Methoxyfenozide; Pesticide Tolerances, 65964-65968 [2015-27461]
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Dated: October 20, 2015.
David S. Mao,
Acting Librarian of Congress.
[FR Doc. 2015–27212 Filed 10–27–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1410–30–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0591; FRL–9934–14]
Methoxyfenozide; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of
methoxyfenozide in or on multiple
commodities which are identified and
discussed later in this document.
Interregional Research Project Number 4
(IR–4) requested these tolerances under
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
October 28, 2015. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before December 28, 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–2014–0591, 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
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SUMMARY:
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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 EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation
and may also request a hearing on those
objections. You must file your objection
or request a hearing on this regulation
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2014–0591 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 December 28, 2015. Addresses for
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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–
2014–0591, 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
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of March 4,
2015 (80 FR 11611) (FRL–9922–68),
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 4E8298) by IR–4,
500 College Road East, Suite 201W,
Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition
requested that 40 CFR part 180 be
amended by establishing tolerances for
residues of the insecticide
methoxyfenozide, (3-methoxy-2methylbenzoic acid 2-(3,5dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)
hydrazide), under paragraph (a) in or
on: Chive, fresh leaves at 30.0 parts per
million (ppm); fruit, stone, group 12–12,
except plum, prune, fresh at 3.0 ppm;
and nut, tree, group 14–12 at 0.10 ppm.
The petition also proposed the
following tolerances under paragraph (a)
be removed upon approval of the
proposed tolerances listed above: Fruit,
stone, group 12, except plum, prune,
fresh at 3.0 ppm; nut, tree, group 14 at
0.10 ppm; pistachio at 0.10 ppm; and in
paragraph (d), chive at 4.5 ppm be
removed. The petition additionally
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requested to amend the tolerances in 40
CFR 180.544 for residues of
methoxyfenozide in or on onion, green,
subgroup 3–07B at 5.0 ppm to onion,
green, subgroup 3–07B, except chive at
5.0 ppm; and herb subgroup 19A, except
chive at 400 ppm to herb subgroup 19A,
except chive, fresh leaves at 400 ppm.
That document referenced a summary of
the petition prepared on behalf of IR–4
by Dow AgroSciences LLC, the
registrant, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov. No
FFDCA-related comments were received
on the notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA has
determined that the amended tolerance
on onion, green, subgroup 3–07B,
except chive should be established in or
on onion, green, subgroup 3–07B,
except chive, fresh leaves. The reasons
for these changes are explained in Unit
IV.C.
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III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
give special consideration to exposure
of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a
tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
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 methoxyfenozide
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with methoxyfenozide
follows.
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A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered its validity,
completeness, and reliability as well as
the relationship of the results of the
studies to human risk. EPA has also
considered available information
concerning the variability of the
sensitivities of major identifiable
subgroups of consumers, including
infants and children.
Many of the available short-term or
subchronic toxicity studies on
methoxyfenozide showed little or no
toxicity. The main target organs
identified from the toxicity studies in
the rat and dog were the liver, thyroid,
and red blood cells (RBCs). The most
consistent findings across species and
studies were transiently decreased RBC
parameters and increased liver, thyroid,
adrenal, and spleen weights. Increases
in thyroid and adrenal weights were
observed in the rat chronic oral study.
Thyroid weights were also increased in
the dog following chronic exposure.
However, no accompanying
histopathology was observed.
Acute and subchronic oral
neurotoxicity studies in the rat did not
show evidence of potential
neurotoxicity. In the acute study,
decreased hindlimb grip strength on day
0 was reported in males. This finding
was only observed at the limit dose in
males and was not observed in the
subchronic neurotoxicity study and was
therefore not considered evidence of
neurotoxicity. No clinical signs of
neurotoxicity or neurohistopathology
were observed in other guideline
studies.
No maternal or developmental effects
were observed in either the rat or rabbit
oral developmental toxicity studies. In
the rat 2-generation reproductive
toxicity study, parental effects were
limited to increased liver weight and
microscopic periportal hypertrophy. No
offspring or reproductive toxicity was
observed. In a 28-day dietary
immunotoxicity study in the rat, no
immunotoxicity was observed, and the
only observed effect was increased liver
weights.
There was no evidence of
carcinogenicity in the rat dietary 24month chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity
study or the mouse dietary 18-month
carcinogenicity study. No mutagenic or
clastogenic potential was observed in
the battery of genotoxicity studies on
methoxyfenozide. Based on these
findings, methoxyfenozide is classified
as not likely to be carcinogenic to
humans.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
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effects caused by methoxyfenozide as
well as the no-observed-adverse-effectlevel (NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in document,
‘‘Methoxyfenozide. Human Health Draft
Risk Assessment for Registration Review
and New Use Risk Assessment to
Support the Registration of Proposed
Use on Chives, and Crop Group
Expansions for Stone Fruit and Tree
Nuts’’ in pp. 42–47 in docket ID number
EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0591.
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 the NOAEL and the
LOAEL are identified. 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
methoxyfenozide used for human risk
assessment is discussed in Table 1 of
Unit III.B. of the final rule published in
the Federal Register of August 27, 2014
(79 FR 51103) (FRL–9913–99).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to methoxyfenozide, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
existing methoxyfenozide tolerances in
40 CFR 180.544. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from methoxyfenozide in
food as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute
dietary exposure and risk assessments
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are performed for a food-use pesticide,
if a toxicological study has indicated the
possibility of an effect of concern
occurring as a result of a 1-day or single
exposure. No such effects were
identified in the toxicological studies
for methoxyfenozide; therefore, a
quantitative acute dietary exposure
assessment is unnecessary.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the USDA under the National
Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey, What We Eat in America
(NHANES/WWEIA), 2003 to 2008. As to
residue levels in food, EPA used
tolerance-level residues and the
assumption of 100 percent crop treated
(PCT) for all existing and proposed
commodities.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that methoxyfenozide does
not pose a cancer risk to humans.
Therefore, a dietary exposure
assessment for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and PCT
information. EPA did not use
anticipated residue and/or PCT
information in the dietary assessment
for methoxyfenozide. Tolerance level
residues and/or 100 PCT were assumed
for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The residues of concern in
drinking water are methoxyfenozide and
the degradates RH–117,236 and RH–
131,154, which are only present at low
concentrations. The Agency used
screening-level water exposure models
in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for methoxyfenozide and its
degradates in drinking water. These
simulation models take into account
data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of
methoxyfenozide and its degradates.
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 FQPA Index Reservoir
Screening Tool (FIRST), Screening
Concentration in Ground Water (SCI–
GROW), and the Pesticide Root Zone
Model Ground Water (PRZM GW)
models, the estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWCs) of
methoxyfenozide and its degradates for
chronic exposures for non-cancer
assessments are estimated to be 7.57
parts per billion (ppb) for surface water
and 214 ppb for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model. For
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chronic dietary risk assessment, the
water concentration of value 214 ppb
was used to assess the contribution to
drinking water.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The
term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in
this document to refer to nonoccupational, non-dietary exposure
(e.g., for lawn and garden pest control,
indoor pest control, termiticides, and
flea and tick control on pets).
Methoxyfenozide is currently registered
for use on ornamentals in and around
home gardens, which could result in
residential exposures. EPA assessed
residential exposure using the following
assumptions: Residential handlers were
assessed for potential short-term
inhalation exposures from mixing,
loading, and applying methoxyfenozide.
A quantitative dermal assessment for
residential handlers was not conducted
since there is no systemic toxicity
associated with dermal exposures to
methoxyfenozide. Adult postapplication exposures were not
quantitatively assessed since no dermal
hazard was identified for
methoxyfenozide and inhalation
exposures are typically negligible in
outdoor settings. Furthermore, the
inhalation exposure assessment
performed for residential handlers is
representative of worse case inhalation
exposures and is considered protective
for post-application inhalation exposure
scenarios.
Post-application oral exposure to
children is not expected since the extent
to which young children engage in
activities associated with areas where
treated ornamentals are grown (or
utilize these areas for prolonged periods
of play) is low. Therefore, an incidental
oral post-application exposure
assessment was not conducted. Further
information regarding EPA standard
assumptions and generic inputs for
residential exposures may be found at
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/trac/
science/trac6a05.pdf.
4. Cumulative effects from substances
with a common mechanism of toxicity.
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance, the Agency consider
‘‘available information’’ concerning the
cumulative effects of a particular
pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
EPA has not found methoxyfenozide
to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and
methoxyfenozide does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by
other substances. For the purposes of
this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
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assumed that methoxyfenozide 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
Food Quality Protection Act Safety
Factor (FQPA SF). In applying this
provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X, or uses a different
additional safety factor when reliable
data available to EPA support the choice
of a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
There is no evidence of qualitative or
quantitative susceptibility of the
developing fetus or offspring, based on
the developmental and reproductive
toxicity study results for
methoxyfenozide. No developmental
toxicity was observed in either the rat or
rabbit developmental toxicity studies,
and there was no evidence of offspring
or reproductive toxicity in the rat 2generation reproductive toxicity study.
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
methoxyfenozide is complete.
ii. There is no indication that
methoxyfenozide is a neurotoxic
chemical and there is no need for a
developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional uncertainty factors (UFs) to
account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that
methoxyfenozide results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits
in the prenatal developmental studies or
in young rats in the 2-generation
reproduction study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The chronic dietary food exposure
assessment was performed based on 100
PCT and tolerance-level residues. EPA
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made conservative (protective)
assumptions in the ground and surface
water modeling used to assess exposure
to methoxyfenozide in drinking water.
Based on the discussion Unit III.C.3.,
regarding residential use patterns, EPA
does not expect residential uses of
methoxyfenozide to result in
postapplication exposure of children or
incidental oral exposures of toddlers.
These assessments will not
underestimate the exposure and risks
posed by methoxyfenozide.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure
estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and
chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer
risks, EPA calculates the lifetime
probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,
intermediate-, and chronic-term risks
are evaluated by comparing the
estimated aggregate food, water, and
residential exposure to the appropriate
PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE
exists.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk
assessment takes into account acute
exposure estimates from dietary
consumption of food and drinking
water. No adverse effect resulting from
a single oral exposure was identified
and no acute dietary endpoint was
selected. Therefore, methoxyfenozide is
not expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to
methoxyfenozide from food and water
will utilize 84% of the cPAD for
children 1 to 2 years old, the population
group receiving the greatest exposure.
Based on the explanation in Unit
III.C.3., regarding residential use
patterns, chronic residential exposure to
residues of methoxyfenozide is not
expected.
3. Short-term risk. Short-term
aggregate exposure takes into account
short-term residential exposure plus
chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background
exposure level). Methoxyfenozide is
currently registered for uses that could
result in short-term residential
exposure, and the Agency has
determined that it is appropriate to
aggregate chronic exposure through food
and water with short-term residential
exposures to methoxyfenozide.
Using the exposure assumptions
described in this unit for short-term
exposures, EPA has concluded the
combined short-term food, water, and
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residential exposures result in an
aggregate MOE of 540. Because EPA’s
level of concern for methoxyfenozide is
a MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are
not of concern.
4. Intermediate-term risk.
Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered
to be a background exposure level). An
intermediate-term adverse effect was
identified; however, methoxyfenozide is
not registered for any use patterns that
would result in intermediate-term
residential exposure. Intermediate-term
risk is assessed based on intermediateterm residential exposure plus chronic
dietary exposure. Because there is no
intermediate-term residential exposure
and chronic dietary exposure has
already been assessed under the
appropriately protective cPAD (which is
at least as protective as the POD used to
assess intermediate-term risk), no
further assessment of intermediate-term
risk is necessary, and EPA relies on the
chronic dietary risk assessment for
evaluating intermediate-term risk for
methoxyfenozide.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two
adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,
methoxyfenozide is not expected to
pose a cancer risk to humans.
6. Determination of safety. Based on
these risk assessments, EPA concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to the general
population, or to infants and children
from aggregate exposure to
methoxyfenozide residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
using high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC), with either
tandem mass spectrometric detection
(LC–MS/MS), or ultraviolet detection
(UV) 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
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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 methoxyfenozide in or on chive or
the commodities associated with herb
subgroup 19A or green onion subgroup
3–07B. Codex has established an MRL
in or on tree nuts at 0.1 milligram/
kilogram (mg/kg), which is harmonized
with the recommended tolerance of 0.10
ppm in or on tree nut crop group 14–
12. However, Codex has established a
tolerance in or on stone fruit at 2 mg/
kg that cannot be harmonized with the
EPA tolerance in or on stone fruit group
12–12, except plum, prune, fresh at 3.0
ppm because the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) tolerance
calculations that EPA uses to calculate
U.S. tolerance levels result in a
tolerance that is higher than the Codex
MRL, and reduction of the tolerance
would result in the risk of violative
residues resulting from proper use
according to label directions.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For
Tolerances
Based on the data supporting the
petition, the Agency determined that the
petitioned-for tolerance on chive, fresh
leaves at 30.0 ppm should be
established in or on chive, fresh leaves
at 30 ppm because EPA establishes
tolerances using whole numbers for
tolerances of 10 ppm or more, per the
OECD tolerance calculation procedures.
The Agency also determined that the
petitioned-for-amended tolerance in or
on onion, green, subgroup 3–07B,
except chive should be established in or
on onion, green, subgroup 3–07B,
except chive, fresh leaves. This is due
to the fact that only chive, fresh leaves
are included in subgroup 3–07B, and
the Agency is establishing a separate
tolerance for chive, fresh leaves at 30
ppm.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of methoxyfenozide, (3methoxy-2-methylbenzoic acid 2-(3,5-
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 208 / Wednesday, October 28, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)
hydrazide), in or on chive, fresh leaves
at 30 ppm; fruit, stone, group 12–12,
except plum, prune, fresh at 3.0 ppm;
herb subgroup 19A, except chive, fresh
leaves at 400 ppm; onion, green,
subgroup 3–07B, except chive, fresh
leaves at 5.0 ppm; and nut, tree, group
14–12 at 0.10 ppm. This rule
additionally removes the established
tolerances in or on fruit, stone, group
12, except plum, prune, fresh at 3.0
ppm; herb subgroup 19A, except chive
at 400 ppm; nut, tree, group 14 at 0.10
ppm; onion, green, subgroup 3–07B at
5.0 ppm; pistachio at 0.10 ppm; and in
paragraph (d)(2), chive at 4.5 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action 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 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:23 Oct 27, 2015
Jkt 238001
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
Transfer and Advancement Act
(NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will
submit a report containing this rule and
other required information to the U.S.
Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of the rule in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: October 20, 2015.
Susan Lewis,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
c. Add alphabetically add the
following commodities to the table in
paragraph (a).
The additions and revisions read as
follows:
■
§ 180.544 Methoxyfenozide; tolerances for
residues.
(a) * * *
Parts per
million
Commodity
*
*
*
Chive, fresh leaves ...............
*
*
*
*
Fruit, stone, group 12–12,
except plum, prune, fresh
*
*
*
*
Herb subgroup 19A, except
chive, fresh leaves ............
*
*
*
*
Nut, tree, group 14–12 .........
Onion, green, subgroup 3–
07B, except chive, fresh
leaves ................................
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
30
*
3.0
*
400
*
0.10
5.0
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2015–27461 Filed 10–27–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management
Agency
44 CFR Part 67
[Docket ID FEMA–2015–0001]
Final Flood Elevation Determinations
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
Federal Emergency
Management Agency, DHS.
ACTION: Final rule.
PART 180—[AMENDED]
SUMMARY:
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.544:
a. Remove the following commodities
from the table in paragraph (a): ‘‘Fruit,
stone, group 12, except plum, prune,
fresh’’; ‘‘Herb subgroup 19A, except
chive’’; ‘‘Nut, tree, group 14’’; ‘‘Onion,
green, subgroup 3–07B’’; and
‘‘Pistachio’’.
■ b. Remove the commodity ‘‘Chive’’
from the table in paragraph (d)(2).
■
■
PO 00000
Frm 00088
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
AGENCY:
Base (1% annual-chance)
Flood Elevations (BFEs) and modified
BFEs are made final for the
communities listed below. The BFEs
and modified BFEs are the basis for the
floodplain management measures that
each community is required either to
adopt or to show evidence of being
already in effect in order to qualify or
remain qualified for participation in the
National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP).
The date of issuance of the Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) showing
BFEs and modified BFEs for each
DATES:
E:\FR\FM\28OCR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 208 (Wednesday, October 28, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65964-65968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-27461]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0591; FRL-9934-14]
Methoxyfenozide; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
methoxyfenozide in or on multiple commodities which are identified and
discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number
4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective October 28, 2015. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before December 28, 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-2014-0591, 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 EPA's
tolerance regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through the Government
Printing Office's e-CFR site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0591 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
December 28, 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-2014-0591, 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 Tolerance
In the Federal Register of March 4, 2015 (80 FR 11611) (FRL-9922-
68), 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
4E8298) by IR-4, 500 College Road East, Suite 201W, Princeton, NJ
08540. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by
establishing tolerances for residues of the insecticide
methoxyfenozide, (3-methoxy-2-methylbenzoic acid 2-(3,5-
dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide), under paragraph (a)
in or on: Chive, fresh leaves at 30.0 parts per million (ppm); fruit,
stone, group 12-12, except plum, prune, fresh at 3.0 ppm; and nut,
tree, group 14-12 at 0.10 ppm. The petition also proposed the following
tolerances under paragraph (a) be removed upon approval of the proposed
tolerances listed above: Fruit, stone, group 12, except plum, prune,
fresh at 3.0 ppm; nut, tree, group 14 at 0.10 ppm; pistachio at 0.10
ppm; and in paragraph (d), chive at 4.5 ppm be removed. The petition
additionally
[[Page 65965]]
requested to amend the tolerances in 40 CFR 180.544 for residues of
methoxyfenozide in or on onion, green, subgroup 3-07B at 5.0 ppm to
onion, green, subgroup 3-07B, except chive at 5.0 ppm; and herb
subgroup 19A, except chive at 400 ppm to herb subgroup 19A, except
chive, fresh leaves at 400 ppm. That document referenced a summary of
the petition prepared on behalf of IR-4 by Dow AgroSciences LLC, the
registrant, which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. No FFDCA-related comments were received on the
notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has
determined that the amended tolerance on onion, green, subgroup 3-07B,
except chive should be established in or on onion, green, subgroup 3-
07B, except chive, fresh leaves. The reasons for these changes are
explained in Unit IV.C.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a 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 methoxyfenozide including
exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action.
EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with methoxyfenozide
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.
Many of the available short-term or subchronic toxicity studies on
methoxyfenozide showed little or no toxicity. The main target organs
identified from the toxicity studies in the rat and dog were the liver,
thyroid, and red blood cells (RBCs). The most consistent findings
across species and studies were transiently decreased RBC parameters
and increased liver, thyroid, adrenal, and spleen weights. Increases in
thyroid and adrenal weights were observed in the rat chronic oral
study. Thyroid weights were also increased in the dog following chronic
exposure. However, no accompanying histopathology was observed.
Acute and subchronic oral neurotoxicity studies in the rat did not
show evidence of potential neurotoxicity. In the acute study, decreased
hindlimb grip strength on day 0 was reported in males. This finding was
only observed at the limit dose in males and was not observed in the
subchronic neurotoxicity study and was therefore not considered
evidence of neurotoxicity. No clinical signs of neurotoxicity or
neurohistopathology were observed in other guideline studies.
No maternal or developmental effects were observed in either the
rat or rabbit oral developmental toxicity studies. In the rat 2-
generation reproductive toxicity study, parental effects were limited
to increased liver weight and microscopic periportal hypertrophy. No
offspring or reproductive toxicity was observed. In a 28-day dietary
immunotoxicity study in the rat, no immunotoxicity was observed, and
the only observed effect was increased liver weights.
There was no evidence of carcinogenicity in the rat dietary 24-
month chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study or the mouse dietary 18-
month carcinogenicity study. No mutagenic or clastogenic potential was
observed in the battery of genotoxicity studies on methoxyfenozide.
Based on these findings, methoxyfenozide is classified as not likely to
be carcinogenic to humans.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by methoxyfenozide 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, ``Methoxyfenozide. Human Health Draft
Risk Assessment for Registration Review and New Use Risk Assessment to
Support the Registration of Proposed Use on Chives, and Crop Group
Expansions for Stone Fruit and Tree Nuts'' in pp. 42-47 in docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0591.
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 the NOAEL and the LOAEL are identified.
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 methoxyfenozide used for human risk assessment is
discussed in Table 1 of Unit III.B. of the final rule published in the
Federal Register of August 27, 2014 (79 FR 51103) (FRL-9913-99).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to methoxyfenozide, EPA considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing methoxyfenozide
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.544. EPA assessed dietary exposures from
methoxyfenozide in food as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk
assessments
[[Page 65966]]
are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological study has
indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring as a result
of a 1-day or single exposure. No such effects were identified in the
toxicological studies for methoxyfenozide; therefore, a quantitative
acute dietary exposure assessment is unnecessary.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA under the
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in
America (NHANES/WWEIA), 2003 to 2008. As to residue levels in food, EPA
used tolerance-level residues and the assumption of 100 percent crop
treated (PCT) for all existing and proposed commodities.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that methoxyfenozide does not pose a cancer risk to humans.
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. EPA did not use
anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the dietary assessment
for methoxyfenozide. Tolerance level residues and/or 100 PCT were
assumed for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The residues of concern in
drinking water are methoxyfenozide and the degradates RH-117,236 and
RH-131,154, which are only present at low concentrations. The Agency
used screening-level water exposure models in the dietary exposure
analysis and risk assessment for methoxyfenozide and its degradates in
drinking water. These simulation models take into account data on the
physical, chemical, and fate/transport characteristics of
methoxyfenozide and its degradates. 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 FQPA Index Reservoir Screening Tool (FIRST), Screening
Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-GROW), and the Pesticide Root Zone
Model Ground Water (PRZM GW) models, the estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWCs) of methoxyfenozide and its degradates for
chronic exposures for non-cancer assessments are estimated to be 7.57
parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 214 ppb for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly
entered into the dietary exposure model. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of value 214 ppb was used to assess
the contribution to drinking water.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control,
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets). Methoxyfenozide is
currently registered for use on ornamentals in and around home gardens,
which could result in residential exposures. EPA assessed residential
exposure using the following assumptions: Residential handlers were
assessed for potential short-term inhalation exposures from mixing,
loading, and applying methoxyfenozide. A quantitative dermal assessment
for residential handlers was not conducted since there is no systemic
toxicity associated with dermal exposures to methoxyfenozide. Adult
post-application exposures were not quantitatively assessed since no
dermal hazard was identified for methoxyfenozide and inhalation
exposures are typically negligible in outdoor settings. Furthermore,
the inhalation exposure assessment performed for residential handlers
is representative of worse case inhalation exposures and is considered
protective for post-application inhalation exposure scenarios.
Post-application oral exposure to children is not expected since
the extent to which young children engage in activities associated with
areas where treated ornamentals are grown (or utilize these areas for
prolonged periods of play) is low. Therefore, an incidental oral post-
application exposure assessment was not conducted. Further information
regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic inputs for residential
exposures may be found at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/trac/science/trac6a05.pdf.
4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA has not found methoxyfenozide to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and methoxyfenozide does not appear
to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
methoxyfenozide 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 Food Quality
Protection Act Safety Factor (FQPA SF). In applying this provision, EPA
either retains the default value of 10X, or uses a different additional
safety factor when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of
a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There is no evidence of
qualitative or quantitative susceptibility of the developing fetus or
offspring, based on the developmental and reproductive toxicity study
results for methoxyfenozide. No developmental toxicity was observed in
either the rat or rabbit developmental toxicity studies, and there was
no evidence of offspring or reproductive toxicity in the rat 2-
generation reproductive toxicity study.
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 methoxyfenozide is complete.
ii. There is no indication that methoxyfenozide is a neurotoxic
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study
or additional uncertainty factors (UFs) to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that methoxyfenozide results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal
developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction
study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The chronic dietary food exposure assessment was performed
based on 100 PCT and tolerance-level residues. EPA
[[Page 65967]]
made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface
water modeling used to assess exposure to methoxyfenozide in drinking
water. Based on the discussion Unit III.C.3., regarding residential use
patterns, EPA does not expect residential uses of methoxyfenozide to
result in postapplication exposure of children or incidental oral
exposures of toddlers. These assessments will not underestimate the
exposure and risks posed by methoxyfenozide.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water,
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an
adequate MOE exists.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore,
methoxyfenozide is not expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
methoxyfenozide from food and water will utilize 84% of the cPAD for
children 1 to 2 years old, the population group receiving the greatest
exposure. Based on the explanation in Unit III.C.3., regarding
residential use patterns, chronic residential exposure to residues of
methoxyfenozide is not expected.
3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into
account short-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
Methoxyfenozide is currently registered for uses that could result in
short-term residential exposure, and the Agency has determined that it
is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and water
with short-term residential exposures to methoxyfenozide.
Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water,
and residential exposures result in an aggregate MOE of 540. Because
EPA's level of concern for methoxyfenozide is a MOE of 100 or below,
these MOEs are not of concern.
4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure
level). An intermediate-term adverse effect was identified; however,
methoxyfenozide is not registered for any use patterns that would
result in intermediate-term residential exposure. Intermediate-term
risk is assessed based on intermediate-term residential exposure plus
chronic dietary exposure. Because there is no intermediate-term
residential exposure and chronic dietary exposure has already been
assessed under the appropriately protective cPAD (which is at least as
protective as the POD used to assess intermediate-term risk), no
further assessment of intermediate-term risk is necessary, and EPA
relies on the chronic dietary risk assessment for evaluating
intermediate-term risk for methoxyfenozide.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity
studies, methoxyfenozide is not expected to pose a cancer risk to
humans.
6. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate
exposure to methoxyfenozide residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology using high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC), with either tandem mass spectrometric detection
(LC-MS/MS), or ultraviolet detection (UV) 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 methoxyfenozide in or on
chive or the commodities associated with herb subgroup 19A or green
onion subgroup 3-07B. Codex has established an MRL in or on tree nuts
at 0.1 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg), which is harmonized with the
recommended tolerance of 0.10 ppm in or on tree nut crop group 14-12.
However, Codex has established a tolerance in or on stone fruit at 2
mg/kg that cannot be harmonized with the EPA tolerance in or on stone
fruit group 12-12, except plum, prune, fresh at 3.0 ppm because the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) tolerance
calculations that EPA uses to calculate U.S. tolerance levels result in
a tolerance that is higher than the Codex MRL, and reduction of the
tolerance would result in the risk of violative residues resulting from
proper use according to label directions.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances
Based on the data supporting the petition, the Agency determined
that the petitioned-for tolerance on chive, fresh leaves at 30.0 ppm
should be established in or on chive, fresh leaves at 30 ppm because
EPA establishes tolerances using whole numbers for tolerances of 10 ppm
or more, per the OECD tolerance calculation procedures. The Agency also
determined that the petitioned-for-amended tolerance in or on onion,
green, subgroup 3-07B, except chive should be established in or on
onion, green, subgroup 3-07B, except chive, fresh leaves. This is due
to the fact that only chive, fresh leaves are included in subgroup 3-
07B, and the Agency is establishing a separate tolerance for chive,
fresh leaves at 30 ppm.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of
methoxyfenozide, (3-methoxy-2-methylbenzoic acid 2-(3,5-
[[Page 65968]]
dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide), in or on chive,
fresh leaves at 30 ppm; fruit, stone, group 12-12, except plum, prune,
fresh at 3.0 ppm; herb subgroup 19A, except chive, fresh leaves at 400
ppm; onion, green, subgroup 3-07B, except chive, fresh leaves at 5.0
ppm; and nut, tree, group 14-12 at 0.10 ppm. This rule additionally
removes the established tolerances in or on fruit, stone, group 12,
except plum, prune, fresh at 3.0 ppm; herb subgroup 19A, except chive
at 400 ppm; nut, tree, group 14 at 0.10 ppm; onion, green, subgroup 3-
07B at 5.0 ppm; pistachio at 0.10 ppm; and in paragraph (d)(2), chive
at 4.5 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action 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 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 Transfer and Advancement
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.),
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule''
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: October 20, 2015.
Susan Lewis,
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. 180.544:
0
a. Remove the following commodities from the table in paragraph (a):
``Fruit, stone, group 12, except plum, prune, fresh''; ``Herb subgroup
19A, except chive''; ``Nut, tree, group 14''; ``Onion, green, subgroup
3-07B''; and ``Pistachio''.
0
b. Remove the commodity ``Chive'' from the table in paragraph (d)(2).
0
c. Add alphabetically add the following commodities to the table in
paragraph (a).
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 180.544 Methoxyfenozide; tolerances for residues.
(a) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Chive, fresh leaves..................................... 30
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Fruit, stone, group 12-12, except plum, prune, fresh.... 3.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Herb subgroup 19A, except chive, fresh leaves........... 400
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Nut, tree, group 14-12.................................. 0.10
Onion, green, subgroup 3-07B, except chive, fresh leaves 5.0
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-27461 Filed 10-27-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P