Propanil, Phenmedipham, Triallate, and MCPA; Proposed Tolerance Actions, 56425-56433 [E6-15841]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules subject to safety guidelines in industry standards. These standards are typically already required by state or local fire codes, and this rule does not require tribal governments to change their regulations. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this rule. G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks Executive Order 13045: ‘‘Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) applies to any rule that: (1) Is determined to be ‘‘economically significant’’ as defined under Executive Order 12866, and (2) concerns an environmental health or safety risk that EPA has reason to believe may have a disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory action meets both criteria, the Agency must evaluate the environmental health or safety effects of the planned rule on children, and explain why the planned regulation is preferable to other potentially effective and reasonably feasible alternatives considered by the Agency. This proposed rule is not economically significant as defined in Executive Order 12866, and the Agency does not have reason to believe the environmental health or safety risks addressed by this action present a disproportionate risk to children. The acceptability listings in this proposed rule primarily apply to the workplace, and thus, do not put children at risk disproportionately. This rule is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it is not economically significant as defined in Executive Order 12866 and because the Agency does not have reason to believe the environmental health or safety risks addressed by this action present a disproportionate risk to children. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL H. Executive Order 13211 (Energy Effects) This rule is not a ‘‘significant energy action’’ as defined in Executive Order 13211, ‘‘Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001)) because it is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The rule allows wider use of substitutes, providing greater flexibility for industry related to choices of alternative fire suppression systems to support the transition away from ozone-depleting substances, but little if any impact related to energy. Thus, we have concluded that this rule is not likely to have any adverse energy effects. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:43 Sep 26, 2006 Jkt 208001 56425 I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (‘‘NTTAA’’), Public Law No. 104–113, Section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. The NTTAA directs EPA to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus standards. This rulemaking does not involve technical standards. EPA is not requiring that specific technical standards be met in these regulations. EPA defers to existing National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) voluntary consensus standards and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations that relate to the safe use of halon substitutes reviewed under SNAP. EPA refers users to the latest edition of NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems which provides for exposure guidelines and safe use of halocarbon and inert gas agents used to extinguish fires. EPA also refers to the latest edition of NFPA 2010 Standard on Aerosol Extinguishing Systems, 2005 edition, which provides for safe use of aerosol extinguishing agents and technologies. Copies of these standards may be obtained by calling the NFPA’s telephone number for ordering publications at 1–800–344–3555. The NFPA 2001 and 2010 standards meet the objectives of the rule by setting scientifically-based guidelines for safe exposure to halocarbon and inert gas agents and aerosol extinguishing agents, respectively. In addition, EPA has worked in consultation with OSHA to encourage development of technical standards to be adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. 40 CFR Part 180 List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Air pollution control, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: September 21, 2006. Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator. [FR Doc. E6–15842 Filed 9–26–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 [EPA–HQ–OPP–2006–0586; FRL–8089–5] Propanil, Phenmedipham, Triallate, and MCPA; Proposed Tolerance Actions Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to revoke certain tolerances for herbicides propanil, triallate, and MCPA. Also, EPA is proposing to modify certain tolerances for the herbicides propanil, phenmedipham, triallate, and MCPA. In addition, EPA is proposing to establish tolerances for the herbicides propanil, phenmedipham, triallate, and MCPA. DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 27, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–OPP–2006–0586, by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001. • Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S–4400, One Potomac Yard (South Building), 2777 S. Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays). Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. The Docket telephone number is (703) 305– 5805. Instructions: Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2006– 0586. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the docket without change and may be made available on-line at https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or email. The Federal regulations.gov website is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1 56426 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through regulations.gov, your email address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the docket index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., 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 in the electronic docket at https:// www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S– 4400, One Potomac Yard (South Building), 2777 S. Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA. The hours of operation of this Docket Facility are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket telephone number is (703) 3057–5805. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane Smith, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7805P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (703) 308–0048; email address: smith.jane-scott@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL 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). VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:43 Sep 26, 2006 Jkt 208001 • 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. To determine whether you or your business may be affected by this action, you should carefully examine the applicability provisions in Unit II.A. 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. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA? 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. Tips for preparing your comments. When submitting comments, remember to: i. Identify the document by docket ID number and other identifying information (subject heading, Federal Register date and page number). ii. Follow directions. The Agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number. iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes. iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/ or data that you used. v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced. vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns and suggest alternatives. PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. C. What Can I do if I Wish the Agency to Maintain a Tolerance that the Agency Proposes to Revoke? This proposed rule provides a comment period of 60 days for any person to state an interest in retaining a tolerance proposed for revocation. If EPA receives a comment within the 60– day period to that effect, EPA will not proceed to revoke the tolerance immediately. However, EPA will take steps to ensure the submission of any needed supporting data and will issue an order in the Federal Register under Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) section 408(f) if needed. The order would specify data needed and the time frames for its submission, and would require that within 90 days some person or persons notify EPA that they will submit the data. If the data are not submitted as required in the order, EPA will take appropriate action under FFDCA. EPA issues a final rule after considering comments that are submitted in response to this proposed rule. In addition to submitting comments in response to this proposal, you may also submit an objection at the time of the final rule. If you fail to file an objection to the final rule within the time period specified, you will have waived the right to raise any issues resolved in the final rule. After the specified time, issues resolved in the final rule cannot be raised again in any subsequent proceedings. II. Background A. What Action is the Agency Taking? EPA is proposing to revoke, remove, modify, and establish specific tolerances for residues of the herbicides propanil, phenmedipham, triallate, and MCPA in or on commodities listed in the regulatory text. EPA is proposing these tolerance actions to implement the tolerance recommendations made during the reregistration and tolerance reassessment processes (including follow-up on canceled or additional uses of pesticides). As part of these processes, EPA is required to determine whether each of the amended tolerances meets the safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). The safety finding determination of ‘‘reasonable certainty of no harm’’ is discussed in detail in each E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) and Report of the FQPA Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk Management Decision (TRED) for the active ingredients. REDs and TREDs recommend the implementation of certain tolerance actions, including modifications to reflect current use patterns, meet safety findings, and change commodity names and groupings in accordance with new EPA policy. Printed copies of many REDs and TREDs may be obtained from EPA’s National Service Center for Environmental Publications (EPA/ NSCEP), P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 452427–2419, telephone 1–800– 490–9198; fax 1–513–489–8695; internet at https://www.epa.gov/ncepihom and from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161, telephone 1– 800–553–6847 or (703) 605–6000; internet at https://www.ntis.gov. Electronic copies of REDs and TREDs are available on propanil, phenmedipham, triallate, and MCPA at the internet at https://www.epa.gov/ pesticides/reregistration/status.htm and in public dockets EPA–HQ–OPP–2003– 0348 and EPA–HQ–OPP–2002–0033 (propanil); EPA–HQ–OPP–2004–0384 (phenmedipham); and EPA–HQ–OPP– 2004–0156 and EPA–HQ–OPP–2004– 0239 (MCPA) at https:// www.regulations.gov. The selection of an individual tolerance level is based on crop field residue studies designed to produce the maximum residues under the existing or proposed product label. Generally, the level selected for a tolerance is a value slightly above the maximum residue found in such studies. The evaluation of whether a tolerance is safe is a separate inquiry. EPA recommends the raising of a tolerance when data show that (1) lawful use (sometimes through a label change) may result in a higher residue level on the commodity and (2) the tolerance remains safe, notwithstanding increased residue level allowed under the tolerance. In REDs, Chapter IV on Risk management, Reregistration, and Tolerance Reassessment typically describes the regulatory position, FQPA assessment, cumulative safety determination, determination of safety for U.S. general population, and safety for infants and children. In particular, the human health risk assessment document which supports the RED describes risk exposure estimates and whether the Agency has concerns. In TREDs, the Agency discusses its evaluation of the dietary risk associated with the active ingredient and whether it can determine that there is a VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:43 Sep 26, 2006 Jkt 208001 reasonable certainty (with appropriate mitigation) that no harm to any population subgroup will result from aggregate exposure. Explanations for proposed modifications in tolerances can be found in the RED and TRED document and in more detail in the Residue Chemistry Chapter document which supports the RED and TRED. Copies of the Residue Chemistry Chapter documents are found in the Administrative Record and paper copies are available in the public docket for this proposed rule, while electronic copies are available through EPA’s electronic public docket and comment system, regulations.gov at https:// www.regulations.gov. You may search for docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP– 006–0586, then click on that docket ID number to view its contents. EPA has determined that the aggregate exposures and risks are not of concern for the above mentioned pesticide active ingredients based upon the data identified in the RED or TRED which lists the submitted studies that the Agency found acceptable. With respect to the tolerances that are proposed in this document to be modified, unless technical (e.g., commodity tolerance nomenclature revision), EPA has found that these tolerances are safe in accordance with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(A), and that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residues, in accordance with section 408(b)(2)(C). These findings are discussed in detail in each RED. The references are available for inspection as described in this document under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. In addition, EPA is proposing to revoke certain specific tolerances because either they are no longer needed or are associated with food uses that are no longer registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The registrations for these pesticide chemicals were canceled because the registrant failed to pay the required maintenance fee and/or the registrant voluntarily canceled one or more registered uses of the pesticide. It is EPA’s general practice to propose revocation of those tolerances for residues of pesticide active ingredients on crop uses for which there are no active registrations under FIFRA, unless any person in comments on the proposal indicates a need for the tolerance to cover residues in or on imported commodities or domestic commodities legally treated. PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 56427 1. Propanil. Currently, in 40 CFR 180.274 (a)(1) and (2), tolerances are established for the combined residues of propanil and its metabolites (calculated as propanil) in or on both raw agricultural commodities (RACs) and processed foods and feeds. EPA is proposing to revise the tolerance expression to specify the residues of concern and combine the RACs and processed foods and feed tolerances in accordance with FFDCA 408 as amended by FQPA (1996) in 40 CFR 180.274(a) to read as follows: Tolerances are established for the combined residues of the herbicide propanil (3′, 4′dichloropropionanilide) and its metabolites convertible to 3, 4dichloroaniline (3, 4-DCA). Tolerances currently exist for rice milling fractions and rice polishings. Rice milling fractions are no longer considered a significant animal feed item as delineated in ‘‘Table 1.—Raw Agricultural and Processed Commodities and Feedstuffs Derived from Crops’’ which is found in Residue Chemistry Test Guidelines OPPTS 860.1000 dated August 1996, available at https://www.epa.gov/opptsfrs/ publications/OPPTS_Harmonized/ 860_Residue_Chemistry_Test_ Guidelines/Series. Therefore, EPA is proposing to remove the tolerances in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined residues of propanil in or on rice milling fractions and rice, polishings at 10 parts per million (ppm). The registered uses on barley, oat, and wheat (small grains) have been voluntarily cancelled (68 FR 68901, December 10, 2003) (FRL–7332–5), (68 FR 38328, June 27, 2003) (FRL–7310–6). In the absence of registered uses, the tolerances associated with the small grains should be revoked. Therefore, EPA is proposing to revoke the tolerances in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern in or on barley, straw; oat, straw; and wheat, straw at 0.75 ppm; barley, grain at .2 ppm; oat, grain at .2 ppm; wheat, grain at 0.2 ppm. Two studies depicting the magnitude of regulated propanil residues in or on rice, grain exceeded the established tolerance of 2 ppm in or on treated rice, grain samples demonstrating residues ranging from 0.03 ppm to 8.7 ppm. Based on these data, EPA determined the tolerance should be 10 ppm on rice, grain. Therefore, EPA is proposing to increase the tolerance in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern in or on rice, grain from 2 ppm to 10 ppm. The Agency determined that the increased tolerance is safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL 56428 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. A rice processing study showed no concentration of residues in polished rice and average concentration factors of 3.5x for rice, hulls and 4.6x for rice, bran. The highest average field trial (HAFT) propanil residues found in rice were 8.7 ppm. Based on this HAFT and the observed concentration factors, the maximum expected residues are 30.45 ppm in or on rice, hulls (8.7 x 3.5) and 40.02 ppm in or on rice, bran (8.7 x 4.6). These expected residues are higher in the processed commodities than the reassessed tolerance of 10 ppm for rice, grain. Based on these data, EPA has determined that the tolerances should be 30 ppm on rice, hulls and 40 ppm on rice, bran. Therefore, EPA is proposing to increase tolerances in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern in or on rice, hulls from 10 to 30 ppm and rice, bran from 10 to 40 ppm. The Agency determined that the increased tolerances are safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. The potential for secondary transfer of propanil residues to animal commodities exists because the herbicide is registered for use on rice, which may be used as animal feed. Based on a maximum theoretical dietary burden (x) and using the residues levels found in dairy cattle and milk fed 15 ppm (0.75x) resulted in residues of: 0.035 ppm in milk, 0.31 ppm in liver, 0.77 ppm in kidney, < 0.05 ppm (nondetectable) in muscle, and 0.10 ppm in fat. Based on these data, the Agency determined the tolerances should be 0.05 ppm in cattle, meat; goat, meat; hog, meat; horse, meat; and sheep, meat; and 1.0 ppm in cattle, meat byproducts; goat, meat byproducts; hog, meat byproducts; horse, meat byproducts; and sheep,meat byproducts. In addition, the term ‘‘negligible residue’’ and its designation, ‘‘(N)’’ associated with the milk and animal tissue tolerances is being removed to conform to current Agency policy and practice. Therefore, EPA is proposing in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern to maintain and revise the tolerances in or on milk from 0.05(N) ppm to 0.05 ppm and cattle, fat; goat, fat; hog, fat; horse, fat; and sheep, fat from 0.1(N) ppm to 0.10 ppm; to decrease and revise the tolerances in or on cattle, meat; goat, meat; hog, meat; horse, meat; and sheep, meat from 0.1(N) to 0.05 ppm; and to increase and revise the tolerances in or on cattle, meat byproducts; goat, meat byproducts; hog, meat byproducts; horse, meat VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:43 Sep 26, 2006 Jkt 208001 byproducts; and sheep,meat byproducts from 0.1(N) to 1.0 ppm. The Agency determined that the increased tolerances are safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. Maximum propanil residues were 0.212 ppm and 0.372 ppm, respectively, in eggs from hens dosed with propanil 15 ppm (0.9x), and 50 ppm (3.1x). Residues in liver from hens in the 15 ppm (0.9x), and 50 ppm (3.1x) dose groups were 0.183–0.236, and 0.824– 1.755 ppm, respectively. Residues in muscle were < 0.050–0.076 and 0.087– 0.161 ppm from the 0.9x and 3.1x dose groups, respectively. In fat, propanil residues of concern were < 0.05 ppm (< non-detectable) up to 0.9x feeding levels, and < 0.139–0.348 ppm at 3.1x. Based on these data, the Agency has determined that the propanil tolerances should be 0.30 ppm for egg; 0.05 ppm for poultry, fat; 0.50 ppm for poultry, meat byproducts; and 0.10 ppm for poultry, meat. In addition, the term ‘‘negligible residue’’ and its designation, ‘‘(N)’’ associated with the egg and animal tissue tolerances is being removed to conform to current Agency policy and practice. Therefore, EPA is proposing in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern to increase and revise the tolerance for egg from 0.05(N) to 0.30 ppm; to decrease and revise the tolerance in or on poultry, fat from 0.1(N) to 0.05 ppm; to increase and revise the tolerance for poultry, meat byproducts from 0.1(N) to 0.50 ppm; and maintain and revise the tolerance in or on poultry, meat from 0.1(N) to 0.10 ppm. The Agency determined that the increased tolerances are safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. Residues of propanil and its metabolites, determined as basereleasable 3, 4 DCA and expressed as propanil equivalents, were < 0.01–0.03 ppm in or on the edible portions of crayfish (1x maximum season rate). Based on these data, the Agency determined the tolerance should be 0.05 ppm on crayfish. Therefore, EPA is proposing to establish a tolerance in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern in or on crayfish at 0.05 ppm. In addition, the ‘‘N’’ (negligible residues) designation correlated with tolerances is being removed to conform to current Agency practice. Therefore, EPA is proposing to revise the tolerance in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern in or on rice, straw from 75(N) ppm to 75 ppm. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 2. Phenmedipham. The current tolerance expression in 40 CFR 180.278 refers to phenmedipham as methyl mhydroxycarbanilate m-methylcarbanilate which should be changed to the more appropriate chemical name, 3methoxycarbonylaminophenyl-3methylcarbanilate. Therefore, EPA proposes to change the chemical name in 40 CFR 180.278(a) for residues of the herbicide phenmedipham to 3methoxycarbonylaminophenyl-3methylcarbanilate. Spinach field trial residue data generated at the 1x seasonal application rate and 14–22 day pre-harvest interval (PHI) resulted in residues ranging from 2.1–3.6 ppm. Additional trials conducted at similar rates and PHIs yielded residues ranging from < 0.05 to 0.17 ppm. Based on the more recent residue data and use pattern, EPA has determined the tolerance on spinach should be 4.0 ppm. Therefore, EPA is proposing to increase the tolerance in 40 CFR 180.278(a) for residues of phenmedipham in or on spinach from 0.5 ppm to 4.0 ppm. The Agency determined that the increased tolerance is safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. Sugar beet processing studies indicate that phenmedipham residues of concern concentrated 3x in dried pulp, 1.3x in molasses, and did not concentrate in sugar. Because of the concentration factors associated with dried pulp and molasses, the current tolerance of 0.1 ppm for raw beet, sugar, roots and beet, sugar, tops is not adequate to cover the dried pulp and molasses from sugar beets; therefore, the Agency has determined that tolerances should be established for beet, sugar, dried pulp at 0.5 ppm and beet, sugar, molasses at 0.2 ppm. EPA is proposing to establish tolerances in 40 CFR 180.278(a) for residues of phenmedipham in or on beet, sugar, dried pulp at 0.5 ppm and beet, sugar, molasses at 0.2 ppm. In addition, the ‘‘N’’ (negligible residues) designation that is correlated with some of the tolerances is being removed to conform to current Agency practice. Therefore, EPA is proposing to revise the tolerances in 40 CFR 180.278(a) for residues of phenmedipham in or on beet, garden at 0.2(N) ppm to beet, garden, roots at 0.2 ppm; beet, sugar, roots at 0.1(N) ppm to 0.1 ppm; and beet, sugar, tops at 0.1(N) ppm to 0.1 ppm. 3. Triallate. The available data, reflecting the maximum registered use patterns, indicate that the maximum combined triallate residues of concern were 0.26 ppm in or on barley, straw; E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 0.12 ppm in or on the seed and pods of succulent peas; 0.39 ppm in or on the vines of succulent peas; 0.27 ppm in or on the vines of dried peas; 0.73 ppm in or on the straw (hay) of succulent peas; 0.36 ppm in or on the straw of dried peas; and 0.94 ppm in or on wheat, straw in the states of: Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, the term ‘‘negligible residue’’ and its designation, ‘‘(N)’’ associated with the barley, grain tolerance is being removed to conform to current Agency policy and practice. Based on these data, the Agency determined the tolerances should be 0.3 ppm on barley, straw; 1.0 ppm on pea, field, hay; 0.5 ppm on pea, field, vines; 0.2 ppm on pea, succulent; and 1.0 ppm on wheat, straw and recodified under 40 CFR 180.314(c) as regional tolerances. Therefore, EPA is proposing the tolerances in 40 CFR 180.314(c) for the combined residues of concern to be increased in or on barley, straw from 0.05 to 0.3 ppm; pea, field, hay from 0.05 to 1.0 ppm; pea, field, vines from 0.05 to 0.5 ppm; pea, succulent from 0.05 to 0.2 ppm; wheat, straw from 0.05 to 1.0 ppm; and reclassified from 40 CFR 180.314(a) to 40 CFR 180.314(c) for barley, grain at 0.05 ppm and wheat, grain at 0.05 ppm. The Agency determined that the increased tolerances are safe; i.e., there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. Lentil, hay is no longer considered significant livestock feed item and has been removed from Table 1 (OPPTS GLN 860.1000) and lentil, seed is covered by the established pea tolerance in accordance with 40 CFR 180.1(h). As a result, EPA proposes removing the tolerances in 40 CFR 180.314(a) for the combined triallate residues of concern in or on lentil, hay at 0.05 ppm and lentil, seed at 0.05 ppm. Sugar beet processing studies were conducted on sugar beets treated at 5x the seasonal application rate resulting in maximum residues of 0.14 ppm in root, 0.30 ppm in dried pulp, and < 0.03 ppm in sugar and molasses. Therefore, EPA is proposing to maintain the tolerances and correct the terminology for sugar beets to include roots in 40 CFR 180.314(c) for the combined triallate residues of concern in or on beet, sugar, dried pulp at 0.2 ppm; beet, sugar, roots at 0.1 ppm; and beet, sugar, tops at 0.5 ppm. The available data, reflecting the maximum registered use patterns, indicate that the maximum combined triallate residues of concern were < 0.02 VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:43 Sep 26, 2006 Jkt 208001 ppm in or on the seed and pods of pea, dry and 0.94 ppm on wheat, straw. Because of similar cultural practices and identical use rates, wheat, straw data is used to support tolerances for barley, hay and wheat, hay. Based on these data, the Agency determined the tolerances should be 0.2 ppm for pea, dry and 1.0 ppm for barley, hay and wheat, hay by translating the data from wheat, straw. Therefore, EPA is proposing to establish tolerances in 40 CFR 180.314(c) for the combined triallate residues of concern in or on barley, hay at 1.0 ppm; pea, dry at 0.2 ppm; and wheat, hay at 1.0 ppm. The Agency determined that the establishment of these tolerances is safe; i.e., there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. Although tolerances are established on animal feed items, tolerances on the edible tissues of animals are not necessary because the available residue data generated using exaggerated rates indicate there is no reasonable expectation of finite residues in meat, milk, poultry, and eggs as a result of ingestion of pesticide residues on raw agricultural commodities in accordance with 40 CFR 180.6(a)(3). 4. MCPA. The current tolerance expression 40 CFR 180.339(a) regulates residues of the herbicide 2-methyl-4chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) from application of the herbicide in acid form or in the form of its sodium, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, isopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, or dimethylamine salts or isooctyl or butoxyethyl esters and 40 CFR 180.339(b) tolerances are established for combined negligible residues (N) of the herbicide 2-methyl4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid and its metabolite 2-methyl-4-chlorophenol. Based on toxicity data for 2-methyl-4chlorophenol, a currently regulated livestock metabolite, EPA determined that it is of significantly less concern than the parent compound and therefore can be excluded from the tolerance expression. Although the chemical name for MCPA has been presented as ‘‘(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy)acetic acid’’, under current chemical naming conventions the ‘‘(4-chloro-2methylphenoxy)acetic acid’’ designation is preferred. EPA determined the residues to be regulated in plant commodities (40 CFR 180.339(a)) are parent, free and conjugated MCPA. When MCPA is applied in various forms (e.g. ethanolamine and other salts and esters), a single common moiety is released that is the pesticidally active PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 56429 component and serves as the basis for tolerance regulation. Therefore, EPA is proposing to change the tolerance expression in 40 CFR 180.339(a) to read as follows: tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide MCPA [(4chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid)], both free and conjugated, resulting from the direct application of MCPA or its sodium or dimethylamine salts, or its 2ethylhexyl ester and in 40 CFR 180.339(b) to read as follows: tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide MCPA [(4-chloro-2methylphenoxy)acetic acid)] resulting from the direct application of MCPA or its sodium or dimethylamine salts, or its 2-ethylhexyl ester. 40 CFR 180.339 (a) and (b) will be revised to read 40 CFR 180.339 (a)(1) and (2) for consistency. Lastly, the term ‘‘negligible residue’’ and its designation, ‘‘(N)’’, associated with some tolerances is being removed to conform to current Agency policy and practice. Currently, tolerances exist reflecting uses of MCPA on rice, sorghum, flax (straw) and canarygrass. The uses on rice, sorghum, and canarygrass are no longer registered uses (69 FR 39467, June 30, 2004) (FRL–7363–4) (71 FR 24687, April 26, 2006) (FRL–8059–2). EPA policy no longer requires tolerances to be established for flax, straw. Therefore, EPA is proposing to revoke tolerances in 40 CFR 180.339(a)(1) for the combined MCPA residues of concern in or on flax, straw at 2 ppm; grass, canary, annual, straw at 0.1 ppm; canary, annual, seed at 0.1 ppm; rice, grain at 0.1(N) ppm; rice, straw at 2 ppm; sorghum, forage at 20 ppm; sorghum, grain at 0.1 ppm; and sorghum, grain, stover at 20 ppm. The crop field trial data indicate that the maximum combined residues of MCPA and its metabolites are < 0.29 ppm in or on alfalfa, forage and < 1.07 ppm in or on alfalfa, hay. Alfalfa, forage and alfalfa, hay data will also be used to satisfy crop field trial requirements for the clover, forage; clover hay; lespedeza, forage; lespedeza, hay; trefoil, forage; trefoil, hay; vetch, forage; and vetch, hay. Ordinarily, the Agency would not translate data from alfalfa, forage and alfalfa, hay to support uses on clover, forage; clover hay; lespedeza, forage; lespedeza, hay; trefoil, forage; trefoil, hay; vetch, forage; and vetch, hay; however, because the only supported use of MCPA on these crops is to the crops underseeded to small grains it is reasonable to use alfalfa, forage and alfalfa, hay data to support these uses. Based on these data, EPA has determined the tolerance should be 0.5 ppm in or on alfalfa, forage; clover, forage; lespedeza, forage; trefoil, forage; E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL 56430 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules and vetch, forage; and 2.0 ppm in or on alfalfa, hay; clover hay; lespedeza, hay; trefoil, hay; and vetch, hay. Therefore, EPA is proposing to increase tolerances and revise the terminology to include forage consistently in 40 CFR 180.339 (a)(1) for residues of MCPA in or on alfalfa, forage; clover, forage; lespedeza, forage; trefoil, forage; and vetch, forage from 0.1 to 0.5 ppm and alfalfa, hay; clover hay; lespedeza, hay; trefoil, hay; and vetch, hay from 0.1 to 2.0 ppm. The Agency determined that the increased tolerances are safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. The crop field trial data indicate that the maximum combined residues of MCPA and its metabolites are 0.72 ppm in or on wheat, grain and 21.4 ppm in or on wheat, straw. Based on the HAFT residue of 0.08 ppm for wheat, grain, expected MCPA residues of concern in or on wheat bran and germ will not exceed the established tolerance of 0.1 ppm for wheat, grain and for wheat processed commodities. Because of similar cultural practices and identical use rates, wheat residue field trial data is used to support tolerances for barley, oat, and rye. Based on these data, EPA has determined the tolerance should be 1.0 ppm in or on barley, grain; oat, grain; rye, grain; and wheat, grain and 25 ppm in or on barley, straw; oat, straw; rye, straw; and wheat, straw. Therefore, EPA is proposing to increase the tolerances in 40 CFR 180.339(a)(1) for residues of MCPA in or on barley, grain; oat, grain; rye, grain; and wheat, grain from 0.1 to 1.0 ppm and barley, straw; oat, straw; rye, straw; and wheat, straw from 2 to 25 ppm. The Agency determined that these increased tolerances are safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. The crop field trial data indicate that the maximum combined residues of MCPA and its metabolites are 19.4 ppm (7 day PHI) in or on wheat, forage, 39.5 ppm and 111 ppm (7 and14 day PHIs, respectively) in or on wheat, hay. Also, these data are translated to support tolerances for barley, hay and oat, hay and oat, forage and rye, forage. Based on these data, EPA determined the tolerances should be 20 ppm on oat, forage; rye, forage; and wheat, forage and 115 ppm on barley, hay; oat, hay; and wheat, hay. EPA is proposing tolerances be established in 40 CFR 180.339(a)(1) for residues of MCPA in or on wheat, forage at 20 ppm; and barley, hay; oat, hay; and wheat, hay at 115 ppm; and maintain tolerances for oat, forage and rye, forage at 20 ppm. The VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:43 Sep 26, 2006 Jkt 208001 Agency determined that these newly established tolerances are safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemicals residue. In addition, EPA is proposing to revise commodity terminology and tolerances to conform to current Agency practice at 40 CFR 180.339 as follows: ‘‘grass, pasture and grass, rangeland at 300 ppm to grass, forage at 300 ppm;’’ ‘‘peavines at 0.1(N) ppm to pea, vines at 0.1 ppm;’’ ‘‘peavines, hay at 0.1(N) ppm to pea, hay at 0.1 ppm;’’ ‘‘vegetables, seed and pod at 0.1 ppm to pea, dry at 0.1 ppm and pea, succulent at 0.1 ppm;’’ ‘‘cattle, fat; goat, fat; hog, fat; horse, fat; and sheep, fat; cattle, meat byproducts; goat, meat byproducts; hog, meat byproducts; horse, meat byproducts; and sheep, meat byproducts; and cattle, meat; goat, meat; hog, meat; horse, meat; and sheep, meat at 0.1(N) ppm to 0.1 ppm;’’ and ‘‘milk at 0.1(N) ppm to 0.1 ppm.’’ B. What is the Agency’s Authority for Taking this Action? A ‘‘tolerance’’ represents the maximum level for residues of pesticide chemicals legally allowed in or on raw agricultural commodities and processed foods. Section 408 of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a, as amended by the FQPA of 1996, Public Law 104–170, authorizes the establishment of tolerances, exemptions from tolerance requirements, modifications in tolerances, and revocation of tolerances for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on raw agricultural commodities and processed foods. Without a tolerance or exemption, food containing pesticide residues is considered to be unsafe and therefore ‘‘adulterated’’ under section 402(a) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 342(a). Such food may not be distributed in interstate commerce (21 U.S.C. 331(a)). For a food-use pesticide to be sold and distributed, the pesticide must not only have appropriate tolerances under the FFDCA, but also must be registered under FIFRA (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.). Food-use pesticides not registered in the United States must have tolerances in order for commodities treated with those pesticides to be imported into the United States. EPA is proposing these tolerance actions to implement the tolerance recommendations made during the reregistration and tolerance reassessment processes (including follow-up on canceled or additional uses of pesticides). As part of these processes, EPA is required to determine whether each of the amended tolerances meets the safety standard of the FQPA. The safety finding determination is PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 discussed in detail in each Post-FQPA RED and TRED for the active ingredient. REDs and TREDs recommend the implementation of certain tolerance actions, including modifications to reflect current use patterns, to meet safety findings, and change commodity names and groupings in accordance with new EPA policy. Printed and electronic copies of the REDs and TREDs are available as provided in Unit II.A. EPA has issued post-FQPA REDs for propanil, phenmedipham, triallate, and MCPA, and a TRED for propanil. REDs and TREDs contain the Agency’s evaluation of the data base for these pesticides, including requirements for additional data on the active ingredients to confirm the potential human health and environmental risk assessments associated with current product uses, and in REDs state conditions under which these uses and products will be eligible for reregistration. The REDs and TREDs recommended the establishment, modification, and/or revocation of specific tolerances. RED and TRED recommendations such as establishing or modifying tolerances, and in some cases revoking tolerances, are the result of assessment under the FQPA standard of ‘‘reasonable certainty of no harm.’’ However, tolerance revocations recommended in REDs and TREDs that are proposed in this document do not need such assessment when the tolerances are no longer necessary. EPA’s general practice is to propose revocation of tolerances for residues of pesticide active ingredients on crops for which FIFRA registrations no longer exist and on which the pesticide may therefore no longer be used in the United States. Nonetheless, EPA will establish and maintain tolerances even when corresponding domestic uses are canceled if the tolerances, which EPA refers to as ‘‘import tolerances,’’ are necessary to allow importation into the United States of food containing such pesticide residues. However, where there are no imported commodities that require these import tolerances, the Agency believes it is appropriate to revoke tolerances for unregistered pesticides in order to prevent potential misuse. Furthermore, as a general matter, the Agency believes that retention of import tolerances not needed to cover any imported food may result in unnecessary restriction on trade of pesticides and foods. Under section 408 of the FFDCA, a tolerance may only be established or maintained if EPA determines that the tolerance is safe based on a number of factors, including an assessment of the aggregate exposure E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules to the pesticide and an assessment of the cumulative effects of such pesticide and other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity. In doing so, EPA must consider potential contributions to such exposure from all tolerances. If the cumulative risk is such that the tolerances in aggregate are not safe, then every one of these tolerances is potentially vulnerable to revocation. Furthermore, if unneeded tolerances are included in the aggregate and cumulative risk assessments, the estimated exposure to the pesticide would be inflated. Consequently, it may be more difficult for others to obtain needed tolerances or to register needed new uses. To avoid potential trade restrictions, the Agency is proposing to revoke tolerances for residues on crops uses for which FIFRA registrations no longer exist, unless someone expresses a need for such tolerances. Through this proposed rule, the Agency is inviting individuals who need these import tolerances to identify themselves and the tolerances that are needed to cover imported commodities. Parties interested in retention of the tolerances should be aware that additional data may be needed to support retention. These parties should be aware that, under FFDCA section 408(f), if the Agency determines that additional information is reasonably required to support the continuation of a tolerance, EPA may require that parties interested in maintaining the tolerances provide the necessary information. If the requisite information is not submitted, EPA may issue an order revoking the tolerance at issue. When EPA establishes tolerances for pesticide residues in or on raw agricultural commodities, consideration must be given to the possible residues of those chemicals in meat, milk, poultry, and/or eggs produced by animals that are fed agricultural products (for example, grain or hay) containing pesticides residues (40 CFR 180.6). When considering this possibility, EPA can conclude that: 1. Finite residues will exist in meat, milk, poultry, and/or eggs. 2. There is a reasonable expectation that finite residues will exist. 3. There is a reasonable expectation that finite residues will not exist. If there is no reasonable expectation of finite pesticide residues in or on meat, milk, poultry, or eggs, tolerances do not need to be established for these commodities (40 CFR 180.6(b) and (c)). EPA has evaluated certain specific meat, milk, poultry, and egg tolerances proposed for revocation in this proposed rule and has concluded that there is no reasonable expectation of VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:43 Sep 26, 2006 Jkt 208001 finite pesticide residues of concern in or on those commodities. C. When do These Actions Become Effective? EPA is proposing that modifications, establishment, commodity terminology revisions, and revocation of these tolerances become effective on the date of publication of the final rule in the Federal Register because their associated uses have been canceled for several years. The Agency believes that treated commodities have had sufficient time for passage through the channels of trade. However, if EPA is presented with information that existing stocks would still be available and that information is verified, the Agency will consider extending the expiration date of the tolerance. If you have comments regarding existing stocks and whether the effective date allows sufficient time for treated commodities to clear the channels of trade, please submit comments as described under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Any commodities listed in this proposal treated with the pesticides subject to this proposal, and in the channels of trade following the tolerance revocations, shall be subject to FFDCA section 408(1)(5), as established by FQPA. Under this section, any residues of these pesticides in or on such food shall not render the food adulterated so long as it is shown to the satisfaction of the Food and Drug Administration that: 1. The residue is present as the result of an application or use of the pesticide at a time and in a manner that was lawful under FIFRA, and 2. The residue does not exceed the level that was authorized at the time of the application or use to be present on the food under a tolerance or exemption from tolerance. Evidence to show that food was lawfully treated may include records that verify the dates when the pesticide was applied to such food. III. Are the Proposed Actions Consistent with International Obligations? The tolerance revocations in this proposal are not discriminatory and are designed to ensure that both domestically-produced and imported foods meet the food safety standard established by the FFDCA. The same food safety standards apply to domestically produced and imported foods. The tolerance actions in this proposal apply equally to domestically-produced and imported foods. In making its tolerance decisions, the Agency seeks to harmonize with international standards PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 56431 whenever possible, consistent with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA considers the international Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, as required by section 408(b)(4) of the FFDCA. The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United States is a party. EPA also considers MRLs established in Canada and Mexico. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain in a Federal Register document the reasons for departing from the Codex level. Specific tolerance actions in this proposed rule are discussed in Unit II.A. EPA’s efforts to harmonize with MRLs is summarized in the tolerance reassessment section of individual REDs and TREDs as mentioned in Unit II.A. EPA has developed guidance concerning submissions for import tolerance support (65 FR 35069, June 1, 2000) (FRL–6559–3). This guidance will be made available to interested persons. Electronic copies are available on the internet at https://www.epa.gov. On the Home Page select ‘‘Laws, Regulations, and Dockets,’’ then select Regulations and Proposed Rules and then look up the entry for this document under ‘‘Federal Register—Environmental Documents.’’ You can also go directly to the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at https:// www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews In this proposed rule, EPA is proposing to establish tolerances under FFDCA section 408(e), and also modify and revoke specific tolerances established under FFDCA section 408. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions (e.g., establishment and modification of a tolerance and tolerance revocation for which extraordinary circumstances do not exist) from review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this proposed rule has been exempted from review under Executive Order 12866 due to its lack of significance, this proposed 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 proposed rule does not E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL 56432 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 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 as required by 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 other 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). Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Agency previously assessed whether establishment of tolerances, exemptions from tolerances, raising of tolerance levels, expansion of exemptions, or revocations might significantly impact a substantial number of small entities and concluded that, as a general matter, these actions do not impose a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. These analyses for tolerance establishments and modifications, and for tolerance revocations were published on May 4, 1981 (46 FR 24950) and on December 17, 1997 (62 FR 66020), respectively, and were provided to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Taking into account this analysis, and available information concerning the pesticides listed in this proposed rule, the Agency hereby certifies that this proposed action will not have a significant negative economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. In a memorandum dated May 25, 2001, EPA determined that eight conditions must all be satisfied in order for an import tolerance or tolerance exemption revocation to adversely affect a significant number of small entity importers, and that there is a negligible joint probability of all eight conditions holding simultaneously with respect to any particular revocation (this Agency document is available in the docket of this proposed rule). Furthermore, for the pesticide named in this proposed rule, the Agency knows of no extraordinary VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:43 Sep 26, 2006 Jkt 208001 circumstances that exist as to the present proposal that would change EPA’s previous analysis. Any comments about the Agency’s determination should be submitted to the EPA along with comments on the proposal, and will be addressed prior to issuing a final rule. 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 proposed 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 section 408(n)(4) of the FFDCA. For these same reasons, the Agency has determined that this proposed 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 proposed 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 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 specified in Executive Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this proposed rule. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: September 20, 2006. James Jones, Director, Office of Pesticide Programs. Therefore, it is proposed that 40 CFR part 180 be amended as follows: PART 180—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 180 would continue to read as follows: Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371. 2. Section 180.274 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: § 180.274 Propanil; tolerances for residues. (a) General. Tolerances are established for the combined residues of the herbicide propanil (3′, 4′dichloropropionanilide) and its metabolites convertible to 3, 4dichloroaniline (3, 4-DCA) in or on the following food commodities: Commodity Cattle, fat .................................. Cattle, meat byproducts ........... Cattle, meat .............................. Crayfish ..................................... Egg ........................................... Goat, fat .................................... Goat, meat byproducts ............. Goat, meat ................................ Hog, fat ..................................... Hog, meat byproducts .............. Hog, meat ................................. Horse, fat .................................. Horse, meat byproducts ........... Horse, meat .............................. Milk ........................................... Poultry, fat ................................ Poultry, meat byproducts .......... Poultry, meat ............................ Rice, bran ................................. Rice, grain ................................ Rice, hulls ................................. Rice, straw ................................ Sheep, fat ................................. Sheep, meat byproducts .......... Sheep, meat ............................. Parts per million 0.10 1.0 0.05 0.05 0.30 0.10 1.0 0.05 0.10 1.0 0.05 0.10 1.0 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.50 0.10 40 10 30 75 0.10 1.0 0.05 * * * * * 3. Section 180.278 is revised to read as follows: § 180.278 Phenmedipham; tolerances for residues. (a) General. Tolerances are established for the combined residues of the herbicide phenmedipham (3- E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules ethylhexyl ester in or on the following food commodities: methoxycarbonylaminophenyl-3methylcarbanilate) in or on the following food commodities: Commodity Parts per million Beet, garden, roots ................... Beet, sugar, dried pulp ............. Beet, sugar, molasses .............. Beet, sugar, roots ..................... Beet, sugar, tops ...................... Spinach ..................................... 0.2 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.1 4.0 (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved] (c) Tolerances with regional registrations. [Reserved] (d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. [Reserved] 4. Section 180.314 is revised to read as follows: § 180.314 Triallate; tolerances for residues. (a) General. [Reserved] (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved] (c) Tolerances with regional registrations. Tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide (S-2, 3, 4trichloroallyl diisopropylthiocarbamate) and its metabolite 2, 3, 3-trichloroprop2-enesulfonic acid (TCPSA) in or on the following food commodities: Commodity Parts per million Barley, grain ............................. Barley, hay ................................ Barley, straw ............................. Beet, sugar, dried pulp ............. Beet, sugar, roots ..................... Beet, sugar, tops ...................... Pea, dry .................................... Pea, field, hay ........................... Pea, field, vines ........................ Pea, succulent .......................... Wheat, grain ............................. Wheat, hay ............................... Wheat, straw ............................. 0.05 1.0 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.5 0.2 1.0 0.5 0.2 0.05 1.0 1.0 (d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. [Reserved] 5. Section 180.339 is revised to read as follows: § 180.339 MCPA; tolerances for residues. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL (a) General. (1) Tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide MCPA ((4-chloro-2methylphenoxy)acetic acid), both free and conjugated, resulting from the direct application of MCPA or its sodium or dimethylamine salts, or its 2- Parts per million Commodity (c) Tolerances with regional registrations. [Reserved] (d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. [Reserved] [FR Doc. E6–15841 Filed 9–26–06; 8:45 am] Alfalfa, forage ........................... Alfalfa, hay ................................ Barley, grain ............................. Barley, hay ................................ Barley, straw ............................. Clover, forage ........................... Clover, hay ............................... Flax, seed ................................. Grass, forage ............................ Grass, hay ................................ Lespedeza, forage .................... Lespedeza, hay ........................ Oat, forage ................................ Oat, grain .................................. Oat, hay .................................... Oat, straw ................................. Pea, dry .................................... Pea, hay ................................... Pea, succulent .......................... Pea, vines ................................. Rye, forage ............................... Rye, grain ................................. Rye, straw ................................. Trefoil, forage ........................... Trefoil, hay ................................ Vetch, forage ............................ Vetch, hay ................................. Wheat, forage ........................... Wheat, grain ............................. Wheat, hay ............................... Wheat, straw ............................. 0.5 2.0 1.0 115 25 0.5 2.0 0.1 300 20 0.5 2.0 20 1.0 115 25 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 20 1.0 25 0.5 2.0 0.5 2.0 20 1.0 115 25 (2) Tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide MCPA ((4chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid) resulting from the direct application of MCPA or its sodium or dimethylamine salts, or its 2-ethylhexyl ester in or on the following food commodities: Parts per million Commodity Cattle, fat .................................. Cattle, meat byproducts ........... Cattle, meat .............................. Goat, fat .................................... Goat, meat byproducts ............. Goat, meat ................................ Hog, fat ..................................... Hog, meat byproducts .............. Hog, meat ................................. Horse, fat .................................. Horse, meat byproducts ........... Horse, meat .............................. Milk ........................................... Sheep, fat ................................. Sheep, meat byproducts .......... Sheep, meat ............................. 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved] BILLING CODE 6560–50–S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 300 [EPA–HQ–SFUND–2006–0755, EPA–HQ– SFUND–2006–0758, EPA–HQ–SFUND–2006– 0759, EPA–HQ–SFUND–2006–0760, EPA– HQ–SFUND–2006–0761, EPA–HQ–SFUND– 2006–0762; FRL–8223–2] RIN 2050–AD75 National Priorities List, Proposed Rule No. 45 Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (‘‘CERCLA’’ or ‘‘the Act’’), as amended, requires that the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (‘‘NCP’’) include a list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States. The National Priorities List (‘‘NPL’’) constitutes this list. The NPL is intended primarily to guide the Environmental Protection Agency (‘‘EPA’’ or ‘‘the Agency’’) in determining which sites warrant further investigation. These further investigations will allow EPA to assess the nature and extent of public health and environmental risks associated with the site and to determine what CERCLAfinanced remedial action(s), if any, may be appropriate. This rule proposes to add six new sites to the NPL, all to the General Superfund Section. DATES: Comments regarding any of these proposed listings must be submitted (postmarked) on or before November 27, 2006. ADDRESSES: Identify the appropriate FDMS Docket Number from the table below. FDMS DOCKET IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS BY SITE Site name City/state Elm Street Ground Water Contamination ................... South Minneapolis Residential Soil Contamination .... Terre Haute, IN ............................. Minneapolis, MN ........................... VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:43 Sep 26, 2006 Jkt 208001 56433 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 FDMS docket ID No. EPA–HQ–SFUND–2006–0755. EPA–HQ–SFUND–2006–0759. E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 187 (Wednesday, September 27, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56425-56433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-15841]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0586; FRL-8089-5]


Propanil, Phenmedipham, Triallate, and MCPA; Proposed Tolerance 
Actions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to revoke certain tolerances for herbicides 
propanil, triallate, and MCPA. Also, EPA is proposing to modify certain 
tolerances for the herbicides propanil, phenmedipham, triallate, and 
MCPA. In addition, EPA is proposing to establish tolerances for the 
herbicides propanil, phenmedipham, triallate, and MCPA.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 27, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification 
(ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0586, by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public 
Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P), 
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South 
Building), 2777 S. Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only 
accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation (8:30 a.m. to 4 
p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays). Special 
arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. The 
Docket telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-
2006-0586. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the docket without change and may be made available on-line at 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be 
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you 
consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through regulations.gov or e-
mail. The Federal regulations.gov website is an ``anonymous access'' 
system, which means EPA will not

[[Page 56426]]

know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the 
body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA 
without going through regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be 
automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is 
placed in the docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit 
an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and 
other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk 
or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical 
difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be 
able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of 
special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects 
or viruses.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the docket index. 
Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly 
available, e.g., 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 in the electronic docket at https://
www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard copy, at the OPP 
Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South 
Building), 2777 S. Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA. The hours of operation 
of this Docket Facility are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket telephone number is (703) 
3057-5805.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane Smith, Special Review and 
Reregistration Division (7805P), Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-0048; e-mail 
address: smith.jane-scott@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. To determine 
whether you or your business may be affected by this action, you should 
carefully examine the applicability provisions in Unit II.A. 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. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through 
regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the 
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or 
CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as 
CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the 
specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one 
complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as 
CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information 
claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. 
Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with 
procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    2. Tips for preparing your comments. When submitting comments, 
remember to:
    i. Identify the document by docket ID number and other identifying 
information (subject heading, Federal Register date and page number).
    ii. Follow directions. The Agency may ask you to respond to 
specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number.
    iii. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and 
substitute language for your requested changes.
    iv. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information 
and/or data that you used.
    v. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you 
arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be 
reproduced.
    vi. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns and 
suggest alternatives.
    vii. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of 
profanity or personal threats.
     viii. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period 
deadline identified.

C. What Can I do if I Wish the Agency to Maintain a Tolerance that the 
Agency Proposes to Revoke?

    This proposed rule provides a comment period of 60 days for any 
person to state an interest in retaining a tolerance proposed for 
revocation. If EPA receives a comment within the 60-day period to that 
effect, EPA will not proceed to revoke the tolerance immediately. 
However, EPA will take steps to ensure the submission of any needed 
supporting data and will issue an order in the Federal Register under 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) section 408(f) if needed. 
The order would specify data needed and the time frames for its 
submission, and would require that within 90 days some person or 
persons notify EPA that they will submit the data. If the data are not 
submitted as required in the order, EPA will take appropriate action 
under FFDCA.
    EPA issues a final rule after considering comments that are 
submitted in response to this proposed rule. In addition to submitting 
comments in response to this proposal, you may also submit an objection 
at the time of the final rule. If you fail to file an objection to the 
final rule within the time period specified, you will have waived the 
right to raise any issues resolved in the final rule. After the 
specified time, issues resolved in the final rule cannot be raised 
again in any subsequent proceedings.

II. Background

A. What Action is the Agency Taking?

    EPA is proposing to revoke, remove, modify, and establish specific 
tolerances for residues of the herbicides propanil, phenmedipham, 
triallate, and MCPA in or on commodities listed in the regulatory text.
    EPA is proposing these tolerance actions to implement the tolerance 
recommendations made during the reregistration and tolerance 
reassessment processes (including follow-up on canceled or additional 
uses of pesticides). As part of these processes, EPA is required to 
determine whether each of the amended tolerances meets the safety 
standard of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). The safety finding 
determination of ``reasonable certainty of no harm'' is discussed in 
detail in each

[[Page 56427]]

Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) and Report of the FQPA 
Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk Management Decision (TRED) for 
the active ingredients. REDs and TREDs recommend the implementation of 
certain tolerance actions, including modifications to reflect current 
use patterns, meet safety findings, and change commodity names and 
groupings in accordance with new EPA policy. Printed copies of many 
REDs and TREDs may be obtained from EPA's National Service Center for 
Environmental Publications (EPA/NSCEP), P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 
452427-2419, telephone 1-800-490-9198; fax 1-513-489-8695; internet at 
https://www.epa.gov/ncepihom and from the National Technical Information 
Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161, telephone 
1-800-553-6847 or (703) 605-6000; internet at https://www.ntis.gov. 
Electronic copies of REDs and TREDs are available on propanil, 
phenmedipham, triallate, and MCPA at the internet at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm and in public dockets 
EPA-HQ-OPP-2003-0348 and EPA-HQ-OPP-2002-0033 (propanil); EPA-HQ-OPP-
2004-0384 (phenmedipham); and EPA-HQ-OPP-2004-0156 and EPA-HQ-OPP-2004-
0239 (MCPA) at https://www.regulations.gov.
    The selection of an individual tolerance level is based on crop 
field residue studies designed to produce the maximum residues under 
the existing or proposed product label. Generally, the level selected 
for a tolerance is a value slightly above the maximum residue found in 
such studies. The evaluation of whether a tolerance is safe is a 
separate inquiry. EPA recommends the raising of a tolerance when data 
show that (1) lawful use (sometimes through a label change) may result 
in a higher residue level on the commodity and (2) the tolerance 
remains safe, notwithstanding increased residue level allowed under the 
tolerance. In REDs, Chapter IV on Risk management, Reregistration, and 
Tolerance Reassessment typically describes the regulatory position, 
FQPA assessment, cumulative safety determination, determination of 
safety for U.S. general population, and safety for infants and 
children. In particular, the human health risk assessment document 
which supports the RED describes risk exposure estimates and whether 
the Agency has concerns. In TREDs, the Agency discusses its evaluation 
of the dietary risk associated with the active ingredient and whether 
it can determine that there is a reasonable certainty (with appropriate 
mitigation) that no harm to any population subgroup will result from 
aggregate exposure.
    Explanations for proposed modifications in tolerances can be found 
in the RED and TRED document and in more detail in the Residue 
Chemistry Chapter document which supports the RED and TRED. Copies of 
the Residue Chemistry Chapter documents are found in the Administrative 
Record and paper copies are available in the public docket for this 
proposed rule, while electronic copies are available through EPA's 
electronic public docket and comment system, regulations.gov at https://
www.regulations.gov. You may search for docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-
006-0586, then click on that docket ID number to view its contents.
    EPA has determined that the aggregate exposures and risks are not 
of concern for the above mentioned pesticide active ingredients based 
upon the data identified in the RED or TRED which lists the submitted 
studies that the Agency found acceptable.
    With respect to the tolerances that are proposed in this document 
to be modified, unless technical (e.g., commodity tolerance 
nomenclature revision), EPA has found that these tolerances are safe in 
accordance with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(A), and that there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and children 
from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residues, in 
accordance with section 408(b)(2)(C). These findings are discussed in 
detail in each RED. The references are available for inspection as 
described in this document under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
    In addition, EPA is proposing to revoke certain specific tolerances 
because either they are no longer needed or are associated with food 
uses that are no longer registered under the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The registrations for these 
pesticide chemicals were canceled because the registrant failed to pay 
the required maintenance fee and/or the registrant voluntarily canceled 
one or more registered uses of the pesticide. It is EPA's general 
practice to propose revocation of those tolerances for residues of 
pesticide active ingredients on crop uses for which there are no active 
registrations under FIFRA, unless any person in comments on the 
proposal indicates a need for the tolerance to cover residues in or on 
imported commodities or domestic commodities legally treated.
    1. Propanil. Currently, in 40 CFR 180.274 (a)(1) and (2), 
tolerances are established for the combined residues of propanil and 
its metabolites (calculated as propanil) in or on both raw agricultural 
commodities (RACs) and processed foods and feeds. EPA is proposing to 
revise the tolerance expression to specify the residues of concern and 
combine the RACs and processed foods and feed tolerances in accordance 
with FFDCA 408 as amended by FQPA (1996) in 40 CFR 180.274(a) to read 
as follows: Tolerances are established for the combined residues of the 
herbicide propanil (3', 4'-dichloropropionanilide) and its metabolites 
convertible to 3, 4-dichloroaniline (3, 4-DCA).
    Tolerances currently exist for rice milling fractions and rice 
polishings. Rice milling fractions are no longer considered a 
significant animal feed item as delineated in ``Table 1.--Raw 
Agricultural and Processed Commodities and Feedstuffs Derived from 
Crops'' which is found in Residue Chemistry Test Guidelines OPPTS 
860.1000 dated August 1996, available at https://www.epa.gov/
opptsfrs/publications/OPPTS_Harmonized/860_
Residue_Chemistry_Test_Guidelines/Series. Therefore, 
EPA is proposing to remove the tolerances in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the 
combined residues of propanil in or on rice milling fractions and rice, 
polishings at 10 parts per million (ppm).
    The registered uses on barley, oat, and wheat (small grains) have 
been voluntarily cancelled (68 FR 68901, December 10, 2003) (FRL-7332-
5), (68 FR 38328, June 27, 2003) (FRL-7310-6). In the absence of 
registered uses, the tolerances associated with the small grains should 
be revoked. Therefore, EPA is proposing to revoke the tolerances in 40 
CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern in or on 
barley, straw; oat, straw; and wheat, straw at 0.75 ppm; barley, grain 
at .2 ppm; oat, grain at .2 ppm; wheat, grain at 0.2 ppm.
    Two studies depicting the magnitude of regulated propanil residues 
in or on rice, grain exceeded the established tolerance of 2 ppm in or 
on treated rice, grain samples demonstrating residues ranging from 0.03 
ppm to 8.7 ppm. Based on these data, EPA determined the tolerance 
should be 10 ppm on rice, grain. Therefore, EPA is proposing to 
increase the tolerance in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil 
residues of concern in or on rice, grain from 2 ppm to 10 ppm. The 
Agency determined that the increased tolerance is safe; i.e. there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from

[[Page 56428]]

aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue.
    A rice processing study showed no concentration of residues in 
polished rice and average concentration factors of 3.5x for rice, hulls 
and 4.6x for rice, bran. The highest average field trial (HAFT) 
propanil residues found in rice were 8.7 ppm. Based on this HAFT and 
the observed concentration factors, the maximum expected residues are 
30.45 ppm in or on rice, hulls (8.7 x 3.5) and 40.02 ppm in or on rice, 
bran (8.7 x 4.6). These expected residues are higher in the processed 
commodities than the reassessed tolerance of 10 ppm for rice, grain. 
Based on these data, EPA has determined that the tolerances should be 
30 ppm on rice, hulls and 40 ppm on rice, bran. Therefore, EPA is 
proposing to increase tolerances in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined 
propanil residues of concern in or on rice, hulls from 10 to 30 ppm and 
rice, bran from 10 to 40 ppm. The Agency determined that the increased 
tolerances are safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue.
     The potential for secondary transfer of propanil residues to 
animal commodities exists because the herbicide is registered for use 
on rice, which may be used as animal feed. Based on a maximum 
theoretical dietary burden (x) and using the residues levels found in 
dairy cattle and milk fed 15 ppm (0.75x) resulted in residues of: 0.035 
ppm in milk, 0.31 ppm in liver, 0.77 ppm in kidney, < 0.05 ppm (non-
detectable) in muscle, and 0.10 ppm in fat. Based on these data, the 
Agency determined the tolerances should be 0.05 ppm in cattle, meat; 
goat, meat; hog, meat; horse, meat; and sheep, meat; and 1.0 ppm in 
cattle, meat byproducts; goat, meat byproducts; hog, meat byproducts; 
horse, meat byproducts; and sheep,meat byproducts. In addition, the 
term ``negligible residue'' and its designation, ``(N)'' associated 
with the milk and animal tissue tolerances is being removed to conform 
to current Agency policy and practice. Therefore, EPA is proposing in 
40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern to 
maintain and revise the tolerances in or on milk from 0.05(N) ppm to 
0.05 ppm and cattle, fat; goat, fat; hog, fat; horse, fat; and sheep, 
fat from 0.1(N) ppm to 0.10 ppm; to decrease and revise the tolerances 
in or on cattle, meat; goat, meat; hog, meat; horse, meat; and sheep, 
meat from 0.1(N) to 0.05 ppm; and to increase and revise the tolerances 
in or on cattle, meat byproducts; goat, meat byproducts; hog, meat 
byproducts; horse, meat byproducts; and sheep,meat byproducts from 
0.1(N) to 1.0 ppm. The Agency determined that the increased tolerances 
are safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue.
    Maximum propanil residues were 0.212 ppm and 0.372 ppm, 
respectively, in eggs from hens dosed with propanil 15 ppm (0.9x), and 
50 ppm (3.1x). Residues in liver from hens in the 15 ppm (0.9x), and 50 
ppm (3.1x) dose groups were 0.183-0.236, and 0.824-1.755 ppm, 
respectively. Residues in muscle were < 0.050-0.076 and 0.087-0.161 ppm 
from the 0.9x and 3.1x dose groups, respectively. In fat, propanil 
residues of concern were < 0.05 ppm (< non-detectable) up to 0.9x 
feeding levels, and < 0.139-0.348 ppm at 3.1x. Based on these data, the 
Agency has determined that the propanil tolerances should be 0.30 ppm 
for egg; 0.05 ppm for poultry, fat; 0.50 ppm for poultry, meat 
byproducts; and 0.10 ppm for poultry, meat. In addition, the term 
``negligible residue'' and its designation, ``(N)'' associated with the 
egg and animal tissue tolerances is being removed to conform to current 
Agency policy and practice. Therefore, EPA is proposing in 40 CFR 
180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern to increase 
and revise the tolerance for egg from 0.05(N) to 0.30 ppm; to decrease 
and revise the tolerance in or on poultry, fat from 0.1(N) to 0.05 ppm; 
to increase and revise the tolerance for poultry, meat byproducts from 
0.1(N) to 0.50 ppm; and maintain and revise the tolerance in or on 
poultry, meat from 0.1(N) to 0.10 ppm. The Agency determined that the 
increased tolerances are safe; i.e. there is a reasonable certainty 
that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide 
chemical residue.
    Residues of propanil and its metabolites, determined as base-
releasable 3, 4 DCA and expressed as propanil equivalents, were < 0.01-
0.03 ppm in or on the edible portions of crayfish (1x maximum season 
rate). Based on these data, the Agency determined the tolerance should 
be 0.05 ppm on crayfish. Therefore, EPA is proposing to establish a 
tolerance in 40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of 
concern in or on crayfish at 0.05 ppm.
     In addition, the ``N'' (negligible residues) designation 
correlated with tolerances is being removed to conform to current 
Agency practice. Therefore, EPA is proposing to revise the tolerance in 
40 CFR 180.274(a) for the combined propanil residues of concern in or 
on rice, straw from 75(N) ppm to 75 ppm.
    2. Phenmedipham. The current tolerance expression in 40 CFR 180.278 
refers to phenmedipham as methyl m-hydroxycarbanilate m-
methylcarbanilate which should be changed to the more appropriate 
chemical name, 3-methoxycarbonylaminophenyl-3-methylcarbanilate. 
Therefore, EPA proposes to change the chemical name in 40 CFR 
180.278(a) for residues of the herbicide phenmedipham to 3-
methoxycarbonylaminophenyl-3-methylcarbanilate.
    Spinach field trial residue data generated at the 1x seasonal 
application rate and 14-22 day pre-harvest interval (PHI) resulted in 
residues ranging from 2.1-3.6 ppm. Additional trials conducted at 
similar rates and PHIs yielded residues ranging from < 0.05 to 0.17 
ppm. Based on the more recent residue data and use pattern, EPA has 
determined the tolerance on spinach should be 4.0 ppm. Therefore, EPA 
is proposing to increase the tolerance in 40 CFR 180.278(a) for 
residues of phenmedipham in or on spinach from 0.5 ppm to 4.0 ppm. The 
Agency determined that the increased tolerance is safe; i.e. there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure 
to the pesticide chemical residue.
    Sugar beet processing studies indicate that phenmedipham residues 
of concern concentrated 3x in dried pulp, 1.3x in molasses, and did not 
concentrate in sugar. Because of the concentration factors associated 
with dried pulp and molasses, the current tolerance of 0.1 ppm for raw 
beet, sugar, roots and beet, sugar, tops is not adequate to cover the 
dried pulp and molasses from sugar beets; therefore, the Agency has 
determined that tolerances should be established for beet, sugar, dried 
pulp at 0.5 ppm and beet, sugar, molasses at 0.2 ppm. EPA is proposing 
to establish tolerances in 40 CFR 180.278(a) for residues of 
phenmedipham in or on beet, sugar, dried pulp at 0.5 ppm and beet, 
sugar, molasses at 0.2 ppm.
    In addition, the ``N'' (negligible residues) designation that is 
correlated with some of the tolerances is being removed to conform to 
current Agency practice. Therefore, EPA is proposing to revise the 
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.278(a) for residues of phenmedipham in or on 
beet, garden at 0.2(N) ppm to beet, garden, roots at 0.2 ppm; beet, 
sugar, roots at 0.1(N) ppm to 0.1 ppm; and beet, sugar, tops at 0.1(N) 
ppm to 0.1 ppm.
    3. Triallate. The available data, reflecting the maximum registered 
use patterns, indicate that the maximum combined triallate residues of 
concern were 0.26 ppm in or on barley, straw;

[[Page 56429]]

0.12 ppm in or on the seed and pods of succulent peas; 0.39 ppm in or 
on the vines of succulent peas; 0.27 ppm in or on the vines of dried 
peas; 0.73 ppm in or on the straw (hay) of succulent peas; 0.36 ppm in 
or on the straw of dried peas; and 0.94 ppm in or on wheat, straw in 
the states of: Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, 
Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and 
Wyoming. In addition, the term ``negligible residue'' and its 
designation, ``(N)'' associated with the barley, grain tolerance is 
being removed to conform to current Agency policy and practice. Based 
on these data, the Agency determined the tolerances should be 0.3 ppm 
on barley, straw; 1.0 ppm on pea, field, hay; 0.5 ppm on pea, field, 
vines; 0.2 ppm on pea, succulent; and 1.0 ppm on wheat, straw and 
recodified under 40 CFR 180.314(c) as regional tolerances. Therefore, 
EPA is proposing the tolerances in 40 CFR 180.314(c) for the combined 
residues of concern to be increased in or on barley, straw from 0.05 to 
0.3 ppm; pea, field, hay from 0.05 to 1.0 ppm; pea, field, vines from 
0.05 to 0.5 ppm; pea, succulent from 0.05 to 0.2 ppm; wheat, straw from 
0.05 to 1.0 ppm; and reclassified from 40 CFR 180.314(a) to 40 CFR 
180.314(c) for barley, grain at 0.05 ppm and wheat, grain at 0.05 ppm. 
The Agency determined that the increased tolerances are safe; i.e., 
there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate 
exposure to the pesticide chemical residue.
     Lentil, hay is no longer considered significant livestock feed 
item and has been removed from Table 1 (OPPTS GLN 860.1000) and lentil, 
seed is covered by the established pea tolerance in accordance with 40 
CFR 180.1(h). As a result, EPA proposes removing the tolerances in 40 
CFR 180.314(a) for the combined triallate residues of concern in or on 
lentil, hay at 0.05 ppm and lentil, seed at 0.05 ppm.
    Sugar beet processing studies were conducted on sugar beets treated 
at 5x the seasonal application rate resulting in maximum residues of 
0.14 ppm in root, 0.30 ppm in dried pulp, and < 0.03 ppm in sugar and 
molasses. Therefore, EPA is proposing to maintain the tolerances and 
correct the terminology for sugar beets to include roots in 40 CFR 
180.314(c) for the combined triallate residues of concern in or on 
beet, sugar, dried pulp at 0.2 ppm; beet, sugar, roots at 0.1 ppm; and 
beet, sugar, tops at 0.5 ppm.
    The available data, reflecting the maximum registered use patterns, 
indicate that the maximum combined triallate residues of concern were < 
0.02 ppm in or on the seed and pods of pea, dry and 0.94 ppm on wheat, 
straw. Because of similar cultural practices and identical use rates, 
wheat, straw data is used to support tolerances for barley, hay and 
wheat, hay. Based on these data, the Agency determined the tolerances 
should be 0.2 ppm for pea, dry and 1.0 ppm for barley, hay and wheat, 
hay by translating the data from wheat, straw. Therefore, EPA is 
proposing to establish tolerances in 40 CFR 180.314(c) for the combined 
triallate residues of concern in or on barley, hay at 1.0 ppm; pea, dry 
at 0.2 ppm; and wheat, hay at 1.0 ppm. The Agency determined that the 
establishment of these tolerances is safe; i.e., there is a reasonable 
certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the 
pesticide chemical residue.
    Although tolerances are established on animal feed items, 
tolerances on the edible tissues of animals are not necessary because 
the available residue data generated using exaggerated rates indicate 
there is no reasonable expectation of finite residues in meat, milk, 
poultry, and eggs as a result of ingestion of pesticide residues on raw 
agricultural commodities in accordance with 40 CFR 180.6(a)(3).
    4. MCPA. The current tolerance expression 40 CFR 180.339(a) 
regulates residues of the herbicide 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid 
(MCPA) from application of the herbicide in acid form or in the form of 
its sodium, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, 
isopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, or 
dimethylamine salts or isooctyl or butoxyethyl esters and 40 CFR 
180.339(b) tolerances are established for combined negligible residues 
(N) of the herbicide 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid and its 
metabolite 2-methyl-4-chlorophenol. Based on toxicity data for 2-
methyl-4-chlorophenol, a currently regulated livestock metabolite, EPA 
determined that it is of significantly less concern than the parent 
compound and therefore can be excluded from the tolerance expression. 
Although the chemical name for MCPA has been presented as ``(2-methyl-
4-chlorophenoxy)acetic acid'', under current chemical naming 
conventions the ``(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid'' designation 
is preferred. EPA determined the residues to be regulated in plant 
commodities (40 CFR 180.339(a)) are parent, free and conjugated MCPA. 
When MCPA is applied in various forms (e.g. ethanolamine and other 
salts and esters), a single common moiety is released that is the 
pesticidally active component and serves as the basis for tolerance 
regulation. Therefore, EPA is proposing to change the tolerance 
expression in 40 CFR 180.339(a) to read as follows: tolerances are 
established for residues of the herbicide MCPA [(4-chloro-2-
methylphenoxy)acetic acid)], both free and conjugated, resulting from 
the direct application of MCPA or its sodium or dimethylamine salts, or 
its 2-ethylhexyl ester and in 40 CFR 180.339(b) to read as follows: 
tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide MCPA [(4-
chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid)] resulting from the direct 
application of MCPA or its sodium or dimethylamine salts, or its 2-
ethylhexyl ester. 40 CFR 180.339 (a) and (b) will be revised to read 40 
CFR 180.339 (a)(1) and (2) for consistency. Lastly, the term 
``negligible residue'' and its designation, ``(N)'', associated with 
some tolerances is being removed to conform to current Agency policy 
and practice.
    Currently, tolerances exist reflecting uses of MCPA on rice, 
sorghum, flax (straw) and canarygrass. The uses on rice, sorghum, and 
canarygrass are no longer registered uses (69 FR 39467, June 30, 2004) 
(FRL-7363-4) (71 FR 24687, April 26, 2006) (FRL-8059-2). EPA policy no 
longer requires tolerances to be established for flax, straw. 
Therefore, EPA is proposing to revoke tolerances in 40 CFR 
180.339(a)(1) for the combined MCPA residues of concern in or on flax, 
straw at 2 ppm; grass, canary, annual, straw at 0.1 ppm; canary, 
annual, seed at 0.1 ppm; rice, grain at 0.1(N) ppm; rice, straw at 2 
ppm; sorghum, forage at 20 ppm; sorghum, grain at 0.1 ppm; and sorghum, 
grain, stover at 20 ppm.
    The crop field trial data indicate that the maximum combined 
residues of MCPA and its metabolites are < 0.29 ppm in or on alfalfa, 
forage and < 1.07 ppm in or on alfalfa, hay. Alfalfa, forage and 
alfalfa, hay data will also be used to satisfy crop field trial 
requirements for the clover, forage; clover hay; lespedeza, forage; 
lespedeza, hay; trefoil, forage; trefoil, hay; vetch, forage; and 
vetch, hay. Ordinarily, the Agency would not translate data from 
alfalfa, forage and alfalfa, hay to support uses on clover, forage; 
clover hay; lespedeza, forage; lespedeza, hay; trefoil, forage; 
trefoil, hay; vetch, forage; and vetch, hay; however, because the only 
supported use of MCPA on these crops is to the crops underseeded to 
small grains it is reasonable to use alfalfa, forage and alfalfa, hay 
data to support these uses. Based on these data, EPA has determined the 
tolerance should be 0.5 ppm in or on alfalfa, forage; clover, forage; 
lespedeza, forage; trefoil, forage;

[[Page 56430]]

and vetch, forage; and 2.0 ppm in or on alfalfa, hay; clover hay; 
lespedeza, hay; trefoil, hay; and vetch, hay. Therefore, EPA is 
proposing to increase tolerances and revise the terminology to include 
forage consistently in 40 CFR 180.339 (a)(1) for residues of MCPA in or 
on alfalfa, forage; clover, forage; lespedeza, forage; trefoil, forage; 
and vetch, forage from 0.1 to 0.5 ppm and alfalfa, hay; clover hay; 
lespedeza, hay; trefoil, hay; and vetch, hay from 0.1 to 2.0 ppm. The 
Agency determined that the increased tolerances are safe; i.e. there is 
a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure 
to the pesticide chemical residue.
    The crop field trial data indicate that the maximum combined 
residues of MCPA and its metabolites are 0.72 ppm in or on wheat, grain 
and 21.4 ppm in or on wheat, straw. Based on the HAFT residue of 0.08 
ppm for wheat, grain, expected MCPA residues of concern in or on wheat 
bran and germ will not exceed the established tolerance of 0.1 ppm for 
wheat, grain and for wheat processed commodities. Because of similar 
cultural practices and identical use rates, wheat residue field trial 
data is used to support tolerances for barley, oat, and rye. Based on 
these data, EPA has determined the tolerance should be 1.0 ppm in or on 
barley, grain; oat, grain; rye, grain; and wheat, grain and 25 ppm in 
or on barley, straw; oat, straw; rye, straw; and wheat, straw. 
Therefore, EPA is proposing to increase the tolerances in 40 CFR 
180.339(a)(1) for residues of MCPA in or on barley, grain; oat, grain; 
rye, grain; and wheat, grain from 0.1 to 1.0 ppm and barley, straw; 
oat, straw; rye, straw; and wheat, straw from 2 to 25 ppm. The Agency 
determined that these increased tolerances are safe; i.e. there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure 
to the pesticide chemical residue.
    The crop field trial data indicate that the maximum combined 
residues of MCPA and its metabolites are 19.4 ppm (7 day PHI) in or on 
wheat, forage, 39.5 ppm and 111 ppm (7 and14 day PHIs, respectively) in 
or on wheat, hay. Also, these data are translated to support tolerances 
for barley, hay and oat, hay and oat, forage and rye, forage. Based on 
these data, EPA determined the tolerances should be 20 ppm on oat, 
forage; rye, forage; and wheat, forage and 115 ppm on barley, hay; oat, 
hay; and wheat, hay. EPA is proposing tolerances be established in 40 
CFR 180.339(a)(1) for residues of MCPA in or on wheat, forage at 20 
ppm; and barley, hay; oat, hay; and wheat, hay at 115 ppm; and maintain 
tolerances for oat, forage and rye, forage at 20 ppm. The Agency 
determined that these newly established tolerances are safe; i.e. there 
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate 
exposure to the pesticide chemicals residue.
    In addition, EPA is proposing to revise commodity terminology and 
tolerances to conform to current Agency practice at 40 CFR 180.339 as 
follows: ``grass, pasture and grass, rangeland at 300 ppm to grass, 
forage at 300 ppm;'' ``peavines at 0.1(N) ppm to pea, vines at 0.1 
ppm;'' ``peavines, hay at 0.1(N) ppm to pea, hay at 0.1 ppm;'' 
``vegetables, seed and pod at 0.1 ppm to pea, dry at 0.1 ppm and pea, 
succulent at 0.1 ppm;'' ``cattle, fat; goat, fat; hog, fat; horse, fat; 
and sheep, fat; cattle, meat byproducts; goat, meat byproducts; hog, 
meat byproducts; horse, meat byproducts; and sheep, meat byproducts; 
and cattle, meat; goat, meat; hog, meat; horse, meat; and sheep, meat 
at 0.1(N) ppm to 0.1 ppm;'' and ``milk at 0.1(N) ppm to 0.1 ppm.''

B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action?

    A ``tolerance'' represents the maximum level for residues of 
pesticide chemicals legally allowed in or on raw agricultural 
commodities and processed foods. Section 408 of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a, 
as amended by the FQPA of 1996, Public Law 104-170, authorizes the 
establishment of tolerances, exemptions from tolerance requirements, 
modifications in tolerances, and revocation of tolerances for residues 
of pesticide chemicals in or on raw agricultural commodities and 
processed foods. Without a tolerance or exemption, food containing 
pesticide residues is considered to be unsafe and therefore 
``adulterated'' under section 402(a) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 342(a). 
Such food may not be distributed in interstate commerce (21 U.S.C. 
331(a)). For a food-use pesticide to be sold and distributed, the 
pesticide must not only have appropriate tolerances under the FFDCA, 
but also must be registered under FIFRA (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.). Food-
use pesticides not registered in the United States must have tolerances 
in order for commodities treated with those pesticides to be imported 
into the United States.
    EPA is proposing these tolerance actions to implement the tolerance 
recommendations made during the reregistration and tolerance 
reassessment processes (including follow-up on canceled or additional 
uses of pesticides). As part of these processes, EPA is required to 
determine whether each of the amended tolerances meets the safety 
standard of the FQPA. The safety finding determination is discussed in 
detail in each Post-FQPA RED and TRED for the active ingredient. REDs 
and TREDs recommend the implementation of certain tolerance actions, 
including modifications to reflect current use patterns, to meet safety 
findings, and change commodity names and groupings in accordance with 
new EPA policy. Printed and electronic copies of the REDs and TREDs are 
available as provided in Unit II.A.
    EPA has issued post-FQPA REDs for propanil, phenmedipham, 
triallate, and MCPA, and a TRED for propanil. REDs and TREDs contain 
the Agency's evaluation of the data base for these pesticides, 
including requirements for additional data on the active ingredients to 
confirm the potential human health and environmental risk assessments 
associated with current product uses, and in REDs state conditions 
under which these uses and products will be eligible for 
reregistration. The REDs and TREDs recommended the establishment, 
modification, and/or revocation of specific tolerances. RED and TRED 
recommendations such as establishing or modifying tolerances, and in 
some cases revoking tolerances, are the result of assessment under the 
FQPA standard of ``reasonable certainty of no harm.'' However, 
tolerance revocations recommended in REDs and TREDs that are proposed 
in this document do not need such assessment when the tolerances are no 
longer necessary.
    EPA's general practice is to propose revocation of tolerances for 
residues of pesticide active ingredients on crops for which FIFRA 
registrations no longer exist and on which the pesticide may therefore 
no longer be used in the United States. Nonetheless, EPA will establish 
and maintain tolerances even when corresponding domestic uses are 
canceled if the tolerances, which EPA refers to as ``import 
tolerances,'' are necessary to allow importation into the United States 
of food containing such pesticide residues. However, where there are no 
imported commodities that require these import tolerances, the Agency 
believes it is appropriate to revoke tolerances for unregistered 
pesticides in order to prevent potential misuse.
    Furthermore, as a general matter, the Agency believes that 
retention of import tolerances not needed to cover any imported food 
may result in unnecessary restriction on trade of pesticides and foods. 
Under section 408 of the FFDCA, a tolerance may only be established or 
maintained if EPA determines that the tolerance is safe based on a 
number of factors, including an assessment of the aggregate exposure

[[Page 56431]]

to the pesticide and an assessment of the cumulative effects of such 
pesticide and other substances that have a common mechanism of 
toxicity. In doing so, EPA must consider potential contributions to 
such exposure from all tolerances. If the cumulative risk is such that 
the tolerances in aggregate are not safe, then every one of these 
tolerances is potentially vulnerable to revocation. Furthermore, if 
unneeded tolerances are included in the aggregate and cumulative risk 
assessments, the estimated exposure to the pesticide would be inflated. 
Consequently, it may be more difficult for others to obtain needed 
tolerances or to register needed new uses. To avoid potential trade 
restrictions, the Agency is proposing to revoke tolerances for residues 
on crops uses for which FIFRA registrations no longer exist, unless 
someone expresses a need for such tolerances. Through this proposed 
rule, the Agency is inviting individuals who need these import 
tolerances to identify themselves and the tolerances that are needed to 
cover imported commodities.
    Parties interested in retention of the tolerances should be aware 
that additional data may be needed to support retention. These parties 
should be aware that, under FFDCA section 408(f), if the Agency 
determines that additional information is reasonably required to 
support the continuation of a tolerance, EPA may require that parties 
interested in maintaining the tolerances provide the necessary 
information. If the requisite information is not submitted, EPA may 
issue an order revoking the tolerance at issue.
    When EPA establishes tolerances for pesticide residues in or on raw 
agricultural commodities, consideration must be given to the possible 
residues of those chemicals in meat, milk, poultry, and/or eggs 
produced by animals that are fed agricultural products (for example, 
grain or hay) containing pesticides residues (40 CFR 180.6). When 
considering this possibility, EPA can conclude that:
    1. Finite residues will exist in meat, milk, poultry, and/or eggs.
    2. There is a reasonable expectation that finite residues will 
exist.
    3. There is a reasonable expectation that finite residues will not 
exist. If there is no reasonable expectation of finite pesticide 
residues in or on meat, milk, poultry, or eggs, tolerances do not need 
to be established for these commodities (40 CFR 180.6(b) and (c)).
    EPA has evaluated certain specific meat, milk, poultry, and egg 
tolerances proposed for revocation in this proposed rule and has 
concluded that there is no reasonable expectation of finite pesticide 
residues of concern in or on those commodities.

C. When do These Actions Become Effective?

    EPA is proposing that modifications, establishment, commodity 
terminology revisions, and revocation of these tolerances become 
effective on the date of publication of the final rule in the Federal 
Register because their associated uses have been canceled for several 
years. The Agency believes that treated commodities have had sufficient 
time for passage through the channels of trade. However, if EPA is 
presented with information that existing stocks would still be 
available and that information is verified, the Agency will consider 
extending the expiration date of the tolerance. If you have comments 
regarding existing stocks and whether the effective date allows 
sufficient time for treated commodities to clear the channels of trade, 
please submit comments as described under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
    Any commodities listed in this proposal treated with the pesticides 
subject to this proposal, and in the channels of trade following the 
tolerance revocations, shall be subject to FFDCA section 408(1)(5), as 
established by FQPA. Under this section, any residues of these 
pesticides in or on such food shall not render the food adulterated so 
long as it is shown to the satisfaction of the Food and Drug 
Administration that:
    1. The residue is present as the result of an application or use of 
the pesticide at a time and in a manner that was lawful under FIFRA, 
and
    2. The residue does not exceed the level that was authorized at the 
time of the application or use to be present on the food under a 
tolerance or exemption from tolerance. Evidence to show that food was 
lawfully treated may include records that verify the dates when the 
pesticide was applied to such food.

III. Are the Proposed Actions Consistent with International 
Obligations?

    The tolerance revocations in this proposal are not discriminatory 
and are designed to ensure that both domestically-produced and imported 
foods meet the food safety standard established by the FFDCA. The same 
food safety standards apply to domestically produced and imported 
foods.
    The tolerance actions in this proposal apply equally to 
domestically-produced and imported foods. In making its tolerance 
decisions, the Agency seeks to harmonize with international standards 
whenever possible, consistent with U.S. food safety standards and 
agricultural practices. EPA considers the international Maximum Residue 
Limits (MRLs) established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, as 
required by section 408(b)(4) of the FFDCA. The Codex Alimentarius is a 
joint United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health 
Organization food standards program, and it is recognized as an 
international food safety standards-setting organization in trade 
agreements to which the United States is a party. EPA also considers 
MRLs established in Canada and Mexico. EPA may establish a tolerance 
that is different from a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) 
requires that EPA explain in a Federal Register document the reasons 
for departing from the Codex level. Specific tolerance actions in this 
proposed rule are discussed in Unit II.A. EPA's efforts to harmonize 
with MRLs is summarized in the tolerance reassessment section of 
individual REDs and TREDs as mentioned in Unit II.A. EPA has developed 
guidance concerning submissions for import tolerance support (65 FR 
35069, June 1, 2000) (FRL-6559-3). This guidance will be made available 
to interested persons. Electronic copies are available on the internet 
at https://www.epa.gov. On the Home Page select ``Laws, Regulations, and 
Dockets,'' then select Regulations and Proposed Rules and then look up 
the entry for this document under ``Federal Register--Environmental 
Documents.'' You can also go directly to the ``Federal Register'' 
listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    In this proposed rule, EPA is proposing to establish tolerances 
under FFDCA section 408(e), and also modify and revoke specific 
tolerances established under FFDCA section 408. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions (e.g., 
establishment and modification of a tolerance and tolerance revocation 
for which extraordinary circumstances do not exist) from review under 
Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 
51735, October 4, 1993). Because this proposed rule has been exempted 
from review under Executive Order 12866 due to its lack of 
significance, this proposed 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 proposed 
rule does not

[[Page 56432]]

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 as required by 
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 other 
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). Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) 
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Agency previously assessed whether 
establishment of tolerances, exemptions from tolerances, raising of 
tolerance levels, expansion of exemptions, or revocations might 
significantly impact a substantial number of small entities and 
concluded that, as a general matter, these actions do not impose a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
These analyses for tolerance establishments and modifications, and for 
tolerance revocations were published on May 4, 1981 (46 FR 24950) and 
on December 17, 1997 (62 FR 66020), respectively, and were provided to 
the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. 
Taking into account this analysis, and available information concerning 
the pesticides listed in this proposed rule, the Agency hereby 
certifies that this proposed action will not have a significant 
negative economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. In 
a memorandum dated May 25, 2001, EPA determined that eight conditions 
must all be satisfied in order for an import tolerance or tolerance 
exemption revocation to adversely affect a significant number of small 
entity importers, and that there is a negligible joint probability of 
all eight conditions holding simultaneously with respect to any 
particular revocation (this Agency document is available in the docket 
of this proposed rule). Furthermore, for the pesticide named in this 
proposed rule, the Agency knows of no extraordinary circumstances that 
exist as to the present proposal that would change EPA's previous 
analysis. Any comments about the Agency's determination should be 
submitted to the EPA along with comments on the proposal, and will be 
addressed prior to issuing a final rule. 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 
proposed 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 section 408(n)(4) of the 
FFDCA. For these same reasons, the Agency has determined that this 
proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed rule.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.


    Dated: September 20, 2006.
James Jones,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
    Therefore, it is proposed that 40 CFR part 180 be amended as 
follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 180 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
    2. Section 180.274 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  180.274  Propanil; tolerances for residues.

    (a) General. Tolerances are established for the combined residues 
of the herbicide propanil (3', 4'-dichloropropionanilide) and its 
metabolites convertible to 3, 4-dichloroaniline (3, 4-DCA) in or on the 
following food commodities:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Parts per
                         Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cattle, fat................................................         0.10
Cattle, meat byproducts....................................          1.0
Cattle, meat...............................................         0.05
Crayfish...................................................         0.05
Egg........................................................         0.30
Goat, fat..................................................         0.10
Goat, meat byproducts......................................          1.0
Goat, meat.................................................         0.05
Hog, fat...................................................         0.10
Hog, meat byproducts.......................................          1.0
Hog, meat..................................................         0.05
Horse, fat.................................................         0.10
Horse, meat byproducts.....................................          1.0
Horse, meat................................................         0.05
Milk.......................................................         0.05
Poultry, fat...............................................         0.05
Poultry, meat byproducts...................................         0.50
Poultry, meat..............................................         0.10
Rice, bran.................................................           40
Rice, grain................................................           10
Rice, hulls................................................           30
Rice, straw................................................           75
Sheep, fat.................................................         0.10
Sheep, meat byproducts.....................................          1.0
Sheep, meat................................................         0.05
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    3. Section 180.278 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  180.278  Phenmedipham; tolerances for residues.

    (a) General. Tolerances are established for the combined residues 
of the herbicide phenmedipham (3-

[[Page 56433]]

methoxycarbonylaminophenyl-3-methylcarbanilate) in or on the following 
food commodities:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Parts per
                         Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beet, garden, roots........................................          0.2
Beet, sugar, dried pulp....................................          0.5
Beet, sugar, molasses......................................          0.2
Beet, sugar, roots.........................................          0.1
Beet, sugar, tops..........................................          0.1
Spinach....................................................          4.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved]
    (c) Tolerances with regional registrations. [Reserved]
    (d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. [Reserved]
    4. Section 180.314 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  180.314  Triallate; tolerances for residues.

    (a) General. [Reserved]
    (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved]
    (c) Tolerances with regional registrations. Tolerances are 
established for residues of the herbicide (S-2, 3, 4-trichloroallyl 
diisopropylthiocarbamate) and its metabolite 2, 3, 3-trichloroprop-2-
enesulfonic acid (TCPSA) in or on the following food commodities:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Parts per
                         Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barley, grain..............................................         0.05
Barley, hay................................................          1.0
Barley, straw..............................................          0.3
Beet, sugar, dried pulp....................................          0.2
Beet, sugar, roots.........................................          0.1
Beet, sugar, tops..........................................          0.5
Pea, dry...................................................          0.2
Pea, field, hay............................................          1.0
Pea, field, vines..........................................          0.5
Pea, succulent.............................................          0.2
Wheat, grain...............................................         0.05
Wheat, hay.................................................          1.0
Wheat, straw...............................................          1.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. [Reserved]
    5. Section 180.339 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  180.339  MCPA; tolerances for residues.

    (a) General. (1) Tolerances are established for residues of the 
herbicide MCPA ((4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid), both free and 
conjugated, resulting from the direct application of MCPA or its sodium 
or dimethylamine salts, or its 2-ethylhexyl ester in or on the 
following food commodities:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Parts per
                         Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alfalfa, forage............................................          0.5
Alfalfa, hay...............................................          2.0
Barley, grain..............................................          1.0
Barley, hay................................................          115
Barley, straw..............................................           25
Clover, forage.............................................          0.5
Clover, hay................................................          2.0
Flax, seed.................................................          0.1
Grass, forage..............................................          300
Grass, hay.................................................           20
Lespedeza, forage..........................................          0.5
Lespedeza, hay.............................................          2.0
Oat, forage................................................           20
Oat, grain.................................................          1.0
Oat, hay...................................................          115
Oat, straw.................................................           25
Pea, dry...................................................          0.1
Pea, hay...................................................          0.1
Pea, succulent.............................................          0.1
Pea, vines.................................................          0.1
Rye, forage................................................           20
Rye, grain.................................................          1.0
Rye, straw.................................................           25
Trefoil, forage............................................          0.5
Trefoil, hay...............................................          2.0
Vetch, forage..............................................          0.5
Vetch, hay.................................................          2.0
Wheat, forage..............................................           20
Wheat, grain...............................................          1.0
Wheat, hay.................................................          115
Wheat, straw...............................................           25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide MCPA 
((4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid) resulting from the direct 
application of MCPA or its sodium or dimethylamine salts, or its 2-
ethylhexyl ester in or on the following food commodities:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Parts per
                         Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cattle, fat................................................          0.1
Cattle, meat byproducts....................................          0.1
Cattle, meat...............................................          0.1
Goat, fat..................................................          0.1
Goat, meat byproducts......................................          0.1
Goat, meat.................................................          0.1
Hog, fat...................................................          0.1
Hog, meat byproducts.......................................          0.1
Hog, meat..................................................          0.1
Horse, fat.................................................          0.1
Horse, meat byproducts.....................................          0.1
Horse, meat................................................          0.1
Milk.......................................................          0.1
Sheep, fat.................................................          0.1
Sheep, meat byproducts.....................................          0.1
Sheep, meat................................................          0.1
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved]
    (c) Tolerances with regional registrations. [Reserved]
    (d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. [Reserved]

[FR Doc. E6-15841 Filed 9-26-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
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