Methoxyfenozide; Pesticide Tolerances, 40806-40812 [2012-16824]

Agencies

• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 133 (Wednesday, July 11, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40806-40812]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16824]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0343; FRL-9354-1]


Methoxyfenozide; Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of 
methoxyfenozide in or on multiple commodities which are identified and 
discussed later and for indirect or inadvertent combined residues of 
the methoxyfenozide on various other commodities. In addition, this 
regulation removes established tolerances for certain commodities/
groups superseded by this action and revises the tolerance expression. 
The Interregional Research Project 4 (IR-4) requested these 
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective July 11, 2012. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before September 10, 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: The docket for this action, identified by docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0343, is available at https://www.regulations.gov or at the OPP Docket in the Environmental 
Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), located in EPA West, Rm. 
3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public 
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public 
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP 
Docket is (703) 305-5805. Please review the visitor instructions and 
additional information about the docket available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Debra Rate, Registration Division 
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone 
number: (703) 306-0309; email address: rate.debra@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).
     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.

[[Page 40807]]

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-2011-0343 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 
September 10, 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-2011-0343, by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on line information you consider to be Confidential Business 
Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted 
by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), Mail Code: 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.htm.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

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 FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C. 
346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 1E7842) 
by IR-4, 500 College Road East, Suite 201W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The 
petition requested that 40 CFR 180.544 be amended by establishing 
tolerances for residues of the insecticide methoxyfenozide (benzoic 
acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl-, 2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl 
hydrazide), in or on the raw agricultural commodities fruit, citrus, 
group 10-10 at 1.9 parts per million (ppm); lemon, oil at 45 ppm; 
citrus, oil (except lemon) at 100 ppm; vegetable, root, except sugar 
beet, subgroup 1B at 0.8 ppm; and beet, sugar at 0.5 ppm. In addition, 
the petition proposed that 40 CFR 180.544 be amended by removing the 
tolerance for vegetable, root, subgroup 1A from paragraph (a) and the 
tolerances for fruit, citrus and citrus, oil from paragraph (c). 
Lastly, the petition proposed to revise the tolerance expressions in 40 
CFR 180.544. That notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared 
by Dow AgroSciences LLC, the registrant, which is available in the 
docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in 
response to the notice of filing.
    In the Federal Register of October 27, 2010 (75 FR 66092) (FRL-
8848-3), EPA issued a notice pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 
0F7776) by Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 
46268. The petition proposed to reestablish tolerances which were 
inadvertently allowed to expire in 2010. The proposed tolerances in 40 
CFR 180.544 are for indirect or inadvertent combined residues of the 
insecticide methoxyfenozide, (benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl-, 2-
(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide) and its 
metabolites RH-117,236 free phenol of methoxyfenozide; 3,5-
dimethylbenzoic acid N-tert-butyl-N'-(3-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoyl) 
hydrazide, RH-151,055 glucose conjugate of RH-117,236; 3,5-
dimethylbenzoic acid N-tert-butyl-N-[3 ([beta]-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-2-
methylbenzoyl]-hydrazide) and RH-152,072 the malonylglycosyl conjugate 
of RH-117,236, in or on the raw agricultural commodities: Vegetable, 
root and tuber, group 1 at 0.1 ppm; vegetable, leaves of root and 
tuber, group 2 at 0.2 ppm; vegetable, bulb, group 3 at 0.2 ppm; 
vegetable, legume, group 6 at 0.1 ppm; vegetable, foliage of legume, 
group 7 at 10 ppm; grain, cereal, forage, fodder, and straw, group 16 
at 10 ppm; grass, forage, fodder and hay, group 17 at 10 ppm; animal 
feed, non-grass, group 18 at 10 ppm; and herb and spice, group 19 at 10 
ppm. That notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Dow 
AgroSciences LLC, the registrant, which is available in the docket, 
https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response 
to the notice of filing.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petitions, EPA has 
modified the levels at which tolerances are being established for some 
of the commodities. The reasons for these changes are explained in Unit 
IV.C.

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 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 methoxyfenozide including 
exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action. 
EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with methoxyfenozide 
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.
    Methoxyfenozide is not acutely toxic and not a dermal sensitizer. 
Minimal or no toxic effects were observed in studies in which 
methoxyfenozide was administered by the dermal or inhalation routes of 
exposure.

[[Page 40808]]

    The main target organs in the rat and dog were the liver, thyroid 
and red blood cells (RBC). The most consistent findings across species 
and studies were decreased red blood cell parameters and increased 
liver, thyroid, adrenal and spleen weights. In the rat metabolism 
study, liver contained 2-9% of the administered radioactivity at 
maximum concentration (Cmax), but levels decreased and 
bioaccumulation was not observed. Levels in the blood were negligible. 
The effects of methoxyfenozide on the blood (methemoglobinemia, 
decreased red blood cell parameters, Heinz body formation) are 
consistent with those of other hydrazine compounds.
    Acute and subchronic oral neurotoxicity studies in the rat did not 
show evidence of potential neurotoxicity. In the acute study, decreased 
hindlimb grip strength on Day 0 was reported in males. This finding was 
only observed at the limit dose in males and was not observed in the 
subchronic neurotoxicity study and was therefore not considered 
evidence of neurotoxicity. No clinical signs of toxicity or 
neurohistopathology were observed in other guideline studies.
    No maternal or developmental effects were observed in either the 
rat or rabbit oral developmental toxicity studies. In the rat 2-
generation reproductive toxicity study, parental effects were limited 
to increased liver weight and microscopic periportal hypertrophy. No 
offspring or reproductive toxicity was observed. In a 28-day dietary 
immunotoxicity study in the rat, no immunotoxicity was observed. The 
only observed effect was increased liver weight.
    Dermal effects were not observed in the rat following a 28-day 
exposure period (5 exposure days per week for a total of 20 exposures). 
This finding is consistent with the relatively low dermal absorption of 
2% of the applied dose, observed in an in vivo dermal absorption study 
in rats treated with an 80% wettable powder (WP) formulation product.
    There was no evidence of carcinogenicity in the rat dietary 24-
month chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study or the mouse dietary 18-
month carcinogenicity study. No mutagenic or clastogenic potential was 
observed in the battery of genotoxicity studies on methoxyfenozide. 
Based on these findings, methoxyfenozide is classified as ``not likely 
to be carcinogenic to humans.''
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by methoxyfenozide 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 at https://www.regulations.gov in document titled ``Methoxyfenozide Human Health 
Risk Assessment'' starting at page 14 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-
2011-0343.

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 methoxyfenozide used 
for human risk assessment is shown in the Table of this unit.

[[Page 40809]]



 Table--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Methoxyfenozide for Use in Human Health Risk Assessment
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                                    Point of departure
        Exposure/scenario            and uncertainty/     RfD, PAD, LOC for     Study and toxicological effects
                                      safety  factors      risk assessment
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Acute dietary (General population               No hazard was identified for a single oral exposure.
 including infants and children
 and Females 13-49 years of age).
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chronic dietary..................  NOAEL = 10.2 mg/kg/   Chronic RfD = 0.10   Co-critical studies: Combined oral
(All populations)................   day.                  mg/kg/day.           chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity-
                                   UFA = 10x...........  cPAD = 0.10 mg/kg/    rat LOAEL = 411/491 mg/kg/day M/F
                                   UFH = 10x...........   day.                 based on hematological changes
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........                        (decreased RBC parameters),
                                                                               periportal liver hypertrophy,
                                                                               thyroid hypertrophy and altered
                                                                               colloid; possibly increased
                                                                               adrenal weight.
                                                                              Chronic oral toxicity-dog NOAEL =
                                                                               9.8/12.6 mg/kg/day M/F LOAEL =
                                                                               106.1/110.6 mg/kg/day based on
                                                                               hematological changes (decreased
                                                                               RBC parameters, slight
                                                                               methemoglobinemia) and increased
                                                                               serum bilirubin.
Inhalation Short-Term (1-30 days)  NOAEL = 16.8 mg/kg/   LOC for MOE = 100..  Two-week oral range finding study-
 and Intermediate-Term (1-6         day.                                       dog LOAEL = 90.8 mg/kg/day based
 months).                          UFA = 10x...........                        on hematological changes
                                   UFH = 10x...........                        (decreased RBC parameters,
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........                        increased Heinz body count,
                                                                               reticulocyte counts, erythrocyte
                                                                               morphology and methemoglobinemia)
                                                                               and increased spleen weights.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation)             Classification: Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.
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FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. LOC = level
  of concern. mg/kg/day = milligram/kilogram/day. MOE = margin of exposure. NOAEL = no-observed-adverse-effect-
  level. PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. UF = uncertainty factor.
  UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies).

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to methoxyfenozide, EPA considered exposure under the 
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing methoxyfenozide 
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.544. EPA assessed dietary exposures from 
methoxyfenozide 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. No such effects were 
identified in the toxicological studies for methoxyfenozide; therefore, 
a quantitative acute dietary exposure assessment is unnecessary.
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996 
and 1998 CSFII. As to residue levels in food, EPA used tolerance level 
residues, Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model (DEEM) (Ver. 7.81) default 
processing factors (as necessary), an empirical processing factor for 
orange juice, and 100 percent crop treated (PCT) for all commodities.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has 
concluded that methoxyfenozide 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 PCT information. EPA did not use 
anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the dietary assessment 
for methoxyfenozide. Tolerance level residues and 100 PCT were assumed 
for all food commodities.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening 
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for methoxyfenozide in drinking water. These simulation 
models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of methoxyfenozide. 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) and Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-
GROW) models the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of 
methoxyfenozide for chronic exposures for non-cancer assessments are 
estimated to be 43.4 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 4.13 
ppb for ground water.
    Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly 
entered into the dietary exposure model. For chronic dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration of value 43.4 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).
    Methoxyfenozide is currently registered for the following uses that 
could result in residential exposures: Ornamentals. EPA assessed 
residential exposure using the following assumptions: Adults may be 
exposed to methoxyfenozide from its currently registered use on 
ornamentals. Residential pesticide handlers may be exposed for short-
term durations of exposure (1-30 days) only. The inhalation (short-
term) residential exposure was assessed for a ``homeowner'' mixer/
loader/applicator using a manually pressurized handwand, backpack 
sprayer, or hose-end sprayer.
    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.

[[Page 40810]]

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 methoxyfenozide to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and methoxyfenozide does not appear 
to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the 
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
methoxyfenozide 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.

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 (FQPA) Safety Factor (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. Based on the results in the 
developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits and in the 2-
generation reproduction study in rats, no increased sensitivity of 
fetuses or pups (as compared to adults) was demonstrated for 
methoxyfenozide. There are no concerns or residual uncertainties for 
prenatal/postnatal toxicity following exposure to methoxyfenozide.
    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 methoxyfenozide is complete. Although 
a 28-day inhalation toxicity study has not been submitted, EPA has 
determined that this study is not needed based on a weight of evidence 
approach that considered all of the available hazard and exposure 
information, including the use of a conservative oral POD that results 
in MOEs ranging from 28,000 to 4,100,000 for risk via the inhalation 
route due to residential and occupational exposures. Therefore, there 
is no need for additional UFs to account for missing studies.
    ii. There is no indication that methoxyfenozide is a neurotoxic 
chemical and there is no need for additional UFs to account for 
neurotoxicity.
    iii. There is no evidence that methoxyfenozide 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 dietary food exposure assessment utilized 100 PCT and 
tolerance-level residues (established or recommended). EPA made 
conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water 
modeling used to assess exposure to methoxyfenozide in drinking water. 
These assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed 
by methoxyfenozide.

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. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure 
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore, 
methoxyfenozide is not expected to pose an acute risk.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
methoxyfenozide from food and water will utilize 58% 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 
methoxyfenozide 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). 
Methoxyfenozide is currently registered for uses that could result in 
short-term residential exposure for adults, and the Agency has 
determined that it is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through 
food and water with short-term residential exposures to 
methoxyfenozide.
    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 670. Because 
EPA's level of concern for methoxyfenozide 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). Because no intermediate-term adverse effect was identified, 
methoxyfenozide is not expected to pose an intermediate-term risk.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of 
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity 
studies, methoxyfenozide 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 methoxyfenozide residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate enforcement methodology (high performance liquid 
chromatography (HPLC), with either tandem mass spectrometric detection 
(LC/MS/MS) or ultraviolet detection (HPLC/UV)) 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.

[[Page 40811]]

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 United Nations 
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food 
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety 
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United 
States is a party. EPA 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 established MRLs for methoxyfenozide in or on citrus 
fruits at 0.7 ppm, carrots at 0.5 ppm, and radishes at 0.4 ppm. These 
MRLs are different than the tolerances established for methoxyfenozide 
in the United States. Harmonization of tolerances in the currently 
requested commodities is not possible, as the U.S. and Codex use 
patterns differ potentially resulting in residues in citrus and 
vegetable, root, except sugar beet, subgroup 1B, which includes carrots 
and radishes, under U.S. use patterns that are greater than the 
corresponding Codex MRLs.

C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances

    EPA is establishing a slightly higher tolerance of 0.90 ppm for 
vegetable, root, except sugar beet, subgroup 1B, than was proposed. The 
0.90 ppm tolerance was calculated using the Organization for Economic 
Co-operation and Development (OECD) tolerance calculation procedure. 
Similarly, EPA is establishing tolerances for citrus commodities that 
are higher than that proposed by IR-4. IR-4 proposed separate 
tolerances for residues in lemon oil and residues in all other citrus 
oils. However, because residues from the citrus field trials are 
similar enough to warrant a crop group tolerance, and a single 
processing factor was used to derive the oil tolerance, EPA is 
establishing a conservative tolerance in citrus oil at 100 ppm, and no 
separate tolerance for residues in lemon oil will be established. 
Tolerances proposed for inadvertent residues will not be established 
for vegetable, root and tuber group 1 at 1 ppm since a tolerances exist 
in Sec.  180.544(a) for subgroups 1A and 1D. Therefore, only a 
tolerance for potato will be established at the Agency determined level 
of 0.02 ppm. Tolerances will not be established for vegetable, bulb, 
group 3 at 0.20 ppm since a tolerance exists in Sec.  180.544(a) for 
subgroup 3-07B. Only a tolerance for onion, bulb, subgroup 3-07A will 
be established at the Agency determined level of 0.10 ppm. Tolerances 
also are not needed for vegetable, legume group 6, grass forage, 
fodder, and hay group 17, since tolerances for these groups exist under 
Sec.  180.544(a). Also, since a tolerance exists in Sec.  180.544(a) 
for coriander, leaves, a tolerance for Herb and spice, group 19, except 
coriander, leaves will be established at a lower, Agency determined 
level of 4.5 ppm.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of 
methoxyfenozide (benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl-, 2-(3,5-
dimehtylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl hydrazide), in or on fruit, 
citrus, group 10-10 at 3.0 ppm; citrus, oil at 100 ppm; vegetable, 
root, except sugar beet, subgroup 1B at 0.90 ppm; and beet, sugar 0.50 
ppm. Also, due to the tolerances established above by this document, 
the following existing tolerance is removed as unnecessary; vegetable, 
root, subgroup 1A. All of the commodities covered by this crop subgroup 
are covered by the tolerances for vegetable, root, except sugar beet, 
subgroup 1B, and beet, sugar. In addition, concurrent with the 
establishment of tolerances for fruit, citrus, group 10-10 at 3.0 ppm 
and citrus, oil at 100 ppm in Sec.  180.544(a), the tolerances for 
fruit, citrus, group 10 (10 ppm) and citrus oil (100 ppm) will be 
removed from Sec.  180.544(c). Tolerances will be established under 
Sec.  180.544(d)(1) for onion, bulb subgroup 3-07A at 0.10 ppm and for 
potato at 0.02 ppm. Tolerances will be established under Sec.  
180.544(d)(2) for grain, cereal, forage, fodder and straw, group 16 
except corn at 6.0 ppm; animal feed, nongrass, group 18, straw at 8.0 
ppm; and herb and spice, group 19, except coriander, leaves at 4.5 ppm.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This final rule establishes tolerances under FFDCA section 408(d) 
in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from 
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this 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 FFDCA section 408(d), 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 FFDCA section 408(n)(4). 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).

[[Page 40812]]

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: June 29, 2012.
Lois Rossi,
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. In Sec.  180.544:
0
i. Revise the introductory text in paragraph (a)(1);
0
ii. Remove the entry for ``Vegetable, root, subgroup 1A'' from the 
table in paragraph (a)(1), and add alphabetically the following 
commodities to the table;
0
iii. Revise introductory text in paragraph (a)(2); and
0
iv. Revise paragraphs (b), (c) and (d).
    The amendments read as follows:


Sec.  180.544  Methoxyfenozide; tolerances for residues.

    (a) General. (1) Tolerances are established for residues of the 
insecticide methoxyfenozide, including its metabolites and degradates, 
in or on the commodities listed in the following table. Compliance with 
the tolerance levels specified in the following table is to be 
determined by measuring only methoxyfenozide (3-methoxy-2-methylbenzoic 
acid 2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide) in or on 
the commodity.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts per
                        Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Beet, sugar, roots......................................            0.50
 
                                * * * * *
Citrus, oil.............................................          100
 
                                * * * * *
Fruit, citrus, group 10-10..............................            3.0
 
                                * * * * *
Vegetable, root, except sugar beet, Subgroup 1B.........            0.90
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (2) Tolerances are established for residues of the insecticide 
methoxyfenozide, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the 
commodities in the following table. Compliance with the tolerance 
levels specified in the following table is to be determined by 
measuring only the sum of methoxyfenozide [3-methoxy-2-methylbenzoic 
acid 2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide] and its 
glucuronide metabolite ([beta]-D-Glucopyranuronic acid, 3-[[2-(1,1-
dimethylethyl)-2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-hydrazino]carbonyl]-2-
methylphenyl-), calculated as the stoichiometric equivalent of 
methoxyfenozide.
* * * * *
    (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. Time-limited tolerances 
specified in the following table are established for residues of the 
insecticide methoxyfenozide, including its metabolites and degradates, 
in or on the specified agricultural commodities, resulting from use of 
the pesticide pursuant to FFIFRA section 18 emergency exemptions. 
Compliance with the tolerance levels specified in the following table 
is to be determined by measuring only methoxyfenozide [benzoic acid, 3-
methoxy-2-methyl-, 2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-
dimethylethyl)hydrazide]. The expired tolerances will be revoked on the 
date specified in the table.
* * * * *
    (c) Tolerances with regional registrations. [Reserved]
    (d) Indirect or inadvertent tolerances. (1) Tolerances are 
established for the indirect or inadvertent residues of the insecticide 
methoxyfenozide, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the 
raw agricultural commodities in the following table, when present 
therein as a result of the application of methoxyfenozide to growing 
crops as listed in paragraph (a) of this section. Compliance with the 
tolerance levels specified in the following table is to be determined 
by measuring only methoxyfenozide [3-methoxy-2-methylbenzoic acid 2-
(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide].

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts per
                        Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Onion, bulb, subgroup 3-07A.............................            0.10
Potato..................................................            0.02
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Tolerances are established for the indirect or inadvertent 
residues of the insecticide methoxyfenozide, including its metabolites 
and degradates, in or on the raw agricultural commodities in the 
following table, when present therein as a result of the application of 
methoxyfenozide to growing crops as listed in paragraph (a) of this 
section. Compliance with the tolerance levels specified in the 
following table is to be determined by measuring only the sum of 
methoxyfenozide [3-methoxy-2-methylbenzoic acid, 2-(3,5-
dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide] and the following 
metabolites (all calculated as the stoichiometric equivalent of 
methoxyfenozide): free phenol of methoxyfenozide [3,5-dimethylbenzoic 
acid N-tert-butyl-N'-(3-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoyl) hydrazide], the 
glucose conjugate of the phenol [3,5-dimethyl benzoic acid N-tert-
butyl-N'-[3 ([beta]-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-2-methylbenzoyl]-hydrazide] 
and the malonylglycosyl conjugate of the phenol [3,5-dimethyl benzoic 
acid N-tert-butyl-N'-[3 ([beta]-D-6-malonyl-glucopyranosyl-1-oxy)-2-
methylbenzoyl]-hydrazide].

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts per
                        Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal feed, nongrass, group 18, straw..................             8.0
Grain, cereal, forage, fodder and straw group 16, except             6.0
 corn...................................................
Herb and spice, group 19, except coriander, leaves......             4.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2012-16824 Filed 7-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P