Trifloxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances, 69648-69653 [2011-28945]
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69648
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 217 / Wednesday, November 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
(a), by adding a new footnote 1, and by
revising paragraph (d) to read as
follows:
§ 180.629 Flutriafol; tolerances for
residues.
(a) * * *
Commodity
Parts per million
*
*
*
*
*
*
Banana1 ...............................................................................................................................................................................
Beet, sugar ..........................................................................................................................................................................
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Fruit, pome, group 11–09 ....................................................................................................................................................
Fruit, stone, group 12–10 ....................................................................................................................................................
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Grape ...................................................................................................................................................................................
Grape, raisin ........................................................................................................................................................................
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Peanut ..................................................................................................................................................................................
*
*
1There
*
*
*
*
0.30
0.08
0.40
1.5
1.5
2.4
0.09
*
*
are no U.S. registrations as of October 26, 2011.
*
*
*
*
*
(d) Indirect or inadvertent residues.
Tolerances are established for the
indirect or inadvertent residues of the
fungicide flutriafol, including its
metabolites and degradates, in or on the
commodities in the table below when
present therein as a result of the
application of flutriafol to the growing
crops listed in the table to paragraph (a)
of this section. Compliance with the
following tolerance levels specified
below is to be determined by measuring
only flutriafol ((±)-a-(2-fluorophenyl)-a(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1ethanol) in or on the following
commodities:
Commodity
Parts per million
Corn, field, forage ................................................................................................................................................................
Corn, field, grain ..................................................................................................................................................................
Corn, field, refined oil ..........................................................................................................................................................
Corn, field, stover ................................................................................................................................................................
Corn, pop .............................................................................................................................................................................
Corn, pop, stover .................................................................................................................................................................
Corn, sweet, forage .............................................................................................................................................................
Corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husk removed ...............................................................................................................
Corn, sweet, stover ..............................................................................................................................................................
Cotton, gin byproducts .........................................................................................................................................................
Cotton, undelinted seed .......................................................................................................................................................
BILLING CODE P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2011–0456; FRL–8890–1]
Trifloxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
AGENCY:
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ACTION:
Final rule.
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of trifloxystrobin
in or on alfalfa, forage and alfalfa, hay.
Bayer CropScience requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
SUMMARY:
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This regulation is effective
November 9, 2011. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before January 9, 2012, 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–2011–0456. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index
available at https://www.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.
DATES:
[FR Doc. 2011–28947 Filed 11–8–11; 8:45 am]
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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:
Tawanda Maignan, Registration
Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide
Programs, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone
number: (703) 308–8050; email address:
Maignan.Tawanda@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 217 / Wednesday, November 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
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).
• 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 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.
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B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
site at https://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/
text/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/
Title40/40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
U.S.C. 346a, 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–2011–0456 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing, and must be
received by the Hearing Clerk on or
before January 9, 2012. Addresses for
mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40
CFR 178.25(b).
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
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69649
public docket. Information not marked
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2
may be disclosed publicly by EPA
without prior notice. Submit a copy of
your non-CBI objection or hearing
request, identified by docket ID number
EPA–HQ–OPP–2011–0456, 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
Facility’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.
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 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 * * *.’’
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D)
of FFDCA, and the factors specified in
section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, 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 trifloxystrobin
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with trifloxystrobin follows.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of July 20,
2011 (76 FR 43231) (FRL–8880–1), 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 0F7713) by Bayer
CropScience, P.O. Box 12014, 2 T.W.
Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park,
NC 27709. The petition requested that
40 CFR 180.555 be amended by
establishing tolerances for residues of
the fungicide trifloxystrobin,
benzeneacetic acid, (E,E)-a(methoxyimino)-2-[[[[1-[3(trifluoromethyl)
phenyl]ethylidene]amino]oxy]methyl]methyl ester), in or on alfalfa, forage at
0.01 parts per million (ppm) and alfalfa,
hay at 0.01 ppm. That notice referenced
a summary of the petition prepared by
Bayer CropScience, the registrant,
which is available in the docket,
https://www.regulations.gov. There were
no comments received in response to
the notice of filing.
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. Trifloxystrobin
exhibits very low toxicity following
single oral, dermal and inhalation
exposures. It is a strong dermal
sensitizer. In repeated dose tests in rats,
the liver is the target organ for
trifloxystrobin; toxicity is induced
following oral and dermal exposure for
28 days. There is no evidence of
increased susceptibility following
prenatal exposure to rats and rabbits
and postnatal exposures to rats.
Trifloxystrobin was determined not to
be carcinogenic in mice or rats
following long-term dietary
administration. Trifloxystrobin is
positive for mutagenicity in Chinese
Hamster V79 cells, albeit at cytotoxic
dose levels. However, trifloxystrobin is
negative in the remaining mutagenicity
studies.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by trifloxystrobin as well
as the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies are discussed in the
final rule published in the Federal
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of 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 FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 217 / Wednesday, November 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
Register of June 11, 2010 (75 FR 33190)
(FRL–8829–2).
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B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (POD)
and levels of concern to use in
evaluating the risk posed by human
exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
that have a threshold below which there
is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
POD is used as the basis for derivation
of reference values for risk assessment.
PODs are developed based on a careful
analysis of the doses in each
toxicological study to determine the
dose at which no adverse effects are
observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern
are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
safety factors are used in conjunction
with the POD to calculate a safe
exposure level—generally referred to as
a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
risks, the Agency assumes that any
amount of exposure will lead to some
degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
estimates risk in terms of the probability
of an occurrence of the adverse effect
expected in a lifetime. 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/pesticides/factsheets/
riskassess.htm.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for trifloxystrobin used for
human risk assessment is discussed in
Unit III.B. of the final rule published in
the Federal Register of June 11, 2010
(75 FR 33190).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to trifloxystrobin, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
existing trifloxystrobin tolerances in 40
CFR 180.555. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from trifloxystrobin 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.
Such effects were identified for
trifloxystrobin. In estimating acute
dietary exposure for females 13–49
years old, EPA conducted an analysis
using the Dietary Exposure Evaluation
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Model (DEEMTM 7.81), which used food
consumption information from the
United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) 1994–1996 and 1998,
Nationwide Continuing Surveys of Food
Intake by Individuals (CSFII). EPA used
tolerance level residues. EPA assumed
all commodities with established or
proposed tolerances were treated with
trifloxystrobin.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the USDA 1994–1996 and 1998,
CSFII to be included in DEEM. As to
residue levels in food, EPA used
tolerance level residues for all
commodities with the exception of
apples, oranges and grapes. For these
commodities EPA used anticipated
residues from field residue trials. EPA
assumed all commodities with
established or proposed tolerances were
treated with trifloxystrobin.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that trifloxystrobin does not
pose a cancer risk to humans. Therefore,
a dietary exposure assessment for the
purpose of assessing cancer risk is
unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information. Section
408(b)(2)(E) of FFDCA authorizes EPA
to use available data and information on
the anticipated residue levels of
pesticide residues in food and the actual
levels of pesticide residues that have
been measured in food. If EPA relies on
such information, EPA must require
pursuant to FFDCA section 408(f)(1)
that data be provided 5 years after the
tolerance is established, modified, or
left in effect, demonstrating that the
levels in food are not above the levels
anticipated. For the present action, EPA
will issue such Data Call-Ins as are
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(E)
and authorized under FFDCA section
408(f)(1). Data will be required to be
submitted no later than 5 years from the
date of issuance of these tolerances.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for trifloxystrobin in drinking water.
These simulation models take into
account data on the physical, chemical,
and fate/transport characteristics of
trifloxystrobin. 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.
Based on the Pesticide Root Zone
Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling
System (PRZM/EXAMS), GENeric
Estimated Exposure Concentration
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(GENEEC), and/or Screening
Concentration in Ground Water (SCI–
GROW) models, the estimated drinking
water concentrations (EDWCs) of
trifloxystrobin plus its major
degradation product, CGA–321113 for
the proposed alfalfa use are less than
those previously estimated in the
revised EDWCs for turf use.
Acute and chronic exposures are
estimated to be 47.99 parts per billion
(ppb) and 47.31 ppb for surface water,
respectively. Modeled estimates of
drinking water concentrations were
directly entered into the dietary
exposure model.
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).
Trifloxystrobin is currently registered
for the following uses that could result
in residential exposures: Ornamentals
and turfgrass. EPA assessed residential
exposure under the following exposure
scenarios: Adult post-application
dermal exposure; and children’s postapplication dermal and/or hand to
mouth exposure. Further information
regarding EPA standard assumptions
and generic inputs for residential
exposures may be found at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/trac/science/
trac6a05.pdf.
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 not found trifloxystrobin to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
trifloxystrobin does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by
other substances. For the purposes of
this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that trifloxystrobin does not
have 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 Web site at
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/
cumulative.
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 217 / Wednesday, November 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
D. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
an additional tenfold (10X) 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
Food Quality Protection Act Safety
Factor (FQPA SF). In applying this
provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X, or uses a different
additional safety factor when reliable
data available to EPA support the choice
of a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
There is no indication of increased
susceptibility of rat or rabbits to
trifloxystrobin. In the prenatal
developmental study in rats, there was
no developmental toxicity at the limit
dose. In the prenatal developmental
study in rabbits, developmental toxicity
was seen at a dose that was higher than
the dose that caused maternal toxicity.
In the 2-generation reproduction study,
there was no offspring toxicity at the
highest dose tested.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined
that reliable data show the safety of
infants and children would be
adequately protected if the FQPA SF
were reduced to 1x. That decision is
based on the following findings:
i. The toxicity database for
trifloxystrobin is complete except for
neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity
testing. Recent changes to 40 CFR part
158 make neurotoxicity and
immunotoxicity testing required for
pesticide registration; however, the
existing data are sufficient for endpoint
selection for exposure/risk assessment
scenarios, and for evaluation of the
requirements under the FQPA.
Although acute and subchronic
neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity
studies are needed to complete the
database, there are no concerns for
immunotoxicity or neurotoxicity based
on the results of the existing studies.
The toxicological database for
trifloxystrobin does not show any
evidence of treatment-related effects on
the immune system. There was a
decrease in the incidence of
hemosiderosis in the spleen of F0 and
F1 parental males and females in the 2generation reproduction study. The
effect was not seen in any other toxicity
studies, and it was not a primary effect
on the spleen. This decrease may
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indicate a decrease of red blood cell
turnover; but it is not an effect on the
immune system. Further, there was no
evidence of neurotoxicity at the limit
dose in an unacceptable acute
neurotoxicity study or in the other
subchronic and chronic studies in the
database. EPA does not believe that
conducting neurotoxicity or
immunotoxicity studies will result in a
dose less than the points of departure
already used in this risk assessment and
an additional database uncertainty
factor (UF) for potential neurotoxicity
and/or immunotoxicity does not need to
be applied.
ii. There is no indication that
trifloxystrobin is a neurotoxic chemical
and there is no need for a
developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional UFs to account for
neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that
trifloxystrobin results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits
in the prenatal developmental studies or
in young rats in the 2-generation
reproduction study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The acute and chronic dietary food
exposure assessments utilize existing
and proposed tolerance level residues
and 100 PCT information for all
commodities, except for apples, oranges,
and grapes which utilized anticipated
residues for the chronic dietary
assessment. By using these screeninglevel assessments with minor
refinement, actual exposures/risks from
residues in food will not be
underestimated. EPA made conservative
(protective) assumptions in the ground
water and surface water modeling used
to assess exposure to trifloxystrobin in
drinking water. EPA used similarly
conservative assumptions to assess
postapplication exposure of children as
well as incidental oral exposure of
toddlers. These assessments will not
underestimate the exposure and risks
posed by trifloxystrobin.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure
estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and
chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer
risks, EPA calculates the lifetime
probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,
intermediate-, and chronic-term risks
are evaluated by comparing the
estimated aggregate food, water, and
residential exposure to the appropriate
PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE
exists.
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1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk
assessment takes into account acute
exposure estimates from dietary
consumption of food and drinking
water. With the exception of the subpopulation females 13–49 years, no
adverse effect resulting from a single
oral exposure was identified and no
acute dietary endpoint was selected.
Therefore, using the exposure
assumptions discussed in this unit for
acute exposure, the acute dietary
exposure from food and water to
trifloxystrobin will occupy <2% of the
aPAD for females 13–49 years old.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to trifloxystrobin
from food and water will utilize 34% of
the cPAD for the general U.S.
population and 64% of the cPAD for
children 1–2 years old, the population
group receiving the greatest exposure.
Based on the explanation in Unit
III.C.3., regarding residential use
patterns, chronic residential exposure to
residues of trifloxystrobin is not
expected.
3. Short-term risk. Short-term
aggregate exposure takes into account
short-term residential exposure plus
chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background
exposure level).
Trifloxystrobin is currently registered
for uses that could result in short-term
residential exposure, and the Agency
has determined that it is appropriate to
aggregate chronic exposure through food
and water with short-term residential
exposures to trifloxystrobin.
Using the exposure assumptions
described in this unit for short-term
exposures, EPA has concluded the
combined short-term food, water, and
residential exposures result in aggregate
MOEs of 1,100 for adults (dermal
residential + dietary food and drinking
water exposures); 650 for children 1–2
years (dermal residential + dietary food
and drinking water exposures); and 120
for children 1–2 years (incidental oral +
dietary food and drinking water
exposures). Because EPA’s level of
concern for trifloxystrobin is a MOE of
100 or below, these MOEs are not of
concern.
4. Intermediate-term risk.
Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered
to be a background exposure level).
Trifloxystrobin is not expected to pose
an intermediate-term risk based on a
short soil half-life (approximately 2
days).
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5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two
adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,
trifloxystrobin is not expected to pose a
cancer risk to humans.
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
trifloxystrobin residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodologies
(gas chromatography with nitrogen
phosphorus detection (GC/NPD),
Method AG–659A and liquid
chromatography with tandem mass
spectrometry detection (LC/MS/MS),
Method No. 200177) are 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
jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with RULES
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances 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 (Codex), as
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
The Codex Alimentarius is a joint U.N.
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 may establish a tolerance
that is different from a Codex MRL;
however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4)
requires that EPA explain the reasons
for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established a MRL
for trifloxystrobin in or on alfalfa forage
or alfalfa hay. Also, since Canada does
not establish tolerances for livestock
feed items, no Canadian MRLs have
been established for these commodities.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of trifloxystrobin,
benzeneacetic acid, (E,E)-a(methoxyimino)-2-[[[[1-[3(trifluoromethyl)
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phenyl]ethylidene]amino]oxy]methyl]methyl ester), in or on alfalfa, forage at
0.01 ppm and alfalfa, hay at 0.01 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final rule establishes tolerances
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 final rule
has been exempted from review under
Executive Order 12866, this final rule is
not subject to Executive Order 13211,
entitled 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 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 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. 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 9, 2000) do not apply
to this final rule. In addition, this final
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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) (Pub. L. 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: October 4, 2011.
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. Section 180.555 is amended by
alphabetically adding the following
commodities to the table in paragraph
(a) to read as follows:
■
§ 180.555 Trifloxystrobin; tolerance of
residues.
(a) * * *
Parts per
million
Commodity
Alfalfa, forage .........................
Alfalfa, hay ..............................
*
E:\FR\FM\09NOR1.SGM
*
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*
0.01
0.01
*
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 217 / Wednesday, November 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
*
*
*
*
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 305–7390; email address:
nollen.laura@epa.gov.
*
[FR Doc. 2011–28945 Filed 11–8–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2010–0619; FRL–8890–2]
Abamectin (avermectin); Pesticide
Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of abamectin
(avermectin) in or on onion, bulb,
subgroup 3–07A; chive, fresh leaves;
chive, dried leaves; and bean, dry, seed.
This regulation additionally removes
time-limited tolerances on bean, lima,
seed; and onion, bulb, as the tolerances
will be superseded by permanent
tolerance. Interregional Research Project
Number 4 (IR–4) requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
November 9, 2011. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before January 9, 2012, 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–2010–0619. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index
available at https://www.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:
Laura Nollen, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:26 Nov 08, 2011
Jkt 226001
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).
• 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 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 get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
site at https://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/
text/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/
Title40/40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
U.S.C. 346a, 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–2010–0619 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing, and must be
received by the Hearing Clerk on or
before January 9, 2012. Addresses for
mail and hand delivery of objections
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
69653
and hearing requests are provided in 40
CFR 178.25(b).
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. Information not marked
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2
may be disclosed publicly by EPA
without prior notice. Submit a copy of
your non-CBI objection or hearing
request, identified by docket ID number
EPA–HQ–OPP–2010–0619, 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
Facility’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. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of August 11,
2010 (75 FR 48667) (FRL–8840–6), 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 0E7738) by IR–4,
500 College Rd. East, Suite 201W,
Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition
requested that 40 CFR 180.449 be
amended by establishing tolerances for
residues of the insecticide abamectin
(avermectin B1), a mixture of
avermectins containing greater than or
equal to 80% avermectin B1a (5-Odemethyl avermectin A1) and less than
or equal to 20% avermectin B1b (5-Odemethyl 25-de(1-methylpropyl)-25-(1methylethyl) avermectin A1) and its
delta-8,9-isomer, in or on bean, dry,
seed at 0.01 parts per million (ppm);
chive, dried leaves at 0.07 ppm; chive,
fresh leaves at 0.01 ppm; and onion,
bulb, subgroup 3–07A at 0.01 ppm. That
notice referenced a summary of the
petition prepared on behalf of IR–4 by
Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., the
registrant, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing.
E:\FR\FM\09NOR1.SGM
09NOR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 217 (Wednesday, November 9, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69648-69653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-28945]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0456; FRL-8890-1]
Trifloxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
trifloxystrobin in or on alfalfa, forage and alfalfa, hay. Bayer
CropScience requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective November 9, 2011. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before January 9, 2012,
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-2011-0456. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index available at https://www.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: Tawanda Maignan, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 308-8050; email address: Maignan.Tawanda@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 69649]]
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).
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 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 get electronic access to other related information?
You may access a frequently updated electronic version of EPA's
tolerance regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through the Government
Printing Office's e-CFR site at https://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, 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-2011-0456 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
January 9, 2012. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections and
hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
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. Information not marked confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2
may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice. Submit a copy of
your non-CBI objection or hearing request, identified by docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0456, 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 Facility'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. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance
In the Federal Register of July 20, 2011 (76 FR 43231) (FRL-8880-
1), 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
0F7713) by Bayer CropScience, P.O. Box 12014, 2 T.W. Alexander Dr.,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. The petition requested that 40 CFR
180.555 be amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the
fungicide trifloxystrobin, benzeneacetic acid, (E,E)-[alpha]-
(methoxyimino)-2-[[[[1-[3- (trifluoromethyl)
phenyl]ethylidene]amino]oxy]methyl]-methyl ester), in or on alfalfa,
forage at 0.01 parts per million (ppm) and alfalfa, hay at 0.01 ppm.
That notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Bayer
CropScience, the registrant, which is available 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 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 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 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 * *
*.''
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, and the factors
specified in section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, 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 trifloxystrobin
including exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this
action. EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with
trifloxystrobin 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. Trifloxystrobin exhibits very low toxicity following single
oral, dermal and inhalation exposures. It is a strong dermal
sensitizer. In repeated dose tests in rats, the liver is the target
organ for trifloxystrobin; toxicity is induced following oral and
dermal exposure for 28 days. There is no evidence of increased
susceptibility following prenatal exposure to rats and rabbits and
postnatal exposures to rats. Trifloxystrobin was determined not to be
carcinogenic in mice or rats following long-term dietary
administration. Trifloxystrobin is positive for mutagenicity in Chinese
Hamster V79 cells, albeit at cytotoxic dose levels. However,
trifloxystrobin is negative in the remaining mutagenicity studies.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by trifloxystrobin as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies are discussed in the final rule
published in the Federal
[[Page 69650]]
Register of June 11, 2010 (75 FR 33190) (FRL-8829-2).
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL)
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. 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/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for trifloxystrobin used
for human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III.B. of the final rule
published in the Federal Register of June 11, 2010 (75 FR 33190).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to trifloxystrobin, EPA considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing trifloxystrobin
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.555. EPA assessed dietary exposures from
trifloxystrobin 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.
Such effects were identified for trifloxystrobin. In estimating
acute dietary exposure for females 13-49 years old, EPA conducted an
analysis using the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model (DEEM\TM\ 7.81),
which used food consumption information from the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1994-1996 and 1998, Nationwide
Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). EPA used
tolerance level residues. EPA assumed all commodities with established
or proposed tolerances were treated with trifloxystrobin.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996
and 1998, CSFII to be included in DEEM. As to residue levels in food,
EPA used tolerance level residues for all commodities with the
exception of apples, oranges and grapes. For these commodities EPA used
anticipated residues from field residue trials. EPA assumed all
commodities with established or proposed tolerances were treated with
trifloxystrobin.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that trifloxystrobin does not pose a cancer risk to humans.
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information.
Section 408(b)(2)(E) of FFDCA authorizes EPA to use available data and
information on the anticipated residue levels of pesticide residues in
food and the actual levels of pesticide residues that have been
measured in food. If EPA relies on such information, EPA must require
pursuant to FFDCA section 408(f)(1) that data be provided 5 years after
the tolerance is established, modified, or left in effect,
demonstrating that the levels in food are not above the levels
anticipated. For the present action, EPA will issue such Data Call-Ins
as are required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(E) and authorized under
FFDCA section 408(f)(1). Data will be required to be submitted no later
than 5 years from the date of issuance of these tolerances.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for trifloxystrobin in drinking water. These simulation
models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of trifloxystrobin. 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.
Based on the Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling
System (PRZM/EXAMS), GENeric Estimated Exposure Concentration (GENEEC),
and/or Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-GROW) models, the
estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of trifloxystrobin plus
its major degradation product, CGA-321113 for the proposed alfalfa use
are less than those previously estimated in the revised EDWCs for turf
use.
Acute and chronic exposures are estimated to be 47.99 parts per
billion (ppb) and 47.31 ppb for surface water, respectively. Modeled
estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly entered into
the dietary exposure model.
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).
Trifloxystrobin is currently registered for the following uses that
could result in residential exposures: Ornamentals and turfgrass. EPA
assessed residential exposure under the following exposure scenarios:
Adult post-application dermal exposure; and children's post-application
dermal and/or hand to mouth exposure. Further information regarding EPA
standard assumptions and generic inputs for residential exposures may
be found at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/trac/science/trac6a05.pdf.
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 not found trifloxystrobin to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and trifloxystrobin does not appear
to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
trifloxystrobin does not have 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 Web site at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
[[Page 69651]]
D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) 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 Food Quality
Protection Act Safety Factor (FQPA SF). In applying this provision, EPA
either retains the default value of 10X, or uses a different additional
safety factor when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of
a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There is no indication of
increased susceptibility of rat or rabbits to trifloxystrobin. In the
prenatal developmental study in rats, there was no developmental
toxicity at the limit dose. In the prenatal developmental study in
rabbits, developmental toxicity was seen at a dose that was higher than
the dose that caused maternal toxicity. In the 2-generation
reproduction study, there was no offspring toxicity at the highest dose
tested.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the
FQPA SF were reduced to 1x. That decision is based on the following
findings:
i. The toxicity database for trifloxystrobin is complete except for
neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity testing. Recent changes to 40 CFR part
158 make neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity testing required for
pesticide registration; however, the existing data are sufficient for
endpoint selection for exposure/risk assessment scenarios, and for
evaluation of the requirements under the FQPA. Although acute and
subchronic neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity studies are needed to
complete the database, there are no concerns for immunotoxicity or
neurotoxicity based on the results of the existing studies. The
toxicological database for trifloxystrobin does not show any evidence
of treatment-related effects on the immune system. There was a decrease
in the incidence of hemosiderosis in the spleen of F0 and F1 parental
males and females in the 2-generation reproduction study. The effect
was not seen in any other toxicity studies, and it was not a primary
effect on the spleen. This decrease may indicate a decrease of red
blood cell turnover; but it is not an effect on the immune system.
Further, there was no evidence of neurotoxicity at the limit dose in an
unacceptable acute neurotoxicity study or in the other subchronic and
chronic studies in the database. EPA does not believe that conducting
neurotoxicity or immunotoxicity studies will result in a dose less than
the points of departure already used in this risk assessment and an
additional database uncertainty factor (UF) for potential neurotoxicity
and/or immunotoxicity does not need to be applied.
ii. There is no indication that trifloxystrobin is a neurotoxic
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study
or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that trifloxystrobin results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal
developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction
study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The acute and chronic dietary food exposure assessments
utilize existing and proposed tolerance level residues and 100 PCT
information for all commodities, except for apples, oranges, and grapes
which utilized anticipated residues for the chronic dietary assessment.
By using these screening-level assessments with minor refinement,
actual exposures/risks from residues in food will not be
underestimated. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the
ground water and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to
trifloxystrobin in drinking water. EPA used similarly conservative
assumptions to assess postapplication exposure of children as well as
incidental oral exposure of toddlers. These assessments will not
underestimate the exposure and risks posed by trifloxystrobin.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water,
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an
adequate MOE exists.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and
drinking water. With the exception of the sub-population females 13-49
years, no adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure was
identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore, using
the exposure assumptions discussed in this unit for acute exposure, the
acute dietary exposure from food and water to trifloxystrobin will
occupy <2% of the aPAD for females 13-49 years old.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
trifloxystrobin from food and water will utilize 34% of the cPAD for
the general U.S. population and 64% of the cPAD for children 1-2 years
old, the population group receiving the greatest exposure. Based on the
explanation in Unit III.C.3., regarding residential use patterns,
chronic residential exposure to residues of trifloxystrobin is not
expected.
3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into
account short-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
Trifloxystrobin is currently registered for uses that could result
in short-term residential exposure, and the Agency has determined that
it is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and water
with short-term residential exposures to trifloxystrobin.
Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water,
and residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 1,100 for adults
(dermal residential + dietary food and drinking water exposures); 650
for children 1-2 years (dermal residential + dietary food and drinking
water exposures); and 120 for children 1-2 years (incidental oral +
dietary food and drinking water exposures). Because EPA's level of
concern for trifloxystrobin is a MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are
not of concern.
4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure
level). Trifloxystrobin is not expected to pose an intermediate-term
risk based on a short soil half-life (approximately 2 days).
[[Page 69652]]
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity
studies, trifloxystrobin is not expected to pose a cancer risk to
humans.
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 trifloxystrobin residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodologies (gas chromatography with
nitrogen phosphorus detection (GC/NPD), Method AG-659A and liquid
chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC/MS/MS),
Method No. 200177) are 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
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances 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 (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint U.N. 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 may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established a MRL for trifloxystrobin in or on
alfalfa forage or alfalfa hay. Also, since Canada does not establish
tolerances for livestock feed items, no Canadian MRLs have been
established for these commodities.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of
trifloxystrobin, benzeneacetic acid, (E,E)-[alpha]-(methoxyimino)-2-
[[[[1-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]ethylidene]amino]oxy]methyl]-methyl
ester), in or on alfalfa, forage at 0.01 ppm and alfalfa, hay at 0.01
ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes tolerances 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 final rule has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this final rule is
not subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled 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 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 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. 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 9, 2000) do not apply to this final rule. In addition,
this final 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) (Pub. L. 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: October 4, 2011.
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
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. Section 180.555 is amended by alphabetically adding the following
commodities to the table in paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 180.555 Trifloxystrobin; tolerance of residues.
(a) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alfalfa, forage........................................... 0.01
Alfalfa, hay.............................................. 0.01
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 69653]]
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2011-28945 Filed 11-8-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P