Imazosulfuron; Pesticide Tolerances, 44440-44444 [2013-17823]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 142 / Wednesday, July 24, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0419; FRL–9390–2]
Imazosulfuron; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of imazosulfuron
in or on the melon subgroup 9A and the
tuberous and corm subgroup 1C.
Interregional Research Project Number 4
(IR–4) requested these tolerances under
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective July
24, 2013. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
September 23, 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).
SUMMARY:
The docket for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0419, 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: Lois
Rossi, Registration Division (7505P),
Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 305–7090; email address:
RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
ADDRESSES:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
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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
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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).
• 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.
B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
II. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of August 22,
2012 (77 FR 50661) (FRL–9358–9), 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 2E8025) by Interregional
Research Project Number 4 (IR–4), 500
College Road East, Suite 201W.,
Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition
requested that 40 CFR 180.651 be
amended by establishing tolerances for
residues of the herbicide imazosulfuron,
(2-chloro-N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl] imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-sulfonamide), in or on
tuberous and corm vegetables, crop
subgroup 1C at 0.02 parts per million
(ppm); and in melon, crop subgroup 9A
at 0.02 ppm. That document referenced
a summary of the petition prepared by
Valent USA Corporation, the registrant,
which is available in the docket,
https://www.regulations.gov. There were
no comments received in response to
the notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA has
modified the commodity definitions to
be consistent with Agency policy. The
reason for these changes is explained in
Unit IV.C.
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://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&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–2012–0419 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing, and must be
received by the Hearing Clerk on or
before September 23, 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–
2012–0419, 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.
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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
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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 imazosulfuron
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with imazosulfuron follows.
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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 toxicology data for imazosulfuron
suggest that this herbicide possesses
relatively low toxicity. Many of the
effects of single or repeated dosing were
observed near or beyond the respective
limit doses.
The primary target organ of
imazosulfuron in repeated-dose studies
was the liver in all species tested. Mild
to moderate thyroid effects were
apparent only in the chronic toxicity
study in dogs. Dramatic eye effects
(retinal degeneration, lens
vascularization, cataracts and corneal
scarring) were observed in rats fed
>1,000 mg/kg/day beginning at 3
months in the chronic toxicity/
carcinogenicity study. Ocular effects
(increased incidence of eye opacity,
corneal edema, inflammation and
neovascularization) were also observed
in the high-dose males (4,577 mg/kg/
day) in the 90-day feeding toxicity study
in rats. Decreased body weight and body
weight gain compared to control were
frequent findings throughout the
toxicology database for imazosulfuron.
Clinical signs (decreased motor
activity, abnormal gait, upward
curvature of the spine and piloerection)
were observed in males at the limit dose
of the acute neurotoxicity study;
however, these effects can be attributed
to generalized toxicity and were
resolved by day 2 of the study. No
neurotoxic effects were observed during
the subchronic screening battery or
noted as clinical signs in any other
repeated-dose study.
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No developmental effects were
observed at the highest dose tested
(HDT) (125 mg/kg/day) in the rabbit
developmental toxicity study. No
developmental or reproductive toxicity
was observed in the 1-generation rat
study. Decreased pup viability was
observed in the rat 2-generation
reproduction study at a dose
approaching the limit dose (LOAEL =
892 mg/kg/day) in both the F1 and F2
offspring generations. Mortality was also
observed in the parental generation at
this dose. No increased qualitative or
quantitative offspring susceptibility was
apparent in any of the submitted studies
for imazosulfuron.
There was no evidence of
carcinogenicity in rats and mice up to
the limit dose at 24 and 18 months,
respectively. Imazosulfuron was
determined to be non-mutagenic in
bacteria and negative in an in vivo
mammalian cytogenetics assay. Overall,
there was no evidence that
imazosulfuron was either mutagenic or
clastogenic in either in vivo or in vitro
assays. The cancer classification is ‘‘not
likely to be carcinogenic to humans,’’
based on the absence of significant
tumor increases in the carcinogenicity
studies.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by imazosulfuron as well
as the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in the document
titled ‘‘Imazosulfuron: Human Health
Risk Assessment for Proposed Uses on
Melon (Crop Subgroup 9A) and
Tuberous and Corm Vegetables (Crop
Subgroup 1C),’’ pp. 29–33 in docket ID
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0419.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (POD)
and levels of concern to use in
evaluating the risk posed by human
exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
that have a threshold below which there
is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
POD is used as the basis for derivation
of reference values for risk assessment.
PODs are developed based on a careful
analysis of the doses in each
toxicological study to determine the
dose at which no adverse effects are
observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern
are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
safety factors are used in conjunction
with the POD to calculate a safe
exposure level—generally referred to as
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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 imazosulfuron used for
human risk assessment is discussed in
Unit III.B. of the final rule published in
the Federal Register of December 29,
2010 (75 FR 81878) (FRL–8857–4).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to imazosulfuron, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
existing imazosulfuron tolerances in 40
CFR 180.651. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from imazosulfuron in food
as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute
dietary exposure and risk assessments
are performed for a food-use pesticide,
if a toxicological study has indicated the
possibility of an effect of concern
occurring as a result of a 1-day or single
exposure.
Such effects were identified for
imazosulfuron. In estimating acute
dietary exposure, EPA used food
consumption information from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
2003–2008 National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey, What We
Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). As
to residue levels in food, EPA assumed
100 percent crop treated (PCT) and
tolerance-level residues for all registered
and proposed uses.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the USDA 2003–2008 NHANES/
WWEIA. As to residue levels in food,
EPA assumed 100 PCT and tolerancelevel residues for all registered and
proposed uses.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that imazosulfuron does not
pose a cancer risk to humans. Therefore,
a dietary exposure assessment for the
purpose of assessing cancer risk is
unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and PCT
information. EPA did not use
anticipated residue and/or PCT
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information in the dietary assessment
for imazosulfuron. Tolerance level
residues and/or 100 PCT were assumed
for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for imazosulfuron in drinking water.
These simulation models take into
account data on the physical, chemical,
and fate/transport characteristics of
imazosulfuron. 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 imazosulfuron for acute
exposures are estimated to be 278.9
parts per billion (ppb) for surface water
and 4.8 ppb for ground water and for
chronic exposures are estimated to be
278.9 ppb for surface water and 4.8 ppb
for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model. For the
acute dietary risk assessment, the water
concentration value of 278.9 ppb was
used to assess the contribution to
drinking water. For the chronic dietary
risk assessment, the water concentration
of value 278.9 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).
Imazosulfuron is currently registered for
the following uses that could result in
residential exposures: Residential
turfgrass and recreational areas. EPA
assessed residential exposure using the
following assumptions:
Residential handlers may receive
short-term dermal and inhalation
exposure to imazosulfuron when
mixing, loading, and applying the
pesticide on home lawns. Since a
dermal endpoint of concern was not
identified for imazosulfuron, only shortterm inhalation exposure of residential
handlers was assessed.
Post-application inhalation exposure
is not expected due to the nature of
pesticide applications to residential
lawns. Based on climate effects (such as
rain) and post-application activities
(such as lawn mowing), inhalation
exposure to imazosulfuron is expected
to be negligible. Furthermore,
imazosulfuron has low acute inhalation
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toxicity, low vapor pressure (<3.5 ×
10¥6 Pa) and a low proposed use rate
(0.3 lb ai/A). Therefore, EPA assessed
only short-term post-application
incidental oral exposure of children
(toddlers) based on the following
scenarios: Incidental oral exposure from
treated turf via hand-to-mouth activities;
incidental oral exposure from treated
turf via object-to-mouth activities; and
incidental oral exposure from treated
turf via soil ingestion.
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 imazosulfuron to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
imazosulfuron does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by
other substances. For the purposes of
this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that imazosulfuron 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 Safety Factor (SF). In applying
this provision, EPA either retains the
default value of 10X, or uses a different
additional safety factor when reliable
data available to EPA support the choice
of a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
There is no evidence of increased
susceptibility following in utero and/or
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postnatal exposure in the
developmental toxicity studies in rats or
rabbits, or in the 2-generation rat
reproduction study. Neither the rat nor
rabbit developmental studies identified
developmental effects. The parental
NOAEL is clearly defined, less than or
equal to the offspring NOAEL and based
on general systemic toxicity. At nearlimit dose, 20%–30% decreases in
numbers of implants/dam, total pups/
dam and live pups/dam on post-natal
day (PND) 0, and viability index were
observed in F1 pups of the 2-generation
reproductive study in rats. Similarly,
decreased live pups/dam and live births
and viability and lactation indices were
noted for F2 pups at doses that induced
parental mortality. The points of
departure are protective of these effects.
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
imazosulfuron is complete.
ii. There is no indication that
imazosulfuron is a neurotoxic chemical
based on clinical observations of
neurotoxicity during the conduct of
developmental or chronic studies. No
adverse neurobehavioral signs were
observed at doses approaching the limit
dose in any of the short-term studies
(subchronic oral, 21-day dermal). No
neurotoxic effects were observed during
the subchronic neurotoxicity screen in
which adverse effects of decreased body
weight, body weight gain and food
efficiency were observed at 575 mg/kg/
day (LOAEL). The acute neurotoxicity
screen (ACN) yielded a LOAEL at the
limit dose for clinical signs, abnormal
gait, decreased activity, piloerection and
upward curvature of the spine and
decreased motor activity in males, all of
which were resolved by day 2. No
treatment-related effects were observed
in Functional Observational Battery
(FOB) parameters, gross and
neurohistopathology, motor activity or
brain morphometrics of the ACN. The
weight of evidence demonstrates that
imazosulfuron is not a neurotoxic
compound because the clinical findings
in the ACN study occurred only at the
limit dose and may be attributed to
generalized toxicity. A developmental
neurotoxicity study is not required at
this time.
iii. As discussed in Unit III.D.2., there
is no concern for increased
susceptibility to offspring following preand postnatal exposure to rats or in
utero exposure in rabbits.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
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The dietary food exposure assessments
were performed based on 100 PCT and
tolerance-level residues. EPA made
conservative (protective) assumptions in
the ground and surface water modeling
used to assess exposure to
imazosulfuron in drinking water. EPA
used similarly conservative assumptions
to assess postapplication exposure of
children as well as incidental oral
exposure of toddlers. These assessments
will not underestimate the exposure and
risks posed by imazosulfuron.
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. Using the exposure
assumptions discussed in this unit for
acute exposure, the acute dietary
exposure from food and water to
imazosulfuron will occupy 1.2% of the
aPAD for all infants less than one year
old, the population group receiving the
greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to imazosulfuron
from food and water will utilize 2% of
the cPAD for all infants less than one
year 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
imazosulfuron is not expected.
3. Short-term risk. Short-term
aggregate exposure takes into account
short-term residential exposure plus
chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background
exposure level).
Imazosulfuron 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 imazosulfuron.
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 33,000 for adults and 8,700 for
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children. Because EPA’s level of
concern for imazosulfuron is a MOE of
100 or below, these MOEs are not of
concern.
4. Intermediate-term risk.
Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered
to be a background exposure level).
An intermediate-term adverse effect
was identified; however, imazosulfuron
is not registered for any use patterns
that would result in intermediate-term
residential exposure. Because there is
no intermediate-term residential
exposure and chronic dietary exposure
has already been assessed under the
appropriately protective cPAD (which is
at least as protective as the POD used to
assess intermediate-term risk), no
further assessment of intermediate-term
risk is necessary, and EPA relies on the
chronic dietary risk assessment for
evaluating intermediate-term risk for
imazosulfuron.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two
adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,
imazosulfuron is not expected to pose a
cancer risk to humans.
6. Determination of safety. Based on
these risk assessments, EPA concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to the general
population or to infants and children
from aggregate exposure to
imazosulfuron residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
(high performance liquid
chromatography method with tandem
mass spectroscopy detection (LC/MS/
MS)) is available to enforce the
tolerance expression.
The method may be requested from:
Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch,
Environmental Science Center, 701
Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350;
telephone number: (410) 305–2905;
email address:
residuemethods@epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
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
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United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization/World Health
Organization food standards program,
and it is recognized as an international
food safety standards-setting
organization in trade agreements to
which the United States is a party. EPA
may establish a tolerance that is
different from a Codex MRL; however,
FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
EPA explain the reasons for departing
from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established any
MRLs for imazosulfuron.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For
Tolerances
The proposed commodity definitions
are being modified from ‘‘Melon crop
subgroup 9A’’ to ‘‘Melon subgroup 9A’’
and ‘‘Tuberous and corm vegetables
crop subgroup 1C’’ to ‘‘Vegetable,
tuberous and corm, subgroup 1C’’ to be
in line with Agency terminology.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of imazosulfuron, (2-chloroN-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl] imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-sulfonamide), in or on
melon subgroup 9A at 0.02 ppm and
vegetable, tuberous and corm, subgroup
1C at 0.02 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).
E:\FR\FM\24JYR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 142 / Wednesday, July 24, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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).
ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:33 Jul 23, 2013
Jkt 229001
Dated: July 17, 2013.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, 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
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
Public Reading Room is open from 8:30
amended as follows:
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The
PART 180—[AMENDED]
telephone number for the Public
■ 1. The authority citation for part 180
Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and
continues to read as follows:
the telephone number for the OPP
Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
the visitor instructions and additional
■ 2. In § 180.651, in paragraph (a), add
information about the docket available
alphabetically the following
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
commodities to the table to read as
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lois
follows:
Rossi, Registration Division (7505P),
Office of Pesticide Programs,
§ 180.651 Imazosulfuron; tolerances for
residues.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
(a) * * *
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
Parts per (703) 305–7090; email address:
Commodity
million
RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
Melon subgroup 9A ......................
0.02 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
*
*
*
*
*
Vegetable, tuberous and corm,
subgroup 1C .............................
*
*
*
*
0.02
*
[FR Doc. 2013–17823 Filed 7–23–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0628; FRL–9393–2]
Mancozeb; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of mancozeb in
or on walnuts and tangerines. United
Phosphorus requested the tolerance for
walnuts and Dow AgroSciences
requested the tolerance for tangerines
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective July
24, 2013. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
September 23, 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).
SUMMARY:
The docket for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0628, is
available at https://www.regulations.gov
or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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 eCFR
site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&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–
E:\FR\FM\24JYR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 142 (Wednesday, July 24, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44440-44444]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17823]
[[Page 44440]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0419; FRL-9390-2]
Imazosulfuron; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
imazosulfuron in or on the melon subgroup 9A and the tuberous and corm
subgroup 1C. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested
these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective July 24, 2013. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before September 23, 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).
ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0419, 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: Lois Rossi, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 305-7090; email address: RDFRNotices@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://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/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-2012-0419 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
September 23, 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-2012-0419, 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.htm.
Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance
In the Federal Register of August 22, 2012 (77 FR 50661) (FRL-9358-
9), 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
2E8025) by Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4), 500 College
Road East, Suite 201W., Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition requested
that 40 CFR 180.651 be amended by establishing tolerances for residues
of the herbicide imazosulfuron, (2-chloro-N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-
pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl] imidazo-[1,2-a]pyridine-3-sulfonamide), in
or on tuberous and corm vegetables, crop subgroup 1C at 0.02 parts per
million (ppm); and in melon, crop subgroup 9A at 0.02 ppm. That
document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Valent USA
Corporation, the registrant, which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the
notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has
modified the commodity definitions to be consistent with Agency policy.
The reason for these changes is explained in Unit IV.C.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a
[[Page 44441]]
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 imazosulfuron including
exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action.
EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with imazosulfuron
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 toxicology data for imazosulfuron suggest that this herbicide
possesses relatively low toxicity. Many of the effects of single or
repeated dosing were observed near or beyond the respective limit
doses.
The primary target organ of imazosulfuron in repeated-dose studies
was the liver in all species tested. Mild to moderate thyroid effects
were apparent only in the chronic toxicity study in dogs. Dramatic eye
effects (retinal degeneration, lens vascularization, cataracts and
corneal scarring) were observed in rats fed >1,000 mg/kg/day beginning
at 3 months in the chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study. Ocular
effects (increased incidence of eye opacity, corneal edema,
inflammation and neovascularization) were also observed in the high-
dose males (4,577 mg/kg/day) in the 90-day feeding toxicity study in
rats. Decreased body weight and body weight gain compared to control
were frequent findings throughout the toxicology database for
imazosulfuron.
Clinical signs (decreased motor activity, abnormal gait, upward
curvature of the spine and piloerection) were observed in males at the
limit dose of the acute neurotoxicity study; however, these effects can
be attributed to generalized toxicity and were resolved by day 2 of the
study. No neurotoxic effects were observed during the subchronic
screening battery or noted as clinical signs in any other repeated-dose
study.
No developmental effects were observed at the highest dose tested
(HDT) (125 mg/kg/day) in the rabbit developmental toxicity study. No
developmental or reproductive toxicity was observed in the 1-generation
rat study. Decreased pup viability was observed in the rat 2-generation
reproduction study at a dose approaching the limit dose (LOAEL = 892
mg/kg/day) in both the F1 and F2 offspring generations. Mortality was
also observed in the parental generation at this dose. No increased
qualitative or quantitative offspring susceptibility was apparent in
any of the submitted studies for imazosulfuron.
There was no evidence of carcinogenicity in rats and mice up to the
limit dose at 24 and 18 months, respectively. Imazosulfuron was
determined to be non-mutagenic in bacteria and negative in an in vivo
mammalian cytogenetics assay. Overall, there was no evidence that
imazosulfuron was either mutagenic or clastogenic in either in vivo or
in vitro assays. The cancer classification is ``not likely to be
carcinogenic to humans,'' based on the absence of significant tumor
increases in the carcinogenicity studies.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by imazosulfuron as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in the document titled ``Imazosulfuron: Human
Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Uses on Melon (Crop Subgroup 9A)
and Tuberous and Corm Vegetables (Crop Subgroup 1C),'' pp. 29-33 in
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0419.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL)
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete
description of the risk assessment process, see https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for imazosulfuron used for
human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III.B. of the final rule
published in the Federal Register of December 29, 2010 (75 FR 81878)
(FRL-8857-4).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to imazosulfuron, EPA considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing imazosulfuron
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.651. EPA assessed dietary exposures from
imazosulfuron in food as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure.
Such effects were identified for imazosulfuron. In estimating acute
dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption information from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2003-2008 National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). As
to residue levels in food, EPA assumed 100 percent crop treated (PCT)
and tolerance-level residues for all registered and proposed uses.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 2003-2008
NHANES/WWEIA. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed 100 PCT and
tolerance-level residues for all registered and proposed uses.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that imazosulfuron does not pose a cancer risk to humans.
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. EPA did not use
anticipated residue and/or PCT
[[Page 44442]]
information in the dietary assessment for imazosulfuron. Tolerance
level residues and/or 100 PCT were assumed for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for imazosulfuron in drinking water. These simulation models
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of imazosulfuron. 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 imazosulfuron for acute exposures are
estimated to be 278.9 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 4.8
ppb for ground water and for chronic exposures are estimated to be
278.9 ppb for surface water and 4.8 ppb for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly
entered into the dietary exposure model. For the acute dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration value of 278.9 ppb was used to
assess the contribution to drinking water. For the chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of value 278.9 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). Imazosulfuron is
currently registered for the following uses that could result in
residential exposures: Residential turfgrass and recreational areas.
EPA assessed residential exposure using the following assumptions:
Residential handlers may receive short-term dermal and inhalation
exposure to imazosulfuron when mixing, loading, and applying the
pesticide on home lawns. Since a dermal endpoint of concern was not
identified for imazosulfuron, only short-term inhalation exposure of
residential handlers was assessed.
Post-application inhalation exposure is not expected due to the
nature of pesticide applications to residential lawns. Based on climate
effects (such as rain) and post-application activities (such as lawn
mowing), inhalation exposure to imazosulfuron is expected to be
negligible. Furthermore, imazosulfuron has low acute inhalation
toxicity, low vapor pressure (<3.5 x 10-6 Pa) and a low
proposed use rate (0.3 lb ai/A). Therefore, EPA assessed only short-
term post-application incidental oral exposure of children (toddlers)
based on the following scenarios: Incidental oral exposure from treated
turf via hand-to-mouth activities; incidental oral exposure from
treated turf via object-to-mouth activities; and incidental oral
exposure from treated turf via soil ingestion.
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 imazosulfuron to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and imazosulfuron does not appear
to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
imazosulfuron 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 Safety
Factor (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when
reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different
factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There is no evidence of
increased susceptibility following in utero and/or postnatal exposure
in the developmental toxicity studies in rats or rabbits, or in the 2-
generation rat reproduction study. Neither the rat nor rabbit
developmental studies identified developmental effects. The parental
NOAEL is clearly defined, less than or equal to the offspring NOAEL and
based on general systemic toxicity. At near-limit dose, 20%-30%
decreases in numbers of implants/dam, total pups/dam and live pups/dam
on post-natal day (PND) 0, and viability index were observed in
F1 pups of the 2-generation reproductive study in rats.
Similarly, decreased live pups/dam and live births and viability and
lactation indices were noted for F2 pups at doses that
induced parental mortality. The points of departure are protective of
these effects.
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 imazosulfuron is complete.
ii. There is no indication that imazosulfuron is a neurotoxic
chemical based on clinical observations of neurotoxicity during the
conduct of developmental or chronic studies. No adverse neurobehavioral
signs were observed at doses approaching the limit dose in any of the
short-term studies (subchronic oral, 21-day dermal). No neurotoxic
effects were observed during the subchronic neurotoxicity screen in
which adverse effects of decreased body weight, body weight gain and
food efficiency were observed at 575 mg/kg/day (LOAEL). The acute
neurotoxicity screen (ACN) yielded a LOAEL at the limit dose for
clinical signs, abnormal gait, decreased activity, piloerection and
upward curvature of the spine and decreased motor activity in males,
all of which were resolved by day 2. No treatment-related effects were
observed in Functional Observational Battery (FOB) parameters, gross
and neurohistopathology, motor activity or brain morphometrics of the
ACN. The weight of evidence demonstrates that imazosulfuron is not a
neurotoxic compound because the clinical findings in the ACN study
occurred only at the limit dose and may be attributed to generalized
toxicity. A developmental neurotoxicity study is not required at this
time.
iii. As discussed in Unit III.D.2., there is no concern for
increased susceptibility to offspring following pre- and postnatal
exposure to rats or in utero exposure in rabbits.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases.
[[Page 44443]]
The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based on 100 PCT
and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative (protective)
assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used to assess
exposure to imazosulfuron in drinking water. EPA used similarly
conservative assumptions to assess postapplication exposure of children
as well as incidental oral exposure of toddlers. These assessments will
not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by imazosulfuron.
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. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this
unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water
to imazosulfuron will occupy 1.2% of the aPAD for all infants less than
one year old, the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
imazosulfuron from food and water will utilize 2% of the cPAD for all
infants less than one year 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
imazosulfuron is not expected.
3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into
account short-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
Imazosulfuron 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 imazosulfuron.
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 33,000 for adults
and 8,700 for children. Because EPA's level of concern for
imazosulfuron is a MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are not of concern.
4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure
level).
An intermediate-term adverse effect was identified; however,
imazosulfuron is not registered for any use patterns that would result
in intermediate-term residential exposure. Because there is no
intermediate-term residential exposure and chronic dietary exposure has
already been assessed under the appropriately protective cPAD (which is
at least as protective as the POD used to assess intermediate-term
risk), no further assessment of intermediate-term risk is necessary,
and EPA relies on the chronic dietary risk assessment for evaluating
intermediate-term risk for imazosulfuron.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity
studies, imazosulfuron is not expected to pose a cancer risk to humans.
6. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
to the general population or to infants and children from aggregate
exposure to imazosulfuron residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology (high performance liquid
chromatography method with tandem mass spectroscopy detection (LC/MS/
MS)) is available to enforce the tolerance expression.
The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry
Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD
20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; email address:
residuemethods@epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established any MRLs for imazosulfuron.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances
The proposed commodity definitions are being modified from ``Melon
crop subgroup 9A'' to ``Melon subgroup 9A'' and ``Tuberous and corm
vegetables crop subgroup 1C'' to ``Vegetable, tuberous and corm,
subgroup 1C'' to be in line with Agency terminology.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of
imazosulfuron, (2-chloro-N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-
pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl] imidazo-[1,2-a]pyridine-3-sulfonamide), in
or on melon subgroup 9A at 0.02 ppm and vegetable, tuberous and corm,
subgroup 1C at 0.02 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).
[[Page 44444]]
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: July 17, 2013.
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. 180.651, in paragraph (a), add alphabetically the following
commodities to the table to read as follows:
Sec. 180.651 Imazosulfuron; tolerances for residues.
(a) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melon subgroup 9A............................................ 0.02
* * * * *
Vegetable, tuberous and corm, subgroup 1C.................... 0.02
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2013-17823 Filed 7-23-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P