2-Propenoic acid, polymer With ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate; Tolerance Exemption, 14024-14027 [2015-06227]

Download as PDF 14024 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 52 / Wednesday, March 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations State effective date Provision * * 110(a)(1) and (2) Infrastructure Requirements for the 2008 Lead NAAQS. 110(a)(1) and (2) Infrastructure Requirements for the 2008 Ozone NAAQS. 110(a)(1) and (2) Infrastructure Requirements for the 2010 NO2 NAAQS. 9/20/2011 7/17/2012 4/30/2014 EPA Approval date Explanation * * 3/18/2015 ................................ [Insert Federal Register citation]. 3/18/2015 ................................ [Insert Federal Register citation]. 3/18/2015 ................................ [Insert Federal Register citation]. * * Addressing the PSD permitting 110(a)(2)(C), 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) only. Addressing the PSD permitting 110(a)(2)(C), 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) only. Addressing the PSD permitting 110(a)(2)(C), 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) only. (2) Infrastructure Requirements for the 2010 NO2 NAAQS’’ at the end of the table to read as follows: Subpart RR—Tennessee 8. Section 52.2220(e), is amended by adding a new entry for ‘‘110(a)(1) and ■ § 52.2220 * * requirements of sections (prong 3) and 110(a)(2)(J) requirements of sections (prong 3) and 110(a)(2)(J) requirements of sections (prong 3) and 110(a)(2)(J) Identification of plan. * * (e) * * * * * EPA-APPROVED TENNESSEE NON-REGULATORY PROVISIONS Name of non-regulatory SIP provision Applicable geographic or nonattainment area * 110(a)(1) and (2) Infrastructure Requirements for the 2010 NO2 NAAQS. * * Tennessee ................................. [FR Doc. 2015–06112 Filed 3–17–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 180 [EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0847; FRL–9923–63] 2-Propenoic acid, polymer With ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2propenoate; Tolerance Exemption Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate; when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. BASF Corporation submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 2Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2- wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:57 Mar 17, 2015 Jkt 235001 State effective date EPA Approval date * 3/13/2014 * 3/18/2015 [Insert Federal Register citation]. propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate on food or feed commodities. DATES: This regulation is effective March 18, 2015. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before May 18, 2015, 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–2014–0874, 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), West William Jefferson Clinton 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: Susan Lewis, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Explanation * * Addressing the PSD permitting requirements of sections 110(a)(2)(C), 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(II) (prong 3) and 110(a)(2)(J) only. DC 20460–0001; main 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 Publishing Office’s e-CFR site at https:// www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/ 40tab_02.tpl. E:\FR\FM\18MRR1.SGM 18MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 52 / Wednesday, March 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations C. 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–2014–0874 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 May 18, 2015. 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– 2014–0874, 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. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES II. Background and Statutory Findings In the Federal Register of January 28, 2015 (80 FR 4527) (FRL–9921–55), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C. 346a, announcing the receipt of a pesticide petition (PP IN–10770) filed by BASF Corporation, 100 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.960 be amended by establishing an exemption from the VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:58 Mar 17, 2015 Jkt 235001 requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2propenoate; CAS Reg. No. 85075–52–1. That document included a summary of the petition prepared by the petitioner and solicited comments on the petitioner’s request. The Agency did not receive any comments. Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that the exemption is ‘‘safe.’’ Section 408(c)(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 use 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 an exemption from the requirement of 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 . . .’’ and specifies factors EPA is to consider in establishing an exemption. III. Risk Assessment and Statutory Findings EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only in those cases where it can be shown that the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably foreseeable circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human health. In order to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide inert ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the inert in conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert ingredient through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA is able to determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance may be established. Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available scientific data and other relevant information in support of this PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 14025 action and considered its validity, completeness and reliability and the relationship of this information to human risk. EPA has also considered available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and children. In the case of certain chemical substances that are defined as polymers, the Agency has established a set of criteria to identify categories of polymers expected to present minimal or no risk. The definition of a polymer is given in 40 CFR 723.250(b) and the exclusion criteria for identifying these low-risk polymers are described in 40 CFR 723.250(d). 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2propenoate conforms to the definition of a polymer given in 40 CFR 723.250(b) and meets the following criteria that are used to identify low-risk polymers. 1. The polymer is not a cationic polymer nor is it reasonably anticipated to become a cationic polymer in a natural aquatic environment. 2. The polymer does contain as an integral part of its composition the atomic elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. 3. The polymer does not contain as an integral part of its composition, except as impurities, any element other than those listed in 40 CFR 723.250(d)(2)(ii). 4. The polymer is neither designed nor can it be reasonably anticipated to substantially degrade, decompose, or depolymerize. 5. The polymer is manufactured or imported from monomers and/or reactants that are already included on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory or manufactured under an applicable TSCA section 5 exemption. 6. The polymer is not a water absorbing polymer with a number average molecular weight (MW) greater than or equal to 10,000 Daltons. Additionally, the polymer also meets as required the following exemption criteria specified in 40 CFR 723.250(e). 7. The polymer’s number average MW of >50,000 Daltons is greater than or equal to 10,000 Daltons. The polymer contains less than 2% oligomeric material below MW 500 and less than 5% oligomeric material below MW 1,000. Thus, 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2propenoate meets the criteria for a polymer to be considered low risk under 40 CFR 723.250. Based on its conformance to the criteria in this unit, no mammalian toxicity is anticipated E:\FR\FM\18MRR1.SGM 18MRR1 14026 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 52 / Wednesday, March 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations from dietary, inhalation, or dermal exposure to 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2propenoate. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES IV. Aggregate Exposures For the purposes of assessing potential exposure under this exemption, EPA considered that 2Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate could be present in all raw and processed agricultural commodities and drinking water, and that nonoccupational non-dietary exposure was possible. The number average MW of 2Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate is >50,000 Daltons. Generally, a polymer of this size would be poorly absorbed through the intact gastrointestinal tract or through intact human skin. Since 2Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate conform to the criteria that identify a low-risk polymer, there are no concerns for risks associated with any potential exposure scenarios that are reasonably foreseeable. The Agency has determined that a tolerance is not necessary to protect the public health. V. 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 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate to share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and 2Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 2Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:58 Mar 17, 2015 Jkt 235001 chemicals, see EPA’s Web site at https:// www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative. VI. Additional Safety Factor for the Protection of Infants and Children Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply an additional tenfold margin of safety for infants and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the data base unless EPA concludes that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. Due to the expected low toxicity of 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2propenoate, EPA has not used a safety factor analysis to assess the risk. For the same reasons the additional tenfold safety factor is unnecessary. VII. Determination of Safety Based on the conformance to the criteria used to identify a low-risk polymer, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the U.S. population, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2propenoate. VIII. Other Considerations A. Existing Exemptions From a Tolerance There are no existing exemptions from a tolerance for 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate polymers. B. Analytical Enforcement Methodology An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance without any numerical limitation. IX. Conclusion Accordingly, EPA finds that exempting residues of 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate from the requirement of a tolerance will be safe. X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews This action establishes a tolerance 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 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this action has been exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action 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 action 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 action 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 action. In addition, this action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (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 E:\FR\FM\18MRR1.SGM 18MRR1 14027 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 52 / Wednesday, March 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). XI. 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: March 12, 2015. Susan Lewis, 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 § 180.960, the table is amended by alphabetically adding an entry for ‘‘2Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate, minimum number average molecular weight (50,149 Daltons)’’ after the entry for ‘‘2-propenoic acid polymer, with 1,3butadiene and ethenylbenzene, minimum number average molecular weight (in amu), 9400’’ to read as follows: ■ § 180.960 Polymers; exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance. * * * * * Polymer * * * CAS No. * * * 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate, minimum number average molecular weight (50,149 Daltons) ....................................................................................................................... * * * [FR Doc. 2015–06227 Filed 3–17–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration 49 CFR Chapter II [Railworthiness Directive, Notice No. 1] Railworthiness Directive for Railroad Tank Cars Equipped With Certain McKenzie Valve & Machining LLC Valves Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of railworthiness directive. AGENCY: Recent FRA investigations identified several railroad tank cars transporting hazardous materials and leaking small quantities of product from the cars’ liquid lines. FRA’s investigation revealed that the liquid lines of the leaking tank cars were equipped with a certain type of 3″ ball valve marketed and sold by McKenzie Valve and Machining (McKenzie) (formerly McKenzie Valve & Machining Company), an affiliate company of Union Tank Car Company (UTLX). FRA further found certain closure plugs installed on the 3″ valves cause mechanical damage to the valves, which leads to the destruction of the valves’ seal integrity and that the 3″ valves, as well as similarly-designed 1″ and 2″ valves provided by this manufacturer are not approved for use on tank cars. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:18 Mar 17, 2015 Jkt 235001 * * FRA is issuing this Railworthiness Directive (Directive) to all owners of tank cars used to transport hazardous materials within the United States to ensure they identify and appropriately remove and replace these valves with approved valves consistent with Federal regulations. DATES: This Directive is effective March 18, 2015. This Directive is applicable March 13, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Alexy, Staff Director, Hazardous Materials Division, Office of Technical Oversight, FRA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, telephone (202) 493–6245; Karl.Alexy@ dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Recent FRA investigations identified several DOT Specification 111 railroad tank cars transporting hazardous materials and leaking small quantities of product.1 One instance occurred during the week of January 11, 2015, and involved a train of 100 tank cars loaded with crude oil being transported by BNSF Railway (BNSF) from Tioga, ND, 1 DOT Specification 111 tank cars are general purpose, nonpressure railroad tank cars commonly used to transport a variety of regulated hazardous materials, as well as nonregulated commodities. In 2011, through issuance of Casualty Prevention Circular 1232, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) adopted an industry standard intended to improve the crashworthiness of DOT Specification 111 tank cars used in crude oil and ethanol service. These cars, known as CPC 1232 cars, include a thicker shell, head protection, top fittings protection, and relief valves with a greater flow capacity as compared to baseline DOT Specification 111 cars. The leaking tank cars identified in this Directive include both a baseline DOT 111 Specification car and CPC–1232 cars. PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 * * 85075–52–1 * to a refinery in Anacortes, WA. BNSF discovered 14 tank cars leaking crude oil en route and in accordance with the applicable regulations, notified FRA of the releases. Upon discovery of the defective condition of these cars, BNSF removed the cars from the train (at Hauser, ID; Vancouver and Auburn, WA, respectively). When the train arrived at its final destination in Anacortes, the consignee, Tesoro Refining, discovered two additional cars leaking product. In all, BNSF and Tesoro identified 16 leaking tank cars from the original train consist. On January 15, 2015, FRA inspected seven of the identified leaking tank cars that BNSF removed from the train in Vancouver. The FRA inspector observed crude oil on the sides of each of these cars, and upon inspection of each tank car’s top fittings, found product leaking from the liquid line ball valves and around each valve’s closure plug. FRA also found the standalone closure plugs in each of these valves loose. Further inspection revealed that the valve balls had visual signs of mechanical damage. The mechanical damage FRA observed indicated that the bottom face of the closure plug came in contact with the valve ball, consequentially preventing complete engagement of the closure plug. A second instance involved a single tank car loaded with mineral spirits (a Class 3 flammable liquid) found leaking on January 15, 2015, in a BNSF yard in Denver, CO. FRA’s preliminary investigation shows that the leak occurred through the liquid line valve E:\FR\FM\18MRR1.SGM 18MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 18, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14024-14027]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06227]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0847; FRL-9923-63]


2-Propenoic acid, polymer With ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 
2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate; Tolerance Exemption

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance for residues of 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl 
acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-
propenoate; when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical 
formulation. BASF Corporation submitted a petition to EPA under the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption 
from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the 
need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of 2-
Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-
ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate on food or feed 
commodities.

DATES: This regulation is effective March 18, 2015. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before May 18, 2015, 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-2014-0874, 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), West William Jefferson Clinton 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: Susan Lewis, Registration Division 
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; main 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 Publishing Office's e-CFR site at 
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.

[[Page 14025]]

C. 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-2014-0874 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 
May 18, 2015. 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-2014-0874, by one of 
the following methods.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of January 28, 2015 (80 FR 4527) (FRL-9921-
55), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C. 
346a, announcing the receipt of a pesticide petition (PP IN-10770) 
filed by BASF Corporation, 100 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932. The 
petition requested that 40 CFR 180.960 be amended by establishing an 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-
Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-
ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate; CAS Reg. No. 85075-52-
1. That document included a summary of the petition prepared by the 
petitioner and solicited comments on the petitioner's request. The 
Agency did not receive any comments.
    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(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 use 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 an exemption from the 
requirement of 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 . . .'' and 
specifies factors EPA is to consider in establishing an exemption.

III. Risk Assessment and Statutory Findings

    EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only 
in those cases where it can be shown that the risks from aggregate 
exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably foreseeable 
circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human health. In order 
to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide inert 
ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the inert in 
conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert ingredient 
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as 
a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA is able to 
determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure that there 
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate 
exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the requirement of 
a tolerance may be established.
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the 
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of 
this action and considered its validity, completeness and reliability 
and the relationship of this information to human risk. EPA has also 
considered available information concerning the variability of the 
sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including 
infants and children. In the case of certain chemical substances that 
are defined as polymers, the Agency has established a set of criteria 
to identify categories of polymers expected to present minimal or no 
risk. The definition of a polymer is given in 40 CFR 723.250(b) and the 
exclusion criteria for identifying these low-risk polymers are 
described in 40 CFR 723.250(d).
    2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-
ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate conforms to the 
definition of a polymer given in 40 CFR 723.250(b) and meets the 
following criteria that are used to identify low-risk polymers.
    1. The polymer is not a cationic polymer nor is it reasonably 
anticipated to become a cationic polymer in a natural aquatic 
environment.
    2. The polymer does contain as an integral part of its composition 
the atomic elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
    3. The polymer does not contain as an integral part of its 
composition, except as impurities, any element other than those listed 
in 40 CFR 723.250(d)(2)(ii).
    4. The polymer is neither designed nor can it be reasonably 
anticipated to substantially degrade, decompose, or depolymerize.
    5. The polymer is manufactured or imported from monomers and/or 
reactants that are already included on the TSCA Chemical Substance 
Inventory or manufactured under an applicable TSCA section 5 exemption.
    6. The polymer is not a water absorbing polymer with a number 
average molecular weight (MW) greater than or equal to 10,000 Daltons.
    Additionally, the polymer also meets as required the following 
exemption criteria specified in 40 CFR 723.250(e).
    7. The polymer's number average MW of >50,000 Daltons is greater 
than or equal to 10,000 Daltons. The polymer contains less than 2% 
oligomeric material below MW 500 and less than 5% oligomeric material 
below MW 1,000.
    Thus, 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, 
ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate meets 
the criteria for a polymer to be considered low risk under 40 CFR 
723.250. Based on its conformance to the criteria in this unit, no 
mammalian toxicity is anticipated

[[Page 14026]]

from dietary, inhalation, or dermal exposure to 2-Propenoic acid, 
polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate 
and ethyl 2-propenoate.

IV. Aggregate Exposures

    For the purposes of assessing potential exposure under this 
exemption, EPA considered that 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl 
acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-
propenoate could be present in all raw and processed agricultural 
commodities and drinking water, and that non-occupational non-dietary 
exposure was possible. The number average MW of 2-Propenoic acid, 
polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate 
and ethyl 2-propenoate is >50,000 Daltons. Generally, a polymer of this 
size would be poorly absorbed through the intact gastrointestinal tract 
or through intact human skin. Since 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 
ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-
propenoate conform to the criteria that identify a low-risk polymer, 
there are no concerns for risks associated with any potential exposure 
scenarios that are reasonably foreseeable. The Agency has determined 
that a tolerance is not necessary to protect the public health.

V. 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 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, 
ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate to 
share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and 2-
Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-
ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate does not appear to 
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the 
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 2-
Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-
ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate 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.

VI. Additional Safety Factor for the Protection of Infants and Children

    Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply an 
additional tenfold margin of safety for infants and children in the 
case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal 
toxicity and the completeness of the data base unless EPA concludes 
that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants and 
children. Due to the expected low toxicity of 2-Propenoic acid, polymer 
with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and 
ethyl 2-propenoate, EPA has not used a safety factor analysis to assess 
the risk. For the same reasons the additional tenfold safety factor is 
unnecessary.

VII. Determination of Safety

    Based on the conformance to the criteria used to identify a low-
risk polymer, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty of no 
harm to the U.S. population, including infants and children, from 
aggregate exposure to residues of 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 
ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-
propenoate.

VIII. Other Considerations

A. Existing Exemptions From a Tolerance

    There are no existing exemptions from a tolerance for 2-Propenoic 
acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-
propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate polymers.

B. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since 
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance without any numerical limitation.

IX. Conclusion

    Accordingly, EPA finds that exempting residues of 2-Propenoic acid, 
polymer with ethenyl acetate, ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate 
and ethyl 2-propenoate from the requirement of a tolerance will be 
safe.

X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes a tolerance 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 action has been 
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action 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 action 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 action 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 action. In addition, this 
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded 
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(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

[[Page 14027]]

Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

XI. 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: March 12, 2015.
Susan Lewis,
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.

0
2. In Sec.  180.960, the table is amended by alphabetically adding an 
entry for ``2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate, 
ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-propenoate, 
minimum number average molecular weight (50,149 Daltons)'' after the 
entry for ``2-propenoic acid polymer, with 1,3-butadiene and 
ethenylbenzene, minimum number average molecular weight (in amu), 
9400'' to read as follows:


Sec.  [emsp14]180.960  Polymers; exemptions from the requirement of a 
tolerance.

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Polymer                              CAS No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-Propenoic acid, polymer with ethenyl acetate,               85075-52-1
 ethenylbenzene, 2-ethylhexyl 2-propenoate and ethyl 2-
 propenoate, minimum number average molecular weight
 (50,149 Daltons).......................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[FR Doc. 2015-06227 Filed 3-17-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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