Fluoxastrobin; Pesticide Tolerances, 64911-64915 [2012-26086]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 206 / Wednesday, October 24, 2012 / Rules and Regulations J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY This extension of a temporary stay is not subject to Executive Order 12898. Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994), establishes federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main provision directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations in the United States. EPA has determined that this action will not have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority or low-income populations because it does not change the substance of 40 CFR 52.1628. [EPA–HQ–OPP–2009–0677; FRL–9365–7] 40 CFR Part 180 K. Congressional Review Act This action is not subject to the Congressional Review Act (‘‘CRA’’). The CRA, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. The Section 804 (3) of the CRA defines ‘‘rule’’ as having the same meaning given to such term in section 551 of the APA. See 5 U.S.C. 551(4). Since this action is not designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy, within the meaning of APA, this action is exempted from the reporting requirements of the CRA. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur dioxide, Visibility, Interstate transport of pollution, Regional haze, Best available control technology. Dated: October 12, 2012. Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012–26089 Filed 10–23–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:17 Oct 23, 2012 Jkt 229001 Fluoxastrobin; Pesticide Tolerances Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This regulation establishes tolerances for combined residues of fluoxastrobin and its Z-isomer in or on poultry, liver; hog, fat; hog, meat byproducts; and rice, grain. Arysta LifeScience, North America, LLC, requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). SUMMARY: This regulation is effective October 24, 2012. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before December 24, 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–2009–0677, is available at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West Bldg., 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: Heather Garvie, Registration Division (7504P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (703) 308–0034; email address: garvie.heather@epa.gov. DATES: 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. The following list of North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes is PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 64911 not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. Potentially affected entities may include: • Crop production (NAICS code 111). • Animal production (NAICS code 112). • Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311). • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532). 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–2009–0677 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 December 24, 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 (excluding any Confidential Business Information (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 the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing request, identified by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP– 2009–0677, by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/ DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001. E:\FR\FM\24OCR1.SGM 24OCR1 64912 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 206 / Wednesday, October 24, 2012 / Rules and Regulations • 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. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance In the Federal Register issue of October 5, 2011 (76 FR 61647) (FRL– 8890–5), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 1F7897) by Arysta LifeScience, North America, LLC, 15401 Weston Pkwy., Suite 150, Cary, NC 27513. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.609 be amended by establishing tolerances for combined residues of the fungicide fluoxastrobin, (1E)-[2-[[6-(2-chlorophenoxy)-5-fluoro-4pyrimydinyl]oxy]phenyl](5,6-dihydro1,4,2-dioxazin-3-yl)methanone Omethyloxime, and its Z-isomer, (1Z)-[2[[6-(2-chlorophenoxy)-5-fluoro-4pyrimydinyl]oxy]phenyl](5,6-dihydro1,4,2-dioxazin-3-yl)methanone Omethyloxime, in or on rice, grain at 6.0 parts per million (ppm). That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Arysta LifeScience, North America LLC, the registrant, which is available in the docket, https:// www.regulations.gov. A comment was received on the notice of filing. EPA’s response to this comment is discussed in Unit IV.C. Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has revised the proposed tolerance on rice, grain to 4.0 ppm and established additional tolerances for hog, fat; hog, meat byproducts; and poultry, liver. The reason for these changes are explained in Unit IV.D. 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:17 Oct 23, 2012 Jkt 229001 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 fluoxastrobin including exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks associated with fluoxastrobin 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. The most recent human health risk assessment for fluoxastrobin was conducted for use on the squash/ cucumber crop subgroup 9B. Since that time, an adequate functional immunotoxicity study has been submitted and reviewed. In accordance with 40 CFR part 158—Data Requirements for Pesticides, a subchronic inhalation study is also required for fluoxastrobin. However, the Agency has waived the inhalation toxicity study data requirement at this time. The hazard characterization and toxicity endpoints for risk assessment remain unchanged. Fluoxastrobin and its major metabolites were evaluated in a battery of genotoxicity tests and results were negative. The carcinogenic potential of fluoxastrobin was adequately tested in rats and mice of both sexes. The results demonstrated a lack of treatment-related increase in tumor incidence in rats or mice. There was no mutagenicity concern and no structure activity relationship alert. It was concluded that there was no incidence of carcinogenicity for fluoxastrobin. Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the adverse effects caused by fluoxastrobin as well as the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 toxicity studies are discussed in the final rule that established a tolerance for residues of fluoxastrobin in or on squash/cucumber subgroup 9B. That rule was published in the Federal Register issue of August 17, 2011 (76 FR 50893) (FRL–8884–4). 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 factors (UFs)/safety factors (SFs) are used in conjunction with the POD to calculate a safe exposure level— generally referred to as a populationadjusted 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 fluoxastrobin used for human risk assessment is shown in Table 1 of the final rule published in the Federal Register issue of August 17, 2011, p. 50895. C. Exposure Assessment 1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary exposure to fluoxastrobin, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing fluoxastrobin tolerances in 40 CFR 180.609. EPA assessed dietary exposures from fluoxastrobin 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 E:\FR\FM\24OCR1.SGM 24OCR1 TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 206 / Wednesday, October 24, 2012 / Rules and Regulations identified in the toxicological studies for fluoxastrobin; 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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1994–1996 and 1998 Nationwide Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As to residue levels in food, EPA conducted a conservative dietary exposure assessment for fluoxastrobin. The assumptions of this dietary assessment included tolerance level residues and 100 percent crop treated (PCT). The Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model (DEEM) software version 7.81 default processing factors were assumed except for where tolerances were established for processed commodities or when processing studies showed no concentration. Based on processing studies, the processing factors for dried potato (granules/flakes), potato chips, potato flour, and tomato puree were reduced to 1. Separate tolerances were set for peanut oil, tomato paste, and wheat bran; therefore, the processing factors for these commodities were set at 1. iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has concluded that fluoxastrobin 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. EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the dietary assessment for fluoxastrobin. Tolerance level residues and/or 100 PCT were assumed for all food commodities. 2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. Based on laboratory studies, fluoxastrobin persists in soils for several months to several years and is slightly to moderately mobile in soil. The Agency used screening level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk assessment for fluoxastrobin in drinking water. These simulation models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/ transport characteristics of fluoxastrobin. 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 Tier 1 Rice Model and Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI–GROW) models, the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of fluoxastrobin for chronic exposures for non-cancer assessments VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:17 Oct 23, 2012 Jkt 229001 are estimated to be 93 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 0.038 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 value of 93 ppb was used to assess the contribution to drinking water. 3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in this document to refer to nonoccupational, non-dietary exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control, termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets). Fluoxastrobin is currently registered for the following uses that could result in residential exposures: Spot treatment and/or broadcast control of diseases on turf, including lawns and golf courses. EPA assessed residential exposure using the following assumptions: Residential handler exposure for adults is expected to be short-term only. Intermediate-term and chronic exposures are not likely because of the intermittent nature of applications by homeowners. Since there are no toxicity findings for the short-term dermal route of exposure up to the limit dose, the residential handler assessment only includes the inhalation route of exposure. There is also potential for homeowners and their families (of varying ages) to be exposed as a result of entering areas that have previously been treated with fluoxastrobin. Exposure might occur on areas such as lawns used by children or recreational areas such as golf courses used by adults and youths. Potential routes of exposure include dermal (adults and children) and incidental oral ingestion (children). Since no acute hazard has been identified, an assessment of episodic granular ingestion was not conducted. Further information regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic inputs for residential exposures may be found at: https://www.epa.gov/ pesticides/science/residential-exposuresop.html. 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 fluoxastrobin to share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and fluoxastrobin does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 64913 other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that fluoxastrobin 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 FQPA (Food Quality Protection Act) SF. In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X, or uses a different additional SF when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different factor. 2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. The available studies used to evaluate pre- and postnatal exposure susceptibility do not indicate increased susceptibility of rats or rabbits to fluoxastrobin. These studies include the following: i. Developmental toxicity studies in rats. ii. Developmental toxicity studies in rabbits. iii. A 2-generation reproduction study in rats. 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 fluoxastrobin is complete. ii. There is no indication that fluoxastrobin 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 fluoxastrobin 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. The exposure databases are estimated based on data that reasonably account for potential exposures. The E:\FR\FM\24OCR1.SGM 24OCR1 64914 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 206 / Wednesday, October 24, 2012 / Rules and Regulations TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES chronic dietary food exposure assessment was conservatively based on 100 PCT assumptions, tolerance-level residues, and conservative ground and surface drinking water modeling estimates. New 2012 Residential Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were used to assess post-application exposure to children including incidental oral exposure. The residential post-application assessment assumes maximum application rates and conservative day zero hand-to-mouth activities. All of the exposure estimates for fluoxastrobin are based on conservative high-end assumptions and are not likely to result in underestimated risk. 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, fluoxastrobin 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 fluoxastrobin from food and water will utilize 36% of the cPAD for the general population, and 75% 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 fluoxastrobin is not expected. 3. Short- and intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term aggregate exposure takes into account short-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure level). Fluoxastrobin 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:17 Oct 23, 2012 Jkt 229001 exposures to fluoxastrobin. Because all short- and intermediate-term quantitative hazard assessments (via the dermal and incidental oral routes) for fluoxastrobin are based on the same endpoint, a screening-level, conservative aggregate risk assessment was conducted that combined the shortterm incidental oral and intermediateterm exposure estimates (i.e., the highest exposure estimates) in the risk assessments for adults. The Agency believes that most residential exposure will be short-term, based on the use pattern. There is potential short- and intermediate-term exposure to fluoxastrobin via the dietary (which is considered background exposure) and residential (which is considered primary) pathways. For adults, these pathways lead to exposure via the oral (background), and dermal and inhalation (primary) routes. For children, these pathways lead to exposure via the oral (background), and incidental oral and dermal (primary) routes. 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 920 for adults and 220 for children (1–2 years old). Because EPA’s level of concern for fluoxastrobin is a MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are not of concern. 4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies, fluoxastrobin is not expected to pose a cancer risk to humans. 5. 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 fluoxastrobin residues. IV. Other Considerations A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology Adequate enforcement methodology (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry) is available to enforce the tolerance expression. Method No. 00604 is available for plant commodities and Method No. 00691 is available for animal commodities. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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. There are currently no established Mexican, Canadian, or Codex MRLs or tolerances for fluoxastrobin. C. Response to Comment One comment was received to the docket from the City of Sacramento, CA. The comment was a request that the EPA thoroughly review the request to register fluoxastrobin for use on rice with regard to its potential to affect drinking water quality. The Agency has determined that dietary risks for fluoxastrobin are below the Agency’s concern for dietary exposure and risk. D. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances The petitioner requested a tolerance level of 6.0 ppm for rice, grain in the notice of filing. The Agency has revised the tolerance level from 6.0 ppm to 4.0 ppm for rice, grain based on the data used to support the risk assessment. The petitioner has subsequently submitted a revised notice of filing to the Agency requesting a tolerance level of 4.0 ppm for rice, grain. The use of fluoxastrobin on rice, grain will result in a slight increase in the dietary burden to ruminants; however secondary residues in rumiant commodities are not expected to exceed the established tolerances for milk and ruminant tissues. The increased dietary burden to swine and poultry results in the need for tolerances for hog, fat at 0.03 ppm; hog meat, byproducts at 0.06 ppm; and poultry, liver at 0.06 ppm. V. Conclusion Therefore, tolerances are established for combined residues of fluoxastrobin and its Z-isomer, in or on rice, grain at 4.0 ppm; hog, fat at 0.03 ppm; hog, meat E:\FR\FM\24OCR1.SGM 24OCR1 64915 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 206 / Wednesday, October 24, 2012 / Rules and Regulations TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES byproducts at 0.06 ppm; and poultry, liver at 0.06 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:17 Oct 23, 2012 Jkt 229001 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) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.). 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) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). VII. Congressional Review Act Parts per million Commodity * * * * Hog, fat ..................................... Hog, meat byproducts .............. * 0.03 0.06 * * * * Poultry, liver .............................. * 0.06 * * * * * * * * * * [FR Doc. 2012–26086 Filed 10–23–12; 8:45 am] Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 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 the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). BILLING CODE 6560–50–P List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180 RIN 0648–BC04 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Emergency Rule Extension, Closure of the Delmarva Access Area Dated: October 15, 2012. Lois Rossi, Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 120330235–2014–01] National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Temporary final rule; emergency action extension. AGENCY: NMFS extends the emergency closure of the Delmarva Access Area PART 180—[AMENDED] (DMV) published on May 14, 2012, which is scheduled to expire on ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180 November 10, 2012. Specifically, this continues to read as follows: temporary rule extends the 180-day Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371. closure of the DMV in fishing year (FY) 2012 for an additional 186 days, through ■ 2. In § 180.609: May 13, 2013. ■ i. Add alphabetically the commodity DATES: This rule is effective from ‘‘Rice, grain’’ to the table in paragraph November 10, 2012, through May 14, (a)(1). 2013. The expiration date of the temporary rule published May 14, 2012 ■ ii. Add alphabetically the following (77 FR 28311), is extended to May 14, commodities to the table in paragraph 2013, unless superseded by another (a)(2). The additions read as follows: action which will publish in the Federal § 180.609 Fluoxastrobin; tolerances for Register. residues. ADDRESSES: The Environmental (a) * * * Assessment (EA) is available by request from: John K. Bullard, Regional (1) * * * Administrator, National Marine Parts per Fisheries Service, Northeast Region, 55 Commodity million Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930–2276, or via the Internet at https:// www.nero.noaa.gov. * * * * * Rice, grain ................................ 4.0 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Biegel, Fishery * * * * * Management Specialist, 978–281–9112; fax 978–281–9135. (2) * * * SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24OCR1.SGM 24OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 206 (Wednesday, October 24, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64911-64915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26086]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0677; FRL-9365-7]


Fluoxastrobin; Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for combined residues 
of fluoxastrobin and its Z-isomer in or on poultry, liver; hog, fat; 
hog, meat byproducts; and rice, grain. Arysta LifeScience, North 
America, LLC, requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective October 24, 2012. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before December 24, 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-2009-0677, is available at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory 
Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency 
Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West Bldg., 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: Heather Garvie, Registration Division 
(7504P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone 
number: (703) 308-0034; email address: garvie.heather@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. 
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System 
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. 
Potentially affected entities may include:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).

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-2009-0677 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 
December 24, 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 (excluding any Confidential Business Information (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 the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing 
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0677, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.

[[Page 64912]]

     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at http:[sol][sol]www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.htm.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at 
http:[sol][sol]www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance

    In the Federal Register issue of October 5, 2011 (76 FR 61647) 
(FRL-8890-5), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 
408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide 
petition (PP 1F7897) by Arysta LifeScience, North America, LLC, 15401 
Weston Pkwy., Suite 150, Cary, NC 27513. The petition requested that 40 
CFR 180.609 be amended by establishing tolerances for combined residues 
of the fungicide fluoxastrobin, (1E)-[2-[[6-(2-chlorophenoxy)-5-fluoro-
4-pyrimydinyl]oxy]phenyl](5,6-dihydro-1,4,2-dioxazin-3-yl)methanone O- 
methyloxime, and its Z-isomer, (1Z)-[2-[[6-(2-chlorophenoxy)-5-fluoro-
4-pyrimydinyl]oxy]phenyl](5,6-dihydro-1,4,2-dioxazin-3-yl)methanone O- 
methyloxime, in or on rice, grain at 6.0 parts per million (ppm). That 
document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Arysta 
LifeScience, North America LLC, the registrant, which is available in 
the docket, http:[sol][sol]www.regulations.gov. A comment was received 
on the notice of filing. EPA's response to this comment is discussed in 
Unit IV.C.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has 
revised the proposed tolerance on rice, grain to 4.0 ppm and 
established additional tolerances for hog, fat; hog, meat byproducts; 
and poultry, liver. The reason for these changes are explained in Unit 
IV.D.

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 fluoxastrobin including 
exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action. 
EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with fluoxastrobin 
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.
    The most recent human health risk assessment for fluoxastrobin was 
conducted for use on the squash/cucumber crop subgroup 9B. Since that 
time, an adequate functional immunotoxicity study has been submitted 
and reviewed. In accordance with 40 CFR part 158--Data Requirements for 
Pesticides, a subchronic inhalation study is also required for 
fluoxastrobin. However, the Agency has waived the inhalation toxicity 
study data requirement at this time. The hazard characterization and 
toxicity endpoints for risk assessment remain unchanged.
    Fluoxastrobin and its major metabolites were evaluated in a battery 
of genotoxicity tests and results were negative. The carcinogenic 
potential of fluoxastrobin was adequately tested in rats and mice of 
both sexes. The results demonstrated a lack of treatment-related 
increase in tumor incidence in rats or mice. There was no mutagenicity 
concern and no structure activity relationship alert. It was concluded 
that there was no incidence of carcinogenicity for fluoxastrobin. 
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by fluoxastrobin 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 
that established a tolerance for residues of fluoxastrobin in or on 
squash/cucumber subgroup 9B. That rule was published in the Federal 
Register issue of August 17, 2011 (76 FR 50893) (FRL-8884-4).

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 factors (UFs)/safety factors (SFs) 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 fluoxastrobin used for 
human risk assessment is shown in Table 1 of the final rule published 
in the Federal Register issue of August 17, 2011, p. 50895.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to fluoxastrobin, EPA considered exposure under the 
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing fluoxastrobin 
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.609. EPA assessed dietary exposures from 
fluoxastrobin 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

[[Page 64913]]

identified in the toxicological studies for fluoxastrobin; 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 United States 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1994-1996 and 1998 Nationwide 
Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As to residue 
levels in food, EPA conducted a conservative dietary exposure 
assessment for fluoxastrobin. The assumptions of this dietary 
assessment included tolerance level residues and 100 percent crop 
treated (PCT). The Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model (DEEM) software 
version 7.81 default processing factors were assumed except for where 
tolerances were established for processed commodities or when 
processing studies showed no concentration. Based on processing 
studies, the processing factors for dried potato (granules/flakes), 
potato chips, potato flour, and tomato puree were reduced to 1. 
Separate tolerances were set for peanut oil, tomato paste, and wheat 
bran; therefore, the processing factors for these commodities were set 
at 1.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has 
concluded that fluoxastrobin 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. 
EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the 
dietary assessment for fluoxastrobin. Tolerance level residues and/or 
100 PCT were assumed for all food commodities.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. Based on laboratory 
studies, fluoxastrobin persists in soils for several months to several 
years and is slightly to moderately mobile in soil. The Agency used 
screening level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis 
and risk assessment for fluoxastrobin in drinking water. These 
simulation models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and 
fate/transport characteristics of fluoxastrobin. 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 Tier 1 Rice Model and Screening Concentration in 
Ground Water (SCI-GROW) models, the estimated drinking water 
concentrations (EDWCs) of fluoxastrobin for chronic exposures for non-
cancer assessments are estimated to be 93 parts per billion (ppb) for 
surface water and 0.038 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 value of 93 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).
    Fluoxastrobin is currently registered for the following uses that 
could result in residential exposures: Spot treatment and/or broadcast 
control of diseases on turf, including lawns and golf courses. EPA 
assessed residential exposure using the following assumptions: 
Residential handler exposure for adults is expected to be short-term 
only. Intermediate-term and chronic exposures are not likely because of 
the intermittent nature of applications by homeowners. Since there are 
no toxicity findings for the short-term dermal route of exposure up to 
the limit dose, the residential handler assessment only includes the 
inhalation route of exposure.
    There is also potential for homeowners and their families (of 
varying ages) to be exposed as a result of entering areas that have 
previously been treated with fluoxastrobin. Exposure might occur on 
areas such as lawns used by children or recreational areas such as golf 
courses used by adults and youths. Potential routes of exposure include 
dermal (adults and children) and incidental oral ingestion (children). 
Since no acute hazard has been identified, an assessment of episodic 
granular ingestion was not conducted. Further information regarding EPA 
standard assumptions and generic inputs for residential exposures may 
be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/science/residential-exposure-sop.html.
    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 fluoxastrobin to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and fluoxastrobin does not appear 
to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the 
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
fluoxastrobin 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 FQPA (Food 
Quality Protection Act) SF. In applying this provision, EPA either 
retains the default value of 10X, or uses a different additional SF 
when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different 
factor.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. The available studies used 
to evaluate pre- and postnatal exposure susceptibility do not indicate 
increased susceptibility of rats or rabbits to fluoxastrobin. These 
studies include the following:
    i. Developmental toxicity studies in rats.
    ii. Developmental toxicity studies in rabbits.
    iii. A 2-generation reproduction study in rats.
    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 fluoxastrobin is complete.
    ii. There is no indication that fluoxastrobin 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 fluoxastrobin 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. The exposure databases are estimated based on data that 
reasonably account for potential exposures. The

[[Page 64914]]

chronic dietary food exposure assessment was conservatively based on 
100 PCT assumptions, tolerance-level residues, and conservative ground 
and surface drinking water modeling estimates. New 2012 Residential 
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were used to assess post-
application exposure to children including incidental oral exposure. 
The residential post-application assessment assumes maximum application 
rates and conservative day zero hand-to-mouth activities. All of the 
exposure estimates for fluoxastrobin are based on conservative high-end 
assumptions and are not likely to result in underestimated risk.

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, 
fluoxastrobin 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 
fluoxastrobin from food and water will utilize 36% of the cPAD for the 
general population, and 75% 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 fluoxastrobin is not 
expected.
    3. Short- and intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term 
aggregate exposure takes into account short-term residential exposure 
plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a background 
exposure level).
    Fluoxastrobin 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 fluoxastrobin. Because all 
short- and intermediate-term quantitative hazard assessments (via the 
dermal and incidental oral routes) for fluoxastrobin are based on the 
same endpoint, a screening-level, conservative aggregate risk 
assessment was conducted that combined the short-term incidental oral 
and intermediate-term exposure estimates (i.e., the highest exposure 
estimates) in the risk assessments for adults. The Agency believes that 
most residential exposure will be short-term, based on the use pattern.
    There is potential short- and intermediate-term exposure to 
fluoxastrobin via the dietary (which is considered background exposure) 
and residential (which is considered primary) pathways. For adults, 
these pathways lead to exposure via the oral (background), and dermal 
and inhalation (primary) routes. For children, these pathways lead to 
exposure via the oral (background), and incidental oral and dermal 
(primary) routes.
    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 920 for adults 
and 220 for children (1-2 years old). Because EPA's level of concern 
for fluoxastrobin is a MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are not of 
concern.
    4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of 
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity 
studies, fluoxastrobin is not expected to pose a cancer risk to humans.
    5. 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 fluoxastrobin residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate enforcement methodology (liquid chromatography/mass 
spectrometry/mass spectrometry) is available to enforce the tolerance 
expression. Method No. 00604 is available for plant commodities and 
Method No. 00691 is available for animal commodities. 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 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. There are currently no 
established Mexican, Canadian, or Codex MRLs or tolerances for 
fluoxastrobin.

C. Response to Comment

    One comment was received to the docket from the City of Sacramento, 
CA. The comment was a request that the EPA thoroughly review the 
request to register fluoxastrobin for use on rice with regard to its 
potential to affect drinking water quality. The Agency has determined 
that dietary risks for fluoxastrobin are below the Agency's concern for 
dietary exposure and risk.

D. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances

    The petitioner requested a tolerance level of 6.0 ppm for rice, 
grain in the notice of filing. The Agency has revised the tolerance 
level from 6.0 ppm to 4.0 ppm for rice, grain based on the data used to 
support the risk assessment. The petitioner has subsequently submitted 
a revised notice of filing to the Agency requesting a tolerance level 
of 4.0 ppm for rice, grain.
    The use of fluoxastrobin on rice, grain will result in a slight 
increase in the dietary burden to ruminants; however secondary residues 
in rumiant commodities are not expected to exceed the established 
tolerances for milk and ruminant tissues. The increased dietary burden 
to swine and poultry results in the need for tolerances for hog, fat at 
0.03 ppm; hog meat, byproducts at 0.06 ppm; and poultry, liver at 0.06 
ppm.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for combined residues of 
fluoxastrobin and its Z-isomer, in or on rice, grain at 4.0 ppm; hog, 
fat at 0.03 ppm; hog, meat

[[Page 64915]]

byproducts at 0.06 ppm; and poultry, liver at 0.06 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) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
    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) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

VII. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
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 
the rule in the Federal Register. This action 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 15, 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.  180.609:
0
i. Add alphabetically the commodity ``Rice, grain'' to the table in 
paragraph (a)(1).
0
ii. Add alphabetically the following commodities to the table in 
paragraph (a)(2). The additions read as follows:


Sec.  180.609  Fluoxastrobin; tolerances for residues.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Parts per
                         Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Rice, grain................................................          4.0
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Parts per
                         Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Hog, fat...................................................         0.03
Hog, meat byproducts.......................................         0.06
 
                                * * * * *
Poultry, liver.............................................         0.06
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2012-26086 Filed 10-23-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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