Trifloxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances, 78932-78937 [2016-27204]
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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).
PART 180—[AMENDED]
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 24, 2016.
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.910, add alphabetically the
inert ingredient ‘‘Iron oxide yellow
(CAS Reg. No. 20344–49–4)’’ to the table
to read as follows:
■
§ 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and
post-harvest; exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance.
*
*
*
*
*
Inert ingredients
Limits
Uses
*
*
Iron oxide yellow (CAS Reg. No.
20344–49–4).
*
*
Not to exceed 0.15% by weight of pesticide formulation.
*
*
*
Colorant in pesticide formulations for varroa mite
control around bee hives
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0745; FRL–9954–04]
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.
Trifloxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
[FR Doc. 2016–27191 Filed 11–9–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of trifloxystrobin
in or on Cottonseed subgroup 20C;
Cotton, gin byproducts; and amends the
existing tolerance on Corn, field, forage.
Bayer CropScience LP 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–2015–0745, is
available at https://www.regulations.gov
or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)
in the Environmental Protection Agency
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC
20460–0001. The Public Reading Room
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SUMMARY:
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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).
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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.
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–2015–0745 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
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by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
2015–0745, 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.
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II. Summary of Petitioned-for Tolerance
In the Federal Register of June 22,
2016 (81 FR 40594) (FRL–9947–32),
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 5F8380) by Bayer
CropScience, 2 TW Alexander Drive,
P.O. Box 12014, Research Triangle Park,
NC 27709. The petition requested that
40 CFR 180.555 be amended by
establishing tolerances for residues of
the fungicide trifloxystrobin in or on
cotton, undelinted seed, (Crop subgroup
20C) at 0.5 parts per million (ppm);
cotton, gin byproducts at 3 ppm; and
revising the existing tolerance for corn,
field, forage from 6 ppm to 8 ppm. That
document referenced a summary of the
petition prepared by Bayer CropScience
LP, the registrant, which is available in
the docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
A comment was received on the notice
of filing. EPA’s response to this
comment is discussed in Unit IV.C.
Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA has
corrected the commodity definitions for
the requested cotton commodities. The
reason for these changes is explained in
Unit IV.D.
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
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all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
give special consideration to exposure
of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a
tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to infants and children from
aggregate exposure to the pesticide
chemical residue. . . .’’
Consistent with FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has
reviewed the available scientific data
and other relevant information in
support of this action. EPA has
sufficient data to assess the hazards of
and to make a determination on
aggregate exposure for trifloxystrobin
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with trifloxystrobin 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. Trifloxystrobin
exhibits very low toxicity following
single oral, dermal and inhalation
exposures. It is a strong dermal
sensitizer and a mild dermal and eye
irritant. In repeated dose studies in rats,
mice, and dogs, liver effects and
reduced body weights along with
reduction in food consumption are the
common findings for trifloxystrobin.
Liver effects included an increase in
liver weights and an increased
incidence of hepatocellular hypertrophy
and/or hepatocellular necrosis. In the
rabbit developmental toxicity study, an
increase in the incidence of fused
sternabrae was seen at a dose 10 times
higher than the maternal lowest
observed adverse effect level (LOAEL),
while no developmental effects was
seen in the rat developmental study at
a limit dose. In the rat reproduction
study, both parents and offspring
showed decreases in body weight
during lactation. The rat and rabbit
developmental and the rat reproduction
toxicity data do not demonstrate an
increase in susceptibility in the fetus or
other offspring. Trifloxystrobin is
classified as: ‘‘Not likely to be
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Carcinogenic to Humans’’ based on both
the negative results in the battery of
mutagenicity tests (except at a cytotoxic
dose in one in vitro test), and from the
long-term carcinogenicity studies in rats
and mice. There is no concern for
neurotoxicity or immunotoxicity in the
database.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by trifloxystrobin as well
as the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies are discussed in the
document ‘‘Trifloxystrobin. Human
Health Risk Assessment for the
Proposed New Use on Cottonseed
Subgroup 20C and a Tolerance
Amendment on Corn Field Forage.,’’
dated September 13, 2016.
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 trifloxystrobin used for
human risk assessment is discussed in
Unit Unit III B of the final rule
published in the Federal Register of
June 11, 2010 (75 FR 33192) (FRL–
8829–2). However, subsequent to that
Federal Register publication, EPA
reassessed the liver effects seen in the
28-day dermal toxicity study according
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to current policy, and determined that
these effects should not be considered
adverse. The NOAEL for the 28-day
dermal study was set at 1,000 mg/kg/
day, and a LOAEL was not established.
Because the Agency no longer considers
there to be a toxic endpoint for dermal
exposure, the endpoints assessed as part
of this action exclude the endpoint for
dermal exposure identified in the table
published in the above-referenced
Federal Register on June 11, 2010.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to trifloxystrobin, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
existing trifloxystrobin tolerances in 40
CFR 180.555. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from trifloxystrobin 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
trifloxystrobin. In estimating acute
dietary exposure, EPA used food
consumption information from the
United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) 2003–2008 Nationwide
Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by
Individuals (CSFII). As to residue levels
in food, EPA conducted the acute
dietary assessment assuming tolerance
level residues and 100 percent crop
treated (PCT) for all commodities.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the USDA 2003–2008 CSFII. As to
residue levels in food, EPA assumed
100% crop treated, tolerance level
residues, average residues for some
crops, and default processing factors.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that trifloxystrobin 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 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
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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.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for trifloxystrobin in drinking water.
These simulation models take into
account data on the physical, chemical,
and fate/transport characteristics of
trifloxystrobin. 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 PRZM/EXAMS
(Pesticide Root Zone Model)/(Exposure
Analysis Modeling System) and
Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground
Water (PRZM GW), the estimated
drinking water concentrations (EDWCs)
of trifloxystrobin for acute exposures are
estimated to be 29 parts per billion
(ppb) for surface water and 427 ppb for
ground water, respectively. For chronic
non-cancer exposure assessments,
EDWCs are estimated to be 23 ppb for
surface water and 365 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 427 ppb was
used to assess the contribution to
drinking water. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of
value 365 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).
Trifloxystrobin is currently registered
for the following uses that could result
in residential exposures: ornamental
plants and turfgrass. EPA assessed
residential exposure from relevant
registered trifloxystrobin products using
the Agency’s 2012 Residential Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) along with
updates in policy regarding body weight
in addition to the following
assumptions:
i. Residential handler exposures.
Residential handler exposure is
expected to be short-term only.
Intermediate-term exposures are not
likely because of the intermittent nature
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of applications by homeowners. Dermal
handler exposures were not assessed
since no adverse systemic dermal
hazard was identified for trifloxystrobin.
ii. Residential post-application
exposures. Because dermal hazard has
not been identified for trifloxystrobin, a
quantitative post-application assessment
for dermal exposure is not necessary
and the only exposure scenarios
quantitatively assessed are for children
1 to <2 years old who may experience
short-term incidental oral exposure to
trifloxystrobin from treated turf.
Incidental oral granule ingestion is not
applicable because there is no endpoint
identified for the acute dietary duration
for infants and children. Intermediateterm incidental oral post-application
exposures are not expected because
trifloxystrobin is not persistent in soil or
water; furthermore, the short-term
incidental oral risk estimates would be
protective of the possible intermediateterm incidental oral exposures because
the POD for both durations is the same.
Post-application inhalation exposure is
expected to be negligible for the
proposed residential uses. 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 trifloxystrobin to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
trifloxystrobin does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by
other substances. For the purposes of
this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that trifloxystrobin does not
have a common mechanism of toxicity
with other substances. For information
regarding EPA’s efforts to determine
which chemicals have a common
mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate
the cumulative effects of such
chemicals, see EPA’s Web site at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
an additional tenfold (10X) margin of
safety for infants and children in the
case of threshold effects to account for
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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 is no indication of increased
quantitative or qualitative susceptibility
to trifloxystrobin in rats or rabbits. In
the prenatal developmental study in
rats, there was no developmental
toxicity up to or at the limit dose. In the
prenatal developmental study in rabbits,
developmental toxicity was seen at a
dose that was higher than the dose
causing maternal toxicity. In the
multigeneration study, offspring and
parental LOAELs are at the same dose
level
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
trifloxystrobin is complete.
ii. There is no indication that
trifloxystrobin is a neurotoxic chemical
and there is no need for a
developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional UFs to account for
neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that
trifloxystrobin results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits
in the prenatal developmental studies or
in young rats in the 2-generation
reproduction study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The exposure databases are complete or
are estimated based on data that
reasonably account for potential
exposures. The exposure assessments
will not underestimate the potential
dietary (food and drinking water) or
non-dietary exposures for infants and
children from the use of trifloxystrobin.
The chronic dietary food exposure
assessment was conservatively based on
100%CT assumptions and conservative
ground water drinking water modeling
estimates. The dietary drinking water
assessment utilizes water concentration
values generated by models and
associated modeling parameters which
are designed to provide conservative,
health protective, high-end estimates of
water concentrations, and are not likely
to be exceeded. In addition, the
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residential post-application assessment
is based upon the residential SOPs
employing surrogate study data. The
Residential SOPs are based upon
reasonable ‘‘worst-case’’ assumptions
and are not expected to underestimate
risk. These data are reliable and are not
expected to underestimate risk to adults
or children.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure
estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and
chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer
risks, EPA calculates the lifetime
probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,
intermediate-, and chronic-term risks
are evaluated by comparing the
estimated aggregate food, water, and
residential exposure to the appropriate
PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE
exists.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure
assumptions discussed in this unit for
acute exposure, the acute dietary
exposure from food and water to
trifloxystrobin will occupy 5% of the
aPAD for 13–49 year old females, the
population group receiving the greatest
exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to trifloxystrobin
from food and water will utilize 71% of
the cPAD for infants (<1 year old), the
population group receiving the greatest
exposure. Based on the explanation in
Unit III.C.3., regarding residential use
patterns, chronic residential exposure to
residues of trifloxystrobin is not
expected.
3. Short-term risk. Short-term
aggregate exposure takes into account
short-term residential exposure plus
chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background
exposure level).
Trifloxystrobin is currently registered
for uses that could result in short-term
residential exposure, and the Agency
has determined that it is appropriate to
aggregate chronic exposure through food
and water with short-term residential
exposures to trifloxystrobin.
Using the exposure assumptions
described in this unit for short-term
exposures, EPA has concluded the
combined short-term food, water, and
residential exposures result in aggregate
MOEs of 290 for adults and 130 for
children 1–<2 years old. Because EPA’s
level of concern for trifloxystrobin is a
MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are
not of concern.
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4. Intermediate-term risk.
Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered
to be a background exposure level). An
intermediate-term aggregate risk
assessment (1 to 6 months of exposure
to trifloxystrobin residues from food,
drinking water, and residential pesticide
uses) is not expected to occur based on
the intermittent nature of homeowner
applications, and the short soil half-life
of trifloxystrobin (about 2 days).
Therefore, an intermediate-term
aggregate risk assessment was not
performed.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two
adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,
trifloxystrobin 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
trifloxystrobin residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
(gas chromatography with nitrogen
phosphorus detection (GC/NPD),
Method AG–659A) is available to
enforce the tolerance expression for the
combined residues of trifloxystrobin
and CGA–321113 in plant and livestock
commodities. The lowest level of
method validation (LLMV) is equivalent
to the limit of quantitation (LOQ) which
was 0.010 ppm for each analyte in/on
all matrices.
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,
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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 trifloxystrobin on cotton, gin
byproducts; cottonseed subgroup 20C;
or corn, field, forage.
C. Response to Comments
The Agency received one anonymous
public comment suggesting that we
deny this tolerance because there are
‘‘too many toxic chemicals applied to
food with no accurate long term tests
that show any safety at all.’’ No
supporting data was included to support
this comment.
The Agency considered a complete set
of scientific data to assess the risk of
this chemical and these new uses. These
data, along with conservative models/
assumptions, were used to assess the
safety of these tolerances. The Agency
understands the commenter’s concerns
and recognizes that some individuals
believe that pesticides should be banned
on agricultural crops. However, the
existing legal framework provided by
section 408 of the FFDCA states that
tolerances may be set when persons
seeking such tolerances or exemptions
have demonstrated that the pesticide
meets the safety standard imposed by
that statute. The citizen’s comments
appear to be directed at the underlying
statute and not EPA’s implementation of
it; the citizens have made no contention
that EPA has acted in violation of the
statutory framework.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
D. Revisions to Petitioned-for
Tolerances
The Agency is revising the
commodity definitions for the requested
tolerances to reflect the common
commodity vocabulary currently used
by the Agency. Specifically, the
requested ‘‘Cotton, undelinted seed
(Crop subgroup 20C)’’ was changed to
‘‘Cottonseed subgroup 20C’’; the
requested ‘‘Cotton, Gin By-products’’
was changed to ‘‘Cotton, gin
byproducts’’.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of trifloxystrobin,
benzeneacetic acid, (E,E)-a(methoxyimino)-2-[[[[1-[3(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]ethylidene]
amino]oxy]methyl]-, methyl ester, and
the free form of its acid metabolite
CGA–321113, (E,E)-methoxyimino-[2-[1-
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(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)ethylideneaminooxymethyl]phenyl]acetic acid, calculated as the
stoichiometric equivalent of
trifloxystrobin, in or on cottonseed
subgroup 20C at 0.50 ppm; cotton, gin
byproducts at 3.0 ppm. The existing
corn, field, forage tolerance of 6.0 parts
per million (ppm) is increased to 8.0
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
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.555, in the table in
paragraph (a):
■ a. Revise the entry for ‘‘Corn, field,
forage’’;
■ b. Add alphabetically entries for
‘‘Cotton, gin byproducts’’ and
‘‘Cottonseed subgroup 20C’’.
The revisions and additions read as
follows:
■
§ 180.555 Trifloxystrobin; tolerances for
residues.
(a) * * *
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*
*
*
Corn, field, forage .................
*
*
*
*
Cotton, gin byproducts .........
Cottonseed subgroup 20C ...
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
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
8.0
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
*
3.0
Michael Goodis, Registration Division
0.50 (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:
Parts per
million
Commodity
*
*
[FR Doc. 2016–27204 Filed 11–9–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
I. General Information
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0631; FRL–9954–58]
Di-n-butyl Adipate; Exemption From
the Requirement of a Tolerance
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of di-n-butyl
adipate (CAS Reg. No. 105–99–7) when
used as an inert ingredient (plasticizer)
at a concentration of not more than 25%
by weight in pesticide formulations
intended for varroa mite control around
bee hives. Bayer Healthcare, LLC
submitted a petition to EPA under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA), requesting establishment of an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance. This regulation eliminates the
need to establish a maximum
permissible level for residues of di-nbutyl adipate.
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–2015–0631, 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
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
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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/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–2015–0631 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).
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78937
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–
2015–0631, by one of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Do not submit electronically any
information you consider to be CBI or
other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute.
• Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
• Hand Delivery: To make special
arrangements for hand delivery or
delivery of boxed information, please
follow the instructions at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
Additional instructions on
commenting or visiting the docket,
along with more information about
dockets generally, is available at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Petition for Exemption
In the Federal Register of October 21,
2015 (80 FR 63731) (FRL–9935–29),
EPA issued a document pursuant to
FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C. 346a,
announcing the filing of a pesticide
petition (PP IN–10838) by Bayer
Healthcare, LLC, Animal Health
Division, P.O. Box 390 Shawnee
Mission, KS 66201. The petition
requested that 40 CFR 180.910 be
amended by establishing an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance for
residues of di-n-butyl adipate, (CAS
Reg. No. 105–99–7) when used as an
inert ingredient (plasticizer) intended
for varroa mite control around bee
hives. That document referenced a
summary of the petition prepared by
Bayer Healthcare, LLC, the petitioner,
which is available in the docket, https://
www.regulations.gov. There were no
comments received in response to the
notice of filing.
III. Inert Ingredient Definition
Inert ingredients are all ingredients
that are not active ingredients as defined
in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are
not limited to, the following types of
ingredients (except when they have a
pesticidal efficacy of their own):
Solvents such as alcohols and
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[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 218 (Thursday, November 10, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78932-78937]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27204]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0745; FRL-9954-04]
Trifloxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
trifloxystrobin in or on Cottonseed subgroup 20C; Cotton, gin
byproducts; and amends the existing tolerance on Corn, field, forage.
Bayer CropScience LP 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-2015-0745, 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-2015-0745 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
[[Page 78933]]
by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0745, 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 June 22, 2016 (81 FR 40594) (FRL-9947-
32), 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
5F8380) by Bayer CropScience, 2 TW Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12014,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. The petition requested that 40 CFR
180.555 be amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the
fungicide trifloxystrobin in or on cotton, undelinted seed, (Crop
subgroup 20C) at 0.5 parts per million (ppm); cotton, gin byproducts at
3 ppm; and revising the existing tolerance for corn, field, forage from
6 ppm to 8 ppm. That document referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Bayer CropScience LP, the registrant, which is available in
the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. A comment was received on the
notice of filing. EPA's response to this comment is discussed in Unit
IV.C.
Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has
corrected the commodity definitions for the requested cotton
commodities. The reason for these changes is explained in Unit IV.D.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . .
.''
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a
determination on aggregate exposure for trifloxystrobin including
exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action.
EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with trifloxystrobin
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. Trifloxystrobin exhibits very low toxicity following single
oral, dermal and inhalation exposures. It is a strong dermal sensitizer
and a mild dermal and eye irritant. In repeated dose studies in rats,
mice, and dogs, liver effects and reduced body weights along with
reduction in food consumption are the common findings for
trifloxystrobin. Liver effects included an increase in liver weights
and an increased incidence of hepatocellular hypertrophy and/or
hepatocellular necrosis. In the rabbit developmental toxicity study, an
increase in the incidence of fused sternabrae was seen at a dose 10
times higher than the maternal lowest observed adverse effect level
(LOAEL), while no developmental effects was seen in the rat
developmental study at a limit dose. In the rat reproduction study,
both parents and offspring showed decreases in body weight during
lactation. The rat and rabbit developmental and the rat reproduction
toxicity data do not demonstrate an increase in susceptibility in the
fetus or other offspring. Trifloxystrobin is classified as: ``Not
likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans'' based on both the negative
results in the battery of mutagenicity tests (except at a cytotoxic
dose in one in vitro test), and from the long-term carcinogenicity
studies in rats and mice. There is no concern for neurotoxicity or
immunotoxicity in the database.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by trifloxystrobin as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies are discussed in the document
``Trifloxystrobin. Human Health Risk Assessment for the Proposed New
Use on Cottonseed Subgroup 20C and a Tolerance Amendment on Corn Field
Forage.,'' dated September 13, 2016.
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 trifloxystrobin used
for human risk assessment is discussed in Unit Unit III B of the final
rule published in the Federal Register of June 11, 2010 (75 FR 33192)
(FRL-8829-2). However, subsequent to that Federal Register publication,
EPA reassessed the liver effects seen in the 28-day dermal toxicity
study according
[[Page 78934]]
to current policy, and determined that these effects should not be
considered adverse. The NOAEL for the 28-day dermal study was set at
1,000 mg/kg/day, and a LOAEL was not established. Because the Agency no
longer considers there to be a toxic endpoint for dermal exposure, the
endpoints assessed as part of this action exclude the endpoint for
dermal exposure identified in the table published in the above-
referenced Federal Register on June 11, 2010.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to trifloxystrobin, EPA considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing trifloxystrobin
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.555. EPA assessed dietary exposures from
trifloxystrobin 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 trifloxystrobin. In estimating
acute dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption information from the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2003-2008 Nationwide
Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As to residue
levels in food, EPA conducted the acute dietary assessment assuming
tolerance level residues and 100 percent crop treated (PCT) for all
commodities.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 2003-2008
CSFII. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed 100% crop treated,
tolerance level residues, average residues for some crops, and default
processing factors.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that trifloxystrobin 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 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.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for trifloxystrobin in drinking water. These simulation
models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of trifloxystrobin. 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 PRZM/EXAMS (Pesticide Root Zone Model)/(Exposure
Analysis Modeling System) and Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground Water
(PRZM GW), the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of
trifloxystrobin for acute exposures are estimated to be 29 parts per
billion (ppb) for surface water and 427 ppb for ground water,
respectively. For chronic non-cancer exposure assessments, EDWCs are
estimated to be 23 ppb for surface water and 365 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 427 ppb was used to assess
the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of value 365 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).
Trifloxystrobin is currently registered for the following uses that
could result in residential exposures: ornamental plants and turfgrass.
EPA assessed residential exposure from relevant registered
trifloxystrobin products using the Agency's 2012 Residential Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) along with updates in policy regarding body
weight in addition to the following assumptions:
i. Residential handler exposures. Residential handler exposure is
expected to be short-term only. Intermediate-term exposures are not
likely because of the intermittent nature of applications by
homeowners. Dermal handler exposures were not assessed since no adverse
systemic dermal hazard was identified for trifloxystrobin.
ii. Residential post-application exposures. Because dermal hazard
has not been identified for trifloxystrobin, a quantitative post-
application assessment for dermal exposure is not necessary and the
only exposure scenarios quantitatively assessed are for children 1 to
<2 years old who may experience short-term incidental oral exposure to
trifloxystrobin from treated turf. Incidental oral granule ingestion is
not applicable because there is no endpoint identified for the acute
dietary duration for infants and children. Intermediate-term incidental
oral post-application exposures are not expected because
trifloxystrobin is not persistent in soil or water; furthermore, the
short-term incidental oral risk estimates would be protective of the
possible intermediate-term incidental oral exposures because the POD
for both durations is the same. Post-application inhalation exposure is
expected to be negligible for the proposed residential uses. 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 trifloxystrobin to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and trifloxystrobin does not appear
to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
trifloxystrobin does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with other
substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which
chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's Web site at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for
[[Page 78935]]
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 is no indication of
increased quantitative or qualitative susceptibility to trifloxystrobin
in rats or rabbits. In the prenatal developmental study in rats, there
was no developmental toxicity up to or at the limit dose. In the
prenatal developmental study in rabbits, developmental toxicity was
seen at a dose that was higher than the dose causing maternal toxicity.
In the multigeneration study, offspring and parental LOAELs are at the
same dose level
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 trifloxystrobin is complete.
ii. There is no indication that trifloxystrobin is a neurotoxic
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study
or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There is no evidence that trifloxystrobin results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal
developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction
study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The exposure databases are complete or are estimated based
on data that reasonably account for potential exposures. The exposure
assessments will not underestimate the potential dietary (food and
drinking water) or non-dietary exposures for infants and children from
the use of trifloxystrobin. The chronic dietary food exposure
assessment was conservatively based on 100%CT assumptions and
conservative ground water drinking water modeling estimates. The
dietary drinking water assessment utilizes water concentration values
generated by models and associated modeling parameters which are
designed to provide conservative, health protective, high-end estimates
of water concentrations, and are not likely to be exceeded. In
addition, the residential post-application assessment is based upon the
residential SOPs employing surrogate study data. The Residential SOPs
are based upon reasonable ``worst-case'' assumptions and are not
expected to underestimate risk. These data are reliable and are not
expected to underestimate risk to adults or children.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water,
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an
adequate MOE exists.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this
unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water
to trifloxystrobin will occupy 5% of the aPAD for 13-49 year old
females, the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
trifloxystrobin from food and water will utilize 71% of the cPAD for
infants (<1 year old), the population group receiving the greatest
exposure. Based on the explanation in Unit III.C.3., regarding
residential use patterns, chronic residential exposure to residues of
trifloxystrobin is not expected.
3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into
account short-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
Trifloxystrobin is currently registered for uses that could result
in short-term residential exposure, and the Agency has determined that
it is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and water
with short-term residential exposures to trifloxystrobin.
Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water,
and residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 290 for adults
and 130 for children 1-<2 years old. Because EPA's level of concern for
trifloxystrobin is a MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are not of
concern.
4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure
level). An intermediate-term aggregate risk assessment (1 to 6 months
of exposure to trifloxystrobin residues from food, drinking water, and
residential pesticide uses) is not expected to occur based on the
intermittent nature of homeowner applications, and the short soil half-
life of trifloxystrobin (about 2 days). Therefore, an intermediate-term
aggregate risk assessment was not performed.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity
studies, trifloxystrobin 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 trifloxystrobin residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology (gas chromatography with nitrogen
phosphorus detection (GC/NPD), Method AG-659A) is available to enforce
the tolerance expression for the combined residues of trifloxystrobin
and CGA-321113 in plant and livestock commodities. The lowest level of
method validation (LLMV) is equivalent to the limit of quantitation
(LOQ) which was 0.010 ppm for each analyte in/on all matrices.
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,
[[Page 78936]]
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 trifloxystrobin on cotton,
gin byproducts; cottonseed subgroup 20C; or corn, field, forage.
C. Response to Comments
The Agency received one anonymous public comment suggesting that we
deny this tolerance because there are ``too many toxic chemicals
applied to food with no accurate long term tests that show any safety
at all.'' No supporting data was included to support this comment.
The Agency considered a complete set of scientific data to assess
the risk of this chemical and these new uses. These data, along with
conservative models/assumptions, were used to assess the safety of
these tolerances. The Agency understands the commenter's concerns and
recognizes that some individuals believe that pesticides should be
banned on agricultural crops. However, the existing legal framework
provided by section 408 of the FFDCA states that tolerances may be set
when persons seeking such tolerances or exemptions have demonstrated
that the pesticide meets the safety standard imposed by that statute.
The citizen's comments appear to be directed at the underlying statute
and not EPA's implementation of it; the citizens have made no
contention that EPA has acted in violation of the statutory framework.
D. Revisions to Petitioned-for Tolerances
The Agency is revising the commodity definitions for the requested
tolerances to reflect the common commodity vocabulary currently used by
the Agency. Specifically, the requested ``Cotton, undelinted seed (Crop
subgroup 20C)'' was changed to ``Cottonseed subgroup 20C''; the
requested ``Cotton, Gin By-products'' was changed to ``Cotton, gin
byproducts''.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of
trifloxystrobin, benzeneacetic acid, (E,E)-[alpha]-(methoxyimino)-2-
[[[[1-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]ethylidene] amino]oxy]methyl]-,
methyl ester, and the free form of its acid metabolite CGA-321113,
(E,E)-methoxyimino-[2-[1-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-
ethylideneaminooxymethyl]-phenyl]acetic acid, calculated as the
stoichiometric equivalent of trifloxystrobin, in or on cottonseed
subgroup 20C at 0.50 ppm; cotton, gin byproducts at 3.0 ppm. The
existing corn, field, forage tolerance of 6.0 parts per million (ppm)
is increased to 8.0 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. 180.555, in the table in paragraph (a):
0
a. Revise the entry for ``Corn, field, forage'';
0
b. Add alphabetically entries for ``Cotton, gin byproducts'' and
``Cottonseed subgroup 20C''.
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 180.555 Trifloxystrobin; tolerances for residues.
(a) * * *
[[Page 78937]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Corn, field, forage...................................... 8.0
* * * * *
Cotton, gin byproducts................................... 3.0
Cottonseed subgroup 20C.................................. 0.50
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2016-27204 Filed 11-9-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P