Clomazone; Pesticide Tolerances, 78913-78917 [2016-27201]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 218 / Thursday, November 10, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0712; FRL–9953–88]
Clomazone; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of clomazone in
or on asparagus and soybean, vegetable,
succulent. The Interregional Research
Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
November 10, 2016. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before January 9, 2017, 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–2015–0712, 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:
SUMMARY:
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
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
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applies to them. Potentially affected
entities may include:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation
and may also request a hearing on those
objections. You must file your objection
or request a hearing on this regulation
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2015–0712 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 January 9, 2017. 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–
2015–0712, 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
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follow the instructions at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
Additional instructions on
commenting or visiting the docket,
along with more information about
dockets generally, is available at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of November
25, 2015 (80 FR 73695) (FRL–9937–14),
EPA issued a document pursuant to
FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.
346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a
pesticide petition (PP# 5E8402) by
Interregional Research No. 4 (IR–4),
Rutgers, The State University of New
Jersey, 500 College Road East, Suite
201–W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The
petition requested that 40 CFR 180.425
be amended by establishing tolerances
for residues of the herbicide clomazone,
2-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone, in or on
asparagus at 0.05 parts per million
(ppm) and vegetable soybean (edamame)
at 0.05 ppm. That document referenced
a summary of the petition prepared by
FMC Corporation, the registrant, which
is available in the docket EPA–HQ–
OPP–2015–0712 at https://
www.regulations.gov. There were no
comments received in response to the
notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA has revised
the terminology to correct the
commodity definition from vegetable
soybean (edamame) to soybean,
vegetable, succulent.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
give special consideration to exposure
of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a
tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to infants and children from
aggregate exposure to the pesticide
chemical residue. . . .’’
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Consistent with FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has
reviewed the available scientific data
and other relevant information in
support of this action. EPA has
sufficient data to assess the hazards of
and to make a determination on
aggregate exposure for clomazone
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with clomazone follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered its validity,
completeness, and reliability as well as
the relationship of the results of the
studies to human risk. EPA has also
considered available information
concerning the variability of the
sensitivities of major identifiable
subgroups of consumers, including
infants and children.
The primary target of clomazone is
the liver, with hepatocellular
cytomegaly and increased liver weight
noted in the subchronic rat study. No
neurotoxicity studies with clomazone
are available; however, based on a
weight of the evidence approach, EPA
has concluded that a neurotoxicity
battery is not required for clomazone.
This approach considered all of the
available hazard and exposure
information including: (1) There is no
evidence of clinical signs of
neurotoxicity or neuropathology in
adult animals in subchronic and chronic
studies; (2) the liver is the target organ
for clomazone, not the neurological
system; (3) clomazone is absorbed and
rapidly excreted in rats with 97% of the
radioactivity excreted within 168 hours;
and (4) the point of departure (POD) and
endpoint for chronic dietary risk
assessment is based on liver effects in
rats which appear to be the most
sensitive endpoint. There is no
quantitative or qualitative evidence of
susceptibility in the developmental
toxicity study in rabbits or in the 2generation reproduction toxicity study
in rats. In the developmental toxicity
study in rats, delayed ossification
occurred at doses that produced
maternal effects (chromorhinorrhea and
abdominogenital staining). Although
qualitative susceptibility was observed
in the developmental toxicity study in
rats, the concern is low since there are
clear no-observed-adverse-effect-levels
(NOAELs) and lowest-observed-adverseeffect-levels (LOAELs) in the study and
this study was used for risk assessment,
and therefore, is protective of the
developmental effects.
In the rat and mouse carcinogenicity
studies, there was no evidence of
carcinogenicity. Although the mouse
carcinogenicity study was classified as
unacceptable/guideline since no
systemic toxicity was observed at the
highest dose tested, the study was
considered adequate to assess the
carcinogenicity in mice. EPA has
determined that an additional mouse
carcinogenicity study is not needed.
This finding is based upon the following
conclusions: (1) The rat is more
sensitive than the mouse for the chronic
assessment; (2) the consistent effect in
rats (decreased body weight and
increased liver weight) has been used as
the point of departure for the chronic
assessment; (3) a new mouse study
would only use doses well above the
current POD for the chronic assessment;
and (4) even if a new mouse study
identified positive carcinogenicity
effects, that finding would not result in
the adoption of a quantitative linear
assessment of cancer risk due to the
negative carcinogenicity finding in the
rat study and the lack of a positive
finding for genotoxicity. Clomazone is
classified as ‘‘Not Likely to be
Carcinogenic to Humans.’’
Quantification of cancer risk is not
required.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by clomazone as well as
the NOAEL and the LOAEL from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in document
‘‘Clomazone: Human Health Risk
Assessment for the Use of Clomazone on
Asparagus and Edamame (Vegetable
Soybean)’’ on pages 11–15 in docket ID
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0712.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (POD)
and levels of concern to use in
evaluating the risk posed by human
exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
that have a threshold below which there
is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
POD is used as the basis for derivation
of reference values for risk assessment.
PODs are developed based on a careful
analysis of the doses in each
toxicological study to determine the
dose at which no adverse effects are
observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern
are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
safety factors are used in conjunction
with the POD to calculate a safe
exposure level—generally referred to as
a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
risks, the Agency assumes that any
amount of exposure will lead to some
degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
estimates risk in terms of the probability
of an occurrence of the adverse effect
expected in a lifetime. For more
information on the general principles
EPA uses in risk characterization and a
complete description of the risk
assessment process, see https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/
riskassess.htm.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for clomazone used for
human risk assessment used for human
risk assessment is shown in Table 1 of
this unit.
TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGICAL DOSES AND ENDPOINTS FOR CLOMAZONE FOR USE IN HUMAN HEALTH RISK
ASSESSMENT
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Exposure/scenario
Point of departure
and uncertainty/
safety factors
RfD, PAD, LOC for
risk assessment
Study and toxicological effects
Acute dietary (General population including infants and
children).
An endpoint was not selected for the general population because no adverse effect in adult animals was identified that resulted from a single exposure. A risk assessment is not required for this population subgroup.
Acute dietary (Females 13 to
49 years of age).
NOAEL = 100 mg/
kg/day.
UFA = 10x ................
UFH = 10x ................
FQPA SF = 1x .........
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Acute RfD = 1.0 mg/
kg/day.
aPAD = 1.0 mg/kg/
day.
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Developmental Toxicity Study—Rats (MRID 00150291).
LOAEL = 300 mg/kg/day based on indications of delayed ossification in the form of either partial ossification or the absence of the manubrium, sternebrae 3–4, xiphoid, caudal
vertebrae, and meta-carpals.
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TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGICAL DOSES AND ENDPOINTS FOR CLOMAZONE FOR USE IN HUMAN HEALTH RISK
ASSESSMENT—Continued
Point of departure
and uncertainty/
safety factors
RfD, PAD, LOC for
risk assessment
Study and toxicological effects
Chronic dietary (All populations)
NOAEL= 84.4 mg/
kg/day.
UFA = 10x ................
UFH = 10x ................
FQPA SF = 1x .........
Chronic RfD = 0.84
mg/kg/day.
cPAD = 0.84 mg/kg/
day.
Two Year Chronic Toxicity Study—Rats (MRID 00132586).
NOAEL = 84.4/112.9 mg/kg/day, males/females (highest dose
tested).
LOAEL was not attained Co-critical 90-day Oral Rat Study
(MRID 00132586).
NOAEL = 135.2/160.9 mg/kg/day, males/females.
LOAEL = 273/319.3 mg/kg/day, males/females, based on decreased body weight, body weight gains, food consumption
and increased absolute and relative liver weights in females
and increased absolute liver weights in males.
Co-critical 2-Generation Reproduction Toxicity Study (MRID
00151108).
Parental LOAEL = 100 mg/kg/day based on statistically significantly decreased body weight & body weight gain during premating, and decreased body weight during gestation & lactation M & F. In addition, decreased food consumption in females and hydronephritic kidneys in males.
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation).
‘‘Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans.’’ Quantitative assessment of cancer risk is not required.
Exposure/scenario
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FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. LOC = level of concern. mg/kg/day =
milligram/kilogram/day. NOAEL = no-observed-adverse-effect-level. PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference
dose. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies). UFH = potential variation in sensitivity among members
of the human population (intraspecies).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to clomazone, EPA considered
exposure under the petitioned-for
tolerances as well as all existing
clomazone tolerances in 40 CFR
180.425. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from clomazone in food as
follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute
dietary exposure and risk assessments
are performed for a food-use pesticide,
if a toxicological study has indicated the
possibility of an effect of concern
occurring as a result of a 1-day or single
exposure. Such effects were identified
for clomazone. In estimating acute
dietary exposure, EPA used the Dietary
Exposure Evaluation Model software
with the Food Commodity Intake
Database (DEEM–FCID) Version 3.16.
This software uses 2003–2008 food
consumption data from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s)
National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, What We Eat in
America, (NHANES/WWEIA). As to
residue levels in food, EPA incorporated
tolerance-level residues, 100 percent
crop treated (PCT) for all commodities,
and DEEM 7.81 default processing
factors as appropriate.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used DEEM–FCID Version 3.16.
This software uses 2003–2008 food
consumption data from USDA’s
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NHANES/WWEIA. As to residue levels
in food, EPA incorporated tolerancelevel residues, 100 PCT for all
commodities, and DEEM 7.81 default
processing factors as appropriate.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that clomazone does not pose
a cancer risk to humans. Therefore, a
dietary exposure assessment for the
purpose of assessing cancer risk is
unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and PCT
information. EPA did not use
anticipated residue or PCT information
in the dietary assessment for clomazone.
Tolerance level residues and 100 PCT
were assumed for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. In drinking water, the residues of
concern include clomazone parent and
its degradate FMC65317 (N-[(2chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-hydroxy-2,2dimenthylpropanamide). The Agency
used screening level water exposure
models in the dietary exposure analysis
and risk assessment for clomazone in
drinking water. These simulation
models take into account data on the
physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of clomazone. Further
information regarding EPA drinking
water models used in pesticide
exposure assessment can be found at
https://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-scienceand-assessing-pesticide-risks/aboutwater-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
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Based on the Tier 1 Rice Model and
Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground
Water (PRZM GW), the estimated
drinking water concentrations (EDWCs)
of clomazone for acute exposures are
estimated to be 550 parts per billion
(ppb) for surface water and 85.7 ppb for
ground water. The EDWCs of clomazone
for chronic exposures for non-cancer
assessments are estimated to be 550 ppb
for surface water and 77.4 ppb for
ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model. For
both acute and chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration
value of 550 ppb was used to assess the
contribution to drinking water.
3. From non-dietary exposure. The
term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in
this document to refer to nonoccupational, non-dietary exposure
(e.g., for lawn and garden pest control,
indoor pest control, termiticides, and
flea and tick control on pets).
Clomazone is not registered for any
specific use patterns that would result
in residential exposure.
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
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substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
EPA has not found clomazone to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
clomazone does not appear to produce
a toxic metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that clomazone 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://
www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks/cumulativeassessment-risk-pesticides.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
an additional tenfold (10X) margin of
safety for infants and children in the
case of threshold effects to account for
prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines
based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants
and children. This additional margin of
safety is commonly referred to as the
FQPA Safety Factor (SF). In applying
this provision, EPA either retains the
default value of 10X, or uses a different
additional safety factor when reliable
data available to EPA support the choice
of a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
There was no evidence of increased
quantitative or qualitative susceptibility
in the prenatal developmental toxicity
study in rabbits or in the reproductive
toxicity study in rats with clomazone. In
the developmental toxicity study in rats,
effects in the fetuses (delayed
ossification) occurred at doses that
produced maternal effects
(chromorhinorrhea and
abdominogenital staining) but were
qualitatively more severe. Although
qualitative susceptibility was observed
in the developmental toxicity study in
rats, the concern is low since there are
clear NOAELs and LOAELs in this study
and the NOAEL in the study was used
as the POD for assessment of acute risk.
EPA’s assessment of acute risk is
therefore protective of any
developmental effects.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined
that reliable data show the safety of
infants and children would be
adequately protected if the FQPA SF
were reduced to 1X. That decision is
based on the following findings:
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i. The toxicity database for clomazone
is complete.
ii. There is no indication that
clomazone is a neurotoxic chemical and
there is no need for additional UFs to
account for neurotoxicity.
iii. For the reasons described above in
Unit III.D.2., there is low concern
regarding increased susceptibility in the
young from exposure to clomazone.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary food exposure assessments
were performed based on 100 PCT and
tolerance-level residues. EPA made
conservative (protective) assumptions in
the ground and surface water modeling
used to assess exposure to clomazone in
drinking water. There are no existing or
pending residential uses. Therefore,
these assessments will not
underestimate the exposure and risks
posed by clomazone.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure
estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and
chronic PAD (cPAD). Short-,
intermediate-, and chronic-term risks
are evaluated by comparing the
estimated aggregate food, water, and
residential exposure to the appropriate
PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE
exists.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk
assessment takes into account acute
exposure estimates from dietary
consumption of food and drinking
water. No adverse effect resulting from
a single oral exposure was identified
and no acute dietary endpoint was
selected for the general population
including infants and children.
Therefore, clomazone is not expected to
pose an acute risk to these groups.
However, an acute endpoint was
identified for females 13 to 49 years old
due to effects observed in fetuses. Using
the exposure assumptions discussed in
this unit for acute exposure, the acute
dietary exposure from food and water to
clomazone will occupy 3.0% of the
aPAD for females 13 to 49 years old.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to clomazone
from food and water will utilize 3.6% of
the cPAD for all infants <1 year old, the
population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no residential uses
for clomazone.
3. Short- and intermediate-term risk.
Short- and intermediate-term aggregate
exposures take into account short- and
intermediate-term residential exposure
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plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background
exposure level).
Clomazone is not registered for any
use patterns that would result in shortor intermediate-term residential
exposure. Because there are no short- or
intermediate-term residential exposures
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 short- and intermediate-term
risks), no further assessment of shortand intermediate-term risks are
necessary.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in rodent
carcinogenicity studies, along with the
data summarized in Unit III.A.,
clomazone is not expected to pose a
cancer risk to humans.
5. Determination of safety. Based on
these risk assessments, EPA concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to the general
population, or to infants and children
from aggregate exposure to clomazone
residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
(gas chromatography (GC) using a
nitrogen phosphorus detector (NPD) or
mass spectrometer (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
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EPA explain the reasons for departing
from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established any
MRLs for clomazone.
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V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of clomazone, 2-[(2chlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3isoxazolidinone, in or on asparagus at
0.05 ppm and soybean, vegetable,
succulent at 0.05 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action establishes tolerances
under FFDCA section 408(d) in
response to a petition submitted to the
Agency. The Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) has exempted these types
of actions from review under Executive
Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory
Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993). Because this action
has been exempted from review under
Executive Order 12866, this action is
not subject to Executive Order 13211,
entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive
Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997). This action does not
contain any information collections
subject to OMB approval under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require
any special considerations under
Executive Order 12898, entitled
‘‘Federal Actions to Address
Environmental Justice in Minority
Populations and Low-Income
Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,
1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that
are established on the basis of a petition
under FFDCA section 408(d), such as
the tolerance in this final rule, do not
require the issuance of a proposed rule,
the requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.), do not apply.
This action directly regulates growers,
food processors, food handlers, and food
retailers, not States or tribes, nor does
this action alter the relationships or
distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress
in the preemption provisions of FFDCA
section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency
has determined that this action will not
have a substantial direct effect on States
or tribal governments, on the
relationship between the national
government and the States or tribal
governments, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Nov 09, 2016
Jkt 241001
various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian
tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined
that Executive Order 13132, entitled
‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999) and Executive Order 13175,
entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply
to this action. In addition, this action
does not impose any enforceable duty or
contain any unfunded mandate as
described under Title II of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.
1501 et seq.).
This action does not involve any
technical standards that would require
Agency consideration of voluntary
consensus standards pursuant to section
12(d) of the National Technology
Transfer and Advancement Act
(NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will
submit a report containing this rule and
other required information to the U.S.
Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of the rule in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
Parts per
million
Commodity
*
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78917
*
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[FR Doc. 2016–27201 Filed 11–9–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0722; FRL–9953–71]
Prothioconazole; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of
prothioconazole in or on cotton gin
byproducts and the cottonseed subgroup
20C. Bayer CropScience requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
November 10, 2016. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before January 9, 2017, and must
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
be filed in accordance with the
instructions provided in 40 CFR part
Environmental protection,
178 (see also Unit I.C. of the
Administrative practice and procedure,
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,
requirements.
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0722, is
Dated: October 21, 2016.
available at https://www.regulations.gov
Michael Goodis,
or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)
of Pesticide Programs.
in the Environmental Protection Agency
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
amended as follows:
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC
PART 180—[AMENDED]
20460–0001. The Public Reading Room
is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
■ 1. The authority citation for part 180
Monday through Friday, excluding legal
continues to read as follows:
holidays. The telephone number for the
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
■ 2. In § 180.425, add alphabetically the
and the telephone number for the OPP
commodities ‘‘Asparagus’’ and
Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
‘‘Soybean, vegetable, succulent’’ to the
the visitor instructions and additional
table in paragraph (a) to read as follows: information about the docket available
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
§ 180.425 Clomazone; tolerances for
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
residues.
Michael Goodis, Registration Division
(a) * * *
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Parts per
Commodity
million
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; main telephone
Asparagus ...................................
0.05 number: (703) 305–7090; email address:
RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
*
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*
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*
Soybean, vegetable, succulent ..
0.05 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\10NOR1.SGM
10NOR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 218 (Thursday, November 10, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78913-78917]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27201]
[[Page 78913]]
=======================================================================
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0712; FRL-9953-88]
Clomazone; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
clomazone in or on asparagus and soybean, vegetable, succulent. The
Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective November 10, 2016. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before January 9, 2017,
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-2015-0712, 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 EPA's
tolerance regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through the Government
Printing Office's e-CFR site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0712 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
January 9, 2017. 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-2015-0712, by one of
the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC
20460-0001.
Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance
In the Federal Register of November 25, 2015 (80 FR 73695) (FRL-
9937-14), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP#
5E8402) by Interregional Research No. 4 (IR-4), Rutgers, The State
University of New Jersey, 500 College Road East, Suite 201-W,
Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.425 be
amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the herbicide
clomazone, 2-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone,
in or on asparagus at 0.05 parts per million (ppm) and vegetable
soybean (edamame) at 0.05 ppm. That document referenced a summary of
the petition prepared by FMC Corporation, the registrant, which is
available in the docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0712 at https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the
notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has
revised the terminology to correct the commodity definition from
vegetable soybean (edamame) to soybean, vegetable, succulent.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . .
.''
[[Page 78914]]
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a
determination on aggregate exposure for clomazone including exposure
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's
assessment of exposures and risks associated with clomazone follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and
children.
The primary target of clomazone is the liver, with hepatocellular
cytomegaly and increased liver weight noted in the subchronic rat
study. No neurotoxicity studies with clomazone are available; however,
based on a weight of the evidence approach, EPA has concluded that a
neurotoxicity battery is not required for clomazone. This approach
considered all of the available hazard and exposure information
including: (1) There is no evidence of clinical signs of neurotoxicity
or neuropathology in adult animals in subchronic and chronic studies;
(2) the liver is the target organ for clomazone, not the neurological
system; (3) clomazone is absorbed and rapidly excreted in rats with 97%
of the radioactivity excreted within 168 hours; and (4) the point of
departure (POD) and endpoint for chronic dietary risk assessment is
based on liver effects in rats which appear to be the most sensitive
endpoint. There is no quantitative or qualitative evidence of
susceptibility in the developmental toxicity study in rabbits or in the
2-generation reproduction toxicity study in rats. In the developmental
toxicity study in rats, delayed ossification occurred at doses that
produced maternal effects (chromorhinorrhea and abdominogenital
staining). Although qualitative susceptibility was observed in the
developmental toxicity study in rats, the concern is low since there
are clear no-observed-adverse-effect-levels (NOAELs) and lowest-
observed-adverse-effect-levels (LOAELs) in the study and this study was
used for risk assessment, and therefore, is protective of the
developmental effects.
In the rat and mouse carcinogenicity studies, there was no evidence
of carcinogenicity. Although the mouse carcinogenicity study was
classified as unacceptable/guideline since no systemic toxicity was
observed at the highest dose tested, the study was considered adequate
to assess the carcinogenicity in mice. EPA has determined that an
additional mouse carcinogenicity study is not needed. This finding is
based upon the following conclusions: (1) The rat is more sensitive
than the mouse for the chronic assessment; (2) the consistent effect in
rats (decreased body weight and increased liver weight) has been used
as the point of departure for the chronic assessment; (3) a new mouse
study would only use doses well above the current POD for the chronic
assessment; and (4) even if a new mouse study identified positive
carcinogenicity effects, that finding would not result in the adoption
of a quantitative linear assessment of cancer risk due to the negative
carcinogenicity finding in the rat study and the lack of a positive
finding for genotoxicity. Clomazone is classified as ``Not Likely to be
Carcinogenic to Humans.'' Quantification of cancer risk is not
required.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by clomazone as well as the NOAEL and the LOAEL
from the toxicity studies can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in
document ``Clomazone: Human Health Risk Assessment for the Use of
Clomazone on Asparagus and Edamame (Vegetable Soybean)'' on pages 11-15
in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0712.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL)
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete
description of the risk assessment process, see https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for clomazone used for
human risk assessment used for human risk assessment is shown in Table
1 of this unit.
Table 1--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Clomazone for Use in Human Health Risk Assessment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point of departure
Exposure/scenario and uncertainty/ RfD, PAD, LOC for Study and toxicological effects
safety factors risk assessment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute dietary (General population An endpoint was not selected for the general population because no adverse
including infants and children). effect in adult animals was identified that resulted from a single exposure.
A risk assessment is not required for this population subgroup.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute dietary (Females 13 to 49 NOAEL = 100 mg/kg/ Acute RfD = 1.0 mg/ Developmental Toxicity Study--Rats
years of age). day. kg/day. (MRID 00150291).
UFA = 10x........... aPAD = 1.0 mg/kg/ LOAEL = 300 mg/kg/day based on
UFH = 10x........... day. indications of delayed
FQPA SF = 1x........ ossification in the form of
either partial ossification or
the absence of the manubrium,
sternebrae 3-4, xiphoid, caudal
vertebrae, and meta-carpals.
[[Page 78915]]
Chronic dietary (All populations) NOAEL= 84.4 mg/kg/ Chronic RfD = 0.84 Two Year Chronic Toxicity Study--
day. mg/kg/day. Rats (MRID 00132586).
UFA = 10x........... cPAD = 0.84 mg/kg/ NOAEL = 84.4/112.9 mg/kg/day,
UFH = 10x........... day. males/females (highest dose
FQPA SF = 1x........ tested).
LOAEL was not attained Co-critical
90-day Oral Rat Study (MRID
00132586).
NOAEL = 135.2/160.9 mg/kg/day,
males/females.
LOAEL = 273/319.3 mg/kg/day, males/
females, based on decreased body
weight, body weight gains, food
consumption and increased
absolute and relative liver
weights in females and increased
absolute liver weights in males.
Co-critical 2-Generation
Reproduction Toxicity Study (MRID
00151108).
Parental LOAEL = 100 mg/kg/day
based on statistically
significantly decreased body
weight & body weight gain during
pre-mating, and decreased body
weight during gestation &
lactation M & F. In addition,
decreased food consumption in
females and hydronephritic
kidneys in males.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation) ``Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans.'' Quantitative assessment of
cancer risk is not required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. LOC = level
of concern. mg/kg/day = milligram/kilogram/day. NOAEL = no-observed-adverse-effect-level. PAD = population
adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation
from animal to human (interspecies). UFH = potential variation in sensitivity among members of the human
population (intraspecies).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to clomazone, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-for
tolerances as well as all existing clomazone tolerances in 40 CFR
180.425. EPA assessed dietary exposures from clomazone in food as
follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure. Such effects were identified
for clomazone. In estimating acute dietary exposure, EPA used the
Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model software with the Food Commodity
Intake Database (DEEM-FCID) Version 3.16. This software uses 2003-2008
food consumption data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
(USDA's) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat
in America, (NHANES/WWEIA). As to residue levels in food, EPA
incorporated tolerance-level residues, 100 percent crop treated (PCT)
for all commodities, and DEEM 7.81 default processing factors as
appropriate.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used DEEM-FCID Version 3.16. This software uses 2003-
2008 food consumption data from USDA's NHANES/WWEIA. As to residue
levels in food, EPA incorporated tolerance-level residues, 100 PCT for
all commodities, and DEEM 7.81 default processing factors as
appropriate.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that clomazone does not pose a cancer risk to humans.
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. EPA did not use
anticipated residue or PCT information in the dietary assessment for
clomazone. Tolerance level residues and 100 PCT were assumed for all
food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. In drinking water, the
residues of concern include clomazone parent and its degradate FMC65317
(N-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-hydroxy-2,2-dimenthylpropanamide). The
Agency used screening level water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment for clomazone in drinking water.
These simulation models take into account data on the physical,
chemical, and fate/transport characteristics of clomazone. Further
information regarding EPA drinking water models used in pesticide
exposure assessment can be found at https://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
Based on the Tier 1 Rice Model and Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground
Water (PRZM GW), the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of
clomazone for acute exposures are estimated to be 550 parts per billion
(ppb) for surface water and 85.7 ppb for ground water. The EDWCs of
clomazone for chronic exposures for non-cancer assessments are
estimated to be 550 ppb for surface water and 77.4 ppb for ground
water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly
entered into the dietary exposure model. For both acute and chronic
dietary risk assessment, the water concentration value of 550 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). Clomazone is not
registered for any specific use patterns that would result in
residential exposure.
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
[[Page 78916]]
substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA has not found clomazone to share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and clomazone does not appear to produce a
toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that clomazone 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://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/cumulative-assessment-risk-pesticides.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA Safety
Factor (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when
reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different
factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There was no evidence of
increased quantitative or qualitative susceptibility in the prenatal
developmental toxicity study in rabbits or in the reproductive toxicity
study in rats with clomazone. In the developmental toxicity study in
rats, effects in the fetuses (delayed ossification) occurred at doses
that produced maternal effects (chromorhinorrhea and abdominogenital
staining) but were qualitatively more severe. Although qualitative
susceptibility was observed in the developmental toxicity study in
rats, the concern is low since there are clear NOAELs and LOAELs in
this study and the NOAEL in the study was used as the POD for
assessment of acute risk. EPA's assessment of acute risk is therefore
protective of any developmental effects.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the
FQPA SF were reduced to 1X. That decision is based on the following
findings:
i. The toxicity database for clomazone is complete.
ii. There is no indication that clomazone is a neurotoxic chemical
and there is no need for additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. For the reasons described above in Unit III.D.2., there is low
concern regarding increased susceptibility in the young from exposure
to clomazone.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based
on 100 PCT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative
(protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used
to assess exposure to clomazone in drinking water. There are no
existing or pending residential uses. Therefore, these assessments will
not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by clomazone.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). Short-, intermediate-, and
chronic-term risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate
food, water, and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure
that an adequate MOE exists.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected for the
general population including infants and children. Therefore, clomazone
is not expected to pose an acute risk to these groups.
However, an acute endpoint was identified for females 13 to 49
years old due to effects observed in fetuses. Using the exposure
assumptions discussed in this unit for acute exposure, the acute
dietary exposure from food and water to clomazone will occupy 3.0% of
the aPAD for females 13 to 49 years old.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
clomazone from food and water will utilize 3.6% of the cPAD for all
infants <1 year old, the population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no residential uses for clomazone.
3. Short- and intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term
aggregate exposures take into account short- and intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background exposure level).
Clomazone is not registered for any use patterns that would result
in short- or intermediate-term residential exposure. Because there are
no short- or intermediate-term residential exposures 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 short- and intermediate-term risks), no further assessment of
short- and intermediate-term risks are necessary.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in rodent carcinogenicity studies, along
with the data summarized in Unit III.A., clomazone is not expected to
pose a cancer risk to humans.
5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate
exposure to clomazone residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology (gas chromatography (GC) using a
nitrogen phosphorus detector (NPD) or mass spectrometer (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
[[Page 78917]]
EPA explain the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established any MRLs for clomazone.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of clomazone, 2-
[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone, in or on
asparagus at 0.05 ppm and soybean, vegetable, succulent at 0.05 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action establishes tolerances under FFDCA section 408(d) in
response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and
Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this action has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action is not
subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or
Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any
special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance in this
final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.), do not apply.
This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In addition, this
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
This action does not involve any technical standards that would
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.),
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule''
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: October 21, 2016.
Michael Goodis,
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. 180.425, add alphabetically the commodities ``Asparagus''
and ``Soybean, vegetable, succulent'' to the table in paragraph (a) to
read as follows:
Sec. 180.425 Clomazone; tolerances for residues.
(a) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asparagus................................................... 0.05
* * * * *
Soybean, vegetable, succulent............................... 0.05
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2016-27201 Filed 11-9-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P