n-Butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and Isopropyl 3-hydroxybutyrate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance, 53931-53935 [2016-19115]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 157 / Monday, August 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
this section is stayed from August 15,
2016 until November 14, 2016.
[FR Doc. 2016–19113 Filed 8–12–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0719; FRL–9949–49]
n-Butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and
Isopropyl 3-hydroxybutyrate;
Exemption From the Requirement of a
Tolerance
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
This regulation establishes
exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of n-butyl 3hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 53605–
94–0) and isopropyl 3-hydroxybutyrate
(CAS Reg. No. 54074–94–1) when used
as inert ingredients (solvents) in
pesticide formulations applied to
growing crops or raw agricultural
commodities after harvest; to animals;
and to food contact surfaces in public
eating places, dairy-processing
equipment, and food-processing
equipment and utensils. Steptoe and
Johnson, on behalf of Eastman Chemical
Company, submitted a petition to EPA
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting
establishment of these exemptions from
the requirement of a tolerance. This
regulation eliminates the need to
establish a maximum permissible level
for residues of n-butyl 3hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl 3hydroxybutyrate when applied or used
under these conditions.
DATES: This regulation is effective
August 15, 2016. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before October 14, 2016, 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–2015–0719, 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
SUMMARY:
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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:
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. The following
list of North American Industrial
Classification System (NAICS) codes is
not intended to be exhaustive, but rather
provides a guide to help readers
determine whether this document
applies to them. Potentially affected
entities may include:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of 40 CFR part 180
through the Government Printing
Office’s e-CFR site at https://
www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation
and may also request a hearing on those
objections. You must file your objection
or request a hearing on this regulation
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2015–0719 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 October 14, 2016. Addresses for
mail and hand delivery of objections
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53931
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–
2015–0719, 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. Petition for Exemption
In the Federal Register of November
23, 2015 (80 FR 72941) (FRL–9936–73),
EPA issued a document pursuant to
FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C. 346a,
announcing the filing of a pesticide
petition (PP IN–10841) by Steptoe and
Johnson LLP (1330 Connecticut Avenue
NW., Washington, DC 20036–1795) on
behalf of the Eastman Chemical
Company (200 South Wilcox Drive,
Kingsport, TN 37660–5280). The
petition requested that 40 CFR 180.910,
180.930, and 180.940 be amended to
establish exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance for residues
of n-butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg.
No. 53605–94–0); and isopropyl 3hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 54074–
94–1) when used as inert ingredients
(solvents) in pesticide formulations
applied to pre- and post-harvest crops
under 40 CFR 180.910; to animals under
40 CFR 180.930; and to food contact
surface sanitizing solutions under 40
CFR 180.940(a). That document
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Steptoe and Johnson on
behalf of Eastman Chemical Company,
the petitioner, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
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Comments were received on the notice
of filing. EPA’s response to these
comments is discussed in Unit V.B.
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III. Inert Ingredient Definition
Inert ingredients are all ingredients
that are not active ingredients as defined
in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are
not limited to, the following types of
ingredients (except when they have a
pesticidal efficacy of their own):
Solvents such as alcohols and
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as
polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty
acids; carriers such as clay and
diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as
carrageenan and modified cellulose;
wetting, spreading, and dispersing
agents; propellants in aerosol
dispensers; microencapsulating agents;
and emulsifiers. The term ‘‘inert’’ is not
intended to imply nontoxicity; the
ingredient may or may not be
chemically active. Generally, EPA has
exempted inert ingredients from the
requirement of a tolerance based on the
low toxicity of the individual inert
ingredients.
IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
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 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. . . .’’
EPA establishes exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance only in those
cases where it can be clearly
demonstrated 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
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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(c)(2)(A), and the factors specified in
FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), 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 n-butyl 3hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl 3hydroxybutyrate including exposure
resulting from the exemption
established by this action. EPA’s
assessment of exposures and risks
associated with n-butyl 3hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl 3hydroxybutyrate follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered their
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. Specific
information on the studies received and
the nature of the adverse effects caused
by n-butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and
isopropyl 3-hydroxybutyrate as well as
the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies are discussed in this
unit.
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and
isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate are
structurally similar chemical entities
differing only in one methyl group
(CH3). Therefore the toxicity of these
two chemicals is expected to be similar.
Since there are no adequate data
available for each one individually, the
Agency utilizes read-across data to fill
data gaps.
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and
isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate both
exhibit very low levels of acute oral,
dermal and inhalation toxicity each
with LD50 values >5,000 mg/kg. n-Butyl3-hydroxybutyrate is moderately
irritating to the rabbit eye and is slightly
irritating to rabbit skin. Isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate is not irritating to
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rabbit skin. n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate
and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate are not
dermal sensitizers.
In a 28-day subchronic feeding study
in rats which included a reproduction/
developmental screening assessment,
exposure to isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate resulted in no adverse
test item-related toxicological effects on
clinical observations, no adverse effects
seen in FOB assessments, no adverse
effects on motor activity evaluations, no
adverse effects seen in gross necropsy
observations, male or female
reproductive performance, or
neurobehavioral parameters. The noobserved-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL)
for reproductive toxicity was 1,000 mg/
kg/day. The NOAEL for systemic
toxicity was 1,000 mg/kg/day. In the
absence of effects on the general
physical condition of F1 pups, the
NOAEL for neonatal toxicity was 1,000
mg/kg/day.
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and
isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate were
negative in reverse gene mutation
assays. Isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate
was negative in a chromosome
aberration assay and a gene mutation
assay.
There were no neurotoxicity or
immunotoxicity studies available.
However, there was no evidence of
adverse neurotoxic effects noted during
the FOB evaluations and the motor
activity evaluations. There was no
evidence of immunotoxicity in the
available database.
Based on the negative responses seen
in the genotoxicity and lack of systemic
toxicity in the reproductive and
developmental screening study, n-butyl3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate are considered
unlikely to be carcinogenic.
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and
isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate both have
a low solubility; therefore, it is unlikely
that either material will be absorbed by
the body and become systemically
bioavailable. Both compounds are
expected to hydrolyze quickly and
completely in vivo, and the resulting
hydrolysis products are very close in
structure or are the same, depending on
the specific hydrolysis product. The
available in vitro data suggests that
isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate can
undergo fast hydrolysis by enzymes in
the plasma and liver to produce n-butyl3-hydroxybutyrate, which is perhaps
further metabolized. Isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate concentration
decreased from approximately 70 mM to
below the limit of detection (<6.68 mM)
in plasma within 2 hours and in rat liver
S9 fraction within 30 minutes. Although
stable in phosphate buffer, isopropyl-3-
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hydroxybutyrate concentration levels
decreased from 70 mM to below the LOD
within 30 minutes with ONLY slight
increases in beta-hydroxybutyate levels
indicating that either it is formed in
small quantity (minor pathway) and/or
rapidly metabolized and removed from
the circulation.
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B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (POD)
and levels of concern to use in
evaluating the risk posed by human
exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
that have a threshold below which there
is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
POD is used as the basis for derivation
of reference values for risk assessment.
PODs are developed based on a careful
analysis of the doses in each
toxicological study to determine the
dose at which no adverse effects are
observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern
are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
safety factors are used in conjunction
with the POD to calculate a safe
exposure level—generally referred to as
a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
risks, the Agency assumes that any
amount of exposure will lead to some
degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
estimates risk in terms of the probability
of an occurrence of the adverse effect
expected in a lifetime. For more
information on the general principles
EPA uses in risk characterization and a
complete description of the risk
assessment process, see https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/
riskassess.htm.
An acute effect was not found in the
database therefore an acute dietary
assessment is not necessary. In the 28day subchronic oral toxicity study in
rats with neurotoxicity measurements,
no toxicity was observed at doses up to
1,000 mg/kg/day. Therefore, the Agency
concluded that it is not necessary to
conduct a quantitative risk assessment.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food, feed
uses and drinking water. In evaluating
dietary exposure to n-butyl-3hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate, EPA considered
exposure under the proposed exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance.
EPA assessed dietary exposures from nbutyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl3-hydroxybutyrate in food and drinking
water as follows: Dietary exposure can
occur from eating foods or ingesting
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drinking water containing residues of nbutyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl3-hydroxybutyrate. Because no hazard
endpoint of concern was identified for
the acute and chronic dietary
assessment (food, feed and drinking
water uses, a quantitative dietary
exposure risk assessment was not
conducted
2. From non-dietary exposure. The
term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in
this document to refer to nonoccupational, non-dietary exposure
(e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers),
carpets, swimming pools, and hard
surface disinfection on walls, floors,
tables).
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and
isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate may be
used in inert ingredients in products
that are registered for specific uses that
may result in residential exposure, such
as pesticides used in and round the
home. However, since no endpoint of
concern identified in the available
database, it is not necessary to conduct
a quantitative residential exposure
assessment.
3. 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 n-butyl-3hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate to share a common
mechanism of toxicity with any other
substances, and n-butyl-3hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by
other substances. For the purposes of
this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate
and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate 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
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53933
and exposure unless EPA determines
based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants
and children. This additional margin of
safety is commonly referred to as the
FQPA Safety Factor (SF). In applying
this provision, EPA either retains the
default value of 10X, or uses a different
additional safety factor when reliable
data available to EPA support the choice
of a different factor.
As part of its qualitative assessment,
EPA evaluated the available toxicity and
exposure data on n-butyl-3hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate and considered its
validity, completeness, and reliability,
as well as the relationship of this
information to human risk. EPA
considers the toxicity database to be
sufficient to evaluate risk and has
identified no residual uncertainty with
regard to prenatal and postnatal toxicity
or exposure. No hazard was identified
based on the available studies; therefore,
EPA concludes that there are no
threshold effects of concern to infants,
children, or adults from n-butyl-3hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate. As a result, EPA
concludes that no additional margin of
exposure (safety) is necessary.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
Because no toxicological endpoints of
concern were identified, EPA concludes
that aggregate exposure to residues of nbutyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl3-hydroxybutyrate will not pose a risk
to the U.S. population, including infants
and children, and that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to the general population, or to
infants and children from aggregate
exposure to n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate
and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate
residues.
V. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method is not required
for enforcement purposes since the
Agency is not establishing a numerical
tolerance for residues of n-butyl-3hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate in or on any food
commodities. EPA is not establishing a
limitation on the amount of n-butyl-3hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate that may be used in
pesticide formulations applied to
growing crops.
B. Comments
Two generic comments objecting to
the use of chemicals in food were
submitted to the docket for this action.
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Neither of the comments contained any
specific information bearing on the
Agency’s safety finding for these
chemicals. The Agency understands the
commenters’ concerns and recognizes
that some individuals believe that
pesticides should be banned on
agricultural crops. However, the existing
legal framework provided by section
408 of the Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) states that
tolerances may be set when persons
seeking such tolerances or exemptions
have demonstrated that the pesticide
meets the safety standard imposed by
that statute. The comment appears to be
directed at the underlying statute and
not EPA’s implementation of it; the
citizen has made no contention that
EPA has acted in violation of the
statutory framework.
VI. Conclusions
Therefore, exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance are
established under 40 CFR 180.910, 40
CFR 180.930, and 40 CFR 180.940(a) for
n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg.
No. 53605–94–0) and isopropyl-3hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 54074–
94–1) when used as inert ingredients
(solvents) in pesticide formulations
applied to growing crops or raw
agricultural commodities after harvest
(40 CFR 180.910); to animals (40 CFR
180.930); or to food contact surfaces in
public eating places, dairy-processing
equipment, and food-processing
equipment and utensils (40 CFR
180.940(a)).
VII. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action establishes exemptions
from the requirement of 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 exemptions 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).
VIII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will
submit a report containing this rule and
other required information to the U.S.
Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of the rule in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: July 25, 2016.
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
Acting 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 § 180.910, add alphabetically the
inert ingredients to the table to read as
follows:
■
§ 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and
post-harvest; exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance.
*
*
*
Limits
*
*
*
*
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 53605–94–0) .............................................
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Inert ingredients
*
........................
*
........................
*
Solvent.
*
*
*
*
Isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 54074–94–1) .........................................
*
Solvent.
*
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3. In § 180.930, add alphabetically the
inert ingredients to the table to read as
follows:
■
§ 180.930 Inert ingredients applied to
animals; exemptions from the requirement
of a tolerance.
*
*
*
*
*
Inert ingredients
Limits
*
*
*
*
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 53605–94–0) .............................................
*
........................
Solvent.
*
*
*
*
Isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 54074–94–1) .........................................
*
........................
Solvent.
*
*
*
4. In § 180.940(a), add alphabetically
the inert ingredients to the table in
paragraph (a) to read as follows:
■
*
Uses
*
*
*
*
*
*
(a) * * *
*
Pesticide chemical
CAS Reg. No.
Limits
*
*
*
*
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate .............................................................................................
*
53605–94–0
Solvent.
*
*
*
*
Isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate .........................................................................................
*
54074–94–1
Solvent.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2016–19115 Filed 8–12–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration
49 CFR Parts 173 and 179
[Docket No. PHMSA–2016–0011 (HM–251C)]
RIN 2137–AF17
Hazardous Materials: FAST Act
Requirements for Flammable Liquids
and Rail Tank Cars
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration is
issuing this final rule to codify in the
Hazardous Materials Regulations certain
mandates and minimum requirements
of the FAST Act. Specifically, the FAST
Act mandates a revised phase-out
schedule for all DOT Specification 111
tank cars used to transport unrefined
petroleum products (e.g., petroleum
crude oil), ethanol, and other Class 3
flammable liquids. The FAST Act also
SUMMARY:
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
*
*
*
§ 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active
and inert ingredients for use in
antimicrobial formulations (Food-contact
surface sanitizing solutions).
*
*
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:35 Aug 12, 2016
Jkt 238001
*
The FAST
Act instructs the Secretary of
Transportation to issue conforming
regulatory amendments immediately or
soon after the FAST Act’s date of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Frm 00029
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
*
*
*
*
*
requires that each tank car built to meet
the DOT Specification 117 and each
non-jacketed tank car retrofitted to meet
the DOT Specification 117R be
equipped with a thermal protection
blanket that is at least 1⁄2-inch thick and
meets existing thermal protection
standards. Further, the FAST Act
mandates minimum top fittings
protection requirements for tank cars
retrofitted to meet the DOT
Specification 117R.
DATES: Effective: August 15, 2016.
ADDRESSES: Docket: You may view the
public docket online at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at
Dockets Operations, M–30, Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–
0001 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Ciccarone, (202) 366–8553,
Standards and Rulemaking Division,
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
PO 00000
*
*
enactment (December 4, 2015). Because
the actions taken in this final rule
simply codify these non-discretionary
statutory mandates, PHMSA finds that
timely execution of agency functions
would be impeded by the procedures of
public notice that are normally required
by the Administrative Procedure Act.
Further, PHMSA sees no reason to delay
regulatory action, as we are simply
implementing the non-discretionary
provisions contained in Sections 7304,
7305, and 7306 of the FAST Act.
PHMSA finds that public notice is
impracticable and is implementing
these changes under the ‘‘good cause’’
exemption of the Administrative
Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B),
thus amending the regulations without
advance notice and opportunity for
public comment.
Abbreviations and Terms
AAR Association of American Railroads
APA Administrative Procedure Act
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CPC Casualty Prevention Circular
DOT Department of Transportation
EA Environmental Assessment
FAST Act Fixing America’s Surface
Transportation Act of 2015
FR Federal Register
FRA Federal Railroad Administration
HHFT High-Hazard Flammable Train
HMR Hazardous Materials Regulations
HMT Hazardous Materials Table
E:\FR\FM\15AUR1.SGM
15AUR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 157 (Monday, August 15, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53931-53935]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-19115]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0719; FRL-9949-49]
n-Butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and Isopropyl 3-hydroxybutyrate;
Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of
a tolerance for residues of n-butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No.
53605-94-0) and isopropyl 3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 54074-94-1)
when used as inert ingredients (solvents) in pesticide formulations
applied to growing crops or raw agricultural commodities after harvest;
to animals; and to food contact surfaces in public eating places,
dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils.
Steptoe and Johnson, on behalf of Eastman Chemical Company, submitted a
petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA),
requesting establishment of these exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum
permissible level for residues of n-butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and
isopropyl 3-hydroxybutyrate when applied or used under these
conditions.
DATES: This regulation is effective August 15, 2016. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before October 14, 2016,
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-2015-0719, 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 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-2015-0719 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
October 14, 2016. 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-2015-0719, 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. Petition for Exemption
In the Federal Register of November 23, 2015 (80 FR 72941) (FRL-
9936-73), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21
U.S.C. 346a, announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP IN-
10841) by Steptoe and Johnson LLP (1330 Connecticut Avenue NW.,
Washington, DC 20036-1795) on behalf of the Eastman Chemical Company
(200 South Wilcox Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660-5280). The petition
requested that 40 CFR 180.910, 180.930, and 180.940 be amended to
establish exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues
of n-butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 53605-94-0); and isopropyl
3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 54074-94-1) when used as inert
ingredients (solvents) in pesticide formulations applied to pre- and
post-harvest crops under 40 CFR 180.910; to animals under 40 CFR
180.930; and to food contact surface sanitizing solutions under 40 CFR
180.940(a). That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared
by Steptoe and Johnson on behalf of Eastman Chemical Company, the
petitioner, which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
[[Page 53932]]
Comments were received on the notice of filing. EPA's response to these
comments is discussed in Unit V.B.
III. Inert Ingredient Definition
Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active
ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not
limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a
pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty
acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as
carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing
agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents;
and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply
nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active.
Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a
tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert
ingredients.
IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
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 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. . . .''
EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated 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(c)(2)(A), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), 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 n-butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and
isopropyl 3-hydroxybutyrate including exposure resulting from the
exemption established by this action. EPA's assessment of exposures and
risks associated with n-butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl 3-
hydroxybutyrate follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered their
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. Specific information on the studies received and the nature
of the adverse effects caused by n-butyl 3-hydroxybutyrate and
isopropyl 3-hydroxybutyrate as well as the no-observed-adverse-effect-
level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from
the toxicity studies are discussed in this unit.
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate are
structurally similar chemical entities differing only in one methyl
group (CH3). Therefore the toxicity of these two chemicals
is expected to be similar. Since there are no adequate data available
for each one individually, the Agency utilizes read-across data to fill
data gaps.
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate both
exhibit very low levels of acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity
each with LD50 values >5,000 mg/kg. n-Butyl-3-
hydroxybutyrate is moderately irritating to the rabbit eye and is
slightly irritating to rabbit skin. Isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate is not
irritating to rabbit skin. n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-
hydroxybutyrate are not dermal sensitizers.
In a 28-day subchronic feeding study in rats which included a
reproduction/developmental screening assessment, exposure to isopropyl-
3-hydroxybutyrate resulted in no adverse test item-related
toxicological effects on clinical observations, no adverse effects seen
in FOB assessments, no adverse effects on motor activity evaluations,
no adverse effects seen in gross necropsy observations, male or female
reproductive performance, or neurobehavioral parameters. The no-
observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for reproductive toxicity was
1,000 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL for systemic toxicity was 1,000 mg/kg/day.
In the absence of effects on the general physical condition of
F1 pups, the NOAEL for neonatal toxicity was 1,000 mg/kg/
day.
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate were
negative in reverse gene mutation assays. Isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate
was negative in a chromosome aberration assay and a gene mutation
assay.
There were no neurotoxicity or immunotoxicity studies available.
However, there was no evidence of adverse neurotoxic effects noted
during the FOB evaluations and the motor activity evaluations. There
was no evidence of immunotoxicity in the available database.
Based on the negative responses seen in the genotoxicity and lack
of systemic toxicity in the reproductive and developmental screening
study, n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate are
considered unlikely to be carcinogenic.
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate both have
a low solubility; therefore, it is unlikely that either material will
be absorbed by the body and become systemically bioavailable. Both
compounds are expected to hydrolyze quickly and completely in vivo, and
the resulting hydrolysis products are very close in structure or are
the same, depending on the specific hydrolysis product. The available
in vitro data suggests that isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate can undergo
fast hydrolysis by enzymes in the plasma and liver to produce n-butyl-
3-hydroxybutyrate, which is perhaps further metabolized. Isopropyl-3-
hydroxybutyrate concentration decreased from approximately 70 [mu]M to
below the limit of detection (<6.68 [mu]M) in plasma within 2 hours and
in rat liver S9 fraction within 30 minutes. Although stable in
phosphate buffer, isopropyl-3-
[[Page 53933]]
hydroxybutyrate concentration levels decreased from 70 [mu]M to below
the LOD within 30 minutes with ONLY slight increases in beta-
hydroxybutyate levels indicating that either it is formed in small
quantity (minor pathway) and/or rapidly metabolized and removed from
the circulation.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL)
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete
description of the risk assessment process, see https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
An acute effect was not found in the database therefore an acute
dietary assessment is not necessary. In the 28-day subchronic oral
toxicity study in rats with neurotoxicity measurements, no toxicity was
observed at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day. Therefore, the Agency
concluded that it is not necessary to conduct a quantitative risk
assessment.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food, feed uses and drinking water. In
evaluating dietary exposure to n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-
3-hydroxybutyrate, EPA considered exposure under the proposed exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance. EPA assessed dietary exposures
from n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate in food
and drinking water as follows: Dietary exposure can occur from eating
foods or ingesting drinking water containing residues of n-butyl-3-
hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate. Because no hazard
endpoint of concern was identified for the acute and chronic dietary
assessment (food, feed and drinking water uses, a quantitative dietary
exposure risk assessment was not conducted
2. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary
exposure (e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers), carpets, swimming
pools, and hard surface disinfection on walls, floors, tables).
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate may be
used in inert ingredients in products that are registered for specific
uses that may result in residential exposure, such as pesticides used
in and round the home. However, since no endpoint of concern identified
in the available database, it is not necessary to conduct a
quantitative residential exposure assessment.
3. 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 n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-
hydroxybutyrate to share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other
substances, and n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-
hydroxybutyrate does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced
by other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action,
therefore, EPA has assumed that n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and
isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate does not have a common mechanism of
toxicity with other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts
to determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to
evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's Web site
at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA Safety
Factor (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when
reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different
factor.
As part of its qualitative assessment, EPA evaluated the available
toxicity and exposure data on n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-
3-hydroxybutyrate and considered its validity, completeness, and
reliability, as well as the relationship of this information to human
risk. EPA considers the toxicity database to be sufficient to evaluate
risk and has identified no residual uncertainty with regard to prenatal
and postnatal toxicity or exposure. No hazard was identified based on
the available studies; therefore, EPA concludes that there are no
threshold effects of concern to infants, children, or adults from n-
butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate. As a result,
EPA concludes that no additional margin of exposure (safety) is
necessary.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
Because no toxicological endpoints of concern were identified, EPA
concludes that aggregate exposure to residues of n-butyl-3-
hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate will not pose a risk to
the U.S. population, including infants and children, and that there is
a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the general
population, or to infants and children from aggregate exposure to n-
butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate residues.
V. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since
the Agency is not establishing a numerical tolerance for residues of n-
butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate in or on any
food commodities. EPA is not establishing a limitation on the amount of
n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate and isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate that may be
used in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops.
B. Comments
Two generic comments objecting to the use of chemicals in food were
submitted to the docket for this action.
[[Page 53934]]
Neither of the comments contained any specific information bearing on
the Agency's safety finding for these chemicals. The Agency understands
the commenters' concerns and recognizes that some individuals believe
that pesticides should be banned on agricultural crops. However, the
existing legal framework provided by section 408 of the Federal Food,
Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) states that tolerances may be set when
persons seeking such tolerances or exemptions have demonstrated that
the pesticide meets the safety standard imposed by that statute. The
comment appears to be directed at the underlying statute and not EPA's
implementation of it; the citizen has made no contention that EPA has
acted in violation of the statutory framework.
VI. Conclusions
Therefore, exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance are
established under 40 CFR 180.910, 40 CFR 180.930, and 40 CFR 180.940(a)
for n-butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 53605-94-0) and isopropyl-
3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS Reg. No. 54074-94-1) when used as inert
ingredients (solvents) in pesticide formulations applied to growing
crops or raw agricultural commodities after harvest (40 CFR 180.910);
to animals (40 CFR 180.930); or to food contact surfaces in public
eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing
equipment and utensils (40 CFR 180.940(a)).
VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action establishes exemptions from the requirement of 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 exemptions 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).
VIII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.),
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule''
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: July 25, 2016.
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
Acting 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. 180.910, add alphabetically the inert ingredients to the
table to read as follows:
Sec. 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and post-harvest; exemptions
from the requirement of a tolerance.
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inert ingredients Limits Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS .............. Solvent.
Reg. No. 53605-94-0).
* * * * * * *
Isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS .............. Solvent.
Reg. No. 54074-94-1).
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 53935]]
0
3. In Sec. 180.930, add alphabetically the inert ingredients to the
table to read as follows:
Sec. 180.930 Inert ingredients applied to animals; exemptions from
the requirement of a tolerance.
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inert ingredients Limits Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS .............. Solvent.
Reg. No. 53605-94-0).
* * * * * * *
Isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS .............. Solvent.
Reg. No. 54074-94-1).
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
4. In Sec. 180.940(a), add alphabetically the inert ingredients to the
table in paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active and inert ingredients
for use in antimicrobial formulations (Food-contact surface sanitizing
solutions).
* * * * *
(a) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pesticide chemical CAS Reg. No. Limits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
n-Butyl-3-hydroxybutyrate......... 53605-94-0 Solvent.
* * * * * * *
Isopropyl-3-hydroxybutyrate....... 54074-94-1 Solvent.
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2016-19115 Filed 8-12-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P