Desmedipham; Pesticide Tolerance, 53445-53449 [E7-18373]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 19, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
requests for hearings must be received
on or before November 19, 2007, and
must be filed in accordance with the
instructions provided in 40 CFR part
178 (see also Unit I.C. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
OPP–2006–0297. To access the
Environmental protection,
electronic docket, go to https://
Administrative practice and procedure,
www.regulations.gov, select ‘‘Advanced
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
Search,’’ then ‘‘Docket Search.’’ Insert
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping the docket ID number where indicated
requirements.
and select the ‘‘Submit’’ button. Follow
Dated: September 10, 2007.
the instructions on the regulations.gov
website to view the docket index or
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
access available documents. All
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
documents in the docket are listed in
of Pesticide Programs.
the docket index available in
I Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
regulations.gov. Although listed in the
amended as follows:
index, some information is not publicly
available, e.g., Confidential Business
PART 180—[AMENDED]
Information (CBI) or other information
I 1. The authority citation for part 180
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
continues to read as follows:
Certain other material, such as
copyrighted material, is not placed on
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
the Internet and will be publicly
I 2. Section 180.555 is amended by
available only in hard copy form.
alphabetically adding the following
Publicly available docket materials are
commodities in the table in paragraph
available in the electronic docket at
(a):
https://www.regulations.gov, or, if only
§ 180.555 Trifloxystrobin; tolerances for
available in hard copy, at the OPP
residues.
Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S–
(a) *
*
*
4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.),
2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The
Commodity
Parts per million
Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
*
*
*
*
*
excluding legal holidays. The Docket
Grass, forage ..................
12
Grass, hay ......................
17 Facility telephone number is (703) 305–
5805.
*
*
*
*
*
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sidney Jackson, Registration Division
*
*
*
*
*
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
[FR Doc. E7–18371 Filed 9–18–07; 8:45 am]
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 305–7610; e-mail address:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
jackson.sidney@epa.gov.
AGENCY
other required information to the U.S.
Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of this final rule in the
Federal Register. This final rule is not
a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
40 CFR Part 180
I. General Information
EPA–HQ–OPP–2006–0297; FRL–8146–8]
A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
Desmedipham; Pesticide Tolerance
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
yshivers on PROD1PC66 with RULES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a
tolerance for residues of desmedipham
in or on beet, garden, roots; beet, garden,
tops and spinach. The Interregional
Research Project No. 4 (IR-4) requested
this tolerance under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
September 19, 2007. Objections and
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:05 Sep 18, 2007
Jkt 211001
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 those engaged in the
following activities:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111),
e.g., agricultural workers; greenhouse,
nursery, and floriculture workers;
farmers.
• Animal production (NAICS code
112), e.g., cattle ranchers and farmers,
dairy cattle farmers, livestock farmers.
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
53445
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311), e.g., agricultural workers; farmers;
greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture
workers; ranchers; pesticide applicators.
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532), e.g., agricultural workers;
commercial applicators; farmers;
greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture
workers; residential users.
This listing is not intended to be
exhaustive, but rather to provide a guide
for readers regarding entities likely to be
affected by this action. Other types of
entities not listed in this unit could also
be affected. The North American
Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes have been provided to
assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to
certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of
this action to a particular entity, consult
the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies
of this Document?
In addition to accessing an electronic
copy of this Federal Register document
through the electronic docket at https://
www.regulations.gov, you may access
this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet
under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at
https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may
also access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s pilot
e-CFR site at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/
ecfr.
C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing
Request?
Under section 408(g) of the FFDCA,
any person may file an objection to any
aspect of this regulation and may also
request a hearing on those objections.
You must file your objection or request
a hearing on this regulation in
accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2006–0297 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
requests must be in writing, and must be
mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk
as required by 40 CFR part 178 on or
before November 19, 2007.
In addition to filing an objection or
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk
as described in 40 CFR part 178, please
submit a copy of the filing that does not
contain any CBI for inclusion in the
public docket that is described in
ADDRESSES. Information not marked
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2
may be disclosed publicly by EPA
E:\FR\FM\19SER1.SGM
19SER1
53446
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 19, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
without prior notice. Submit this copy,
identified by docket ID number EPA–
HQ–OPP–2006–0297, 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 Bldg.), 2777 S.
Crystal Dr., 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 Facility telephone number is
(703) 305–5805.
yshivers on PROD1PC66 with RULES
II. Petition for Tolerance
In the Federal Register of April 21,
2006 (71 FR 20666) (FRL–8064–7), EPA
issued a notice pursuant to section
408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C.
346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a
pesticide petition (PP 6E7027) by the
Interregional Research Group (IR-4), 500
College Road East, Suite 201 W,
Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition
requested that 40 CFR 180.353 be
amended by establishing a tolerance for
residues of the herbicide, desmedipham,
(ethyl-m-hydroxycarbanilate
carbanilate) in or on the raw agricultural
commodities: Beet, garden, roots at 0.05
parts per million (ppm), beet, garden,
tops at 1.0 ppm, and spinach at 6.0
ppm. That notice referenced a summary
of the petition prepared by Bayer
CropScience, the registrant, which is
available to the public in the docket,
https://www.regulations.gov. There were
no comments received in response to
the notice of filing.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of the FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:05 Sep 18, 2007
Jkt 211001
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of the FFDCA requires EPA
to give special consideration to
exposure of infants and children to the
pesticide chemical residue in
establishing a tolerance and to ‘‘ensure
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue....’’ These
provisions were added to the FFDCA by
the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA)
of 1996.
Consistent with FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has
reviewed the available scientific data
and other relevant information in
support of this action. EPA has
sufficient data to assess the hazards of
and to make a determination on
aggregate exposure for the petitioned-for
tolerance for residues of beet, garden,
roots at 0.05 ppm, beet, garden, tops at
1.0 ppm, and spinach at 6.0 ppm. EPA’s
assessment of exposures and risks
associated with establishing the
tolerance follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered its validity,
completeness, and reliability as well as
the relationship of the results of the
studies to human risk. EPA has also
considered available information
concerning the variability of the
sensitivities of major identifiable
subgroups of consumers, including
infants and children. Specific
information on the studies received and
the nature of the adverse effects caused
by desmedipham as well as the noobserved-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL)
and the lowest-observed-adverse-effectlevel (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies
can be found in the Reregistration
Eligibility Decision (RED) for
desmedipham and FQPA Tolerance
Reassessment Progress Report (TRED)
for desmedipham (https://www.epa.gov/
pesticides/reregistration/desmedipham/
) and at www.regulations.gov in
document ‘‘Desmedipham: Human
Health Risk Assessment for Petition
6E7027 dated February 1, 2007’’ in
Docket ID EPA–HQ–OPP–2006–0297.
B. Toxicological Endpoints
For hazards that have a threshold
below which there is no appreciable
risk, the toxicological level of concern
(LOC) is derived from the highest dose
at which no adverse effects are observed
(the NOAEL) in the toxicology study
identified as appropriate for use in risk
assessment. However, if a NOAEL
cannot be determined, the lowest dose
at which adverse effects of concern are
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
identified (the LOAEL) is sometimes
used for risk assessment. Uncertainty/
safety factors (UFs) are used in
conjunction with the LOC to take into
account uncertainties inherent in the
extrapolation from laboratory animal
data to humans and in the variations in
sensitivity among members of the
human population as well as other
unknowns. Safety is assessed for acute
and chronic risks by comparing
aggregate exposure to the pesticide to
the acute population adjusted dose
(aPAD) and chronic population adjusted
dose (cPAD). The aPAD and cPAD are
calculated by dividing the LOC by all
applicable UFs. Short-term,
intermediate-term, and long-term risks
are evaluated by comparing aggregate
exposure to the LOC to ensure that the
margin of exposure (MOE) called for by
the product of all applicable UFs is not
exceeded.
For non-threshold risks, the Agency
assumes that any amount of exposure
will lead to some degree of risk and
estimates risk in terms of the probability
of occurrence of additional adverse
cases. Generally, cancer risks are
considered non-threshold. For more
information on the general principles
EPA uses in risk characterization and a
complete description of the risk
assessment process, see https://
www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/1997/
November/Day–26/p30948.htm.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for desmedipham used for
human risk assessment can be found at
https://www.regulations.gov in document
‘‘Desmedipham: Human Health Risk
Assessment for Petition 6E7027 dated
February 1, 2007’’ at page number 6 in
docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2007–
0297.
Subsequent to completion of the
February 1, 2007 risk assessment, EPA
reevaluated the cancer classification of
desmedipham. Previously,
desmedipham was ‘‘tentatively’’
classified as a Group E carcinogen
(evidence of non-carcinogenicity for
humans) under the classification
scheme in effect at the time. The
classification was ‘‘tentative’’ pending
submission of historical control data on
the incidence of mammary gland
fibroadenomas and information to
address the number of animals
examined at the low and mid-doses for
histopathology in the chronic/
carcinogenicity study in Wistar rats. To
date, historical control data for the
Wistar rat cancer study have not been
submitted to the Agency. However, the
need for this historical control data is
alleviated by the submission of a new
chronic/carcinogenicity study in
Sprague Dawley rats. The new Sprague
E:\FR\FM\19SER1.SGM
19SER1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 19, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
yshivers on PROD1PC66 with RULES
Dawley rat study examined doses
comparable to those examined in the
Wistar rat study. In this new cancer rat
study, there was no treatment related
increase in the incidence of mammary
gland fibroadenomas and no increase in
any other tumor type or in the total
number of tumors. EPA has concluded
that desmedipham should now be
classified as ‘‘Not likely to be
Carcinogenic to Humans’’ based on the
lack of carcinogenic potential noted in
the available studies. EPA’s reevaluation of the cancer classification
can be found at www.regulations.gov in
document ‘‘Desmedipham: Reevaluation of Cancer Classification’’ in
Docket ID EPA–HQ–OPP–2006–0297.
To assess acute dietary exposure, an
endpoint and dose were selected from a
developmental study in the rat. The
maternal NOAEL was 10 milligrams/
kilogram (mg/kg)/day based on
increased methemoglobin at 100 mg/kg/
day (LOAEL). An UF of 100 was applied
to the acute toxicity endpoint resulting
in an aPAD of 0.1 mg/kg bodyweight
(bw)/day. The FQPA safety factor was
reduced from 10x to 1x.
To assess chronic dietary exposure, an
endpoint and dose were selected from a
two-generation reproduction study in
rats. The NOAEL from this study was 4
mg/kg bw/day and the LOAEL was 20
mg/kg/day based on parental systemic
toxicity of hemolytic anemia
accompanied by significant increases in
splenic weights and compensatory
functioning of the thyroid. An UF of 100
(10x for interspecies extrapolation and
10x for intraspecies variability) was
applied to the chronic toxicity endpoint
resulting in a cPAD of 0.04 mg/kg bw/
day. The FQPA Safety Factor (SF) was
reduced from 10x to 1x.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to desmedipham, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
existing desmedipham tolerances in (40
CFR 180.353). EPA assessed dietary
exposures from desmedipham in food as
follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute
dietary exposure and risk assessments
are performed for a food-use pesticide,
if a toxicological study has indicated the
possibility of an effect of concern
occurring as a result of a 1–day or single
exposure. In estimating acute dietary
exposure, EPA used food consumption
information from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) 1994–1996, and
1998 Nationwide Continuing Surveys of
Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As
to residue levels in food, EPA assumed
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:05 Sep 18, 2007
Jkt 211001
all foods for which there are existing
and proposed tolerances were treated
and contain tolerance-level residues.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the USDA 1994–1996, and 1998
Nationwide CSFII. As to residue levels
in food, EPA assumed all foods for
which there are tolerances existing and
proposed were treated and contain
tolerance-level residues.
iii. Cancer. Desmedipham has been
classified as ‘‘Not Likely to be
Carcinogenic to Humans’’. Therefore,
the Agency concluded that
desmedipham is not expected to pose a
carcinogenic risk and quantification of
exposure for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is not necessary.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency lacks sufficient
monitoring data to complete a
comprehensive dietary exposure
analysis and risk assessment for
desmedipham in drinking water.
Because the Agency does not have
comprehensive monitoring data,
drinking water concentration estimates
are made by reliance on simulation or
modeling taking into account data on
the environmental fate characteristics of
desmedipham. Further information
regarding EPA drinking water models
used in pesticide exposure assessment
can be found at https://www.epa.gov/
oppefed1/models/water/index.htm.
In the environment, at neutral to
alkaline pH, desmedipham is rapidly
hydrolyzed to EHPC (ethyl-(3hydroxyphenyl) carbamate). Given that
EHPC has a sub-structure that has been
associated with methemoglobin effects,
the endpoint of concern for the parent
desmedipham for acute and chronic
exposures, EHPC has been included in
the dietary risk assessment for drinking
water.
The Agency calculated Tier 1 (upperbound) Drinking Water Concentrations
(EDWCs) for the combined residues of
parent desmedipham plus EHPC.
EDWCs for desmedipham plus EHPC
were calculated using the FQPA Index
Reservoir Screening Tool (FIRST)
(surface water) and Screening
Concentration In - Ground Water (SCIGROW) (ground water) drinking water
models. Both models provide estimates
suitable for screening purposes.
Modeled EDWCs for peak and average
concentrations of desmedipham plus
EHPC in surface water are 130 parts per
billion (ppb) and 71 ppb, respectively.
The modeled peak and average EDWCs
for ground water are 0.04 ppb.
Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model. For
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
53447
acute dietary risk assessment, the water
concentration value of 130 ppb was
used to assess the contribution to
drinking water. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of
value 71 ppb was used to assess the
contribution to drinking water.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The
term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in
this document to refer to nonoccupational, non-dietary exposure
(e.g., for lawn and garden pest control,
indoor pest control, termiticides, and
flea and tick control on pets).
Desmedipham is not registered for use
in or on any sites that would result in
residential exposure.
4. Cumulative effects from substances
with a common mechanism of toxicity.
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance, the Agency consider
‘‘available information’’ concerning the
cumulative effects of a particular
pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
EPA has determined that
desmedipham does not have a common
mechanism of toxicity with the other Nmethyl carbamate pesticides. Unlike
other pesticides for which EPA has
followed a cumulative risk approach
based on a common mechanism of
toxicity, EPA has not made a common
mechanism of toxicity finding as to
desmedipham and any other substances
and desmedipham does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by
other substances. For the purposes of
this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
not assumed that desmedipham has a
common mechanism of toxicity with
other substances. For information
regarding EPA’s efforts to determine
which chemicals have a common
mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate
the cumulative effects of such
chemicals, see EPA’s website at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
1. In general. Section 408 of the
FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
an additional (‘‘10X’’) tenfold margin of
safety for infants and children in the
case of threshold effects to account for
prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines
based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants
and children. This additional margin of
safety is commonly referred to as the
FQPA safety factor. In applying this
provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X when reliable data do not
E:\FR\FM\19SER1.SGM
19SER1
53448
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 19, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
support the choice of a different factor,
or, if reliable data are available, EPA
uses a different additional FQPA safety
factor value based on the use of
traditional UFs and/or special FQPA
safety factors, as appropriate.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
Desmedipham is not considered a
developmental toxicant or a mutagen.
Developmental toxicity studies show no
increased sensitivity in fetuses as
compared to maternal animals following
in utero exposures in rats and rabbits. A
two-generation reproduction toxicity
study in rats showed no increased
susceptibility in pups when compared
to adults, There was no evidence of
abnormalities in the development of the
fetal nervous system in the pre/post
natal studies. Neither brain weight nor
histopathology of the nervous system
was affected in the subchronic and
chronic toxicity studies.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined
that reliable data show that it would be
safe for infants and children to reduce
the FQPA safety factor to 1X. That
decision is based on the following
findings:
The toxicology database is complete
and there are no data gaps. There are no
residual concerns regarding pre- or postnatal toxicity. There is no evidence
requiring a developmental neurotoxicity
study, and
i. The toxicology database is complete
and there are no data gaps.
ii. There are no residual concerns
regarding pre- or post-natal toxicity.
iii. There is no evidence requiring a
developmental neurotoxicity study, and
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary food exposure assessments
were performed based on 100% crop
treated (CT) and tolerance-level
residues. Conservative ground and
surfacewater modeling estimates were
used. These assessments will not
underestimate the exposure and risks
posed by desmedipham.
yshivers on PROD1PC66 with RULES
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
Safety is assessed for acute and
chronic risks by comparing aggregate
exposure to the pesticide to the aPAD
and cPAD. The aPAD and cPAD are
calculated by dividing the LOC by all
applicable UFs. For linear cancer risks,
EPA calculates the probability of
additional cancer cases given aggregate
exposure. Short-term, intermediateterm, and long-term risks are evaluated
by comparing aggregate exposure to the
LOC to ensure that the MOE called for
by the product of all applicable UFs is
not exceeded.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:05 Sep 18, 2007
Jkt 211001
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure
assumptions discussed in this unit for
acute exposure, the acute dietary
exposure from food and water to
desmedipham will occupy 26% of the
aPAD for the population group (all
infants less than 1 yr old) receiving the
greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that exposure to desmedipham from
food and water will utilize 13% of the
cPAD for the population group all
infants less than 1 yr old.
3. Short-term risk. Short-term
aggregate exposure takes into account
residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered
to be a background exposure level).
Desmedipham is not registered for use
on any sites that would result in
residential exposure. Therefore, the
aggregate risk is the sum of the risk from
food and water.
4. Intermediate-term risk.
Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account residential exposure
plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background
exposure level).
Desmedipham is not registered for use
on any sites that would result in
residential exposure. Therefore, the
aggregate risk is the sum of the risk from
food and water, which do not exceed
the Agency’s level of concern.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Desmedipham is classified
as ‘‘Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to
Humans’’ and is not expected to pose a
cancer risk.
6. Determination of safety. Based on
these risk assessments, EPA concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to the general
population, or to infants and children
from aggregate exposure to
desmedipham residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
(Liquid Chromatography/Mass
Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC/
MS/MS) method AL/01/02) is available
to enforce the tolerance expression. The
method may be requested from: Chief,
Analytical Chemistry Branch,
Environmental Science Center, 701
Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350;
telephone number: (410) 305–2905; email address: residuemethods@epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
There are no established or proposed
Codex, Canadian or Mexican MRLs for
desmedipham.
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
V. Conclusion
Therefore, the tolerance is established
for residues of the herbicide,
desmedipham (ethyl-mhydroxycarbanilate carbanilate) in or on
the raw agricultural commodities: Beet,
garden, roots at 0.05 ppm, beets, garden,
tops at 1.0 ppm, and spinach at 6.0
ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final rule establishes a tolerance
under section 408(d) of FFDCA in
response to a petition submitted to the
Agency. The Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) has exempted these types
of actions from review under Executive
Order 12866, entitled Regulatory
Planning and Review (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993). Because this rule has
been exempted from review under
Executive Order 12866, this rule is not
subject to Executive Order 13211,
Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, May
22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045,
entitled Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997).
This final rule does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB
approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq., nor does it require any special
considerations under Executive Order
12898, entitled Federal Actions to
Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16,
1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that
are established on the basis of a petition
under section 408(d) of the FFDCA,
such as the tolerance in this final rule,
do not require the issuance of a
proposed rule, the requirements of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply.
This final rule directly regulates
growers, food processors, food handlers,
and food retailers, not States or tribes,
nor does this action alter the
relationships or distribution of power
and responsibilities established by
Congress in the preemption provisions
of section 408(n)(4) of the FFDCA. As
such, the Agency has determined that
this action will not have a substantial
direct effect on States or tribal
governments, on the relationship
between the national government and
the States or tribal governments, or on
the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government or between the
Federal Government and Indian tribes.
E:\FR\FM\19SER1.SGM
19SER1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 19, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
Thus, the Agency has determined that
Executive Order 13132, entitled
Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999) and Executive Order 13175,
entitled Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR
67249, November 6, 2000) do not apply
to this rule. In addition, This rule does
not 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).
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).
VII. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report to each House of
the Congress and to the Comptroller
General of the United States. EPA will
submit a report containing this rule and
other required information to the U.S.
Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of this final rule in the
Federal Register. This final rule is not
a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: September 7, 2007.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
I
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.353, paragraph (a) is
revised to read as follows:
I
yshivers on PROD1PC66 with RULES
§ 180.353 Desmedipham; tolerances for
residues.
(a) General. Tolerances are
established for residues of the herbicide
desmedipham, (ethyl-mhydroxycarbanilate carbanilate) in or on
the following raw agricultural
commodities in the table that follows:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:05 Sep 18, 2007
Jkt 211001
Commodity
Parts per million
Beet, garden, roots .........
Beet, garden, tops ..........
Beet, sugar, roots ...........
Beet, sugar, tops ............
Spinach ...........................
*
*
*
*
0.05
1.0
0.2
0.2
6.0
*
[FR Doc. E7–18373 Filed 9–18–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2007–0187; FRL–8147–5]
Amitraz, Atrazine, Ethephon, Ferbam,
Lindane, Propachlor, and Simazine;
Tolerance Actions
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: EPA is revoking certain
tolerances for the insecticides amitraz
and lindane; the herbicides atrazine,
propachlor, and simazine; the plant
growth regulator ethephon; and the
fungicide ferbam. Also, EPA is
modifying certain tolerances for the
herbicide atrazine, propachlor, and
simazine; the insecticide amitraz; the
plant growth regulator ethephon; and
the fungicide ferbam. In addition, EPA
is establishing new tolerances for the
herbicide atrazine and the plant growth
regulator ethephon. The regulatory
actions finalized in this document are in
follow-up to the Agency’s reregistration
program under the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA), and tolerance reassessment
program under the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) section
408(q).
DATES: This regulation is effective
September 19, 2007. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before November 19, 2007, and
must be filed in accordance with the
instructions provided in 40 CFR part
178 (see also Unit I.C. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2007–0187. To access the
electronic docket, go to https://
www.regulations.gov, select ‘‘Advanced
Search,’’ then ‘‘Docket Search.’’ Insert
the docket ID number where indicated
and select the ‘‘Submit’’ button. Follow
the instructions on the regulations.gov
website to view the docket index or
access available documents. All
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
53449
documents in the docket are listed in
the docket index available in
regulations.gov. Although listed in the
index, some information is not publicly
available, e.g., Confidential Business
Information (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 in the electronic docket
athttps://www.regulations.gov, or, if only
available in hard copy, at the OPP
Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S–
4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.),
2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The
Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The Docket
Facility telephone number is (703) 305–
5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Monisha Dandridge, Special Review and
Reregistration Division (7508P), Office
of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460–
0001; telephone number: (703) 308–
0410; e-mail address:
Dandridge.monisha@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. Potentially
affected entities may include, but are
not limited to:
• Crop production (NAICS code
111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
This listing is not intended to be
exhaustive, but rather provides a guide
for readers regarding entities likely to be
affected by this action. Other types of
entities not listed in this unit could also
be affected. The North American
Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes have been provided to
assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to
certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of
this action to a particular entity, consult
the person listed underFOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
E:\FR\FM\19SER1.SGM
19SER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 19, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53445-53449]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-18373]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0297; FRL-8146-8]
Desmedipham; Pesticide Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of
desmedipham in or on beet, garden, roots; beet, garden, tops and
spinach. The Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4) requested this
tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective September 19, 2007. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before November 19, 2007,
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0297. To access the
electronic docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, select ``Advanced
Search,'' then ``Docket Search.'' Insert the docket ID number where
indicated and select the ``Submit'' button. Follow the instructions on
the regulations.gov website to view the docket index or access
available documents. All documents in the docket are listed in the
docket index available in regulations.gov. Although listed in the
index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential
Business Information (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 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 Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr.,
Arlington, VA. The Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility
telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sidney Jackson, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 305-7610; e-mail address: jackson.sidney@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 those
engaged in the following activities:
Crop production (NAICS code 111), e.g., agricultural
workers; greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture workers; farmers.
Animal production (NAICS code 112), e.g., cattle ranchers
and farmers, dairy cattle farmers, livestock farmers.
Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311), e.g., agricultural
workers; farmers; greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture workers;
ranchers; pesticide applicators.
Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532), e.g.,
agricultural workers; commercial applicators; farmers; greenhouse,
nursery, and floriculture workers; residential users.
This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to
provide a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by
this action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also
be affected. The North American Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes have been provided to assist you and others in
determining whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you
have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a
particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document?
In addition to accessing an electronic copy of this Federal
Register document through the electronic docket at https://
www.regulations.gov, you may access this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register''
listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may also access a
frequently updated electronic version of EPA's tolerance regulations at
40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office's pilot e-CFR
site at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.
C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?
Under section 408(g) of the FFDCA, any person may file an objection
to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a hearing on
those objections. You must file your objection or request a hearing on
this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR
part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0297 in the subject line on the first page of
your submission. All requests must be in writing, and must be mailed or
delivered to the Hearing Clerk as required by 40 CFR part 178 on or
before November 19, 2007.
In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of
the filing that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public
docket that is described in ADDRESSES. Information not marked
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA
[[Page 53446]]
without prior notice. Submit this copy, identified by docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0297, 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
Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., 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 Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
II. Petition for Tolerance
In the Federal Register of April 21, 2006 (71 FR 20666) (FRL-8064-
7), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP
6E7027) by the Interregional Research Group (IR-4), 500 College Road
East, Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition requested that 40
CFR 180.353 be amended by establishing a tolerance for residues of the
herbicide, desmedipham, (ethyl-m-hydroxycarbanilate carbanilate) in or
on the raw agricultural commodities: Beet, garden, roots at 0.05 parts
per million (ppm), beet, garden, tops at 1.0 ppm, and spinach at 6.0
ppm. That notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Bayer
CropScience, the registrant, which is available to the public in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of the FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is
a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of the FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical
residue....'' These provisions were added to the FFDCA by the Food
Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996.
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a
determination on aggregate exposure for the petitioned-for tolerance
for residues of beet, garden, roots at 0.05 ppm, beet, garden, tops at
1.0 ppm, and spinach at 6.0 ppm. EPA's assessment of exposures and
risks associated with establishing the tolerance follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and
children. Specific information on the studies received and the nature
of the adverse effects caused by desmedipham as well as the no-
observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-
effect-level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found in the
Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for desmedipham and FQPA
Tolerance Reassessment Progress Report (TRED) for desmedipham (https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/desmedipham/) and at
www.regulations.gov in document ``Desmedipham: Human Health Risk
Assessment for Petition 6E7027 dated February 1, 2007'' in Docket ID
EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0297.
B. Toxicological Endpoints
For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological level of concern (LOC) is derived
from the highest dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the
NOAEL) in the toxicology study identified as appropriate for use in
risk assessment. However, if a NOAEL cannot be determined, the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified (the LOAEL) is
sometimes used for risk assessment. Uncertainty/safety factors (UFs)
are used in conjunction with the LOC to take into account uncertainties
inherent in the extrapolation from laboratory animal data to humans and
in the variations in sensitivity among members of the human population
as well as other unknowns. Safety is assessed for acute and chronic
risks by comparing aggregate exposure to the pesticide to the acute
population adjusted dose (aPAD) and chronic population adjusted dose
(cPAD). The aPAD and cPAD are calculated by dividing the LOC by all
applicable UFs. Short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term risks are
evaluated by comparing aggregate exposure to the LOC to ensure that the
margin of exposure (MOE) called for by the product of all applicable
UFs is not exceeded.
For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes that any amount of
exposure will lead to some degree of risk and estimates risk in terms
of the probability of occurrence of additional adverse cases.
Generally, cancer risks are considered non-threshold. For more
information on the general principles EPA uses in risk characterization
and a complete description of the risk assessment process, see https://
www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/1997/November/Day-26/p30948.htm.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for desmedipham used for
human risk assessment can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in
document ``Desmedipham: Human Health Risk Assessment for Petition
6E7027 dated February 1, 2007'' at page number 6 in docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0297.
Subsequent to completion of the February 1, 2007 risk assessment,
EPA reevaluated the cancer classification of desmedipham. Previously,
desmedipham was ``tentatively'' classified as a Group E carcinogen
(evidence of non-carcinogenicity for humans) under the classification
scheme in effect at the time. The classification was ``tentative''
pending submission of historical control data on the incidence of
mammary gland fibroadenomas and information to address the number of
animals examined at the low and mid-doses for histopathology in the
chronic/carcinogenicity study in Wistar rats. To date, historical
control data for the Wistar rat cancer study have not been submitted to
the Agency. However, the need for this historical control data is
alleviated by the submission of a new chronic/carcinogenicity study in
Sprague Dawley rats. The new Sprague
[[Page 53447]]
Dawley rat study examined doses comparable to those examined in the
Wistar rat study. In this new cancer rat study, there was no treatment
related increase in the incidence of mammary gland fibroadenomas and no
increase in any other tumor type or in the total number of tumors. EPA
has concluded that desmedipham should now be classified as ``Not likely
to be Carcinogenic to Humans'' based on the lack of carcinogenic
potential noted in the available studies. EPA's re-evaluation of the
cancer classification can be found at www.regulations.gov in document
``Desmedipham: Re-evaluation of Cancer Classification'' in Docket ID
EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0297.
To assess acute dietary exposure, an endpoint and dose were
selected from a developmental study in the rat. The maternal NOAEL was
10 milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg)/day based on increased methemoglobin at
100 mg/kg/day (LOAEL). An UF of 100 was applied to the acute toxicity
endpoint resulting in an aPAD of 0.1 mg/kg bodyweight (bw)/day. The
FQPA safety factor was reduced from 10x to 1x.
To assess chronic dietary exposure, an endpoint and dose were
selected from a two-generation reproduction study in rats. The NOAEL
from this study was 4 mg/kg bw/day and the LOAEL was 20 mg/kg/day based
on parental systemic toxicity of hemolytic anemia accompanied by
significant increases in splenic weights and compensatory functioning
of the thyroid. An UF of 100 (10x for interspecies extrapolation and
10x for intraspecies variability) was applied to the chronic toxicity
endpoint resulting in a cPAD of 0.04 mg/kg bw/day. The FQPA Safety
Factor (SF) was reduced from 10x to 1x.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to desmedipham, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances as well as all existing desmedipham tolerances in (40
CFR 180.353). EPA assessed dietary exposures from desmedipham in food
as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure. In estimating acute dietary
exposure, EPA used food consumption information from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1994-1996, and 1998 Nationwide
Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As to residue
levels in food, EPA assumed all foods for which there are existing and
proposed tolerances were treated and contain tolerance-level residues.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996,
and 1998 Nationwide CSFII. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed
all foods for which there are tolerances existing and proposed were
treated and contain tolerance-level residues.
iii. Cancer. Desmedipham has been classified as ``Not Likely to be
Carcinogenic to Humans''. Therefore, the Agency concluded that
desmedipham is not expected to pose a carcinogenic risk and
quantification of exposure for the purpose of assessing cancer risk is
not necessary.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency lacks
sufficient monitoring data to complete a comprehensive dietary exposure
analysis and risk assessment for desmedipham in drinking water. Because
the Agency does not have comprehensive monitoring data, drinking water
concentration estimates are made by reliance on simulation or modeling
taking into account data on the environmental fate characteristics of
desmedipham. Further information regarding EPA drinking water models
used in pesticide exposure assessment can be found at https://
www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/water/index.htm.
In the environment, at neutral to alkaline pH, desmedipham is
rapidly hydrolyzed to EHPC (ethyl-(3-hydroxyphenyl) carbamate). Given
that EHPC has a sub-structure that has been associated with
methemoglobin effects, the endpoint of concern for the parent
desmedipham for acute and chronic exposures, EHPC has been included in
the dietary risk assessment for drinking water.
The Agency calculated Tier 1 (upper-bound) Drinking Water
Concentrations (EDWCs) for the combined residues of parent desmedipham
plus EHPC. EDWCs for desmedipham plus EHPC were calculated using the
FQPA Index Reservoir Screening Tool (FIRST) (surface water) and
Screening Concentration In - Ground Water (SCI-GROW) (ground water)
drinking water models. Both models provide estimates suitable for
screening purposes. Modeled EDWCs for peak and average concentrations
of desmedipham plus EHPC in surface water are 130 parts per billion
(ppb) and 71 ppb, respectively. The modeled peak and average EDWCs for
ground water are 0.04 ppb.
Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly
entered into the dietary exposure model. For acute dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration value of 130 ppb was used to assess
the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of value 71 ppb was used to assess
the contribution to drinking water.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control,
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets).
Desmedipham is not registered for use in or on any sites that would
result in residential exposure.
4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA has determined that desmedipham does not have a common
mechanism of toxicity with the other N-methyl carbamate pesticides.
Unlike other pesticides for which EPA has followed a cumulative risk
approach based on a common mechanism of toxicity, EPA has not made a
common mechanism of toxicity finding as to desmedipham and any other
substances and desmedipham does not appear to produce a toxic
metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has not assumed that desmedipham has a
common mechanism of toxicity with other substances. For information
regarding EPA's efforts to determine which chemicals have a common
mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the cumulative effects of such
chemicals, see EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/
cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408 of the FFDCA provides that EPA shall
apply an additional (``10X'') tenfold margin of safety for infants and
children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and
postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity and
exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This additional
margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA safety factor. In
applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X
when reliable data do not
[[Page 53448]]
support the choice of a different factor, or, if reliable data are
available, EPA uses a different additional FQPA safety factor value
based on the use of traditional UFs and/or special FQPA safety factors,
as appropriate.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. Desmedipham is not
considered a developmental toxicant or a mutagen. Developmental
toxicity studies show no increased sensitivity in fetuses as compared
to maternal animals following in utero exposures in rats and rabbits. A
two-generation reproduction toxicity study in rats showed no increased
susceptibility in pups when compared to adults, There was no evidence
of abnormalities in the development of the fetal nervous system in the
pre/post natal studies. Neither brain weight nor histopathology of the
nervous system was affected in the subchronic and chronic toxicity
studies.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show that it
would be safe for infants and children to reduce the FQPA safety factor
to 1X. That decision is based on the following findings:
The toxicology database is complete and there are no data gaps.
There are no residual concerns regarding pre- or post-natal toxicity.
There is no evidence requiring a developmental neurotoxicity study, and
i. The toxicology database is complete and there are no data gaps.
ii. There are no residual concerns regarding pre- or post-natal
toxicity.
iii. There is no evidence requiring a developmental neurotoxicity
study, and
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based
on 100% crop treated (CT) and tolerance-level residues. Conservative
ground and surfacewater modeling estimates were used. These assessments
will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by desmedipham.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
Safety is assessed for acute and chronic risks by comparing
aggregate exposure to the pesticide to the aPAD and cPAD. The aPAD and
cPAD are calculated by dividing the LOC by all applicable UFs. For
linear cancer risks, EPA calculates the probability of additional
cancer cases given aggregate exposure. Short-term, intermediate-term,
and long-term risks are evaluated by comparing aggregate exposure to
the LOC to ensure that the MOE called for by the product of all
applicable UFs is not exceeded.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this
unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water
to desmedipham will occupy 26% of the aPAD for the population group
(all infants less than 1 yr old) receiving the greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that exposure to
desmedipham from food and water will utilize 13% of the cPAD for the
population group all infants less than 1 yr old.
3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into
account residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background exposure level).
Desmedipham is not registered for use on any sites that would
result in residential exposure. Therefore, the aggregate risk is the
sum of the risk from food and water.
4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
Desmedipham is not registered for use on any sites that would
result in residential exposure. Therefore, the aggregate risk is the
sum of the risk from food and water, which do not exceed the Agency's
level of concern.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Desmedipham is
classified as ``Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans'' and is not
expected to pose a cancer risk.
6. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate
exposure to desmedipham residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology (Liquid Chromatography/Mass
Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method AL/01/02) is available
to enforce the tolerance expression. The method may be requested from:
Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701
Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905;
e-mail address: residuemethods@epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
There are no established or proposed Codex, Canadian or Mexican
MRLs for desmedipham.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, the tolerance is established for residues of the
herbicide, desmedipham (ethyl-m-hydroxycarbanilate carbanilate) in or
on the raw agricultural commodities: Beet, garden, roots at 0.05 ppm,
beets, garden, tops at 1.0 ppm, and spinach at 6.0 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes a tolerance under section 408(d) of
FFDCA in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and
Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this rule has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this rule is not
subject to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355,
May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children
from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April
23, 1997). This final rule does not contain any information collections
subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it require any special considerations
under Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition under section 408(d) of the FFDCA, such as the tolerance
in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) do not apply.
This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of section 408(n)(4) of the FFDCA. As such, the Agency has determined
that this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
[[Page 53449]]
Thus, the Agency has determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled
Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175,
entitled Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments
(65 FR 67249, November 6, 2000) do not apply to this rule. In addition,
This rule does not 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).
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).
VII. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report to each House of the Congress and to
the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report
containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the
United States prior to publication of this final rule in the Federal
Register. This final rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5
U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: September 7, 2007.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
0
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
PART 180--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
0
2. In Sec. 180.353, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 180.353 Desmedipham; tolerances for residues.
(a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of the
herbicide desmedipham, (ethyl-m-hydroxycarbanilate carbanilate) in or
on the following raw agricultural commodities in the table that
follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commodity Parts per million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beet, garden, roots.................................. 0.05
Beet, garden, tops................................... 1.0
Beet, sugar, roots................................... 0.2
Beet, sugar, tops.................................... 0.2
Spinach.............................................. 6.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. E7-18373 Filed 9-18-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S