Forchlorfenuron; Temporary Pesticide Tolerances, 46279-46283 [2013-18182]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 147 / Wednesday, July 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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).
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 25, 2013.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
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BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. Section 180.659 is amend by:
■ i. Adding alphabetically the following
commodities to the table in paragraph
(a)(1);
■ ii. Adding alphabetically the
following commodities to the table in
paragraph (a)(2); and
■ iii. Adding paragraph (a)(4).
The additions read as follows:
■
§ 180.659 Pyroxasulfone; tolerances for
residues.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
Parts per
million
Commodity
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0.003
[FR Doc. 2013–18412 Filed 7–30–13; 8:45 am]
■
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*
Cotton, undelinted seed .............
Wheat, grain ...............................
(2) * * *
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Parts per
million
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PART 180—[AMENDED]
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in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
Cotton, gin byproducts .............
0.20 INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,
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identified by docket identification (ID)
Wheat, forage ...........................
6.0
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2013–0010, is
Wheat, hay ...............................
1.0
Wheat, straw .............................
0.60 available at https://www.regulations.gov
or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
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Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)
(4) Tolerances are established for
in the Environmental Protection Agency
residues of the herbicide pyroxasulfone, Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West
including its metabolites and
Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave.
degradates, in or on the commodities in NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001. The
the following table. Compliance with
Public Reading Room is open from 8:30
the tolerance levels specified in the
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
following table is to be determined by
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The
measuring only the sum of
telephone number for the Public
pyroxasulfone [3-[[[5-(difluoromethoxy)- Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and
1-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1Hthe telephone number for the OPP
pyrazol-4-yl]methyl]sulfonyl]-4,5Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
dihydro-5,5-dimethylisoxazole] and its
the visitor instructions and additional
metabolites [5-(difluoromethoxy)-1information about the docket available
methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazolat https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
4-yl]methanesulfonic acid (M–1) and 5FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
(difluoromethoxy)-1-methyl-3Marcel Howard, Registration Division
(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
carboxylic acid (M–3), calculated as the Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
stoichiometric equivalent of
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
pyroxasulfone, in or on the commodity. DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 305–6784; email address:
Parts per
howard.marcel@epa.gov.
Commodity
million
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Commodity
Milk .............................................
VII. Congressional Review Act
Jkt 229001
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0.04
0.03
46279
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2013–0010; FRL–9391–9]
Forchlorfenuron; Temporary Pesticide
Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
temporary tolerances for residues of
forchlorfenuron in or on multiple
commodities which are identified and
discussed later in this document. KIM–
C1, LLC requested these tolerances
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) for uses
associated with an experimental use
permit. The tolerances expire on
December 31, 2015.
DATES: This regulation is effective July
31, 2013. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
September 30, 2013, and must be filed
SUMMARY:
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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://
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
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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–2013–0010 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 30, 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–
2013–0010, 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
Tolerances
In the Federal Register of February
15, 2013 (78 FR 11126) (FRL–9378–4),
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 2F8055) by KIM–
C1, LLC, 2547 West Shaw Avenue, Suite
116, Fresno, CA 93711. The petition
requested that 40 CFR 180.569 be
amended by establishing temporary
tolerances for residues of the plant
growth regulator forchlorfenuron, (N-(2chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N′-phenylurea), in
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or on almond; cherry, sweet; fig; pear;
pistachio; and plum, prune, fresh at 0.01
parts per million (ppm) and almond,
hulls at 0.15 ppm. That document
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by KIM–C1, LLC, the
permittee, which is available to the
public in the docket, https://
www.regulations.gov. A comment was
received on the notice of filing. EPA’s
response to that comment is discussed
in Unit IV.C. These tolerances expire on
December 31, 2015.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
give special consideration to exposure
of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a
tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to infants and children from
aggregate exposure to the pesticide
chemical residue. . . .’’
Consistent with FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has
reviewed the available scientific data
and other relevant information in
support of this action. EPA has
sufficient data to assess the hazards of
and to make a determination on
aggregate exposure for forchlorfenuron
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with forchlorfenuron 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.
Forchlofenuron is not acutely toxic
via the oral, dermal, and inhalation
routes. Dose-related effects noted in the
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dog following subchronic and chronic
exposure were generally limited to
decreased body weight and body-weight
gain. In the rat, the only organ that
appeared to be affected was the kidney,
which showed suppurative
inflammation, suppurative
pyelonephritis, non-suppurative
interstitial nephritis, and cortical cysts
following chronic exposure.
Developmental toxicity (decreased fetal
body weight and increased pup
mortality) was observed in the rat only
at a maternally-toxic dose. The
developmental toxicity studies in rats
and rabbits, as well as the reproductive
toxicity study in rats, did not
demonstrate any increased pre- or
postnatal sensitivity. There was no
evidence of neurotoxicity in any of the
submitted studies. Forchlorfenuron is
classified as not likely to be a human
carcinogen and there is no concern for
mutagenicity. There was no evidence of
endocrine disruption in the
forchlorfenuron database.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the toxic
effects caused by forchlorfenuron as
well as the no-observed-adverse-effectlevel (NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in the document
titled Forchlorfenuron: Human Health
Risk Assessment for Proposed Uses on
the Bushberry Subgroup 13B and to
Support a Requested Experimental Use
Permit on Almonds, Sweet Cherries,
Figs, Pears, Pistachios, and Plums/
Prunes in docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2007–1065.
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
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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 forchlorfenuron used for
human risk assessment is discussed in
Unit II. of the final rule published in the
Federal Register of August 15, 2008 (73
FR 47843) (FRL–8375–4).
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C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to forchlorfenuron, EPA
considered exposure from the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
existing forchlorfenuron tolerances in
40 CFR 180.569. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from forchlorfenuron in food
as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute
dietary exposure and risk assessments
are performed for a food-use pesticide,
if a toxicological study has indicated the
possibility of an effect of concern
occurring as a result of a 1-day or single
exposure.
No such effects were identified in the
toxicological studies for
forchlorfenuron; therefore, a
quantitative acute dietary exposure
assessment is unnecessary.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the USDA 1994–1996 and 1998
CSFII. As to residue levels in food, EPA
assumed tolerance-level residues and
100% crop treated. Dietary Exposure
Evaluation Model (DEEM version 7.81)
default processing factors were used for
apple juice, dried apples, dried pears,
prune juice, cranberry juice, and grape
juice. A processing factor was not used
for raisins because a separate tolerance
(resulting from an empirical processing
study) has been established for this
commodity. Additionally, the default
processing factor was not used for
prunes (dried plums) since data
indicated that residues in prunes would
not exceed the recommended plum
tolerance.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that forchlorfenuron does not
pose a cancer risk to humans. Therefore,
a dietary exposure assessment for the
purpose of assessing cancer risk is
unnecessary.
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iv. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did
not use anticipated residue and/or PCT
information in the dietary assessment
for forchlorfenuron. Tolerance level
residues and/or 100% CT 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 forchlorfenuron in drinking water.
These simulation models take into
account data on the physical, chemical,
and fate/transport characteristics of
forchlorfenuron. 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.
The conclusions of the Agency in the
2008 human health risk assessment
remain unchanged with respect to
dietary exposure and risks. The Agency
has verified that the previous estimated
drinking water concentrations are also
appropriate for use with this
experimental use permit (EUP) request.
Forchlorfenuron is persistent and
moderately mobile in soils.
Forchlorfenuron is also a substituted
urea plant growth regulator that is
essentially stable to all routes of
dissipation except sensitized
photodegradation in water. Based on the
Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure
Analysis Modeling System (PRZM/
EXAMS) and Screening Concentration
in Ground Water (SCI–GROW) models,
the estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWCs) of
forchlorfenuron from the proposed uses
on almonds, sweet cherries, figs, pears,
plums, and pistachios under the EUP
will not exceed the EECs from the grape
and kiwi uses previously assessed by
the Agency in the document titled
Drinking Water Assessment for
Forchlorfenuron for Grape and Kiwi
Uses. Therefore, the Agency has
incorporated the drinking water EEC
from the grape and kiwi analysis
directly into this dietary assessment.
For chronic exposures for non-cancer
assessments are estimated to be 0.32
parts per billion (ppb) for surface water
and 0.003 ppb for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model.
For chronic dietary risk assessment,
the water concentration of value 0.32
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,
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46281
indoor pest control, termiticides, and
flea and tick control on pets).
Forchlorfenuron is not registered for
any specific use patterns that would
result in residential exposure.
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 forchlorfenuron to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
forchlorfenuron does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by
other substances. For the purposes of
this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that forchlorfenuron 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.
The developmental and reproductive
toxicity studies showed no evidence of
increased sensitivity or susceptibility of
young rats or rabbits following prenatal
or postnatal exposure to
forchlorfenuron.
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
forchlorfenuron is complete.
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ii. There is no indication that
forchlorfenuron is a neurotoxic
chemical and there is no need for a
developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional UFs to account for
neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that
forchlorfenuron results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits
in the prenatal developmental studies or
in young rats in the 2-generation
reproduction study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary food exposure assessments
were performed based on 100% CT and
tolerance-level residues. EPA made
conservative (protective) assumptions in
the ground and surface water modeling
used to assess exposure to
forchlorfenuron in drinking water. EPA
used similarly conservative assumptions
to assess exposure and risks posed by
forchlorfenuron. These assessments will
not underestimate the exposure and
risks posed by forchlorfenuron.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure
estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and
chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer
risks, EPA calculates the lifetime
probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,
intermediate-, and chronic-term risks
are evaluated by comparing the
estimated aggregate food, water, and
residential exposure to the appropriate
PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE
exists.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk
assessment takes into account acute
exposure estimates from dietary
consumption of food and drinking
water. No adverse effect resulting from
a single oral exposure was identified
and no acute dietary endpoint was
selected. Therefore, forchlorfenuron is
not expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to
forchlorfenuron from food and water
will utilize < 1% of the cPAD. There are
no residential uses for forchlorfenuron.
3. Short-term risk and intermediateterm risk. Short-term and intermediateterm aggregate exposure takes into
account short-term and intermediateterm residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered
to be a background exposure level).
Forchlorfenuron is currently not
registered for any use patterns that
would result in short-term and
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intermediate-term residential exposure.
Because there is no short- or
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 short- or intermediate-term risk),
no further assessment of short- or
intermediate-term risk is necessary. EPA
relies on the chronic dietary risk
assessment for evaluating short- and
intermediate-term risk for
forchlorfenuron.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two
adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,
forchlorfenuron is not expected to pose
a cancer risk to humans.
5. Determination of safety. Based on
these risk assessments, EPA concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to the general
population, or to infants and children,
from aggregate exposure to
forchlorfenuron residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
(HPLC/UV method (method # CCRL–
MTH–029)) is available to enforce
tolerances of forchlorfenuron in/on
members of the Bushberry Subgroup
13–07B and the commodities that are
the subject of the proposed EUP.
Residues are determined by HPLC/UV
using external standards and residues
are confirmed by liquid chromatography
(LC) mass spectrometry (MS/MS)
analysis. The validated limit of
quantitation (LOQ) is 0.01 ppm for fruit
and nut crops.
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
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from the Codex level. The Codex has not
established a MRL for forchlorfenuron.
C. Response to Comment
One comment was received in
response to the notice of receipt of the
EUP’s application. The commenter
objected to the increase of chemical
residues and expressed concerns about
the effects of chemicals in general on
humans and the environment. The
Agency understands the commenter’s
concerns regarding toxic chemicals and
their potential effects on humans and
the environment. Pursuant to its
authority under the FFDCA, and as
discussed further in this preamble, EPA
conducted a comprehensive assessment
of forchlorfenuron. Based on its
assessment of the available data, the
Agency has concluded that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to
residues of forchlorfenuron, including
those associated with the EUP.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, temporary tolerances are
established for residues of
forchlorfenuron, (N-(2-chloro-4pyridinyl)-N′-phenylurea), including its
metabolites and degradates in or on
almond; cherry, sweet; fig; pear;
pistachio; and plum, prune, fresh at 0.01
ppm and in or on almond, hulls at 0.15
ppm. An expiration date of December
31, 2015, is established for these uses,
which are associated with the EUP
(71049–EUP–5) the Agency issued to
KIM–C1, LLC for plant growth regulator
forchlorfenuron.
In addition, consistent with EPA’s
policy for clarifying its tolerance
expressions, EPA is revising the
tolerance expression for forchlorfenuron
to clarify that the tolerance includes
metabolites and degradates of
forchlorfenuron and that compliance
with the tolerance levels specified in the
table is to be determined by measuring
only the sum of forchlorfenuron, (N-(2chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N′-phenylurea).
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final rule establishes temporary
tolerances under FFDCA section 408(r)
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
E:\FR\FM\31JYR1.SGM
31JYR1
46283
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 147 / Wednesday, July 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use’’ (66 FR 28355, May
22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045,
entitled ‘‘Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks’’ (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997).
This final rule does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB
approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq.), nor does it require any special
considerations under Executive Order
12898, entitled ‘‘Federal Actions to
Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,
1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that
are established on the basis of a petition
submitted 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 22, 2013.
Lois Rossi,
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. In § 180.569, revise paragraphs
(a)(1) introductory text and (a)(2) to read
as follows:
■
§ 180.569 Forchlorfenuron; tolerances for
residues.
(a) General. (1) Tolerances are
established for residues of
forchlorfenuron, including its
metabolites and degradates, in or on the
commodities in the table below.
Compliance with the tolerance levels
specified below is to be determined by
measuring only forchlorfenuron (N-(2chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N′-phenylurea).
*
*
*
*
*
(2) Temporary tolerances are
established for residues of
forchlorfenuron, including its
metabolites and degradates, in or on the
commodities in the table below.
Compliance with the tolerance levels
specified below is to be determined by
measuring on forchlorfenuron (N-(2chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N′-phenylurea).
Parts per
million
Commodity
Almond .....................................................................................................................................................................
Almond, hulls ...........................................................................................................................................................
Cherry, sweet ...........................................................................................................................................................
Fig ............................................................................................................................................................................
Pear .........................................................................................................................................................................
Pistachio ..................................................................................................................................................................
Plum, prune, fresh ...................................................................................................................................................
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2013–18182 Filed 7–30–13; 8:45 am]
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
40 CFR Part 721
[EPA–HQ–OPPT–2012–0864; FRL–9392–4]
ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES
RIN 2070–AB27
Modification of Significant New Uses
of Ethaneperoxoic Acid, 1,1Dimethylpropyl Ester
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:07 Jul 30, 2013
Jkt 229001
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
0.01
0.15
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
Expiration/
revocation
date
12/31/15
12/31/15
12/31/15
12/31/15
12/31/15
12/31/15
12/31/15
Under the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA), EPA is finalizing an
amendment to the significant new use
rule (SNUR) for the chemical substance
identified as ethaneperoxoic acid, 1,1dimethylpropyl ester, which was the
subject of premanufacture notice (PMN)
P–85–680. This action requires persons
who intend to manufacture or process
the chemical substance for a use that is
designated as a significant new use by
this final rule to notify EPA at least 90
days before commencing that activity.
EPA believes that this action is
necessary because new uses of the
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\31JYR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 147 (Wednesday, July 31, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46279-46283]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18182]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0010; FRL-9391-9]
Forchlorfenuron; Temporary Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes temporary tolerances for residues
of forchlorfenuron in or on multiple commodities which are identified
and discussed later in this document. KIM-C1, LLC requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) for
uses associated with an experimental use permit. The tolerances expire
on December 31, 2015.
DATES: This regulation is effective July 31, 2013. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before September 30, 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-2013-0010, 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: Marcel Howard, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 305-6784; email address: howard.marcel@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 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
[[Page 46280]]
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-2013-0010 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 30, 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-2013-0010, 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 Tolerances
In the Federal Register of February 15, 2013 (78 FR 11126) (FRL-
9378-4), 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
2F8055) by KIM-C1, LLC, 2547 West Shaw Avenue, Suite 116, Fresno, CA
93711. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.569 be amended by
establishing temporary tolerances for residues of the plant growth
regulator forchlorfenuron, (N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N'-phenylurea), in
or on almond; cherry, sweet; fig; pear; pistachio; and plum, prune,
fresh at 0.01 parts per million (ppm) and almond, hulls at 0.15 ppm.
That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by KIM-C1,
LLC, the permittee, which is available to the public in the docket,
https://www.regulations.gov. A comment was received on the notice of
filing. EPA's response to that comment is discussed in Unit IV.C. These
tolerances expire on December 31, 2015.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . .
.''
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a
determination on aggregate exposure for forchlorfenuron including
exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action.
EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with forchlorfenuron
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.
Forchlofenuron is not acutely toxic via the oral, dermal, and
inhalation routes. Dose-related effects noted in the dog following
subchronic and chronic exposure were generally limited to decreased
body weight and body-weight gain. In the rat, the only organ that
appeared to be affected was the kidney, which showed suppurative
inflammation, suppurative pyelonephritis, non-suppurative interstitial
nephritis, and cortical cysts following chronic exposure. Developmental
toxicity (decreased fetal body weight and increased pup mortality) was
observed in the rat only at a maternally-toxic dose. The developmental
toxicity studies in rats and rabbits, as well as the reproductive
toxicity study in rats, did not demonstrate any increased pre- or
postnatal sensitivity. There was no evidence of neurotoxicity in any of
the submitted studies. Forchlorfenuron is classified as not likely to
be a human carcinogen and there is no concern for mutagenicity. There
was no evidence of endocrine disruption in the forchlorfenuron
database.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
toxic effects caused by forchlorfenuron 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 Forchlorfenuron: Human
Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Uses on the Bushberry Subgroup 13B
and to Support a Requested Experimental Use Permit on Almonds, Sweet
Cherries, Figs, Pears, Pistachios, and Plums/Prunes in docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-1065.
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
[[Page 46281]]
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 forchlorfenuron used
for human risk assessment is discussed in Unit II. of the final rule
published in the Federal Register of August 15, 2008 (73 FR 47843)
(FRL-8375-4).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to forchlorfenuron, EPA considered exposure from the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing forchlorfenuron
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.569. EPA assessed dietary exposures from
forchlorfenuron in food as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure.
No such effects were identified in the toxicological studies for
forchlorfenuron; therefore, a quantitative acute dietary exposure
assessment is unnecessary.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996
and 1998 CSFII. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed tolerance-
level residues and 100% crop treated. Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model
(DEEM version 7.81) default processing factors were used for apple
juice, dried apples, dried pears, prune juice, cranberry juice, and
grape juice. A processing factor was not used for raisins because a
separate tolerance (resulting from an empirical processing study) has
been established for this commodity. Additionally, the default
processing factor was not used for prunes (dried plums) since data
indicated that residues in prunes would not exceed the recommended plum
tolerance.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that forchlorfenuron does not pose a cancer risk to humans.
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information.
EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the
dietary assessment for forchlorfenuron. Tolerance level residues and/or
100% CT 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 forchlorfenuron in drinking water. These simulation
models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of forchlorfenuron. 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.
The conclusions of the Agency in the 2008 human health risk
assessment remain unchanged with respect to dietary exposure and risks.
The Agency has verified that the previous estimated drinking water
concentrations are also appropriate for use with this experimental use
permit (EUP) request.
Forchlorfenuron is persistent and moderately mobile in soils.
Forchlorfenuron is also a substituted urea plant growth regulator that
is essentially stable to all routes of dissipation except sensitized
photodegradation in water. Based on the Pesticide Root Zone Model/
Exposure Analysis Modeling System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Screening
Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-GROW) models, the estimated drinking
water concentrations (EDWCs) of forchlorfenuron from the proposed uses
on almonds, sweet cherries, figs, pears, plums, and pistachios under
the EUP will not exceed the EECs from the grape and kiwi uses
previously assessed by the Agency in the document titled Drinking Water
Assessment for Forchlorfenuron for Grape and Kiwi Uses. Therefore, the
Agency has incorporated the drinking water EEC from the grape and kiwi
analysis directly into this dietary assessment.
For chronic exposures for non-cancer assessments are estimated to
be 0.32 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 0.003 ppb for
ground water. Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were
directly entered into the dietary exposure model.
For chronic dietary risk assessment, the water concentration of
value 0.32 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).
Forchlorfenuron is not registered for any specific use patterns
that would result in residential exposure.
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 forchlorfenuron to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and forchlorfenuron does not appear
to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
forchlorfenuron 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. The developmental and
reproductive toxicity studies showed no evidence of increased
sensitivity or susceptibility of young rats or rabbits following
prenatal or postnatal exposure to forchlorfenuron.
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 forchlorfenuron is complete.
[[Page 46282]]
ii. There is no indication that forchlorfenuron is a neurotoxic
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study
or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that forchlorfenuron results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal
developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction
study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based
on 100% CT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative
(protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used
to assess exposure to forchlorfenuron in drinking water. EPA used
similarly conservative assumptions to assess exposure and risks posed
by forchlorfenuron. These assessments will not underestimate the
exposure and risks posed by forchlorfenuron.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water,
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an
adequate MOE exists.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore,
forchlorfenuron is not expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
forchlorfenuron from food and water will utilize < 1% of the cPAD.
There are no residential uses for forchlorfenuron.
3. Short-term risk and intermediate-term risk. Short-term and
intermediate-term aggregate exposure takes into account short-term and
intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
Forchlorfenuron is currently not registered for any use patterns
that would result in short-term and intermediate-term residential
exposure. Because there is no short- or 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 short- or intermediate-term risk), no further
assessment of short- or intermediate-term risk is necessary. EPA relies
on the chronic dietary risk assessment for evaluating short- and
intermediate-term risk for forchlorfenuron.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity
studies, forchlorfenuron is not expected to pose a cancer risk to
humans.
5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
to the general population, or to infants and children, from aggregate
exposure to forchlorfenuron residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology (HPLC/UV method (method
CCRL-MTH-029)) is available to enforce tolerances of forchlorfenuron
in/on members of the Bushberry Subgroup 13-07B and the commodities that
are the subject of the proposed EUP. Residues are determined by HPLC/UV
using external standards and residues are confirmed by liquid
chromatography (LC) mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis. The validated
limit of quantitation (LOQ) is 0.01 ppm for fruit and nut crops.
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 a MRL for forchlorfenuron.
C. Response to Comment
One comment was received in response to the notice of receipt of
the EUP's application. The commenter objected to the increase of
chemical residues and expressed concerns about the effects of chemicals
in general on humans and the environment. The Agency understands the
commenter's concerns regarding toxic chemicals and their potential
effects on humans and the environment. Pursuant to its authority under
the FFDCA, and as discussed further in this preamble, EPA conducted a
comprehensive assessment of forchlorfenuron. Based on its assessment of
the available data, the Agency has concluded that there is a reasonable
certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to residues
of forchlorfenuron, including those associated with the EUP.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, temporary tolerances are established for residues of
forchlorfenuron, (N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N'-phenylurea), including
its metabolites and degradates in or on almond; cherry, sweet; fig;
pear; pistachio; and plum, prune, fresh at 0.01 ppm and in or on
almond, hulls at 0.15 ppm. An expiration date of December 31, 2015, is
established for these uses, which are associated with the EUP (71049-
EUP-5) the Agency issued to KIM-C1, LLC for plant growth regulator
forchlorfenuron.
In addition, consistent with EPA's policy for clarifying its
tolerance expressions, EPA is revising the tolerance expression for
forchlorfenuron to clarify that the tolerance includes metabolites and
degradates of forchlorfenuron and that compliance with the tolerance
levels specified in the table is to be determined by measuring only the
sum of forchlorfenuron, (N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N'-phenylurea).
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes temporary tolerances under FFDCA
section 408(r) 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
[[Page 46283]]
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR
28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled ``Protection of
Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR
19885, April 23, 1997). This final rule does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any
special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition submitted 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 22, 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. 180.569, revise paragraphs (a)(1) introductory text and
(a)(2) to read as follows:
Sec. 180.569 Forchlorfenuron; tolerances for residues.
(a) General. (1) Tolerances are established for residues of
forchlorfenuron, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the
commodities in the table below. Compliance with the tolerance levels
specified below is to be determined by measuring only forchlorfenuron
(N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N'-phenylurea).
* * * * *
(2) Temporary tolerances are established for residues of
forchlorfenuron, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the
commodities in the table below. Compliance with the tolerance levels
specified below is to be determined by measuring on forchlorfenuron (N-
(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N'-phenylurea).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expiration/
Commodity Parts per revocation
million date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Almond.................................. 0.01 12/31/15
Almond, hulls........................... 0.15 12/31/15
Cherry, sweet........................... 0.01 12/31/15
Fig..................................... 0.01 12/31/15
Pear.................................... 0.01 12/31/15
Pistachio............................... 0.01 12/31/15
Plum, prune, fresh...................... 0.01 12/31/15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2013-18182 Filed 7-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P