Bacillus mycoides Isolate J; Time-Limited Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance, 24349-24353 [2013-09706]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 80 / Thursday, April 25, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
PART 52—APPROVAL AND
PROMULGATION OF
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
1. The authority citation for part 52
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Subpart MM—Oregon
2. Section 52.1970 is amended by
adding paragraphs (c)(116)(i)(D) and (c)
(156) to read as follows:
■
§ 52.1970
Identification of plan.
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*
*
*
*
*
(c) * * *
(116) * * *
(i) * * *
(D) Based on a SIP revision submitted
by Oregon on February 16, 2001, Oregon
Administrative Rules Chapter 340,
Division 23 ‘‘Rules for Open Burning,’’
as effective March 10, 1993, is removed
from the SIP.
*
*
*
*
*
(156) On February 16, 2001, May 13,
2005, March 29, 2006, and March 20,
2008, the Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality submitted
revisions to the Oregon Administrative
Rules (OAR) Chapter 340 as revisions to
the Oregon State Implementation Plan
(SIP). The submissions relate to
Oregon’s open burning rules,
enforcement procedures, civil penalties,
and procedures in contested cases
(appeals).
(i) Incorporation by reference.
(A) The following sections of the OAR
Chapter 340, Division 264, effective
December 15, 2000: Division 264, Rules
For Open Burning: Rule 0010 How to
Use These Open Burning Rules; Rule
0020 Policy; Rule 0030 Definitions; Rule
0040 Exemptions, Statewide; Rule 0050
General Requirements Statewide; Rule
0060 General Prohibitions Statewide;
Rule 0070 Open Burning Conditions;
Rule 0075 Delegation of Authority; Rule
0078 Open Burning Control Areas; Rule
0080 County Listing of Specific Open
Burning Rules; Rule 0100 Open Burning
Requirements, Baker, Clatsop, Crook,
Curry, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant,
Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath,
Lake, Lincoln, Malheur, Morrow,
Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union,
Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler Counties;
Rule 0110 Open Burning Requirements,
Benton, Linn, Marion, Polk, and
Yamhill Counties; Rule 0120, Open
Burning Requirements, Clackmas
County; Rule 0130, Open Burning
Requirements, Multnomah County; Rule
0140 Open Burning Requirements,
Washington County; Rule 0150 Open
Burning Requirements, Columbia
County; Rule 0160 Open Burning
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Requirements, Lane County; Rule 0170
Open Burning Requirements, Coos,
Douglas, Jackson and Josephine
Counties; Rule 0180 Open Burning
Requirements, Letter Permits, Rule 0190
Open Burning Requirements, Forced-Air
Pit Incinerators.
(B) [Reserved.]
(ii) Additional Material:
(A) The following revised sections of
Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter
340 effective May 13, 2005: Division 12
Enforcement Procedures and Civil
Penalties: Rule 0026 Policy, Rule 0028
Scope of Applicability, Rule 0030
Definitions, Rule 0038 Warning Letters,
Pre-Enforcement Notices and Notices of
Permit Violation, Rule 0041 Formal
Enforcement Action, Rule 0042
Determination of Base Penalty, Rule
0045 Civil Penalty Determination
Procedure, Rule 0145 Determination of
Aggravating or Mitigating Factors, Rule
0150 Determination of Economic
Benefit, Rule 0160 Department
Discretion Regarding Penalty
Assessment, Rule 0162 Inability to Pay
the Penalty, Rule 0165 Stipulated
Penalties, Rule 0170 Compromise or
Settlement of Civil Penalty by
Department.
(B) The following revised sections of
Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter
340 effective March 29, 2006: Division
12 Enforcement Procedures and Civil
Penalties: Rule 0027 Rule Effective Date,
Rule 0053 Violations that Apply to all
Programs, Rule 0054 Air Quality
Classification of Violations, Rule 0073
Environmental Cleanup Classification of
Violation, Rule 0082 Contingency
Planning Classification of Violations,
Rule 0130 Determination of Violation
Magnitude, Rule 0135 Selected
Magnitude Categories, Rule 0140
Determination of Base Penalty, Rule
0155 Additional or Alternate Civil
Penalties.
(C) The following revised sections of
Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter
340 effective March 20, 2008: Division
11, Rules of General Applicability and
Organization, Rule 0005 Definitions,
Rule 0009 Incorporation of Attorney
General’s Uniform and Model Rules,
Rule 0510 Agency Representation by
Environmental Law Specialist, Rule
0515 Authorized Representative of
Respondent other than a Natural Person
in a Contested Case Hearing, Rule 0573
Proposed Orders in Contested Cases,
Rule 0575 Review of Proposed Orders in
Contested Cases.
24349
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0397; FRL–9383–1]
Bacillus mycoides Isolate J; TimeLimited Exemption From the
Requirement of a Tolerance
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
[FR Doc. 2013–09695 Filed 4–24–13; 8:45 am]
This regulation establishes a
time-limited exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance for residues
of Bacillus mycoides isolate J in or on
potato, when used in accordance with
the terms of the section 18 emergency
exemption. This action is in response to
EPA’s granting of an emergency
exemption under section 18 of the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing
use of the pesticide on potato. The timelimited exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance expires on December 31,
2015.
DATES: This regulation is effective April
25, 2013. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
June 24, 2013, and must be filed in
accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0397, 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:
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.
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 80 / Thursday, April 25, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. 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).
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B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of 40 CFR part 180
through the Government Printing
Office’s e-CFR site at https://
ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl. To access the OCSPP test
guidelines referenced in this document
electronically, please go to https://
www.epa.gov/ocspp and select ‘‘Test
Methods and Guidelines.’’
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under section 408(g) of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA),
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–2012–0397 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 June 24, 2013. 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
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by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
2012–0397, 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.
• 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.html.
Additional instructions on commenting
or visiting the docket, along with more
information about dockets generally, is
available at https://www.epa.gov/
dockets.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
EPA, on its own initiative, in
accordance with FFDCA sections 408(e)
and 408(l)(6) of, 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) and
346a(1)(6), is establishing a time-limited
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for Bacillus mycoides isolate J,
in or on potato. This time-limited
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance expires on December 31, 2015.
Section 408(l)(6) of FFDCA requires
EPA to establish a time-limited
tolerance or exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance for pesticide
chemical residues in food that will
result from the use of a pesticide under
an emergency exemption granted by
EPA under section 18 of FIFRA. Such
tolerances and exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance can be
established without providing notice or
period for public comment. EPA does
not intend for its actions on FIFRA
section 18 related time-limited
tolerances or exemptions to set binding
precedents for the application of FFDCA
section 408 and the safety standard to
other tolerances and exemptions.
Section 408(e) of FFDCA allows EPA to
establish a tolerance or an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance on
its own initiative, i.e., without having
received any petition from an outside
party.
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
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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. Pursuant to
FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in
establishing or maintaining in effect an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance, EPA must take into account
the factors set forth in FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(C), which 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.* * *’’
Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes EPA
to exempt any Federal or State agency
from any provision of FIFRA, if EPA
determines that ‘‘emergency conditions
exist which require such exemption.’’
EPA has established regulations
governing such emergency exemptions
in 40 CFR part 166.
EPA performs a number of analyses to
determine the risks from aggregate
exposure to pesticide residues. First,
EPA determines the toxicity of
pesticides. Second, EPA examines
exposure to the pesticide through food,
drinking water, and through other
exposures that occur as a result of
pesticide use in residential settings.
III. Emergency Exemption for Bacillus
mycoides isolate J on Potato and
Exemption From the Requirement of a
Tolerance
The Montana Department of
Agriculture requested a specific
emergency exemption, for the use of the
unregistered active ingredient (ai),
Bacillus mycoides isolate J (BmJ), to
control tuber infections caused by
potato virus Y (PVY), on generation 1
(G1) and generation 2 (G2) potatoes
grown for certified seed potato stock.
There are no registered alternatives to
control PVY infections, only registered
alternatives that inadequately control
the aphids which vector the virus. The
Montana Department of Agriculture,
requested use for 2,675 acres of seed
potato.
After having reviewed the
submission, EPA determined that an
emergency condition existed for this
State, and that the criteria for approval
of an emergency exemption were met.
Accordingly, EPA authorized a specific
exemption under FIFRA section 18 for
the use of Bacillus mycoides isolate J on
potato for control of PVY in Montana.
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As part of its evaluation of the
emergency exemption application, EPA
assessed the potential risks presented by
residues of Bacillus mycoides isolate J in
or on potato. In doing so, EPA
considered the safety standard in
FFDCA section 408(b)(2), and EPA
decided that the necessary exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance
under FFDCA section 408(l)(6) would be
consistent with the safety standard and
with FIFRA section 18. Consistent with
the need to move quickly on the
emergency exemption in order to
address an urgent non-routine situation
and to ensure that the resulting food is
safe and lawful, EPA is issuing this
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance without notice and
opportunity for public comment as
provided in FFDCA section 408(l)(6).
This time-limited exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance expires on
December 31, 2015. EPA will take action
to revoke the time-limited exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance
earlier if any experience with, scientific
data on, or other relevant information
on this pesticide indicates that the
residues are not safe.
Because this time-limited exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance is
being approved under emergency
conditions, EPA has not made any
decisions about whether Bacillus
mycoides isolate J meets FIFRA’s
registration requirements for use on
potato or whether permanent tolerances
or exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for this use would be
appropriate. Under these circumstances,
EPA does not believe that this timelimited exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance serves as a basis for
registration of Bacillus mycoides isolate
J by a State for special local needs under
FIFRA section 24(c). Nor does this
tolerance by itself serve as the authority
for persons in any State other than
Montana to use this pesticide on the
applicable crops under FIFRA section
18 absent the issuance of an emergency
exemption applicable within that State.
For additional information regarding the
emergency exemption for Bacillus
mycoides isolate J, consult the person
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
IV. Toxicological Profile
Consistent with FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other
relevant information in support of this
action and considered its validity,
completeness, and reliability and the
relationship of this information to
human risk. EPA has also considered
available information concerning the
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variability of the sensitivities of major
identifiable subgroups of consumers,
including infants and children. The
nature of the toxic effects caused by
Bacillus mycoides isolate J, are
discussed in this unit. Refer to risk
assessments in docket number EPA–
HQ–OPP–2005–0303 with the titles: (1)
BPPD Review of Product Chemistry and
Toxicity/Pathogenicity Data Submitted
by Montana Microbial Products, for EUP
of BmjJ WP, which contains Bacillus
mycoides isolate J and (2) Ecological
Risk Assessment for Bacillus mycoides
Isolate J, for additional information.
The stomach is a hostile environment
for most microbes, as most oral
exposure to microbes, leads to
inactivation by stomach acids,
proteases, and subsequently bile salts
(Ref. 1). In contrast, a pulmonary
exposure study provides those microbes
that are capable of infecting mammals
with the greatest opportunity to express
infectivity by directing them into the
lungs, from where they may enter the
bloodstream and other organs.
Therefore, a microbe that does not show
significant infectivity in a pulmonary
exposure study, presents negligible risk
via oral exposure.
An Acute Pulmonary Toxicity/
Pathogenicity study (OPPTS 885.3150)
in rats which were dosed intratracheally
with Bacillus mycoides isolate J at 1.1 ×
108 cfu/animal, did not show complete
clearance from all organs during the
study’s 35-day length. The test
substance, however, did show a pattern
of clearance in most organs. This is
similar to what has been observed with
other spore forming bacteria.
Differential heat treatment of tissue
samples showed that most of the
recovered organisms were spores which
are quiescent forms of this bacterium.
Spores routinely take long periods to be
cleared from pulmonary exposures (Ref.
2). Bacteria form spores when
conditions do not support growth, so
the predominance of spores among the
Bacillus mycoides isolate J recovered
from animal tissue, therefore indicates
little infectivity. No treated animals
died and there were no signs in the
animals of toxicity or pathogenicity.
Associated with the manufacture of
Bacillus mycoides isolate J, as well as all
exposures during the previous
experimental use permits, more than 20
people have worked with Bacillus
mycoides isolate J for over 8 years, and
no adverse effects or incidents of
hypersensitivity reaction have been
reported associated with Bacillus
mycoides isolate J in the routine use of
the experimental product.
Given the ubiquitous nature of this
bacterium on plants, in soil, water, air,
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24351
and decomposing plant tissue (Ref. 3),
the lack of reported human
pathogenicity, along with the lack of
mortality of the test animals, and the
absence of overt signs of toxicity or
pathogenicity in the animals during the
course of this pulmonary study, there is
not expected to be an increase in dietary
exposure or threshold effects of concern
to infants and children when Bacillus
mycoides isolate J is used as a foliar
treatment on seed potatoes.
This finding is consistent with a
previously granted food-use
experimental use permit (82761–EUP–
2), where the Agency granted requests
for waivers for Acute Oral Toxicity and
Pathogenicity (OPPTS 885.3050); Acute
Injection Toxicity and Pathogenicity
(OPPTS 885.3200); Acute Oral Toxicity
(OPPTS 870.1100); Acute Inhalation
Toxicity (OPPTS 870.1300) mammalian
studies for Bacillus mycoides isolate J,
based on the following:
1. Bacillus mycoides is not reported as
a human pathogen, or as a cause of
foodborne illness, food spoilage, or
plant diseases, and does not persist on
plant surfaces. Due to the ubiquitous
level of Bacillus mycoides present in
agricultural soils, there has been long
term human exposure to Bacillus
mycoides in crops and to residual
Bacillus mycoides cells or spores in
food crops (Ref. 3). No toxicity,
infectivity, or pathogenicity of Bacillus
mycoides in humans was reported in
numerous searched citations.
2. Bacillus mycoides is readily
differentiable from other Bacillus cereus
group organisms in production batches
(including Bacillus thuringiensis,
Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus
anthracis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus
weihenstephanensis) and well defined
quality control procedures are
established to keep contaminants from
fermentation batches during the
production of Bacillus mycoides
isolate J.
3. In connection with the manufacture
of Bacillus mycoides isolate J, no
adverse effects or incidents of
hypersensitivity reaction have been
reported associated with Bacillus
mycoides isolate J in the routine use of
the experimental product in a laboratory
setting. Any such effects would be
subject to the reporting requirements of
40 CFR 166.32(a) and guidelines for
reporting Hypersensitivity Incidents
(OPPTS 885.3400).
V. Aggregate Exposures
In examining aggregate exposure,
section 408 of FFDCA directs EPA to
consider available information
concerning exposures from the pesticide
residue in food and all other non-
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occupational exposures, including
drinking water from ground water or
surface water and exposure through
pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or
buildings (residential and other indoor
uses).
A. Dietary Exposure
The authorized section 18 emergency
exemption is not expected to result in
increased dietary exposures of Bacillus
mycoides isolate J to the general
population based on the following:
1. Food. The section 18 emergency
exemption is for foliar application on
plants, grown from first and second
generation seed potatoes grown for seed
stock. Only a small fraction of seed
potatoes collected from treated plants
may enter the food chain as livestock
feed. The quantity of Bacillus mycoides
isolate J applied to plant foliage, 7.5 ×
1011 spores/acre per application, is
small compared to the natural
background levels of Bacillus mycoides.
In agricultural soils, Bacillus
mycoides typically occurs at about 105
spores per gram. In persistence studies,
performed on a variety of crops
(including peppers, potatoes, and sugar
beets), the titer of Bacillus mycoides
isolate J applied to the foliage typically
declines from 106 spores/cm2 to
between 100 and 1,000 spores/cm2 over
a 2-week period. Specifically in
potatoes, spores applied to foliage will
not directly contact tubers. Tubers are
exposed to natural soil concentrations of
Bacillus mycoides that exceed the
quantity of Bacillus mycoides isolate J
spores applied to potato foliage (Ref. 3).
2. Drinking water exposure.
According to the World Health
Organization, Bacillus species are often
detected in drinking water even after
going through acceptable water
treatment processes, largely because the
spores are resistant to these disinfection
processes (Ref. 4). Should this microbial
pesticide be present, no adverse effects
are expected from exposure to Bacillus
mycoides through drinking water, based
on the results of toxicity studies
described in Unit IV.
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B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure
Natural background levels of Bacillus
mycoides are reported to typically occur
at about 105 spores per gram in
agricultural soils. Use of Bacillus
mycoides isolate J pursuant to the
section 18 emergency exemption is not
likely to result in increased exposure in
the general population because the
2,675 treated acres are not accessible to
the general population.
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VI. Cumulative Effects
Pursuant to section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of
FFDCA, EPA has considered available
information on the cumulative effects of
such residues and other substances that
have a common mechanism of toxicity.
These considerations included the
cumulative effects on infants and
children of such residues and other
substances with a common method of
toxicity. Because there is no indication
of mammalian toxicity or pathogenicity
resulting from exposure to Bacillus
mycoides isolate J, we conclude that
there are no cumulative effects for this
bacterium.
VII. Determination of Safety for U.S.
Population, Infants, and Children
The Agency has determined that there
is reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to the U.S. population from
exposure to residues of Bacillus
mycoides isolate J in connection with
the section 18 emergency exemption.
This determination includes all
anticipated dietary exposures and other
non-occupational exposures for which
there is reliable information. Oral
ingestion of the Bacillus mycoides
isolate J organism on potatoes treated
under the section 18 emergency
exemption is unlikely because the
portion of the potato plant that is treated
is not intended for human or livestock
consumption.
Data submitted in a pulmonary
toxicity/pathogenicity study performed
at doses several orders of magnitude
above expected exposure revealed no
signs of overt toxicity or pathogenicity
in the test animals. The pulmonary
exposure route is more sensitive than an
oral exposure study which has the
various inactivation processes discussed
in Unit IV. The results of an extensive
literature search, which included
numerous citations of the test organism,
yielded no reports of its pathogenicity
for mammals (Ref. 5).
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA
provides that EPA shall assess the
available information about
consumption patterns among infants
and children, special susceptibility of
infants and children to pesticide
chemical residues, and the cumulative
effects on infants and children of the
residues and other substances with a
common mechanism of toxicity. In
addition, section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA
also provides that EPA shall apply an
additional tenfold margin of safety for
infants and children in the case of
threshold effects to account for prenatal
and postnatal toxicity and the
completeness of the database unless
EPA determines that a different margin
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will be safe for infants and children. In
the absence of specific studies showing
that infants and children are not at risk,
the Agency has retained a 10X safety
factor to account for gaps in the
database for Bacillus mycoides isolate J.
In this instance, however, based on all
available information, the Agency
concludes that Bacillus mycoides isolate
J presents no oral toxicity effects of
concern. Thus, there are no threshold
effects of concern to infants and
children when Bacillus mycoides isolate
J is used in accordance with the
authorized section 18 use directions.
VIII. Other Considerations
A. Endocrine Disruptors
The pesticidal active ingredient,
Bacillus mycoides isolate J is not known
to exert an influence on the endocrine
system.
B. Analytical Method(s)
Analytical methods for Bacillus
mycoides isolate J that are sufficient to
justify the issuance of the section 18
emergency exemption have been
submitted to the Agency. An
enforcement analytical method is not
required to support an exemption from
the requirement of a tolerance.
C. Codex Maximum Residue Level
No codex maximum residue levels
exist for the microbial Bacillus
mycoides isolate J.
IX. Conclusion
Therefore, a time-limited exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance is
established for residues of Bacillus
mycoides isolate J, in or on potatoes.
This time-limited exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance expires on
December 31, 2015.
X. References
1. Martinsen, T.C., Bergh, K. & Waldrum,
H.L., (2005) Gastric Juice: A Barrier
Against Infectious Diseases, Basic and
Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology,
vol. 96: 94–102.
2. USEPA. Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances. Reregistration Eligibility
Decision (RED) Bacillus thuringiensis.
EPA738–R–98–004. March 1998.
3. Ludwig, W., Schleiffer, Whitman, W.H.
(2009) Class I: Bacilli, class. nov., in
‘‘Bergey’s Manual of Systematic
Bacteriology’’, 2nd Edition, Volume 3,
The Firmicutes, P. DeVos, G.M. Garrity,
D. Jones, N.R.Krieg, W. Ludwig, K.H.
Schleiffer, & W.B. Whitman (eds.)
Springer Publishing.
4. World Health Organization, Guidelines for
Drinking-Water Quality. (2011) Fourth
Edition.
5. Logan, N.A. & Turnbull, P.C.B. (2003)
Bacillus and other Endospore-forming
Bacteria, Chap 32. in ‘‘Manual of Clinical
E:\FR\FM\25APR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 80 / Thursday, April 25, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
Microbiology’’ 8th edition, P.R.Murray,
E.J. Baron, J.H. Jorgensen, M.A. Pfaller &
R.H. Yolken (eds), ASM Press.
XI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final rule establishes tolerances
under FFDCA sections 408(e) and
408(l)(6). 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 in accordance with
FFDCA sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6),
such as the tolerances 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
14:12 Apr 24, 2013
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).
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
XII. Congressional Review Act
24353
AGENCY:
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: April 12, 2013.
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. Revise § 180.1269 to read as
follows:
■
§ 180.1269 Bacillus mycoides isolate J;
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance.
Bacillus mycoides isolate J is
temporarily exempt from the
requirement of a tolerance when used as
a fungicide on potatoes in accordance
with a valid Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
section 18 emergency exemption. This
temporary exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance expires and
is revoked on December 31, 2015.
[FR Doc. 2013–09706 Filed 4–24–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4700
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Transportation Security Administration
49 CFR Part 1572
[Docket No. TSA–2004–19605; Amendment
No. 1572–10]
Provisions for Fees Related to
Hazardous Materials Endorsements
and Transportation Worker
Identification Credentials
Transportation Security
Administration, DHS.
ACTION: Final rule.
The Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) is removing
specific fee amounts from regulations
regarding security threat assessments
(STAs) and credentialing for Hazardous
Materials Endorsements (HMEs) and
Transportation Worker Identification
Credentials (TWICs). These provisions
include State collection of the HME fee,
TSA collection of the HME fee, and
collection of the TWIC fee. Removing
specific fee references will enable TSA
to have the necessary flexibility to lower
or increase fees as necessary to meet the
statutory obligation to recover its costs.
Current fee amounts as identified in
these sections will remain unchanged
until any future revisions to fee
schedules are published in the Federal
Register.
DATES: Effective May 28, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carolyn Mitchell, Office of Intelligence
and Analysis (OIA), TSA–10,
Transportation Security Administration,
601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA
20598–6010; telephone (571) 227–2372;
email carolyn.mitchell@dhs.gov.
For legal questions: Traci Klemm,
Office of Chief Counsel, TSA–2,
Transportation Security Administration,
601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA
20598–6002; telephone (571) 227–3596;
facsimile (571) 227–1378; email
traci.klemm@dhs.gov.
SUMMARY:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Availability of Rulemaking Document
You can get an electronic copy using
the Internet by—
(1) Searching the electronic Federal
Docket Management System (FDMS)
Web page at https://www.regulations.gov;
(2) Accessing the Government
Printing Office’s Web page at https://
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/
collection.action?collectionCode=FR to
view the daily published Federal
Register edition; or accessing the
‘‘Search the Federal Register by
E:\FR\FM\25APR1.SGM
25APR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 80 (Thursday, April 25, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24349-24353]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-09706]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0397; FRL-9383-1]
Bacillus mycoides Isolate J; Time-Limited Exemption From the
Requirement of a Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a time-limited exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacillus mycoides isolate J
in or on potato, when used in accordance with the terms of the section
18 emergency exemption. This action is in response to EPA's granting of
an emergency exemption under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of the pesticide
on potato. The time-limited exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance expires on December 31, 2015.
DATES: This regulation is effective April 25, 2013. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before June 24, 2013, and
must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR
part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0397, 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: 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:
[[Page 24350]]
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 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. To access the OCSPP test guidelines referenced in this
document electronically, please go to https://www.epa.gov/ocspp and
select ``Test Methods and Guidelines.''
C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under section 408(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA), 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-
2012-0397 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 June 24, 2013. 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-2012-0397, 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.
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.html.
Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
EPA, on its own initiative, in accordance with FFDCA sections
408(e) and 408(l)(6) of, 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) and 346a(1)(6), is
establishing a time-limited exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for Bacillus mycoides isolate J, in or on potato. This time-
limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance expires on
December 31, 2015.
Section 408(l)(6) of FFDCA requires EPA to establish a time-limited
tolerance or exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for
pesticide chemical residues in food that will result from the use of a
pesticide under an emergency exemption granted by EPA under section 18
of FIFRA. Such tolerances and exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance can be established without providing notice or period for
public comment. EPA does not intend for its actions on FIFRA section 18
related time-limited tolerances or exemptions to set binding precedents
for the application of FFDCA section 408 and the safety standard to
other tolerances and exemptions. Section 408(e) of FFDCA allows EPA to
establish a tolerance or an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance on its own initiative, i.e., without having received any
petition from an outside party.
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an
exemption from the requirement of 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. Pursuant to FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C), which 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.* *
*''
Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes EPA to exempt any Federal or State
agency from any provision of FIFRA, if EPA determines that ``emergency
conditions exist which require such exemption.'' EPA has established
regulations governing such emergency exemptions in 40 CFR part 166.
EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. First, EPA determines the
toxicity of pesticides. Second, EPA examines exposure to the pesticide
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as
a result of pesticide use in residential settings.
III. Emergency Exemption for Bacillus mycoides isolate J on Potato and
Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
The Montana Department of Agriculture requested a specific
emergency exemption, for the use of the unregistered active ingredient
(ai), Bacillus mycoides isolate J (BmJ), to control tuber infections
caused by potato virus Y (PVY), on generation 1 (G1) and generation 2
(G2) potatoes grown for certified seed potato stock. There are no
registered alternatives to control PVY infections, only registered
alternatives that inadequately control the aphids which vector the
virus. The Montana Department of Agriculture, requested use for 2,675
acres of seed potato.
After having reviewed the submission, EPA determined that an
emergency condition existed for this State, and that the criteria for
approval of an emergency exemption were met. Accordingly, EPA
authorized a specific exemption under FIFRA section 18 for the use of
Bacillus mycoides isolate J on potato for control of PVY in Montana.
[[Page 24351]]
As part of its evaluation of the emergency exemption application,
EPA assessed the potential risks presented by residues of Bacillus
mycoides isolate J in or on potato. In doing so, EPA considered the
safety standard in FFDCA section 408(b)(2), and EPA decided that the
necessary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA
section 408(l)(6) would be consistent with the safety standard and with
FIFRA section 18. Consistent with the need to move quickly on the
emergency exemption in order to address an urgent non-routine situation
and to ensure that the resulting food is safe and lawful, EPA is
issuing this exemption from the requirement of a tolerance without
notice and opportunity for public comment as provided in FFDCA section
408(l)(6). This time-limited exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance expires on December 31, 2015. EPA will take action to revoke
the time-limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance earlier
if any experience with, scientific data on, or other relevant
information on this pesticide indicates that the residues are not safe.
Because this time-limited exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance is being approved under emergency conditions, EPA has not
made any decisions about whether Bacillus mycoides isolate J meets
FIFRA's registration requirements for use on potato or whether
permanent tolerances or exemption from the requirement of a tolerance
for this use would be appropriate. Under these circumstances, EPA does
not believe that this time-limited exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance serves as a basis for registration of Bacillus mycoides
isolate J by a State for special local needs under FIFRA section 24(c).
Nor does this tolerance by itself serve as the authority for persons in
any State other than Montana to use this pesticide on the applicable
crops under FIFRA section 18 absent the issuance of an emergency
exemption applicable within that State. For additional information
regarding the emergency exemption for Bacillus mycoides isolate J,
consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
IV. Toxicological Profile
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of
this action and considered its validity, completeness, and reliability
and the relationship of this information 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 nature of the toxic effects caused by
Bacillus mycoides isolate J, are discussed in this unit. Refer to risk
assessments in docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0303 with the titles: (1)
BPPD Review of Product Chemistry and Toxicity/Pathogenicity Data
Submitted by Montana Microbial Products, for EUP of BmjJ WP, which
contains Bacillus mycoides isolate J and (2) Ecological Risk Assessment
for Bacillus mycoides Isolate J, for additional information.
The stomach is a hostile environment for most microbes, as most
oral exposure to microbes, leads to inactivation by stomach acids,
proteases, and subsequently bile salts (Ref. 1). In contrast, a
pulmonary exposure study provides those microbes that are capable of
infecting mammals with the greatest opportunity to express infectivity
by directing them into the lungs, from where they may enter the
bloodstream and other organs. Therefore, a microbe that does not show
significant infectivity in a pulmonary exposure study, presents
negligible risk via oral exposure.
An Acute Pulmonary Toxicity/Pathogenicity study (OPPTS 885.3150) in
rats which were dosed intratracheally with Bacillus mycoides isolate J
at 1.1 x 10\8\ cfu/animal, did not show complete clearance from all
organs during the study's 35-day length. The test substance, however,
did show a pattern of clearance in most organs. This is similar to what
has been observed with other spore forming bacteria. Differential heat
treatment of tissue samples showed that most of the recovered organisms
were spores which are quiescent forms of this bacterium. Spores
routinely take long periods to be cleared from pulmonary exposures
(Ref. 2). Bacteria form spores when conditions do not support growth,
so the predominance of spores among the Bacillus mycoides isolate J
recovered from animal tissue, therefore indicates little infectivity.
No treated animals died and there were no signs in the animals of
toxicity or pathogenicity.
Associated with the manufacture of Bacillus mycoides isolate J, as
well as all exposures during the previous experimental use permits,
more than 20 people have worked with Bacillus mycoides isolate J for
over 8 years, and no adverse effects or incidents of hypersensitivity
reaction have been reported associated with Bacillus mycoides isolate J
in the routine use of the experimental product.
Given the ubiquitous nature of this bacterium on plants, in soil,
water, air, and decomposing plant tissue (Ref. 3), the lack of reported
human pathogenicity, along with the lack of mortality of the test
animals, and the absence of overt signs of toxicity or pathogenicity in
the animals during the course of this pulmonary study, there is not
expected to be an increase in dietary exposure or threshold effects of
concern to infants and children when Bacillus mycoides isolate J is
used as a foliar treatment on seed potatoes.
This finding is consistent with a previously granted food-use
experimental use permit (82761-EUP-2), where the Agency granted
requests for waivers for Acute Oral Toxicity and Pathogenicity (OPPTS
885.3050); Acute Injection Toxicity and Pathogenicity (OPPTS 885.3200);
Acute Oral Toxicity (OPPTS 870.1100); Acute Inhalation Toxicity (OPPTS
870.1300) mammalian studies for Bacillus mycoides isolate J, based on
the following:
1. Bacillus mycoides is not reported as a human pathogen, or as a
cause of foodborne illness, food spoilage, or plant diseases, and does
not persist on plant surfaces. Due to the ubiquitous level of Bacillus
mycoides present in agricultural soils, there has been long term human
exposure to Bacillus mycoides in crops and to residual Bacillus
mycoides cells or spores in food crops (Ref. 3). No toxicity,
infectivity, or pathogenicity of Bacillus mycoides in humans was
reported in numerous searched citations.
2. Bacillus mycoides is readily differentiable from other Bacillus
cereus group organisms in production batches (including Bacillus
thuringiensis, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus
cereus, and Bacillus weihenstephanensis) and well defined quality
control procedures are established to keep contaminants from
fermentation batches during the production of Bacillus mycoides isolate
J.
3. In connection with the manufacture of Bacillus mycoides isolate
J, no adverse effects or incidents of hypersensitivity reaction have
been reported associated with Bacillus mycoides isolate J in the
routine use of the experimental product in a laboratory setting. Any
such effects would be subject to the reporting requirements of 40 CFR
166.32(a) and guidelines for reporting Hypersensitivity Incidents
(OPPTS 885.3400).
V. Aggregate Exposures
In examining aggregate exposure, section 408 of FFDCA directs EPA
to consider available information concerning exposures from the
pesticide residue in food and all other non-
[[Page 24352]]
occupational exposures, including drinking water from ground water or
surface water and exposure through pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or
buildings (residential and other indoor uses).
A. Dietary Exposure
The authorized section 18 emergency exemption is not expected to
result in increased dietary exposures of Bacillus mycoides isolate J to
the general population based on the following:
1. Food. The section 18 emergency exemption is for foliar
application on plants, grown from first and second generation seed
potatoes grown for seed stock. Only a small fraction of seed potatoes
collected from treated plants may enter the food chain as livestock
feed. The quantity of Bacillus mycoides isolate J applied to plant
foliage, 7.5 x 10\11\ spores/acre per application, is small compared to
the natural background levels of Bacillus mycoides.
In agricultural soils, Bacillus mycoides typically occurs at about
10\5\ spores per gram. In persistence studies, performed on a variety
of crops (including peppers, potatoes, and sugar beets), the titer of
Bacillus mycoides isolate J applied to the foliage typically declines
from 10\6\ spores/cm\2\ to between 100 and 1,000 spores/cm\2\ over a 2-
week period. Specifically in potatoes, spores applied to foliage will
not directly contact tubers. Tubers are exposed to natural soil
concentrations of Bacillus mycoides that exceed the quantity of
Bacillus mycoides isolate J spores applied to potato foliage (Ref. 3).
2. Drinking water exposure. According to the World Health
Organization, Bacillus species are often detected in drinking water
even after going through acceptable water treatment processes, largely
because the spores are resistant to these disinfection processes (Ref.
4). Should this microbial pesticide be present, no adverse effects are
expected from exposure to Bacillus mycoides through drinking water,
based on the results of toxicity studies described in Unit IV.
B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure
Natural background levels of Bacillus mycoides are reported to
typically occur at about 10\5\ spores per gram in agricultural soils.
Use of Bacillus mycoides isolate J pursuant to the section 18 emergency
exemption is not likely to result in increased exposure in the general
population because the 2,675 treated acres are not accessible to the
general population.
VI. Cumulative Effects
Pursuant to section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA, EPA has considered
available information on the cumulative effects of such residues and
other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity. These
considerations included the cumulative effects on infants and children
of such residues and other substances with a common method of toxicity.
Because there is no indication of mammalian toxicity or pathogenicity
resulting from exposure to Bacillus mycoides isolate J, we conclude
that there are no cumulative effects for this bacterium.
VII. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, Infants, and Children
The Agency has determined that there is reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to the U.S. population from exposure to residues of
Bacillus mycoides isolate J in connection with the section 18 emergency
exemption. This determination includes all anticipated dietary
exposures and other non-occupational exposures for which there is
reliable information. Oral ingestion of the Bacillus mycoides isolate J
organism on potatoes treated under the section 18 emergency exemption
is unlikely because the portion of the potato plant that is treated is
not intended for human or livestock consumption.
Data submitted in a pulmonary toxicity/pathogenicity study
performed at doses several orders of magnitude above expected exposure
revealed no signs of overt toxicity or pathogenicity in the test
animals. The pulmonary exposure route is more sensitive than an oral
exposure study which has the various inactivation processes discussed
in Unit IV. The results of an extensive literature search, which
included numerous citations of the test organism, yielded no reports of
its pathogenicity for mammals (Ref. 5).
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA shall assess the
available information about consumption patterns among infants and
children, special susceptibility of infants and children to pesticide
chemical residues, and the cumulative effects on infants and children
of the residues and other substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. In addition, section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA also provides that
EPA shall apply an additional tenfold margin of safety for infants and
children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and
postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database unless EPA
determines that a different margin will be safe for infants and
children. In the absence of specific studies showing that infants and
children are not at risk, the Agency has retained a 10X safety factor
to account for gaps in the database for Bacillus mycoides isolate J. In
this instance, however, based on all available information, the Agency
concludes that Bacillus mycoides isolate J presents no oral toxicity
effects of concern. Thus, there are no threshold effects of concern to
infants and children when Bacillus mycoides isolate J is used in
accordance with the authorized section 18 use directions.
VIII. Other Considerations
A. Endocrine Disruptors
The pesticidal active ingredient, Bacillus mycoides isolate J is
not known to exert an influence on the endocrine system.
B. Analytical Method(s)
Analytical methods for Bacillus mycoides isolate J that are
sufficient to justify the issuance of the section 18 emergency
exemption have been submitted to the Agency. An enforcement analytical
method is not required to support an exemption from the requirement of
a tolerance.
C. Codex Maximum Residue Level
No codex maximum residue levels exist for the microbial Bacillus
mycoides isolate J.
IX. Conclusion
Therefore, a time-limited exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance is established for residues of Bacillus mycoides isolate J,
in or on potatoes. This time-limited exemption from the requirement of
a tolerance expires on December 31, 2015.
X. References
1. Martinsen, T.C., Bergh, K. & Waldrum, H.L., (2005) Gastric Juice:
A Barrier Against Infectious Diseases, Basic and Clinical
Pharmacology and Toxicology, vol. 96: 94-102.
2. USEPA. Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.
Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Bacillus thuringiensis.
EPA738-R-98-004. March 1998.
3. Ludwig, W., Schleiffer, Whitman, W.H. (2009) Class I: Bacilli,
class. nov., in ``Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology'', 2nd
Edition, Volume 3, The Firmicutes, P. DeVos, G.M. Garrity, D. Jones,
N.R.Krieg, W. Ludwig, K.H. Schleiffer, & W.B. Whitman (eds.)
Springer Publishing.
4. World Health Organization, Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality.
(2011) Fourth Edition.
5. Logan, N.A. & Turnbull, P.C.B. (2003) Bacillus and other
Endospore-forming Bacteria, Chap 32. in ``Manual of Clinical
[[Page 24353]]
Microbiology'' 8th edition, P.R.Murray, E.J. Baron, J.H. Jorgensen,
M.A. Pfaller & R.H. Yolken (eds), ASM Press.
XI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes tolerances under FFDCA sections 408(e)
and 408(l)(6). 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 in accordance
with FFDCA sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6), such as the tolerances 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).
XII. 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: April 12, 2013.
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
PART 180--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
0
2. Revise Sec. 180.1269 to read as follows:
Sec. 180.1269 Bacillus mycoides isolate J; exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance.
Bacillus mycoides isolate J is temporarily exempt from the
requirement of a tolerance when used as a fungicide on potatoes in
accordance with a valid Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA) section 18 emergency exemption. This temporary exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance expires and is revoked on December
31, 2015.
[FR Doc. 2013-09706 Filed 4-24-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P