
mortality, stomach lesions, and severe
reduction in body weight gain. The
unpalatability of bronopol reduced the
water intake and urine output in a doserelated manner in all treated groups,
which may have affected the results of
the study. Based on the above findings,
the systemic NOAEL and LOAEL for
both sexes are 10 mg/kg/day and 40 mg/
kg/day, respectively. In a chronic
dermal/carcinogenicity study, male
mice exhibited moderate reduction in
body weight gain in the high dose
group. Bronopol was not determined to
be carcinogenic in either study. The
EPA Office of Pesticide Program’s
Reference Dose (RfD)/Peer Review
Committee evaluated the carcinogenic
potential of bronopol and found there to
be evidence of non-carcinogenicity for
humans based on a lack of evidence of
cancer effects in acceptable studies. In
addition, bronopol was not mutagenic
in four mutagenicity studies.
Developmental toxicity studies were
conducted using rats and rabbits. The
results showed marginal to no effects in
the rat study and effects only at the high
dose level in the rabbit study. In the
study on rats, no developmental effects
could be attributed to the administration
of bronopol, and the highest dose of >80
mg/kg/day is considered to be the
NOAEL for both maternal and
developmental toxicity. In the study on
rabbits, the maternal and developmental
NOAEL and LOAEL are 40 mg/kg/day
and 80 mg/kg/day (the highest dose
group), respectively. The effects
observed only in the 80 mg/kg/day
group include decreased fetal body
weight in both sexes (10%), and an
increase in fetuses with major external/
visceral and skeletal abnormalities
(6.9% – 29.5%).
A reproductive toxicity study using
rats reported effects at the mid- to highdose levels, including increases in
kidney, thyroid, and adrenal weights,
decreases in liver and body weights.
The NOAEL and LOAEL for systemic
toxicity are 25 mg/kg/day and 70 mg/kg/
day, respectively. Reproductive toxicity
was observed only in the high-dose
group as evidenced by a slight decrease
in the female fertility index during the
F1 mating. The NOAEL and LOAEL for
reproductive toxicity are 70 mg/kg/day
and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively.
For metabolism, the results from four
studies show that bronopol
administered orally was rapidly
absorbed and rapidly excreted by the
rats of both sexes, with urine being the
major route of excretion.
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For ecological risks, bronopol is
practically nontoxic to slightly toxic to
birds; slightly to moderately toxic to
freshwater fish and terrestrial
invertebrates; moderately to highly toxic
to estuarine/marine invertebrates; and
slightly toxic to estuarine/marine fish.
Based on bronopol’s low octanol/water
ratio and high solubility in water, it is
not expected to bioaccumulate.
Accumulation reportedly does not occur
in tested mammals and metabolism is
also reported to be rapid and complete.
IV. Aggregate Exposures
In examining aggregate exposure,
FFDCA section 408 directs EPA to
consider available information
concerning exposures from the pesticide
residue in food and all other nonoccupational exposures, including
drinking water from ground water or
surface water and exposure through
pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or
buildings (residential and other indoor
uses).
A. Dietary Exposure
1. Food. A dietary exposure analysis
for the inert ingredient use of bronopol
was conducted using the generic
screening model for estimating inert
ingredient dietary exposure. The dietary
assessment is unrefined and extremely
conservative in nature because the
screening model assumes that the inert
ingredient is used on all commodities,
and that 100 percent of crops are treated
with the inert ingredient. Further, the
screening model assumes residues will
be present for every consumed
commodity (including meat, milk,
poultry and eggs) that is included in the
Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model
(DEEMTM). The screening model does
not specifically include an application
rate input, rather it is based on
tolerances for pesticide active
ingredients that are typically found in
agricultural food use products at
concentrations greater than 50%.
Therefore, to more accurately estimate
residues resulting from bronopol’s lower
application rate limitation of 0.04% (the
tolerance exemption limitation
proposed by the petitioner), the results
from the screening model were adjusted
by a factor of 1250 (50% ÷ 0.04%).
The results for acute and chronic
dietary exposure for all population
subgroups are considered to be not of
concern. The highest dietary exposure
estimate was for children (1–2 years),
where the acute dietary risk was
estimated to be 0.0007512 mg/kg/day
and 0.19% of the acute Population
Adjusted Dose (aPAD), and where the
chronic dietary risk was estimated to be
0.0003376 mg/kg/day and 0.34% of the
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chronic Population Adjusted Dose
(cPAD). These are well-below any dose
level at which an adverse effect is
expected from exposure to bronopol
when it is used as an inert ingredient incan preservative at 0.04% or less by
weight of the total pesticide
formulation.
2. Drinking water exposure. Bronopol
is expected to have a relatively short
half-life upon release into the
environment. Bronopol is not
anticipated to be present in drinking
waterwhen used as an inert ingredient
in-can preservative at 0.04% or less by
weight of the total pesticide
formulation.
B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure
Pesticide products containing
bronopol as an in-can preservative may
be used in residential settings.
Considering the small amount of
bronopol that will be used in pesticide
formulations (no more than 0.04% by
weight), inhalation and dermal
exposures of concern are not anticipated
from residential uses.
V. Cumulative Effects
Section 408 (b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance or tolerance exemption, the
Agency consider ‘‘available
information’’ concerning the cumulative
effects of a particular chemical’s
residues and ‘‘other substances that
have a common mechanism of toxicity.’’
Unlike other pesticide chemicals for
which EPA has followed a cumulative
risk approach based on a common
mechanism of toxicity, EPA has not
made a common mechanism of toxicity
finding as to bronopol. For the purposes
of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA
has not assumed that bronopol has a
common mechanism of toxicity with
other substances. For information
regarding EPA’s efforts to determine
which chemicals have a common
mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate
the cumulative effects of such
chemicals, see the policy statements
released by EPA’s Office of Pesticide
Programs concerning common
mechanism determinations and
procedures for cumulating effects from
substances found to have a common
mechanism on EPA’s website at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative/.
VI. Determination of Safety for U.S.
Population, Infants and Children
Based on the information in this
preamble and on the modeled exposure
levels that are well-below any dose level
where adverse effects are expected, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable
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certainty of no harm to any population
subgroup from aggregate exposure to
residues of bronopol. Accordingly, EPA
finds that exempting bronopol from the
requirement of a tolerance will be safe
for the general population including
infants and children.
VII. Other Considerations
A. Endocrine Disruptors
FQPA requires EPA to develop a
screening program to determine whether
certain substances, including all
pesticide chemicals (both inert and
active ingredients), ‘‘may have an effect
in humans that is similar to an effect
produced by a naturally occurring
estrogen, or such other endocrine effect
. . . .’’ EPA has been working with
interested stakeholders to develop a
screening and testing program as well as
a priority setting scheme. As the Agency
proceeds with implementation of this
program, further testing of products
containing bronopol for endocrine
effects may be required.
B. Analytical Method(s)
An analytical method is not required
for enforcement purposes since the
Agency is establishing an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance
without any numerical limitation.
C. Existing Tolerances
There are no existing tolerances or
tolerance exemptions for bronopol.
D. International Tolerances
The Agency is not aware of any
country requiring a tolerance for
bronopol, nor have any CODEX
maximum residue levels been
established for any food crops at this
time.
VIII. Conclusions
There is sufficient information on
bronopol to conduct this assessment.
Bronopol has been shown to have
significant dermal acute toxicity, and
eye and gastrointestinal irritation, but it
is not a skin sensitizer. Study results
indicate that bronopol has moderate
acute and chronic oral toxicity, and
slight acute inhalation toxicity. It is not
considered to be carcinogenic. For
developmental effects, marginal to no
effects were reported in the rat study
and effects were observed only at the
high dose level in the rabbit study.
Reproductive toxicity was observed
only in the high-dose group as
evidenced by a slight decrease in the
female fertility index during the F1
mating.
Although, bronopol does have
toxicity, the small amount that will be
permitted for use in pesticide
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formulations (0.04% or less by weight)
is expected to result in no effects of
concern for all endpoints, including
residential exposures. The results from
a conservative dietary screening model
show that acute and chronic dietary
exposure for all population subgroups
are considered to be not of concern. The
highest dietary exposure estimates from
the conservative screening model are
well-below any dose level at which an
adverse effect is expected. Bronopol is
expected to have a relatively short halflife upon release into the environment,
therefore, its contribution to drinking
water is not expected.
Considering the information above,
there is a reasonable certainty that no
harm to any population subgroup will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical (bronopol) residue,
including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for
which there is reliable information.
Exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance are established for 2-bromo-2nitro-1,3-propanediol; (CAS Reg. No.
52–51–7;) when used as an inert
ingredient in-can preservative at 0.04%
or less by weight of the total pesticide
formulation when applied to growing
crops or to raw agricultural
commodities after harvest under 40 CFR
180.910, and when applied to animals
under 40 CFR 180.930.
IX. Objections and Hearing Requests
Under section 408(g) of the FFDCA, as
amended by the FQPA, any person may
file an objection to any aspect of this
regulation and may also request a
hearing on those objections. The EPA
procedural regulations which govern the
submission of objections and requests
for hearings appear in 40 CFR part 178.
Although the procedures in those
regulations require some modification to
reflect the amendments made to the
FFDCA by the FQPA of 1996, EPA will
continue to use those procedures, with
appropriate adjustments, until the
necessary modifications can be made.
The new section 408(g) provides
essentially the same process for persons
to ‘‘object’’ to a regulation for an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance issued by EPA under new
section 408(d), as was provided in the
old FFDCA sections 408 and 409.
However, the period for filing objections
is now 60 days, rather than 30 days.
A. What Do I Need to Do to File an
Objection or Request a Hearing?
You must file your objection or
request a hearing on this regulation in
accordance with the instructions
provided in this unit and in 40 CFR part
178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA,
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you must identify docket ID number
OPP–2005–0280 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
requests must be in writing, and must be
mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk
on or before January 9, 2006.
1. Filing the request. Your objection
must specify the specific provisions in
the regulation that you object to, and the
grounds for the objections (40 CFR
178.25). If a hearing is requested, the
objections must include a statement of
the factual issue(s) on which a hearing
is requested, the requestor’s contentions
on such issues, and a summary of any
evidence relied upon by the objector (40
CFR 178.27). Information submitted in
connection with an objection or hearing
request may be claimed confidential by
marking any part or all of that
information as CBI. Information so
marked will not be disclosed except in
accordance with procedures set forth in
40 CFR part 2. A copy of the
information that does not contain CBI
must be submitted for inclusion in the
public record. Information not marked
confidential may be disclosed publicly
by EPA without prior notice.
Mail your written request to: Office of
the Hearing Clerk (1900L),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001. You may also deliver
your request to the Office of the Hearing
Clerk in Suite 350, 1099 14th St., NW.,
Washington, DC 20005. The Office of
the Hearing Clerk is open from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The telephone
number for the Office of the Hearing
Clerk is (202) 564–6255.
2. Copies for the Docket. In addition
to filing an objection or hearing request
with the Hearing Clerk as described in
Unit VIII.A., you should also send a
copy of your request to the PIRIB for its
inclusion in the official record that is
described in ADDRESSES. Mail your
copies, identified by docket ID number
OPP–2005–0280, to: Public Information
and Records Integrity Branch,
Information Resources and Services
Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide
Programs, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460. In person or by
courier, bring a copy to the location of
the PIRIB described in ADDRESSES. You
may also send an electronic copy of
your request via e-mail to: oppdocket@epa.gov. Please use an ASCII
file format and avoid the use of special
characters and any form of encryption.
Copies of electronic objections and
hearing requests will also be accepted
on disks in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or
ASCII file format. Do not include any
CBI in your electronic copy. You may
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also submit an electronic copy of your
request at many Federal Depository
Libraries.
B. When Will the Agency Grant a
Request for a Hearing?
A request for a hearing will be granted
if the Administrator determines that the
material submitted shows the following:
There is a genuine and substantial issue
of fact; there is a reasonable possibility
that available evidence identified by the
requestor would, if established resolve
one or more of such issues in favor of
the requestor, taking into account
uncontested claims or facts to the
contrary; and resolution of the factual
issue(s) in the manner sought by the
requestor would be adequate to justify
the action requested (40 CFR 178.32).
X. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final rule establishes an
exemption from the tolerance
requirement under FFDCA section
408(d) in response to a petition
submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has
exempted these types of actions from
review under Executive Order 12866,
entitled Regulatory Planning and
Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993).
Because this rule has been exempted
from review under Executive Order
12866 due to its lack of significance,
this rule is not subject to Executive
Order 13211, Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66
FR 28355, May 22, 2001). This final rule
does not contain any information
collections subject to OMB approval
under the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose
any enforceable duty or contain any
unfunded mandate as described under
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public
Law 104–4). Nor does it require any
special considerations under Executive
Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to
Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16,
1994); or OMB review or any Agency
action under Executive Order 13045,
entitled Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997).
This action does not involve any
technical standards that would require
Agency consideration of voluntary
consensus standards pursuant to section
12(d) of the National Technology
Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995
(NTTAA), Public Law 104–113, section
12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). Since
tolerances and exemptions that are
E:\FR\FM\09NOR1.SGM
09NOR1
67910
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 216 / Wednesday, November 9, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
established on the basis of a petition
under FFDCA section 408(d), such as
the exemptions in this final rule, do not
require the issuance of a proposed rule,
the requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) do not apply. In addition, the
Agency has determined that this action
will not have a substantial direct effect
on States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government, as specified in
Executive Order 13132, entitled
Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999). Executive Order 13132 requires
EPA to develop an accountable process
to ensure ‘‘meaningful and timely input
by State and local officials in the
development of regulatory policies that
have federalism implications.’’ ‘‘Policies
that have federalism implications’’ is
defined in the Executive Order to
include regulations that have
‘‘substantial direct effects on the States,
on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.’’ This final rule
directly regulates growers, food
processors, food handlers and food
retailers, not States. This action does not
alter the relationships or distribution of
power and responsibilities established
by Congress in the preemption
provisions of FFDCA section 408(n)(4).
For these same reasons, the Agency has
determined that this rule does not have
any ‘‘tribal implications’’ as described
in Executive Order 13175, entitled
Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR
67249, November 6, 2000). Executive
Order 13175, requires EPA to develop
an accountable process to ensure
‘‘meaningful and timely input by tribal
officials in the development of
regulatory policies that have tribal
implications.’’ ‘‘Policies that have tribal
implications’’ is defined in the
Executive Order to include regulations
that have ‘‘substantial direct effects on
one or more Indian tribes, on the
relationship between the Federal
Government and the Indian tribes, or on
the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes.’’ This
rule will not have substantial direct
effects on tribal governments, on the
relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, as
specified in Executive Order 13175.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:11 Nov 08, 2005
Jkt 208001
§ 180.930 Inert ingredients applied to
animals; exemptions from the requirement
of a tolerance.
Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not
apply to this rule.
XI. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report, which includes a
copy of the rule, to each House of the
Congress and to the Comptroller General
of the United States. EPA will submit a
report containing this rule and other
required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United
States prior to publication of this final
rule in the Federal Register. This final
rule is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by
5 U.S.C. 804(2).
Inert Ingredient
Limits
Uses
*
*
*
2-Bromo-2-nitro1,3propanediol
(CAS Reg.
No. 52–51–7)
*
*
0.04% or
less by
weight of
the total
pesticide
formulation
*
*
*
*
In-can preservative
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 05–22255 Filed 11–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
[OPP–2005–0254; FRL–7740–8]
Dated: October 28, 2005.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
I
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.910 the table is amended
by adding alphabetically the following
inert ingredient to read as follows:
I
§ 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and
post-harvest; exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance.
Inert Ingredient
Limits
Uses
*
*
*
2-Bromo-2-nitro1,3propanediol
(CAS Reg.
No. 52–51–7)
*
*
0.04% or
less by
weight of
the total
pesticide
formulation
*
*
*
*
In-can preservative
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
I 3. In § 180.930 the table is amended
by adding alphabetically the following
inert ingredient to read as follows:
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
*
Flucarbazone-sodium; Time-Limited
Pesticide Tolerance
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a
time-limited tolerance for combined
residues of flucarbazone-sodium, 4,5dihydro-3-methoxy-4-methyl-5-oxo-N[2(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl] sulfonyl1H-1,2,4-triazole 1-carboxamide,
sodium salt and its N-desmethyl
metabolite in or on wheat, forage at 0.30
parts per million (ppm); wheat, grain at
0.01 ppm; wheat, hay at 0.10 ppm; and
wheat, straw at 0.05 ppm; and combined
residues of flucarbazone-sodium and its
metabolites converted to 2(trifluoromethoxy) benzene sulfonamide
and calculated as flucarbazone-sodium
in or on milk at 0.005 ppm; meat and
meat byproducts (excluding liver) of
cattle, goats, hogs, horses, and sheep at
0.01 ppm; and liver of cattle, goats,
hogs, horses, and sheep at 1.5 ppm.
Arysta LifeScience North America
Corporation requested this tolerance
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by
the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996
(FQPA). The tolerance will expire on
November 30, 2006.
DATES: This regulation is effective
November 9, 2005. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before January 9, 2006.
ADDRESSES: To submit a written
objection or hearing request follow the
detailed instructions as provided in
E:\FR\FM\09NOR1.SGM
09NOR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 9, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67906-67910]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-22255]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[OPP-2005-0280; FRL-7743-5]
2-Bromo-2-Nitro-1,3-Propanediol (Bronopol); Exemptions from the
Requirement of a Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of
a tolerance for residues of 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, which is
also known as bronopol (Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry
Number (Reg. No.) 52-51-7; 1,3-propanediol, 2-bromo-2-nitro- (9CI)),
when used as an inert ingredient in-can preservative at 0.04% or less
by weight of the total pesticide formulation when applied to growing
crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest under 40 CFR
180.910, and when applied to animals under 40 CFR 180.930. BASF
Corporation submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act
of 1996 (FQPA), requesting the exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum
permissible level for residues of 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol.
DATES: This regulation is effective November 9, 2005. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before January 9, 2006.
ADDRESSES: To submit a written objection or hearing request follow the
detailed instructions as provided in Unit IX. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number OPP-2005-0280. All documents in the docket
are listed in the EDOCKET index at https://www.epa.gov/edocket. Although
listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e.,
CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on
the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
in EDOCKET or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records
Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall 2, 1801 S.
Bell St., Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to
4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket
telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Angulo, Registration Division
(7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 306-0404; e-mail address: angulo.karen@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
Crop production (NAICS code 111)
Animal production (NAICS code 112)
Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311)
Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532)
This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document and Other
Related Information?
In addition to using EDOCKET (https://www.epa.gov/edocket/), you may
access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA
Internet under the ``Federal Register'' listings at https://www.epa.gov/
fedrgstr/. A frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR part 180
is available at E-CFR Beta Site Two at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
In the Federal Register of December 24, 2002 (67 FR 78459) (FRL-
7277-5), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of the
FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide
tolerance petition (PP 2E6475) by BASF Corporation, 3000 Continental
Drive - North, Mount Olive, NJ 07828-1234. The petition requested that
exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance be established for
residues of 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol under 40 CFR 180.910
(growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest) and
under 40 CFR 180.930 (animals) when it is used as an inert ingredient
in-can preservative at 0.04% or less by weight of the total pesticide
formulation. This notice included a summary of the petition prepared by
the petitioner BASF.
For ease of reading in this document, 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-
propanediol will be referred to as bronopol. The CAS Reg. No. of
bronopol is 52-51-7 and the CAS name is 1,3-propanediol, 2-bromo-2-
nitro- (9CI).
Comments were received from the United States Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in response to the notice of filing. FDA's
comments pertained to the possible formation of n-
[[Page 67907]]
nitrosoamines, which are potentially carcinogenic compounds, when
pesticide formulations containing bronopol also contain a nitrosatable
amine. Rebuttals to FDA's comments were submitted from two companies.
EPA acknowledges the concerns of FDA. The Agency evaluated the
carcinogenic potential of bronopol and found there to be evidence of
non-carcinogenicity for humans based on a lack of cancer effects in
acceptable studies with two animal species, the rat and mouse. It
should be noted that n-nitrosamines are also possibly formed by the
action of bronopol with naturally occurring nitrosatable amines that
are present in the diet of humans or are present as bodily
constituents. In addition, Agency policy requires that pesticidal
formulations be analyzed for nitrosamine content, and limits the
allowable amount to 1 part per million (ppm). Pesticide formulations
containing bronopol will be subject to this requirement.
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of the FFDCA allows EPA to establish an
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that
the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) defines ``safe'' to
mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which
there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through
drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Pursuant to section 408(c)(2)(B), in
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in
section 408(b)(2)(C), which requires EPA to give special consideration
to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide chemical residue
in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there is a reasonable
certainty that no harm will result to infants and children from
aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue....''
EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. First, EPA determines the
toxicity of pesticides. Second, EPA examines exposure to the pesticide
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as
a result of pesticide use in residential settings.
III. Toxicological Profile
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of
this action and considered its validity, completeness and reliability
and the relationship of this information to human risk. EPA has also
considered available information concerning the variability of the
sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including
infants and children. The nature of the toxic effects caused by
bronopol are discussed in this unit.
A Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) was completed in 1995
for bronopol. The RED is available on the Agency's website at
www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm. The Agency is not
aware of any more recent information that changes the risk findings of
the RED, therefore, the toxicity findings of the RED are being used
here for the evaluation of the petition. The following briefly
summarizes the toxicity findings of the RED.
Bronopol is moderately toxic in acute oral toxicity studies with
rats, with a lethal dose (LD)50 of 307 milligrams/kilogram
(mg/kg) for males and 342 mg/kg for females (Toxicity Category II)
(Toxicity Category I has the highest toxicity and Category IV the
lowest). In an acute inhalation study on the rat, bronopol was found to
be slightly toxic with an lethal concentration (LC)50 of > 5
mg/liter (L) (Toxicity Category III).
Results from an acute dermal toxicity study (rat) suggest that
bronopol is highly toxic by the dermal route (Toxicity Category I),
with an LC50 of 64 to 160 mg/kg. Slight to moderate erythema
and slight to severe edema was noted, and the results of this study
determined that bronopol was a slight to severe irritant (Toxicity
Category II). In a study to determine dermal sensitization potential
(ai >98.8%, guinea pigs), bronopol was determined not to be a skin
sensitizer. In addition, bronopol has been shown to be a corrosive eye
irritation (Toxicity Category I).
A 90-day oral toxicity study using rats indicated that bronopol is
a severe gastrointestinal irritant. The no observed adverse effect
level (NOAEL) and the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for
systemic toxicity, for both sexes, are 20 mg/kg/day and 80 mg/kg/day,
respectively. A similar study in beagle dogs indicated only treatment-
related effects of increased liver and spleen weights in the high dose
group. In a 90-day dermal toxicity study in rabbits, a NOAEL of 2 mg/
kg/day and a LOAEL of 5 mg/kg/day were determined based on dermal
irritation.
A chronic feeding/carcinogenicity study with rats resulted in high
mortality, stomach lesions, and severe reduction in body weight gain.
The unpalatability of bronopol reduced the water intake and urine
output in a dose-related manner in all treated groups, which may have
affected the results of the study. Based on the above findings, the
systemic NOAEL and LOAEL for both sexes are 10 mg/kg/day and 40 mg/kg/
day, respectively. In a chronic dermal/carcinogenicity study, male mice
exhibited moderate reduction in body weight gain in the high dose
group. Bronopol was not determined to be carcinogenic in either study.
The EPA Office of Pesticide Program's Reference Dose (RfD)/Peer Review
Committee evaluated the carcinogenic potential of bronopol and found
there to be evidence of non-carcinogenicity for humans based on a lack
of evidence of cancer effects in acceptable studies. In addition,
bronopol was not mutagenic in four mutagenicity studies.
Developmental toxicity studies were conducted using rats and
rabbits. The results showed marginal to no effects in the rat study and
effects only at the high dose level in the rabbit study. In the study
on rats, no developmental effects could be attributed to the
administration of bronopol, and the highest dose of >80 mg/kg/day is
considered to be the NOAEL for both maternal and developmental
toxicity. In the study on rabbits, the maternal and developmental NOAEL
and LOAEL are 40 mg/kg/day and 80 mg/kg/day (the highest dose group),
respectively. The effects observed only in the 80 mg/kg/day group
include decreased fetal body weight in both sexes (10%), and an
increase in fetuses with major external/visceral and skeletal
abnormalities (6.9% - 29.5%).
A reproductive toxicity study using rats reported effects at the
mid- to high-dose levels, including increases in kidney, thyroid, and
adrenal weights, decreases in liver and body weights. The NOAEL and
LOAEL for systemic toxicity are 25 mg/kg/day and 70 mg/kg/day,
respectively. Reproductive toxicity was observed only in the high-dose
group as evidenced by a slight decrease in the female fertility index
during the F1 mating. The NOAEL and LOAEL for reproductive
toxicity are 70 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively.
For metabolism, the results from four studies show that bronopol
administered orally was rapidly absorbed and rapidly excreted by the
rats of both sexes, with urine being the major route of excretion.
[[Page 67908]]
For ecological risks, bronopol is practically nontoxic to slightly
toxic to birds; slightly to moderately toxic to freshwater fish and
terrestrial invertebrates; moderately to highly toxic to estuarine/
marine invertebrates; and slightly toxic to estuarine/marine fish.
Based on bronopol's low octanol/water ratio and high solubility in
water, it is not expected to bioaccumulate. Accumulation reportedly
does not occur in tested mammals and metabolism is also reported to be
rapid and complete.
IV. Aggregate Exposures
In examining aggregate exposure, FFDCA section 408 directs EPA to
consider available information concerning exposures from the pesticide
residue in food and all other non-occupational exposures, including
drinking water from ground water or surface water and exposure through
pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or buildings (residential and other
indoor uses).
A. Dietary Exposure
1. Food. A dietary exposure analysis for the inert ingredient use
of bronopol was conducted using the generic screening model for
estimating inert ingredient dietary exposure. The dietary assessment is
unrefined and extremely conservative in nature because the screening
model assumes that the inert ingredient is used on all commodities, and
that 100 percent of crops are treated with the inert ingredient.
Further, the screening model assumes residues will be present for every
consumed commodity (including meat, milk, poultry and eggs) that is
included in the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model (DEEM\TM\). The
screening model does not specifically include an application rate
input, rather it is based on tolerances for pesticide active
ingredients that are typically found in agricultural food use products
at concentrations greater than 50%. Therefore, to more accurately
estimate residues resulting from bronopol's lower application rate
limitation of 0.04% (the tolerance exemption limitation proposed by the
petitioner), the results from the screening model were adjusted by a
factor of 1250 (50% / 0.04%).
The results for acute and chronic dietary exposure for all
population subgroups are considered to be not of concern. The highest
dietary exposure estimate was for children (1-2 years), where the acute
dietary risk was estimated to be 0.0007512 mg/kg/day and 0.19% of the
acute Population Adjusted Dose (aPAD), and where the chronic dietary
risk was estimated to be 0.0003376 mg/kg/day and 0.34% of the chronic
Population Adjusted Dose (cPAD). These are well-below any dose level at
which an adverse effect is expected from exposure to bronopol when it
is used as an inert ingredient in-can preservative at 0.04% or less by
weight of the total pesticide formulation.
2. Drinking water exposure. Bronopol is expected to have a
relatively short half-life upon release into the environment. Bronopol
is not anticipated to be present in drinking waterwhen used as an inert
ingredient in-can preservative at 0.04% or less by weight of the total
pesticide formulation.
B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure
Pesticide products containing bronopol as an in-can preservative
may be used in residential settings. Considering the small amount of
bronopol that will be used in pesticide formulations (no more than
0.04% by weight), inhalation and dermal exposures of concern are not
anticipated from residential uses.
V. Cumulative Effects
Section 408 (b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when considering
whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance or tolerance
exemption, the Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the
cumulative effects of a particular chemical's residues and ``other
substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.'' Unlike other
pesticide chemicals for which EPA has followed a cumulative risk
approach based on a common mechanism of toxicity, EPA has not made a
common mechanism of toxicity finding as to bronopol. For the purposes
of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has not assumed that bronopol
has a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances. For
information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which chemicals have a
common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the cumulative effects of
such chemicals, see the policy statements released by EPA's Office of
Pesticide Programs concerning common mechanism determinations and
procedures for cumulating effects from substances found to have a
common mechanism on EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/
cumulative/.
VI. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, Infants and Children
Based on the information in this preamble and on the modeled
exposure levels that are well-below any dose level where adverse
effects are expected, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable
certainty of no harm to any population subgroup from aggregate exposure
to residues of bronopol. Accordingly, EPA finds that exempting bronopol
from the requirement of a tolerance will be safe for the general
population including infants and children.
VII. Other Considerations
A. Endocrine Disruptors
FQPA requires EPA to develop a screening program to determine
whether certain substances, including all pesticide chemicals (both
inert and active ingredients), ``may have an effect in humans that is
similar to an effect produced by a naturally occurring estrogen, or
such other endocrine effect . . . .'' EPA has been working with
interested stakeholders to develop a screening and testing program as
well as a priority setting scheme. As the Agency proceeds with
implementation of this program, further testing of products containing
bronopol for endocrine effects may be required.
B. Analytical Method(s)
An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance without any numerical limitation.
C. Existing Tolerances
There are no existing tolerances or tolerance exemptions for
bronopol.
D. International Tolerances
The Agency is not aware of any country requiring a tolerance for
bronopol, nor have any CODEX maximum residue levels been established
for any food crops at this time.
VIII. Conclusions
There is sufficient information on bronopol to conduct this
assessment. Bronopol has been shown to have significant dermal acute
toxicity, and eye and gastrointestinal irritation, but it is not a skin
sensitizer. Study results indicate that bronopol has moderate acute and
chronic oral toxicity, and slight acute inhalation toxicity. It is not
considered to be carcinogenic. For developmental effects, marginal to
no effects were reported in the rat study and effects were observed
only at the high dose level in the rabbit study. Reproductive toxicity
was observed only in the high-dose group as evidenced by a slight
decrease in the female fertility index during the F1 mating.
Although, bronopol does have toxicity, the small amount that will
be permitted for use in pesticide
[[Page 67909]]
formulations (0.04% or less by weight) is expected to result in no
effects of concern for all endpoints, including residential exposures.
The results from a conservative dietary screening model show that acute
and chronic dietary exposure for all population subgroups are
considered to be not of concern. The highest dietary exposure estimates
from the conservative screening model are well-below any dose level at
which an adverse effect is expected. Bronopol is expected to have a
relatively short half-life upon release into the environment,
therefore, its contribution to drinking water is not expected.
Considering the information above, there is a reasonable certainty
that no harm to any population subgroup will result from aggregate
exposure to the pesticide chemical (bronopol) residue, including all
anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which there
is reliable information. Exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance
are established for 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol; (CAS Reg. No. 52-
51-7;) when used as an inert ingredient in-can preservative at 0.04% or
less by weight of the total pesticide formulation when applied to
growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest under 40
CFR 180.910, and when applied to animals under 40 CFR 180.930.
IX. Objections and Hearing Requests
Under section 408(g) of the FFDCA, as amended by the FQPA, any
person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may
also request a hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural
regulations which govern the submission of objections and requests for
hearings appear in 40 CFR part 178. Although the procedures in those
regulations require some modification to reflect the amendments made to
the FFDCA by the FQPA of 1996, EPA will continue to use those
procedures, with appropriate adjustments, until the necessary
modifications can be made. The new section 408(g) provides essentially
the same process for persons to ``object'' to a regulation for an
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance issued by EPA under new
section 408(d), as was provided in the old FFDCA sections 408 and 409.
However, the period for filing objections is now 60 days, rather than
30 days.
A. What Do I Need to Do to File an Objection or Request a Hearing?
You must file your objection or request a hearing on this
regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in this unit
and in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number OPP-2005-0280 in the subject line on the
first page of your submission. All requests must be in writing, and
must be mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before January
9, 2006.
1. Filing the request. Your objection must specify the specific
provisions in the regulation that you object to, and the grounds for
the objections (40 CFR 178.25). If a hearing is requested, the
objections must include a statement of the factual issue(s) on which a
hearing is requested, the requestor's contentions on such issues, and a
summary of any evidence relied upon by the objector (40 CFR 178.27).
Information submitted in connection with an objection or hearing
request may be claimed confidential by marking any part or all of that
information as CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except
in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. A copy of the
information that does not contain CBI must be submitted for inclusion
in the public record. Information not marked confidential may be
disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice.
Mail your written request to: Office of the Hearing Clerk (1900L),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460-0001. You may also deliver your request to the
Office of the Hearing Clerk in Suite 350, 1099 14th St., NW.,
Washington, DC 20005. The Office of the Hearing Clerk is open from 8
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The
telephone number for the Office of the Hearing Clerk is (202) 564-6255.
2. Copies for the Docket. In addition to filing an objection or
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in Unit VIII.A.,
you should also send a copy of your request to the PIRIB for its
inclusion in the official record that is described in ADDRESSES. Mail
your copies, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0280, to: Public
Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and
Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
In person or by courier, bring a copy to the location of the PIRIB
described in ADDRESSES. You may also send an electronic copy of your
request via e-mail to: opp-docket@epa.gov. Please use an ASCII file
format and avoid the use of special characters and any form of
encryption. Copies of electronic objections and hearing requests will
also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format.
Do not include any CBI in your electronic copy. You may also submit an
electronic copy of your request at many Federal Depository Libraries.
B. When Will the Agency Grant a Request for a Hearing?
A request for a hearing will be granted if the Administrator
determines that the material submitted shows the following: There is a
genuine and substantial issue of fact; there is a reasonable
possibility that available evidence identified by the requestor would,
if established resolve one or more of such issues in favor of the
requestor, taking into account uncontested claims or facts to the
contrary; and resolution of the factual issue(s) in the manner sought
by the requestor would be adequate to justify the action requested (40
CFR 178.32).
X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes an exemption from the tolerance
requirement under FFDCA section 408(d) in response to a petition
submitted to the Agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has
exempted these types of actions from review under Executive Order
12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, October 4,
1993). Because this rule has been exempted from review under Executive
Order 12866 due to its lack of significance, this rule is not subject
to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355,
May 22, 2001). This final rule does not contain any information
collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose any enforceable duty or
contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 104-4). Nor
does it require any special considerations under Executive Order 12898,
entitled Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority
Populations and Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994);
or OMB review or any Agency action under Executive Order 13045,
entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and
Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not
involve any technical standards that would require Agency consideration
of voluntary consensus standards pursuant to section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA),
Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). Since
tolerances and exemptions that are
[[Page 67910]]
established on the basis of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such
as the exemptions in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a
proposed rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply. In addition, the Agency has
determined that this action will not have a substantial direct effect
on States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132,
entitled Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). Executive Order
13132 requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure
``meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the
development of regulatory policies that have federalism implications.''
``Policies that have federalism implications'' is defined in the
Executive Order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' This final
rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food handlers and
food retailers, not States. This action does not alter the
relationships or distribution of power and responsibilities established
by Congress in the preemption provisions of FFDCA section 408(n)(4).
For these same reasons, the Agency has determined that this rule does
not have any ``tribal implications'' as described in Executive Order
13175, entitled Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments (65 FR 67249, November 6, 2000). Executive Order 13175,
requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful
and timely input by tribal officials in the development of regulatory
policies that have tribal implications.'' ``Policies that have tribal
implications'' is defined in the Executive Order to include regulations
that have ``substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on
the relationship between the Federal Government and the Indian tribes,
or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the
Federal Government and Indian tribes.'' This rule will not have
substantial direct effects on tribal governments, on the relationship
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, as specified in Executive Order 13175.
Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this rule.
XI. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule,
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other
required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior
to publication of this final rule in the Federal Register. This final
rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: October 28, 2005.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
0
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
PART 180--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
0
2. In Sec. 180.910 the table is amended by adding alphabetically the
following inert ingredient to read as follows:
Sec. 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and post-harvest; exemptions
from the requirement of a tolerance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inert Ingredient Limits Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
2-Bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol 0.04% or less by In-can
(CAS Reg. No. 52-51-7) weight of the preservative
total pesticide
formulation
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec. 180.930 the table is amended by adding alphabetically the
following inert ingredient to read as follows:
Sec. 180.930 Inert ingredients applied to animals; exemptions from
the requirement of a tolerance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inert Ingredient Limits Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
2-Bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol 0.04% or less by In-can
(CAS Reg. No. 52-51-7) weight of the preservative
total pesticide
formulation
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 05-22255 Filed 11-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S