Prometryn; Pesticide Tolerances, 57140-57144 [2017-26083]
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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 174
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: November 13, 2017.
Richard P. Keigwin, Jr.,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
PART 174—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 174
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. Add § 174.537 to subpart W to read
as follows:
■
§ 174.537 HPPD–4 protein; exemption from
the requirement of a tolerance.
Residues of the HPPD–4 protein,
which is a modified protein derived
from the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate
dioxygenase enzyme of Pseudomonas
fluorescens, in or on all food
commodities are exempt from the
requirement of a tolerance, when the
HPPD–4 protein is used as a plantincorporated protectant inert ingredient.
[FR Doc. 2017–26086 Filed 12–1–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0495; FRL–9970–01]
Prometryn; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of prometryn in
or on multiple commodities which are
identified and discussed later in this
document. Interregional Research
Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
December 4, 2017. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before February 2, 2018, and must
be filed in accordance with the
instructions provided in 40 CFR part
178 (see also Unit I.C. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
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SUMMARY:
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The docket for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0495, 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:
ADDRESSES:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. The following
list of North American Industrial
Classification System (NAICS) codes is
not intended to be exhaustive, but rather
provides a guide to help readers
determine whether this document
applies to them. Potentially affected
entities may include:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation
and may also request a hearing on those
objections. You must file your objection
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or request a hearing on this regulation
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2016–0495 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 February 2, 2018. Addresses for
mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40
CFR 178.25(b).
In addition to filing an objection or
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk
as described in 40 CFR part 178, please
submit a copy of the filing (excluding
any Confidential Business Information
(CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.
Information not marked confidential
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be
disclosed publicly by EPA without prior
notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your
objection or hearing request, identified
by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
2016–0495, 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
30, 2016 (81 FR 86312) (FRL–9954–06),
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 6E8492) by IR–4
Project Headquarters, Rutgers, The State
University of NJ, 500 College Road East,
Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The
petition requested that 40 CFR part 180
be amended by establishing tolerances
for residues of prometryn in or on the
raw agricultural commodity lettuce at
0.5 parts per million (ppm); cottonseed
subgroup 20C at 0.25 ppm; fennel,
Florence at 0.5 ppm; leaf petiole
vegetable subgroup 22B at 0.5 ppm;
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sesame, oil at 0.12 ppm; sesame, seed at
0.05 ppm; and Swiss chard at 0.5 ppm.
In the Federal Register of April 10,
2017 (82 FR 17175) (FRL–9959–61),
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 6E8492) by IR–4
Project Headquarters, Rutgers, The State
University of NJ, 500 College Road East,
Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The
petition requested that 40 CFR part 180
be amended by establishing tolerances
for residues of prometryn in or on the
raw agricultural commodity celtuce at
0.5 ppm. This notice of filing corrected
the November 30, 2016 notice of filing
which incorrectly listed the commodity
as ‘‘lettuce’’ not ‘‘celtuce.’’
The documents referenced a summary
of the petition prepared by Syngenta
Crop Protection, the registrant, which is
available in the docket, https://
www.regulations.gov. There were no
comments received in response to either
notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA has
corrected the number of significant
figures used, modified one of the
commodity definitions, and determined
that the sesame oil tolerance was not
necessary. The reason for these changes
are explained in Unit IV.C.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
give special consideration to exposure
of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a
tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to infants and children from
aggregate exposure to the pesticide
chemical residue. . . .’’
Consistent with FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in
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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 prometryn
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with prometryn 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.
Following subchronic and chronic
oral exposures to rabbits, mice, dogs and
rats, the most consistent effects
observed in the database were decreases
in body weight and food consumption.
Following chronic exposure, effects in
the dog included degenerative hepatic
changes, renal tubule degeneration, and
bone marrow atrophy. In rats following
chronic exposure, renal toxicity
(mineralized concentrations) was
observed. No adverse effects were seen
in rabbits following dermal exposures
up to the limit dose.
There was evidence of increased preand post-natal quantitative
susceptibility for prometryn. While
there was no evidence of susceptibility
in the developmental toxicity studies in
rabbits and rats, there was evidence of
quantitative susceptibility in the twogeneration reproduction study in rats,
with offspring effects (decreased pup
body weight) occurring at lower doses
than those that resulted in parental
effects (decreased absolute bodyweight
and food consumption).
There was no evidence of
neurotoxicity in the acute or subchronic
neurotoxicity studies. In an
immunotoxicity study in rats, there was
a decreased humoral immune response
using the sheep red blood cell assay, but
only at a dose above the limit dose
(1045 mg/kg/day).
Prometryn has been classified by EPA
as ‘‘Group E:—Evidence of noncarcinogenicity for humans’’ based on
the lack of oncogenic effects at any dose
in both rats and mice. Prometryn was
determined to be non-mutagenic and
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non-clastogenic in in vitro and in vivo
genotoxicity assays.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by prometryn as well as
the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in the document
titled ‘‘Prometryn—Preliminary Human
Health Risk Assessment for Registration
Review and the Risk Assessment for the
Section 3 Registration Request for a New
Use on Sesame and Crop-Group
Conversions’’ on pages 46–49 in docket
ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0495.
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://
www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks/assessinghuman-health-risk-pesticides.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for prometryn used for
human risk assessment is shown in
Table 1 of this unit.
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TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGICAL DOSES AND ENDPOINTS FOR PROMETRYN
FOR USE IN HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT
Point of departure
and uncertainty/
safety factors
Exposure/scenario
RfD, PAD, LOC for
risk assessment
Study and toxicological effects
Acute dietary (Females 13–50 years of
age).
Acute dietary (General population including infants and children).
Endpoint not selected as there are no adverse developmental, offspring or reproductive effects seen
in the toxicological database which are attributable to a single dose.
Endpoint not selected as there are no adverse single dose effects in the database which occur at levels relevant for human health risk assessment.
Chronic dietary (All populations) ............
NOAEL= 4 mg/kg/
day.
UFA = 10x
UFH = 10x
FQPA SF = 1x
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation) ...........
Chronic RfD = 0.04
mg/kg/day.
cPAD = 0.04 mg/
kg/day.
Chronic Toxicity—Dog:
LOAEL = 37.5 mg/kg/day based on degenerative hepatic
changes, renal tubule degeneration and bone marrow
atrophy.
Classification: ‘‘Group E: Evidence of non-carcinogenicity for humans.’’
FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. 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).
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C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to prometryn, EPA considered
exposure under the petitioned-for
tolerances as well as all existing
prometryn tolerances in 40 CFR
180.222. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from prometryn 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.
No such effects were identified in the
toxicological studies for prometryn;
therefore, a quantitative acute dietary
exposure assessment is unnecessary.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used 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 assumed 100 percent crop treated
(PCT) and tolerance-level residues.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that prometryn 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 prometryn.
Tolerance level residues and 100 PCT
were assumed for all food commodities.
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2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for prometryn in drinking water. These
simulation models take into account
data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of prometryn.
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.
Based on the Pesticide in Water
Calculator (PWC) and Pesticide Root
Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM GW)
model, the estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWCs) of prometryn
for chronic exposures are estimated to
be 127 parts per billion (ppb) for surface
water and 433 ppb for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model. For the
chronic dietary risk assessment, the
water concentration of value 433 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).
Prometryn 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
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cumulative effects of a particular
pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
EPA has not found prometryn to share
a common mechanism of toxicity with
any other substances, and prometryn
does not appear to produce a toxic
metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that prometryn 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 evidence of increased preand post-natal quantitative
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susceptibility for prometryn. While
there was no evidence of susceptibility
in the developmental toxicity studies in
rabbits and rats, there was evidence of
quantitative susceptibility in the twogeneration reproduction study in rats,
with offspring effects (decreased pup
body weight) occurring at lower doses
than those that resulted in parental
effects (decreased absolute bodyweight
and food consumption).
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 prometryn
is complete.
ii. There is no indication that
prometryn is a neurotoxic chemical and
there is no need for a developmental
neurotoxicity study or additional UFs to
account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There was no evidence of
increased quantitative or qualitative
susceptibility in the developmental
toxicity studies in rabbits or rats.
However, there was evidence of
increased quantitative susceptibility in
the two-generation reproduction study.
In the two-generation reproduction
study, the offspring effects (decreased
absolute pup bodyweight in the F1
generation) were observed at doses
below parental toxicity (decreases in
absolute bodyweight, bodyweight gain
and food consumption in the F1
generation). Concern is low since the
effects are characterized by clear
NOAEL and LOAEL values and the
selected endpoints are protective of the
observed effects.
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 prometryn in
drinking water. These assessments will
not underestimate the exposure and
risks posed by prometryn.
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
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PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE
exists.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk
assessment takes into account acute
exposure estimates from dietary
consumption of food and drinking
water. No adverse effect resulting from
a single oral exposure was identified
and no acute dietary endpoint was
selected. Therefore, prometryn is not
expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to prometryn
from food and water will utilize 60% of
the cPAD for all infants less than 1-year
old, the population group receiving the
greatest exposure. There are no
residential uses for prometryn.
3. Short- and Intermediate-term risk.
Short- and intermediate-term aggregate
exposure takes into account short- and
intermediate-term residential exposure
plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background
exposure level).
Short- and intermediate-term adverse
effects were identified; however,
prometryn is not registered for any use
patterns that would result in either
short- or intermediate-term residential
exposure. Short- and intermediate-term
risk is assessed based on short-and
intermediate-term residential exposure
plus chronic dietary exposure. Because
there is no short- or intermediate-term
residential exposure and chronic dietary
exposure has already been assessed
under the appropriately protective
cPAD (which is at least as protective as
the POD used to assess short- or
intermediate-term risk), no further
assessment of either short- or
intermediate-term risk is necessary, and
EPA relies on the chronic dietary risk
assessment for evaluating short- and
intermediate-term risk for prometryn.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two
adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,
prometryn 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 prometryn
residues.
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using the Food and Drug
Administration’s (FDA’s) Multiresidue
Section 302. In addition, both CibaGeigy Method AG–559 (gas
chromatography (GC)/flamephotometric detector (FPD)/S) and
Method AG–673 (GC/nitrogenphosphorous detector (NPD) method)
are considered adequate for enforcement
purposes.
The method may be requested from:
Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch,
Environmental Science Center, 701
Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350;
telephone number: (410) 305–2905;
email address: residuemethods@
epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
international standards whenever
possible, consistent with U.S. food
safety standards and agricultural
practices. EPA considers the
international maximum residue limits
(MRLs) established by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
The Codex Alimentarius is a joint
United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization/World Health
Organization food standards program,
and it is recognized as an international
food safety standards-setting
organization in trade agreements to
which the United States is a party. EPA
may establish a tolerance that is
different from a Codex MRL; however,
FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
EPA explain the reasons for departing
from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established any
MRLs for prometryn.
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
C. Revisions To Petitioned-For
Tolerances
EPA modified the tolerance levels to
reflect the correct number of significant
figures and to be consistent with Agency
policy. Also, the commodity definition
for Florence fennel was modified to read
‘‘Fennel, Florence, fresh leaves and
stalk’’ to be consistent with Agency
nomenclature. Lastly, the petitioner
recommended a tolerance for residues of
prometryn in/on sesame, oil at 0.12
ppm. Residues in oil at a 5x application
rate were 0.1076 which when
extrapolated to 1x would be 0.02 ppm.
As this value is well below the proposed
raw agricultural commodity (RAC)
tolerance, an oil tolerance is not
necessary.
Adequate enforcement methodology
is available to enforce the established
and proposed tolerances. Prometryn is
completely recovered (≤80% recovery)
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of prometryn, including its
metabolites and degradates, in or on
IV. Other Considerations
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celtuce at 0.50 ppm; cottonseed
subgroup 20C at 0.25 ppm; fennel,
Florence, fresh leaves and stalk at 0.50
ppm; leaf petiole vegetable subgroup
22B at 0.50 ppm; sesame, seed at 0.05
ppm; and Swiss chard at 0.50 ppm.
Additionally, the existing tolerances for
the leaf petioles subgroup 4B and
cotton, undelinted seed are removed as
unnecessary, since they are superseded
by the new tolerances.
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); Executive
Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997); or Executive Order
13771, entitled ‘‘Reducing Regulations
and Controlling Regulatory Costs’’ (82
FR 9339, February 3, 2017). 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:52 Dec 01, 2017
Jkt 244001
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).
§ 180.222 Prometryn; tolerances for
residues.
VII. Congressional Review Act
Sesame, seed ...........................
Swiss chard ..............................
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).
(a) * * *
Parts per
million
Commodity
*
*
*
*
Celtuce ......................................
*
*
*
0.50
*
Cottonseed subgroup 20C .......
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.25
Fennel, Florence, fresh leaves
and stalk ................................
Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B .............................
*
*
*
0.50
0.50
*
*
0.05
0.50
*
[FR Doc. 2017–26083 Filed 12–1–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0384; FRL–9970–05]
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Quinclorac; Pesticide Tolerances
Dated: November 15, 2017.
Michael L. Goodis,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
SUMMARY:
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 § 180.222:
i. Remove the entries from the table in
paragraph (a) for ‘‘Cotton, undelinted
seed’’ and ‘‘Leaf petioles subgroup 4B’’.
■ ii. Add alphabetically entries to the
table in paragraph (a) for ‘‘Celtuce’’;
‘‘Cottonseed subgroup 20C’’; ‘‘Fennel,
Florence, fresh leaves and stalk’’; ‘‘Leaf
petiole vegetable subgroup 22B’’;
‘‘Sesame, seed’’; and ‘‘Swiss chard’’.
The additions read as follows:
■
■
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of quinclorac in
or on the bushberry subgroup 13–07B,
the caneberry subgroup 13–07A, and
asparagus. Interregional Research
Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
December 4, 2017. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before February 2, 2018, and must
be filed in accordance with the
instructions provided in 40 CFR part
178 (see also Unit I.C. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0384, 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
E:\FR\FM\04DER1.SGM
04DER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 231 (Monday, December 4, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57140-57144]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26083]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0495; FRL-9970-01]
Prometryn; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
prometryn in or on multiple commodities which are identified and
discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number
4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective December 4, 2017. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before February 2, 2018,
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0495, 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-2016-0495 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
February 2, 2018. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of
the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for
inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without
prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0495, 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 30, 2016 (81 FR 86312) (FRL-
9954-06), 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
6E8492) by IR-4 Project Headquarters, Rutgers, The State University of
NJ, 500 College Road East, Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The
petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by establishing
tolerances for residues of prometryn in or on the raw agricultural
commodity lettuce at 0.5 parts per million (ppm); cottonseed subgroup
20C at 0.25 ppm; fennel, Florence at 0.5 ppm; leaf petiole vegetable
subgroup 22B at 0.5 ppm;
[[Page 57141]]
sesame, oil at 0.12 ppm; sesame, seed at 0.05 ppm; and Swiss chard at
0.5 ppm.
In the Federal Register of April 10, 2017 (82 FR 17175) (FRL-9959-
61), 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
6E8492) by IR-4 Project Headquarters, Rutgers, The State University of
NJ, 500 College Road East, Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The
petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by establishing
tolerances for residues of prometryn in or on the raw agricultural
commodity celtuce at 0.5 ppm. This notice of filing corrected the
November 30, 2016 notice of filing which incorrectly listed the
commodity as ``lettuce'' not ``celtuce.''
The documents referenced a summary of the petition prepared by
Syngenta Crop Protection, the registrant, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in
response to either notice of filing.
Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has
corrected the number of significant figures used, modified one of the
commodity definitions, and determined that the sesame oil tolerance was
not necessary. The reason for these changes are explained in Unit IV.C.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . .
.''
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a
determination on aggregate exposure for prometryn including exposure
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's
assessment of exposures and risks associated with prometryn 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.
Following subchronic and chronic oral exposures to rabbits, mice,
dogs and rats, the most consistent effects observed in the database
were decreases in body weight and food consumption. Following chronic
exposure, effects in the dog included degenerative hepatic changes,
renal tubule degeneration, and bone marrow atrophy. In rats following
chronic exposure, renal toxicity (mineralized concentrations) was
observed. No adverse effects were seen in rabbits following dermal
exposures up to the limit dose.
There was evidence of increased pre- and post-natal quantitative
susceptibility for prometryn. While there was no evidence of
susceptibility in the developmental toxicity studies in rabbits and
rats, there was evidence of quantitative susceptibility in the two-
generation reproduction study in rats, with offspring effects
(decreased pup body weight) occurring at lower doses than those that
resulted in parental effects (decreased absolute bodyweight and food
consumption).
There was no evidence of neurotoxicity in the acute or subchronic
neurotoxicity studies. In an immunotoxicity study in rats, there was a
decreased humoral immune response using the sheep red blood cell assay,
but only at a dose above the limit dose (1045 mg/kg/day).
Prometryn has been classified by EPA as ``Group E:--Evidence of
non-carcinogenicity for humans'' based on the lack of oncogenic effects
at any dose in both rats and mice. Prometryn was determined to be non-
mutagenic and non-clastogenic in in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity
assays.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by prometryn as well as the no-observed-adverse-
effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level
(LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in the document titled ``Prometryn--Preliminary
Human Health Risk Assessment for Registration Review and the Risk
Assessment for the Section 3 Registration Request for a New Use on
Sesame and Crop-Group Conversions'' on pages 46-49 in docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0495.
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://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/assessing-human-health-risk-pesticides.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for prometryn used for
human risk assessment is shown in Table 1 of this unit.
[[Page 57142]]
Table 1--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Prometryn
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 (Females 13-50 Endpoint not selected as there are no adverse developmental, offspring or
years of age). reproductive effects seen in the toxicological database which are
attributable to a single dose.
Acute dietary (General population Endpoint not selected as there are no adverse single dose effects in the
including infants and children). database which occur at levels relevant for human health risk assessment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chronic dietary (All populations) NOAEL= 4 mg/kg/day.. Chronic RfD = 0.04 Chronic Toxicity--Dog:
UFA = 10x........... mg/kg/day. LOAEL = 37.5 mg/kg/day based on
UFH = 10x........... cPAD = 0.04 mg/kg/ degenerative hepatic changes,
FQPA SF = 1x........ day. renal tubule degeneration and
bone marrow atrophy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation) Classification: ``Group E: Evidence of non-carcinogenicity for humans.''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. 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 prometryn, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-for
tolerances as well as all existing prometryn tolerances in 40 CFR
180.222. EPA assessed dietary exposures from prometryn 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.
No such effects were identified in the toxicological studies for
prometryn; therefore, a quantitative acute dietary exposure assessment
is unnecessary.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used 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 assumed 100 percent crop treated (PCT) and
tolerance-level residues.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that prometryn 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
prometryn. Tolerance level residues and 100 PCT were assumed for all
food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for prometryn in drinking water. These simulation models
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of prometryn. 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 Pesticide in Water Calculator (PWC) and Pesticide Root
Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM GW) model, the estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWCs) of prometryn for chronic exposures are estimated
to be 127 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 433 ppb for
ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly
entered into the dietary exposure model. For the chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of value 433 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).
Prometryn 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 substances
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA has not found prometryn to share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and prometryn does not appear to produce a
toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that prometryn 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 evidence of
increased pre- and post-natal quantitative
[[Page 57143]]
susceptibility for prometryn. While there was no evidence of
susceptibility in the developmental toxicity studies in rabbits and
rats, there was evidence of quantitative susceptibility in the two-
generation reproduction study in rats, with offspring effects
(decreased pup body weight) occurring at lower doses than those that
resulted in parental effects (decreased absolute bodyweight and food
consumption).
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 prometryn is complete.
ii. There is no indication that prometryn is a neurotoxic chemical
and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. There was no evidence of increased quantitative or qualitative
susceptibility in the developmental toxicity studies in rabbits or
rats. However, there was evidence of increased quantitative
susceptibility in the two-generation reproduction study. In the two-
generation reproduction study, the offspring effects (decreased
absolute pup bodyweight in the F1 generation) were observed
at doses below parental toxicity (decreases in absolute bodyweight,
bodyweight gain and food consumption in the F1 generation).
Concern is low since the effects are characterized by clear NOAEL and
LOAEL values and the selected endpoints are protective of the observed
effects.
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 prometryn in drinking water. These assessments
will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by prometryn.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water,
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an
adequate MOE exists.
1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore,
prometryn is not expected to pose an acute risk.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
prometryn from food and water will utilize 60% of the cPAD for all
infants less than 1-year old, the population group receiving the
greatest exposure. There are no residential uses for prometryn.
3. Short- and Intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term
aggregate exposure takes into account short- and intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background exposure level).
Short- and intermediate-term adverse effects were identified;
however, prometryn is not registered for any use patterns that would
result in either short- or intermediate-term residential exposure.
Short- and intermediate-term risk is assessed based on short-and
intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic dietary exposure.
Because there is no short- or intermediate-term residential exposure
and chronic dietary exposure has already been assessed under the
appropriately protective cPAD (which is at least as protective as the
POD used to assess short- or intermediate-term risk), no further
assessment of either short- or intermediate-term risk is necessary, and
EPA relies on the chronic dietary risk assessment for evaluating short-
and intermediate-term risk for prometryn.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity
studies, prometryn 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 prometryn residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology is available to enforce the
established and proposed tolerances. Prometryn is completely recovered
(>80% recovery) using the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's)
Multiresidue Section 302. In addition, both Ciba-Geigy Method AG-559
(gas chromatography (GC)/flame-photometric detector (FPD)/S) and Method
AG-673 (GC/nitrogen-phosphorous detector (NPD) method) are considered
adequate for enforcement purposes.
The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry
Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD
20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; email address:
residuemethods@epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established any MRLs for prometryn.
C. Revisions To Petitioned-For Tolerances
EPA modified the tolerance levels to reflect the correct number of
significant figures and to be consistent with Agency policy. Also, the
commodity definition for Florence fennel was modified to read ``Fennel,
Florence, fresh leaves and stalk'' to be consistent with Agency
nomenclature. Lastly, the petitioner recommended a tolerance for
residues of prometryn in/on sesame, oil at 0.12 ppm. Residues in oil at
a 5x application rate were 0.1076 which when extrapolated to 1x would
be 0.02 ppm. As this value is well below the proposed raw agricultural
commodity (RAC) tolerance, an oil tolerance is not necessary.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of prometryn,
including its metabolites and degradates, in or on
[[Page 57144]]
celtuce at 0.50 ppm; cottonseed subgroup 20C at 0.25 ppm; fennel,
Florence, fresh leaves and stalk at 0.50 ppm; leaf petiole vegetable
subgroup 22B at 0.50 ppm; sesame, seed at 0.05 ppm; and Swiss chard at
0.50 ppm. Additionally, the existing tolerances for the leaf petioles
subgroup 4B and cotton, undelinted seed are removed as unnecessary,
since they are superseded by the new tolerances.
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); Executive Order 13045, entitled
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); or Executive Order 13771,
entitled ``Reducing Regulations and Controlling Regulatory Costs'' (82
FR 9339, February 3, 2017). 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: November 15, 2017.
Michael L. Goodis,
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. 180.222:
0
i. Remove the entries from the table in paragraph (a) for ``Cotton,
undelinted seed'' and ``Leaf petioles subgroup 4B''.
0
ii. Add alphabetically entries to the table in paragraph (a) for
``Celtuce''; ``Cottonseed subgroup 20C''; ``Fennel, Florence, fresh
leaves and stalk''; ``Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B''; ``Sesame,
seed''; and ``Swiss chard''.
The additions read as follows:
Sec. 180.222 Prometryn; tolerances for residues.
(a) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Celtuce.................................................... 0.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cottonseed subgroup 20C.................................... 0.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fennel, Florence, fresh leaves and stalk................... 0.50
Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B........................ 0.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sesame, seed............................................... 0.05
Swiss chard................................................ 0.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2017-26083 Filed 12-1-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P