Tolfenpyrad; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions, 68938-68944 [2016-24093]

Agencies

• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 193 (Wednesday, October 5, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68938-68944]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-24093]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0193; FRL-9951-57]


Tolfenpyrad; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes time-limited tolerances for 
residues of tolfenpyrad in or on vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10. This 
action is in response to EPA's granting of an emergency exemption under 
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 
authorizing use of the pesticide on agricultural commodities in the 
group ``vegetable, fruiting, group 8-

[[Page 68939]]

10.'' This regulation establishes a maximum permissible level for 
residues of tolfenpyrad in or on these commodities.
    The time-limited tolerances expire on December 31, 2019.

DATES: This regulation is effective October 5, 2016. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before December 5, 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-2016-0193, 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: Michael Goodis, 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. To access the OCSPP test guidelines referenced in this 
document electronically, please go to https://www.epa.gov/ocspp and 
select ``Test Methods and Guidelines.''

C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?

    Under section 408(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
(FFDCA), 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-
2016-0193 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 5, 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-2016-0193, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    EPA, on its own initiative, in accordance with FFDCA sections 
408(e) and 408(l)(6) of, 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) and 346a(1)(6), is 
establishing time-limited tolerances for residues of tolfenpyrad, 4-
chloro-3-ethyl-1-methyl-N-[4-(p-tolyloxy)benzyl]pyrazole-5-carboxamide, 
in or on agricultural commodities in the group ``vegetable, fruiting, 
group 8-10'' at 0.70 parts per million (ppm). These time-limited 
tolerances expire on December 31, 2019.
    Section 408(l)(6) of FFDCA requires EPA to establish a time-limited 
tolerance or exemption from the requirement for a tolerance for 
pesticide chemical residues in food that will result from the use of a 
pesticide under an emergency exemption granted by EPA under FIFRA 
section 18. Such tolerances can be established without providing notice 
or period for public comment. EPA does not intend for its actions on 
FIFRA section 18 related time-limited tolerances to set binding 
precedents for the application of FFDCA section 408 and the safety 
standard to other tolerances and exemptions. Section 408(e) of FFDCA 
allows EPA to establish a tolerance or an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance on its own initiative, i.e., without having 
received any petition from an outside party.
    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 . . 
. .''
    Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes EPA to exempt any Federal or State 
agency from any provision of FIFRA, if EPA determines that ``emergency 
conditions exist which require such exemption.''

[[Page 68940]]

EPA has established regulations governing such emergency exemptions in 
40 CFR part 166.

III. Emergency Exemption for Tolfenpyrad on Vegetable, Fruiting, Group 
8-10 Commodities and FFDCA Tolerances

    The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) 
requested an emergency exemption for the use of tolfenpyrad on fruiting 
vegetables to reduce damage incurred by thrips. Thrips have become a 
severe problem in Florida on account of their developing resistance to 
the insecticides currently registered for use on fruiting vegetable 
crops, combined with the appearance of Tomato Chlorotic Spot Virus, a 
newly established invasive virus disease vectored by thrips attacking 
fruiting vegetables. According to FDACS, substantial economic damage is 
occurring and 30% to 90% yield loss has been documented due to the 
insufficient efficacy of registered alternatives.
    After having reviewed the submission, EPA determined that an 
emergency condition exists for this State, and that the criteria for 
approval of an emergency exemption are met. EPA has authorized a 
specific exemption under FIFRA section 18 for the use of tolfenpyrad on 
vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10 for control of thrips in Florida.
    As part of its evaluation of the emergency exemption application, 
EPA assessed the potential risks presented by residues of tolfenpyrad 
in or on vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10. In doing so, EPA considered 
the safety standard in FFDCA section 408(b)(2), and EPA decided that 
the necessary tolerances under FFDCA section 408(l)(6) would be 
consistent with the safety standard and with FIFRA section 18. 
Consistent with the need to move quickly on the emergency exemption in 
order to address an urgent, non-routine situation and to ensure that 
the resulting food is safe and lawful, EPA is issuing these tolerances 
without notice and opportunity for public comment as provided in FFDCA 
section 408(l)(6). Although these time-limited tolerances expire on 
December 31, 2019, under FFDCA section 408(l)(5), residues of the 
pesticide not in excess of the amounts specified in the tolerance 
remaining in or on vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10 after that date will 
not be unlawful, provided the pesticide was applied in a manner that 
was lawful under FIFRA, and the residues do not exceed a level that was 
authorized by these time-limited tolerances at the time of that 
application. EPA will take action to revoke these time-limited 
tolerances earlier if any experience with, scientific data on, or other 
relevant information on this pesticide indicate that the residues are 
not safe.
    Because these time-limited tolerances are being approved under 
emergency conditions, EPA has not made any decisions about whether 
tolfenpyrad meets FIFRA's registration requirements for use on 
vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10 or whether permanent tolerances for 
this use would be appropriate. Under these circumstances, EPA does not 
believe that this time-limited tolerance decision serves as a basis for 
registration of tolfenpyrad by a State for special local needs under 
FIFRA section 24(c), nor does this tolerance by itself serve as the 
authority for persons in any State other than Florida to use this 
pesticide on the applicable crops under FIFRA section 18, absent the 
issuance of an emergency exemption applicable within that State. For 
additional information regarding the emergency exemption for 
tolfenpyrad, contact the Agency's Registration Division at the address 
provided under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

IV. 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 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 expected as a result of this emergency exemption request and 
the time-limited tolerances for residues of tolfenpyrad on vegetable, 
fruiting, group 8-10 at 0.70 ppm. EPA's assessment of exposures and 
risks associated with establishing time-limited tolerances follows.

A. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA 
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of 
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the 
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for 
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed 
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to 
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) 
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified 
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with 
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a 
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe 
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes 
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the 
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of 
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the 
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete 
description of the risk assessment process, see https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
    A summary of the toxicological profile and endpoints for 
tolfenpyrad used for human health risk assessment is discussed in Table 
1 of the final rule published in the Federal Register of January 9, 
2014, (79 FR 1599) (FRL-9904-70).

B. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to tolfenpyrad, EPA considered exposure under the time-limited 
tolerances established by this action as well as all existing 
tolfenpyrad tolerances in 40 CFR 180.675. EPA assessed dietary 
exposures from tolfenpyrad in food as follows:
    i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk 
assessment 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; such effects were identified 
for tolfenpyrad. In estimating acute

[[Page 68941]]

dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption information from the United 
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2003-2008 National Health and 
Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). 
For purposes of this acute exposure assessment, EPA assumed 100 percent 
crop treated (PCT) and tolerance-level residues.
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used the food consumption information from the USDA 
2003-2008 NHANES/WWEIA. For purposes of this chronic exposure 
assessment, EPA relied upon average residue levels from crop field 
trials. EPA also used PCT estimates (discussed further in Unit 
IV.B.1.iv., below) for certain commodities that were shown to have a 
high contribution to the overall dietary exposure, while assuming 100 
PCT for the rest of the commodities.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit IV.A., EPA has 
concluded that tolfenpyrad does not pose a cancer risk to humans. 
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing 
cancer risk is unnecessary.
    iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information. 
Section 408(b)(2)(E) of FFDCA authorizes EPA to use available data and 
information on the anticipated residue levels of pesticide residues in 
food and the actual levels of pesticide residues that have been 
measured in food. If EPA relies on such information, EPA must require 
pursuant to FFDCA section 408(f)(1) that data be provided 5 years after 
the tolerance is established, modified, or left in effect, 
demonstrating that the levels in food are not above the levels 
anticipated. For the present action, EPA will issue such data call-ins 
as are required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(E) and authorized under 
FFDCA section 408(f)(1). Data will be required to be submitted no later 
than 5 years from the date of issuance of these tolerances.
    Section 408(b)(2)(F) of FFDCA states that the Agency may use data 
on the actual percent of food treated for assessing chronic dietary 
risk only if:
     Condition a: The data used are reliable and provide a 
valid basis to show what percentage of the food derived from such crop 
is likely to contain the pesticide residue.
     Condition b: The exposure estimate does not underestimate 
exposure for any significant subpopulation group.
     Condition c: Data are available on pesticide use and food 
consumption in a particular area, the exposure estimate does not 
understate exposure for the population in such area.
    In addition, the Agency must provide for periodic evaluation of any 
estimates used. To provide for the periodic evaluation of the estimate 
of PCT as required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(F), EPA may require 
registrants to submit data on PCT.
    In most cases, EPA uses available data from United States 
Department of Agriculture/National Agricultural Statistics Service 
(USDA/NASS), proprietary market surveys, and the National Pesticide Use 
Database for the chemical/crop combination for the most recent 6-7 
years. EPA uses an average PCT for chronic dietary risk analysis. The 
average PCT figure for each existing use is derived by combining 
available public and private market survey data for that use, averaging 
across all observations, and rounding to the nearest 5%, except for 
those situations in which the average PCT is less than one. In those 
cases, 1% is used as the average PCT and 2.5% is used as the maximum 
PCT. EPA uses a maximum PCT for acute dietary risk analysis. The 
maximum PCT figure is the highest observed maximum value reported 
within the recent 6 years of available public and private market survey 
data for the existing use and rounded up to the nearest multiple of 5%.
    In this case, EPA used data from the USDA NASS Agricultural 
Chemical Usage--Fruit Summary (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009), Vegetable 
Summary (2004, 2006, 2010), along with proprietary data to estimate PCT 
for four commodities (all others being assumed to be 100 PCT). Based on 
that data, EPA estimated average PCTs of 40% for oranges, 60% for 
apples, 65% for table grapes, and 50% for spinach.
    The Agency believes that the three conditions discussed in Unit 
IV.B1.iv. have been met. With respect to Condition a, PCT estimates are 
derived from Federal and private market survey data, which are reliable 
and have a valid basis. As to Conditions b and c, regional consumption 
information and consumption information for significant subpopulations 
is taken into account through EPA's computer-based model for evaluating 
the exposure of significant subpopulations including several regional 
groups. Use of this consumption information in EPA's risk assessment 
process ensures that EPA's exposure estimate does not understate 
exposure for any significant subpopulation group and allows the Agency 
to be reasonably certain that no regional population is exposed to 
residue levels higher than those estimated by the Agency. Other than 
the data available through national food consumption surveys, EPA does 
not have available reliable information on the regional consumption of 
food to which tolfenpyrad may be applied in a particular area.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening 
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for tolfenpyrad in drinking water. These simulation models 
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport 
characteristics of tolfenpyrad. Further information regarding EPA 
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be 
found at https://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/water/index.htm.
    Based on the Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling 
System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-
GROW) models, the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of 
tolfenpyrad for acute exposures are estimated to be 26.9 parts per 
billion (ppb) for surface water and 11 ppb for ground water. For 
chronic exposures for non-cancer assessments, the EDWCs are estimated 
to be 12.2 ppb for surface water and 11 ppb for ground water.
    Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly 
entered into the dietary exposure model.
    For acute dietary risk assessment, the water concentration value of 
26.9 ppb was used to assess the contribution to drinking water.
    For chronic dietary risk assessment, the water concentration value 
of 12.2 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). Tolfenpyrad is not 
registered for any specific use patterns that would result in 
residential exposure.
    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 tolfenpyrad to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity

[[Page 68942]]

with any other substances, and tolfenpyrad does not appear to produce a 
toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this 
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that tolfenpyrad 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.

C. 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 SF when reliable data 
available to EPA support the choice of a different factor.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. No evidence of increased 
quantitative or qualitative susceptibility was observed in 
developmental toxicity studies in rats or rabbits or a reproduction 
toxicity study in rats. However, the developmental immunotoxicity study 
(DIT) in rats suggests increased qualitative susceptibility in the 
young, since toxicity observed in offspring animals was more pronounced 
than toxicity seen in maternal animals at the same dose. No evidence of 
quantitative susceptibility was seen in the study. There is low concern 
and there are no residual uncertainties regarding the increased 
qualitative prenatal and/or postnatal susceptibility observed for 
tolfenpyrad. When the DIT and the reproduction study are considered 
together, the offspring toxicity in the DIT is comparable in severity 
to maternal toxicity observed at the same dose in the reproduction 
study. Since the adverse effects in young occurred at exposure levels 
that have shown comparable effects in adults, EPA does not consider the 
DIT persuasive evidence of an increased susceptibility of infants or 
children to tolfenpyrad. Additionally, the effects observed in the DIT 
study are well-characterized, a clear NOAEL was identified, and the 
endpoints chosen for risk assessment are protective of potential 
offspring effects, since a dermal hazard was not identified for 
tolfenpyrad, inhalation risk assessments are based on a route specific 
inhalation study, and the POD used for chronic dietary risk assessment 
is lower than where offspring effects were seen in the DIT study.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show that 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 tolfenpyrad is complete.
    ii. There is no indication that tolfenpyrad is a neurotoxic 
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study 
or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
    iii. Although there is possibly increased qualitative 
susceptibility in the young in the DIT study in rats, there are no 
residual uncertainties regarding increased susceptibility for 
tolfenpyrad since, (1) comparable maternal toxicity was observed at the 
same dose in the reproduction study, (2) the offspring effects observed 
in the DIT study are well characterized and there is a clear NOAEL for 
the effects seen, (3) no evidence of quantitative susceptibility was 
seen in the DIT study and susceptibility was not observed (quantitative 
or qualitative) in rat or rabbit developmental toxicity or reproduction 
studies tested at similar doses, (4) the endpoints and PODs selected 
for risk assessment are protective, and (5) direct non-dietary exposure 
to children is not anticipated since there are no residential uses for 
tolfenpyrad. Thus, a 10X FQPA safety factor is not necessary to protect 
infants and children.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground 
and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to tolfenpyrad in 
drinking water. EPA used similarly conservative assumptions to assess 
post-application exposure of children as well as incidental oral 
exposure of toddlers. These assessments will not underestimate the 
exposure and risks posed by tolfenpyrad.

D. 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 and relevant residential exposure scenarios. Since acute 
residential exposure is not anticipated, acute aggregate risk from 
exposure to tolfenpyrad results from exposure to residues in food and 
drinking water alone. Therefore, acute aggregate risk estimates are 
equivalent to the acute dietary risk estimates. Using the exposure 
assumptions discussed in this unit for acute exposure, the acute 
dietary exposure from food and water to tolfenpyrad will occupy 56% of 
the aPAD for the U.S. general population. Children 3-5 years old are 
the highest-exposed population subgroup with an estimated exposure of 
81% of the aPAD. Typically, EPA has concerns when estimated exposures 
exceed 100% of the acute or chronic population-adjusted dose (aPAD or 
cPAD). Acute dietary risk estimates are below EPA's level of concern 
for all populations.
    2. Chronic risk. A chronic aggregate risk assessment takes into 
account chronic exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and 
drinking water and relevant residential exposure scenarios. Since 
chronic residential exposure is not anticipated for tolfenpyrad, 
chronic aggregate risk from exposure to tolfenpyrad results from 
exposure to residues in food and drinking water alone. Therefore, 
chronic aggregate risk estimates are equivalent to the chronic dietary 
risk estimates. Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit 
for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
tolfenpyrad from food and water will utilize 69% of the cPAD for 
(children 1-2 years old) the population group receiving the greatest 
exposure. There are no residential uses for tolfenpyrad.
    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 (average) exposure level). A 
short-term adverse effect was identified; however, tolfenpyrad is not 
registered for any use patterns that would result in short-term 
residential exposure. Short-term risk is assessed based on short-term 
residential exposure plus chronic dietary exposure. Because there is no 
short-term residential exposure and chronic dietary

[[Page 68943]]

exposure has already been assessed under the appropriately protective 
cPAD (which is at least as protective as the POD used to assess short-
term risk), no further assessment of short-term risk is necessary, and 
EPA relies on the chronic dietary risk assessment for evaluating short-
term risk for tolfenpyrad.
    4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure 
takes into account intermediate-term non-dietary, non-occupational 
exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a 
background exposure level).
    An intermediate-term adverse effect was identified; however, 
tolfenpyrad 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 
tolfenpyrad.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of 
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity 
studies, tolfenpyrad 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 tolfenpyrad residues.

V. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An adequate enforcement methodology (liquid chromatography/tandem 
mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)) 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 tolfenpyrad residues in/on 
fruiting vegetables.

VI. Conclusion

    Therefore, a time-limited tolerance is established for residues of 
tolfenpyrad, (4-chloro-3-ethyl-1-methyl-N-[4-(p-
tolyloxy)benzyl]pyrazole-5-carboxamide, in or on the agricultural 
commodity ``vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10'' at 0.70 ppm. This 
tolerance expires on December 31, 2019.

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes a tolerance under FFDCA sections 408(e) and 
408(l)(6). 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 in accordance 
with FFDCA sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6), 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).

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: September 26, 2016.
Michael L. Goodis,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

[[Page 68944]]

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.  180.675, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  [emsp14]180.675  Tolfenpyrad; tolerances for residues.

* * * * *
    (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. Time-limited tolerances 
specified in the following table are established for residues of 
tolfenpyrad, (4-chloro-3-ethyl-1-methyl-N-[4-(p-
tolyloxy)benzyl]pyrazole-5-carboxamide, including its metabolites and 
degradates, in or on the specified agricultural commodities, resulting 
from use of the pesticide pursuant to FFIFRA section 18 emergency 
exemptions. Compliance with the tolerance levels specified below is to 
be determined by measuring only tolfenpyrad, 4-chloro-3-ethyl-1-methyl-
N-[4-(p-tolyloxy)benzyl]pyrazole-5-carboxamide. The tolerances expire 
on the date specified in the table.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Parts per    Expiration
                   Commodity                      million        date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10...............         0.70   12/31/2019
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2016-24093 Filed 10-4-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P