Thiram; Time-Limited Pesticide Tolerances, 18818-18822 [2014-07556]

Download as PDF 18818 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 2. In § 180.490, add alphabetically the following commodity, and footnote 1, to the table in paragraph (a)(1) to read as follows: ■ § 180.490 Imazapic; tolerances for residues. (a) General. (1) * * * Parts per million Commodity * * * * Soybean, seed 1 ........................ * * * * * 0.40 * 1 There are no US registrations as of April 4, 2014. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2014–07585 Filed 4–3–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 180 [EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0143; FRL–9909–02] Thiram; Time-Limited Pesticide Tolerances Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This regulation establishes time-limited tolerances for residues of thiram in or on banana. Taminco US, Inc. requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The tolerances expire on March 31, 2015. DATES: This regulation is effective April 4, 2014. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before June 3, 2014, 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–2014–0143, 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 TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES ADDRESSES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:26 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 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 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–2014–0143 in the subject line on the first page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before June 3, 2014. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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– 2014–0143, by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/ DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001. • Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the instructions at https:// www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/ dockets. II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerances In the Federal Register of February 25, 2014 (79 FR 10458) (FRL–9906–77), 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 4E8243) by Taminco US, Inc., Two Windsor Plaza, Suite 411, Allentown, PA 18195. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.132 be amended by extending the expiration date on the tolerance for residues of the fungicide thiram in or on banana at 0.8 parts per million (ppm) from March 31, 2014, to March 31, 2015. That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Taminco US, Inc., the registrant, which is available to the public in the docket, https:// www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the notice of filing. These tolerances expire on March 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 E:\FR\FM\04APR1.SGM 04APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Rules and Regulations TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 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 thiram including exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks associated with thiram 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. Thiram is a dimethyl dithiocarbamate fungicide. Thiram has been shown to cause neurotoxicity following acute and subchronic exposures. In the acute and subchronic neurotoxicity studies submitted, neurotoxicity is characterized as lethargy, reduced and/ or tail pinch response, changes in the functional-observation battery (FOB) parameters, increased hyperactivity, changes in motor activity, and increased occurrences of rearing events. No treatment-related changes were observed in brain weights or in the histopathology of the nervous system. In a non-guideline study published in the open literature, chronic feeding of thiram to rats caused neurotoxicity, with onset of ataxia in some animals 5– 19 months after beginning of treatment. However, no evidence of neurotoxicity was seen following chronic exposures in mice or rats in guideline studies submitted to the Agency. The chronic toxicity profile for thiram indicates that the liver, blood, and urinary system are the target organs for this chemical in mice, rats, and dogs. There is no VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:26 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 evidence for increased susceptibility following in utero exposures to rats or rabbits and following pre- and postnatal exposures to rats for 2 generations. There is evidence of quantitative susceptibility in the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) study. However, there is low concern for the increased susceptibility seen in the DNT study since the dose response is well defined with a clear NOAEL and this endpoint is used for assessing the acute dietary risk for the most sensitive population. Thiram is classified as ‘‘not likely to be carcinogenic to humans’’ based on lack of evidence for carcinogenicity in mice or rats. There are no mutagenic/ genotoxic concerns with thiram. The available toxicological database for thiram suggests that this chemical has a low to moderate acute-toxicity profile. Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the toxic effects caused by thiram 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 document ‘‘Thiram. Update to the Aggregate Risk Assessment to Support the Requested PHI Reduction and Increased Tolerance Request on Strawberry,’’ p. 9 in docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2012– 0925. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 18819 assessment process, see https:// www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ riskassess.htm. A summary of the toxicological endpoints for thiram used for human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III.B. of the final rule published in the Federal Register of February 12, 2014 (79 FR 8295) (FRL–9904–22). C. Exposure Assessment 1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary exposure to thiram, EPA considered exposure from the petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing thiram tolerances in 40 CFR 180.132. EPA assessed dietary exposures from thiram 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. A partially refined probabilistic acute dietary-exposure assessment was performed using 100 percent crop treated (PCT), tolerance, the highest residue found during field-trials, distributions of field trial residues, and empirical processing factors. ii. Chronic exposure. Tolerances level residues for banana and average field trial residues for apples, peaches and strawberries along with 100 PCT were used for the chronic dietary exposure analysis for all crops. Empirical processing factors were also used. iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has classified thiram as ‘‘Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans,’’ therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing cancer risk is not needed. iv. Anticipated residue information. EPA did not use PCT information in the dietary assessment for thiram. The acute used field trial residues for the majority of commodities. The chronic dietary used average field trial residues along with tolerance level residues. In addition, 100 PCT were assumed for all food commodities. Section 408(b)(2)(E) of FFDCA authorizes EPA to use available data and information on the anticipated residue levels of pesticide residues in food and the actual levels of pesticide residues that have been measured in food. If EPA relies on such information, EPA must require pursuant to FFDCA section 408(f)(1) that data be provided 5 years after the tolerance is established, modified, or left in effect, demonstrating that the levels in food are not above the levels anticipated. For the present action, EPA will issue such data E:\FR\FM\04APR1.SGM 04APR1 TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 18820 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Rules and Regulations call-ins as are required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(E) and authorized under FFDCA section 408(f)(1). Data will be required to be submitted no later than 5 years from the date of issuance of these tolerances. 2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk assessment for thiram in drinking water. These simulation models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/ transport characteristics of thiram. Further information regarding EPA drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be found at https://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/ water/index.htm. Based on the Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI– GROW) models, the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of thiram for acute exposures are 0.0478 parts per billion (ppb) and 0.0025 ppb for chronic exposures (for non-cancer assessments) for surface water. Ground water sources were not included (for acute or chronic exposures), as the EDWCs for ground water are minimal in comparison to those for surface water. Surface water EDWCs were incorporated in DEEM– FCID into the food categories ‘‘water, direct, all sources’’ and ‘‘water, indirect, all sources’’ for the dietary assessments. 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). Thiram is not available for sale or use by homeowner applicators; therefore, there are no residential handler exposure scenarios. However, there is potential for residential post-application dermal exposure from treated golf course greens and tees. Residential exposures resulting from dermal contact with thiram-treated turf were assessed for children 6 to <11 years old, children 11 to <16 years old, and adults as described in document ‘‘Thiram. Update to the Aggregate Risk Assessment to Support the Requested PHI Reduction and Increased Tolerance Request on Strawberry,’’ p. 8299 in docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0925. 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:26 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.’’ Unlike the N-methyl carbamate pesticides, EPA has not found thiram (a dithiocarbamate) to share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and thiram does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that thiram 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 was no evidence of increased susceptibility following in utero exposure to rats or rabbits or following pre-and post natal exposures to rats. There is evidence of quantitative susceptibility in the DNT study. Offspring effects (increased locomotor activity in females on PND 17) occurred at a lower dose than maternal effects (increased number of rearing events and elevated incidences of hyperactivity in females at weeks 8 and 13). There is low concern for the enhanced susceptibility seen in the DNT study because: i. Clear NOAELs/LOAELs were established for the offspring effects. ii. The dose-response is well defined. iii. The behavioral effect of concern were observed only in females on one evaluation time period. and iv. The dose/endpoint is used for acute dietary risk for the most sensitive population subgroup (females 13–49 years old). Consequently, there are no residual uncertainties for pre- and postnatal toxicity. PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 thiram is complete with acceptable neurotoxicity, developmental, and reproductive toxicity studies. ii. As explained in this unit, there are no residual uncertainties for pre- and post-natal toxicity. iii. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure databases. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to thiram in drinking water. In addition, the acute dietary exposure analysis used FDA apple monitoring data and field trial data along with the maximum PCT. The chronic dietary exposure analysis used tolerance level residues except for apple along with the average PCT. In addition, washing studies were incorporated into the dietary analyses since thiram is not a systemic pesticide and will wash off during normal washing procedures. These assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by thiram. These assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by thiram. 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. Using DEEM–FCID, acute dietary exposure at the 95th exposure percentile is estimated at 0.012053 mg/kg bw/day for the general U.S. population (1.9% of the aPAD) and 0.008637 mg/kg bw/day (62% of the aPAD) for females 13–49 years old, the population subgroup with the highest % aPAD dietary exposure to thiram. 2. Chronic risk. The chronic aggregate risk assessment takes into account exposure estimates from dietary consumption of thiram (food and drinking water). Dietary risk estimates E:\FR\FM\04APR1.SGM 04APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Rules and Regulations were determined considering exposures from food and drinking water using EDWCs for surface water sources. Using the DEEM–FCID software, dietary exposure is estimated at 0.002257 mg/kg bw/day for the general U.S. population (15% of the cPAD) and 0.011943 mg/kg bw/day (80% of the cPAD) for children 1–2 years old, the population subgroup with the highest estimated chronic dietary exposure to thiram. 3. Short-term and intermediate-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). 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). In aggregating short- and intermediate-term risk, the Agency routinely combines background chronic dietary exposure (food + water) with short/intermediate-term residential exposure (dermal only). The combined exposure may then be used to calculate an MOE for aggregate risk. Using the golfer scenario for adult males, adult females, and children >6 years old, combined with the applicable subpopulation with the greatest dietary exposure, the total short/intermediateterm food and residential aggregate MOEs are 600, 600, and 370, respectively. As these MOEs are greater than 100, the short- and intermediateterm aggregate risks do not exceed the Agency’s LOC. 4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Thiram is classified as ‘‘Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans’’ based on lack of evidence for carcinogenicity in mice or rats; therefore, thiram is not expected to pose a cancer risk. 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 thiram residues. IV. Other Considerations TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology Adequate enforcement methodology (colorimetric analytical method) 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:26 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 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 thiram in or on banana. V. Conclusion Therefore, the expiration date on time-limited tolerance for residues of thiram in or on banana at 0.8 ppm is being extended until March 31, 2015. An extension of the time limited tolerance has been imposed to allow the Agency time to review additional residue data submitted in consideration of a permanent tolerance for banana. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 18821 Populations and Low-Income Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), do not apply. This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this action alter the relationships or distribution of power and responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this final rule. In addition, this final rule does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.). This action does not involve any technical standards that would require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). VII. Congressional Review Act Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. E:\FR\FM\04APR1.SGM 04APR1 18822 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 65 / Friday, April 4, 2014 / Rules and Regulations TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Dated: March 28, 2014. Lois Rossi, Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. environment and resulting exposures of aquatic and sediment dwelling organisms to D4, contributing to the Agency’s efforts to understand potential environmental effects of D4. This Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is document revises the listing for D4 in amended as follows: the table of testing consent orders for substances and mixtures with Chemical PART 180—[AMENDED] Abstract Service (CAS) Registry ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180 Numbers. This document announces the ECA and the Order that incorporates the continues to read as follows: ECA for this testing, and summarizes Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371. the terms of the ECA. As a result of this ■ 2. In § 180.132, in the table in action, exporters of D4, CAS No. 556– paragraph (a), in the entry for ‘‘Banana’’, 67–2, including persons who do not revise the Expiration/revocation date, sign the ECA, are subject to TSCA ‘‘3/31/14’’ to read ‘‘3/31/15’’ to read as export notification requirements. follows: DATES: The effective date of the ECA, the Order that incorporates the ECA, § 180.132 Thiram; tolerances for residues. and this action is April 4, 2014. (a) * * * ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket identification (ID) Parts Expiration/ number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2012–0209, is Commodity per revocation million date available at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics Docket (OPPT Docket), * * * * * Environmental Protection Agency 1 ............... Banana * * * 3/31/15 Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, * * * * * DC. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday 1 No U.S. registrations as of September 23, through Friday, excluding legal 2009. holidays. The telephone number for the * * * * * Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, [FR Doc. 2014–07556 Filed 4–3–14; 8:45 am] and the telephone number for the OPPT BILLING CODE 6560–50–P Docket is (202) 566–0280. Please review the visitor instructions and additional information about the docket available ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION at https://www.epa.gov/dockets. AGENCY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on the ECA, contact: Mark 40 CFR Part 799 Seltzer, Chemical Control Division [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2012–0209; FRL–9907–36] (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Final Enforceable Consent Agreement Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., and Testing Consent Order for Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4); number: (202) 564–2901; email address: Export Notification seltzer.mark@epa.gov. For general information contact: The AGENCY: Environmental Protection TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 422 Agency (EPA). South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY ACTION: Final rule; enforceable consent 14620; telephone number: (202) 554– agreement and testing consent order. 1404; email address: TSCAHotline@epa.gov. SUMMARY: Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA has issued a SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: testing consent order (Order) that I. Does this action apply to me? incorporates an enforceable consent agreement (ECA) with Dow Corning This action is directed to the public Corporation, Evonik Corporation, in general. The requirements in the ECA Momentive Performance Materials USA and the Order that incorporates the ECA Inc., Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, only apply to those companies that are Inc., and Wacker Chemical Corporation specifically named in the ECA. As of (the Companies). The Companies have April 4, 2014 any person who exports or agreed to certain environmental testing intends to export any chemical that is that will be used by EPA to characterize the subject of the ECA and the Order sources and pathways of release of that incorporates the ECA is subject to octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) to the the export notification requirements of VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:26 Apr 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 TSCA section 12(b) (see 40 CFR part 707, subpart D, and Unit IV.B.). Although other types of entities could also be affected, most chemical manufacturers are usually identified under North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code 325 (Chemical manufacturing). II. Background A. What is Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4)? D4 is used as an intermediate for silicone copolymers and other chemicals. D4 is also used in industrial processing applications as a solvent (which becomes part of a product formulation or mixture), finishing agent, and an adhesive and sealant chemical (Ref. 1). It is also used for both consumer and commercial purposes in paints and coatings, and plastic and rubber products (Ref. 1) and has consumer uses in polishes, sanitation, soaps, detergents, adhesives, and sealants (Ref. 2). B. Why does EPA need environmental effects data on D4? D4 persists in sediment and bioaccumulates in aquatic species. Data show D4 to be toxic to aquatic and sediment-dwelling species. EPA has concerns regarding the environmental effects of D4. Environmental testing will help develop a better understanding of the potential effects of this chemical in the environment. III. ECA Development and Conclusion A. How is EPA going to obtain environmental testing on D4? EPA initiated steps and agreed to enter into this ECA with the Companies. On February 26, 2014, EPA received the ECA signed by the Companies, and on March 28, 2014, EPA signed the ECA and the Order that incorporates the ECA. The effective date of the ECA and the Order that incorporates the ECA is April 4, 2014. EPA uses ECAs to accomplish testing of chemicals for public health and environmental effects where a consensus exists concerning the need for and scope of testing (40 CFR 790.1(c)). The procedures for ECA negotiations and the factors for determining whether a consensus exists are described at 40 CFR 790.22. B. What is the subject of the ECA and order incorporating the ECA? As specified in the ECA, the purpose of the testing program is to conduct environmental testing to help in characterizing sources and pathways of release of D4 to the environment and E:\FR\FM\04APR1.SGM 04APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 65 (Friday, April 4, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18818-18822]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07556]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0143; FRL-9909-02]


Thiram; Time-Limited Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This regulation establishes time-limited tolerances for 
residues of thiram in or on banana. Taminco US, Inc. requested these 
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The 
tolerances expire on March 31, 2015.

DATES: This regulation is effective April 4, 2014. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before June 3, 2014, 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-2014-0143, 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 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-2014-0143 in the subject line on the first 
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must 
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before 
June 3, 2014. 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-2014-0143, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. Additional 
instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more 
information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerances

    In the Federal Register of February 25, 2014 (79 FR 10458) (FRL-
9906-77), 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 
4E8243) by Taminco US, Inc., Two Windsor Plaza, Suite 411, Allentown, 
PA 18195. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.132 be amended by 
extending the expiration date on the tolerance for residues of the 
fungicide thiram in or on banana at 0.8 parts per million (ppm) from 
March 31, 2014, to March 31, 2015. That document referenced a summary 
of the petition prepared by Taminco US, Inc., the registrant, which is 
available to the public in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. 
There were no comments received in response to the notice of filing. 
These tolerances expire on March 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

[[Page 18819]]

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 thiram including exposure 
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with thiram 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.
    Thiram is a dimethyl dithiocarbamate fungicide. Thiram has been 
shown to cause neurotoxicity following acute and subchronic exposures. 
In the acute and subchronic neurotoxicity studies submitted, 
neurotoxicity is characterized as lethargy, reduced and/or tail pinch 
response, changes in the functional-observation battery (FOB) 
parameters, increased hyperactivity, changes in motor activity, and 
increased occurrences of rearing events. No treatment-related changes 
were observed in brain weights or in the histopathology of the nervous 
system. In a non-guideline study published in the open literature, 
chronic feeding of thiram to rats caused neurotoxicity, with onset of 
ataxia in some animals 5-19 months after beginning of treatment. 
However, no evidence of neurotoxicity was seen following chronic 
exposures in mice or rats in guideline studies submitted to the Agency. 
The chronic toxicity profile for thiram indicates that the liver, 
blood, and urinary system are the target organs for this chemical in 
mice, rats, and dogs. There is no evidence for increased susceptibility 
following in utero exposures to rats or rabbits and following pre- and 
post-natal exposures to rats for 2 generations. There is evidence of 
quantitative susceptibility in the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) 
study. However, there is low concern for the increased susceptibility 
seen in the DNT study since the dose response is well defined with a 
clear NOAEL and this endpoint is used for assessing the acute dietary 
risk for the most sensitive population. Thiram is classified as ``not 
likely to be carcinogenic to humans'' based on lack of evidence for 
carcinogenicity in mice or rats. There are no mutagenic/genotoxic 
concerns with thiram. The available toxicological database for thiram 
suggests that this chemical has a low to moderate acute-toxicity 
profile.
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
toxic effects caused by thiram as well as the no-observed-adverse-
effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level 
(LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in document ``Thiram. Update to the Aggregate Risk 
Assessment to Support the Requested PHI Reduction and Increased 
Tolerance Request on Strawberry,'' p. 9 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-
2012- 0925.

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 thiram used for human 
risk assessment is discussed in Unit III.B. of the final rule published 
in the Federal Register of February 12, 2014 (79 FR 8295) (FRL-9904-
22).

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to thiram, EPA considered exposure from the petitioned-for 
tolerances as well as all existing thiram tolerances in 40 CFR 180.132. 
EPA assessed dietary exposures from thiram 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.
    A partially refined probabilistic acute dietary-exposure assessment 
was performed using 100 percent crop treated (PCT), tolerance, the 
highest residue found during field-trials, distributions of field trial 
residues, and empirical processing factors.
    ii. Chronic exposure. Tolerances level residues for banana and 
average field trial residues for apples, peaches and strawberries along 
with 100 PCT were used for the chronic dietary exposure analysis for 
all crops. Empirical processing factors were also used.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has 
classified thiram as ``Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans,'' 
therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing 
cancer risk is not needed.
    iv. Anticipated residue information. EPA did not use PCT 
information in the dietary assessment for thiram. The acute used field 
trial residues for the majority of commodities. The chronic dietary 
used average field trial residues along with tolerance level residues. 
In addition, 100 PCT were assumed for all food commodities. Section 
408(b)(2)(E) of FFDCA authorizes EPA to use available data and 
information on the anticipated residue levels of pesticide residues in 
food and the actual levels of pesticide residues that have been 
measured in food. If EPA relies on such information, EPA must require 
pursuant to FFDCA section 408(f)(1) that data be provided 5 years after 
the tolerance is established, modified, or left in effect, 
demonstrating that the levels in food are not above the levels 
anticipated. For the present action, EPA will issue such data

[[Page 18820]]

call-ins as are required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(E) and authorized 
under FFDCA section 408(f)(1). Data will be required to be submitted no 
later than 5 years from the date of issuance of these tolerances.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening 
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for thiram in drinking water. These simulation models take 
into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport 
characteristics of thiram. Further information regarding EPA drinking 
water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be found at 
https://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/water/index.htm.
    Based on the Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling 
System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-
GROW) models, the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of 
thiram for acute exposures are 0.0478 parts per billion (ppb) and 
0.0025 ppb for chronic exposures (for non-cancer assessments) for 
surface water. Ground water sources were not included (for acute or 
chronic exposures), as the EDWCs for ground water are minimal in 
comparison to those for surface water. Surface water EDWCs were 
incorporated in DEEM-FCID into the food categories ``water, direct, all 
sources'' and ``water, indirect, all sources'' for the dietary 
assessments.
    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). Thiram is not 
available for sale or use by homeowner applicators; therefore, there 
are no residential handler exposure scenarios. However, there is 
potential for residential post-application dermal exposure from treated 
golf course greens and tees. Residential exposures resulting from 
dermal contact with thiram-treated turf were assessed for children 6 to 
<11 years old, children 11 to <16 years old, and adults as described in 
document ``Thiram. Update to the Aggregate Risk Assessment to Support 
the Requested PHI Reduction and Increased Tolerance Request on 
Strawberry,'' p. 8299 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0925.
    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.''
    Unlike the N-methyl carbamate pesticides, EPA has not found thiram 
(a dithiocarbamate) to share a common mechanism of toxicity with any 
other substances, and thiram does not appear to produce a toxic 
metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this 
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that thiram 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 was no evidence of 
increased susceptibility following in utero exposure to rats or rabbits 
or following pre-and post natal exposures to rats. There is evidence of 
quantitative susceptibility in the DNT study. Offspring effects 
(increased locomotor activity in females on PND 17) occurred at a lower 
dose than maternal effects (increased number of rearing events and 
elevated incidences of hyperactivity in females at weeks 8 and 13). 
There is low concern for the enhanced susceptibility seen in the DNT 
study because:
    i. Clear NOAELs/LOAELs were established for the offspring effects.
    ii. The dose-response is well defined.
    iii. The behavioral effect of concern were observed only in females 
on one evaluation time period. and
    iv. The dose/endpoint is used for acute dietary risk for the most 
sensitive population subgroup (females 13-49 years old). Consequently, 
there are no residual uncertainties for pre- and post-natal toxicity.
    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 thiram is complete with acceptable 
neurotoxicity, developmental, and reproductive toxicity studies.
    ii. As explained in this unit, there are no residual uncertainties 
for pre- and post-natal toxicity.
    iii. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground 
and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to thiram in 
drinking water. In addition, the acute dietary exposure analysis used 
FDA apple monitoring data and field trial data along with the maximum 
PCT. The chronic dietary exposure analysis used tolerance level 
residues except for apple along with the average PCT. In addition, 
washing studies were incorporated into the dietary analyses since 
thiram is not a systemic pesticide and will wash off during normal 
washing procedures. These assessments will not underestimate the 
exposure and risks posed by thiram. These assessments will not 
underestimate the exposure and risks posed by thiram.

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. Using DEEM-FCID, acute dietary exposure at the 95th 
exposure percentile is estimated at 0.012053 mg/kg bw/day for the 
general U.S. population (1.9% of the aPAD) and 0.008637 mg/kg bw/day 
(62% of the aPAD) for females 13-49 years old, the population subgroup 
with the highest % aPAD dietary exposure to thiram.
    2. Chronic risk. The chronic aggregate risk assessment takes into 
account exposure estimates from dietary consumption of thiram (food and 
drinking water). Dietary risk estimates

[[Page 18821]]

were determined considering exposures from food and drinking water 
using EDWCs for surface water sources. Using the DEEM-FCID software, 
dietary exposure is estimated at 0.002257 mg/kg bw/day for the general 
U.S. population (15% of the cPAD) and 0.011943 mg/kg bw/day (80% of the 
cPAD) for children 1-2 years old, the population subgroup with the 
highest estimated chronic dietary exposure to thiram.
    3. Short-term and intermediate-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). 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).
    In aggregating short- and intermediate-term risk, the Agency 
routinely combines background chronic dietary exposure (food + water) 
with short/intermediate-term residential exposure (dermal only). The 
combined exposure may then be used to calculate an MOE for aggregate 
risk. Using the golfer scenario for adult males, adult females, and 
children >6 years old, combined with the applicable subpopulation with 
the greatest dietary exposure, the total short/intermediate-term food 
and residential aggregate MOEs are 600, 600, and 370, respectively. As 
these MOEs are greater than 100, the short- and intermediate-term 
aggregate risks do not exceed the Agency's LOC.
    4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Thiram is classified 
as ``Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans'' based on lack of 
evidence for carcinogenicity in mice or rats; therefore, thiram is not 
expected to pose a cancer risk.
    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 thiram residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate enforcement methodology (colorimetric analytical method) 
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 a MRL for thiram in or on banana.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, the expiration date on time-limited tolerance for 
residues of thiram in or on banana at 0.8 ppm is being extended until 
March 31, 2015. An extension of the time limited tolerance has been 
imposed to allow the Agency time to review additional residue data 
submitted in consideration of a permanent tolerance for banana.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This final rule establishes tolerances under FFDCA section 408(d) 
in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from 
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this final rule has 
been exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this final rule 
is not subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning 
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or 
Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled 
``Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This final rule does not contain 
any information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any 
special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal 
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and 
Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis 
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance in this 
final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.), do not apply.
    This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this 
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that 
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or 
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government 
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has 
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled 
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this final rule. In addition, 
this final rule does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any 
unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would 
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant 
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

VII. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required 
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and 
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of 
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' 
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.


[[Page 18822]]


    Dated: March 28, 2014.
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.  180.132, in the table in paragraph (a), in the entry for 
``Banana'', revise the Expiration/revocation date, ``3/31/14'' to read 
``3/31/15'' to read as follows:


Sec.  180.132  Thiram; tolerances for residues.

    (a) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Expiration/
              Commodity                Parts  per  million   revocation
                                                                date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Banana \1\...........................  * * *                     3/31/15
 
                               * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ No U.S. registrations as of September 23, 2009.

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2014-07556 Filed 4-3-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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