Indaziflam; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions, 7998-8002 [2018-03673]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
I. General Information
40 CFR Part 180
A. Does this action apply to me?
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2017–0551; FRL–9973–10]
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).
Indaziflam; Pesticide Tolerances for
Emergency Exemptions
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
time-limited tolerances for residues of
indaziflam in or on rangeland, pastures,
and areas subject to the Conservation
Reserve Program (CRP). This action is in
response to EPA’s granting of an
emergency exemption under the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of the
pesticide in or on grass, forage, fodder,
and hay, group 17, forage and grass,
forage, fodder, and hay, group 17, hay,
grown in rangeland, pastures, and areas
subject to the CRP. This regulation
establishes a maximum permissible
level for residues of indaziflam in or on
these commodities. The time-limited
tolerances expire on December 31, 2020.
DATES: This regulation is effective
February 23, 2018. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before April 24, 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–2017–0551, 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 L. Goodis, Director,
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.
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SUMMARY:
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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. To access the OCSPP test
guidelines referenced in this document
electronically, please go to https://
www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-officechemical-safety-and-pollutionprevention-ocspp and select ‘‘Test
Methods and Guidelines.’’
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under section 408(g) of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA),
21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation
and may also request a hearing on those
objections. You must file your objection
or request a hearing on this regulation
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2017–0551 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 April 24, 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
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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–
2017–0551, 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/where-sendcomments-epa-dockets. Additional
instructions on commenting or visiting
the docket, along with more information
about dockets generally, is available at
https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
EPA, on its own initiative, in
accordance with FFDCA sections 408(e)
and 408(l)(6) of, 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) and
346a(1)(6), is establishing time-limited
tolerances for residues of the herbicide
indaziflam, N-[(1R,2S)-2,3-dihydro-2,6dimethyl-1H-inden-1-yl]-6-(1fluoroethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine,
including its metabolites and degradates
in or on grass, forage, fodder, and hay,
group 17, forage at 30 parts per million
(ppm) and grass, forage, fodder, and
hay, group 17, hay at 100 ppm from use
on rangeland, pastures, and areas
subject to the CRP. These time-limited
tolerances expire on December 31, 2020.
Section 408(l)(6) of FFDCA requires
EPA to establish a time-limited
tolerance or exemption from the
requirement for a tolerance for pesticide
chemical residues in food that will
result from the use of a pesticide under
an emergency exemption granted by
EPA under FIFRA section 18. Such
tolerances can be established without
providing notice or period for public
comment. EPA does not intend for its
actions on FIFRA section 18 related
time-limited tolerances to set binding
precedents for the application of FFDCA
section 408 and the safety standard to
other tolerances and exemptions.
Section 408(e) of FFDCA allows EPA to
establish a tolerance or an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance on
its own initiative, i.e., without having
received any petition from an outside
party.
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Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
give special consideration to exposure
of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a
tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to infants and children from
aggregate exposure to the pesticide
chemical residue. . . .’’
Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes EPA
to exempt any Federal or State agency
from any provision of FIFRA, if EPA
determines that ‘‘emergency conditions
exist which require such exemption.’’
EPA has established regulations
governing such emergency exemptions
in 40 CFR part 166.
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III. Emergency Exemption for
Indaziflam on Rangeland, Pastures, and
Areas Subject to the CRP
The Wyoming Department of
Agriculture (WDA) requested a specific
emergency exemption for the use of
indaziflam in rangeland, pastures, and
areas subject to the conservation reserve
program (CRP) to control medusahead
(Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and
ventenata (Ventenata dubia) in the
Wyoming counties of Sheridan,
Johnson, Cambell, Crook, and Weston.
Medusahead and ventenata have
recently become established in
Wyoming. These pests are potentially
two of the greatest risks to Wyoming
cattle production because they degrade
rangeland forage and hay production.
Medusahead has reduced forage
production by 80%. Visual assessments
of areas invaded by ventenata suggest it
offers very little forage. In addition to
reducing the forage production,
ventenata and medusahead also increase
forage silica content by 1.5 and 4 times
respectively. This produces poorer
quality forage that is less palatable and
harder for cattle to digest. If these pests
are not controlled, potential statewide
invasion can happen in less than 25
years. After having reviewed the
submission, EPA determined that an
emergency condition exists for this
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State, and that the criteria for approval
of an emergency exemption are met.
As part of its evaluation of the
emergency exemption application, EPA
assessed the potential risks presented by
residues of indaziflam in or on
rangeland, pastures, and areas subject to
the CRP. In doing so, EPA considered
the safety standard in FFDCA section
408(b)(2), and EPA decided that the
necessary tolerances under FFDCA
section 408(l)(6) would be consistent
with the safety standard and with
FIFRA section 18. Consistent with the
need to move quickly on the emergency
exemption in order to address an urgent,
non-routine situation and to ensure that
the resulting food is safe and lawful,
EPA is issuing these tolerances without
notice and opportunity for public
comment as provided in FFDCA section
408(l)(6). Although these time-limited
tolerances expire on December 31, 2020,
under FFDCA section 408(l)(5), residues
of the pesticide not in excess of the
amounts specified in the tolerance
remaining in or on grass, forage, fodder,
and hay, group 17, forage and grass,
forage, fodder, and hay, group 17, hay
on rangeland, pastures, and areas
subject to the CRP after that date will
not be unlawful, provided the pesticide
was applied in a manner that was lawful
under FIFRA, and the residues do not
exceed a level that was authorized by
these time-limited tolerances at the time
of that application. EPA will take action
to revoke these time-limited tolerances
earlier if any experience with, scientific
data on, or other relevant information
on this pesticide indicate that the
residues are not safe.
Because these time-limited tolerances
are being approved under emergency
conditions, EPA has not made any
decisions about whether indaziflam
meets FIFRA’s registration requirements
for use on rangeland, pastures, and areas
subject to the CRP or whether
permanent tolerances for this use would
be appropriate. Under these
circumstances, EPA does not believe
that this time-limited tolerance decision
serves as a basis for registration of
indaziflam by a State for special local
needs under FIFRA section 24(c), nor
does this tolerance by itself serve as the
authority for persons in any State other
than Wyoming to use this pesticide on
the applicable crops under FIFRA
section 18, absent the issuance of an
emergency exemption applicable within
that State. For additional information
regarding the emergency exemption for
indaziflam, contact the Agency’s
Registration Division at the address
provided under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
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IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Consistent with the factors specified
in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has
reviewed the available scientific data
and other relevant information in
support of this action. EPA has
sufficient data to assess the hazards of,
and to make a determination on,
aggregate exposure expected as a result
of this emergency exemption request
and the time-limited tolerances for
residues of indaziflam on grass, forage,
fodder, and hay, group 17, forage at 30
ppm and grass, forage, fodder, and hay,
group 17, hay at 100 ppm from use on
rangeland, pastures, and areas subject to
the CRP. EPA’s assessment of exposures
and risks associated with establishing
time-limited tolerances follows.
A. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (POD)
and levels of concern to use in
evaluating the risk posed by human
exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
that have a threshold below which there
is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
POD is used as the basis for derivation
of reference values for risk assessment.
PODs are developed based on a careful
analysis of the doses in each
toxicological study to determine the
dose at which no adverse effects are
observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern
are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
safety factors are used in conjunction
with the POD to calculate a safe
exposure level—generally referred to as
a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
risks, the Agency assumes that any
amount of exposure will lead to some
degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
estimates risk in terms of the probability
of an occurrence of the adverse effect
expected in a lifetime. For more
information on the general principles
EPA uses in risk characterization and a
complete description of the risk
assessment process, see https://
www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for indaziflam used for
human risk assessment is discussed in
Unit III.B. of the final rule published in
the Federal Register of January 29, 2014
(79 FR 4624) (FRL–9903–88).
B. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
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exposure to indaziflam, EPA considered
exposure under the time-limited
tolerances established by this action as
well as all existing indaziflam
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.653. EPA
assessed dietary exposures from
indaziflam in food as follows:
i. Acute and chronic exposures. Acute
effects were identified for indaziflam. In
estimating acute and chronic dietary
exposures, EPA used food consumption
information from the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, What We Eat in
America, (NHANES/WWEIA). As to
residue levels in food, EPA notes that
previous indaziflam assessments used
screening-level assessments which
assumed tolerance-level residues and
100% crop treated for all included
commodities. There are no uses on
human foods associated with this
section 18 emergency use and there is
no expectation of quantifiable residues
in livestock commodities. This
emergency exemption does not result in
any changes to the previous dietary
exposure and risk estimates.
ii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit IV.A., EPA has
concluded that indaziflam does not pose
a cancer risk to humans. Therefore, a
dietary exposure assessment for the
purpose of assessing cancer risk is
unnecessary.
iii. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did
not use anticipated residue and/or PCT
information in the dietary assessment
for indaziflam. Tolerance level residues
and 100% CT 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 indaziflam in drinking water. These
simulation models take into account
data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of indaziflam.
Further information regarding EPA
drinking water models used in pesticide
exposure assessment can be found at
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-scienceand-assessing-pesticide-risks/aboutwater-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
Based on the Pesticide in Water
Calculator (PWC) and the Tier 1 Rice
model, the estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWCs) of indaziflam
for acute exposures are estimated to be
84 parts per billion (ppb) for surface
water and 3.7 ppb for ground water. For
chronic exposures for non-cancer
assessments are estimated to be 26 ppb
for surface water and 3.7 ppb for ground
water.
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Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model. For the
acute dietary risk assessment, the water
concentration value of 84 ppb was used
to assess the contribution to drinking
water. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration
value of 26 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).
Indaziflam is currently registered for
the following uses that could result in
residential exposures: Turf, gardens,
and trees. EPA assessed residential
exposure using the following
assumptions: Short-term dermal and
inhalation handler exposure is expected
for adults as a result of applying
products containing indaziflam to
lawns/turf and gardens/trees using a
variety of application equipment. Shortterm post-application dermal exposure
is expected for adults, children 11 to 16,
and children 6 to 11 years old as a result
of playing, mowing and/or golfing on
treated turf. Short-term dermal and
incidental oral exposures (hand to
mouth, object to mouth, incidental soil
ingestion) are expected for children 1 to
2 years old as a result from playing on
treated turf/lawns. Lastly, short-term
post-application dermal exposure is
expected for adults and children 6 to 11
years old as result of application to
gardens and trees. The Agency selected
only the most conservative residential
adult and child scenarios to be included
in the aggregate estimates, based on the
lowest overall MOE (i.e., highest risk
estimates). The most conservative
residential exposure scenario for both
adults and children resulted from shortterm dermal and incidental oral (for
children only) post-application
exposure to treated turf.
Further information regarding EPA
standard assumptions and generic
inputs for residential exposures may be
found at: https://www.epa.gov/
pesticide-science-and-assessingpesticide-risks/standard-operatingprocedures-residential-pesticide.
4. Cumulative effects from substances
with a common mechanism of toxicity.
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance, the Agency consider
‘‘available information’’ concerning the
cumulative effects of a particular
pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
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substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
EPA has not found indaziflam to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
indaziflam does not appear to produce
a toxic metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that indaziflam 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 website at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks/cumulativeassessment-risk-pesticides.
C. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
an additional tenfold (10X) margin of
safety for infants and children in the
case of threshold effects to account for
prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines
based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants
and children. This additional margin of
safety is commonly referred to as the
FQPA Safety Factor (SF). In applying
this provision, EPA either retains the
default value of 10X, or uses a different
additional SF when reliable data
available to EPA support the choice of
a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
No evidence of increased quantitative or
qualitative susceptibility was seen in
developmental toxicity studies in rats
and rabbits, a developmental toxicity
study in rats, or in a reproduction study
in rats. In the rat developmental toxicity
study, decreased fetal weight was
observed in the presence of maternal
effects that included decreased body
weight gain and food consumption. No
developmental effects were observed in
rabbits up to maternally toxic dose
levels. Decreased pup weight and delays
in sexual maturation (preputial
separation in males and vaginal patency
in females) were observed in the rat 2generation reproductive toxicity study,
along with clinical signs of toxicity, at
a dose causing parental toxicity that
included coarse tremors, renal toxicity
and decreased weight gain. In the
developmental neurotoxicity study,
transiently decreased motor activity on
post-natal day (PND) 21 only in male
offspring was observed and was
considered a potential neurotoxic effect.
It was observed at a dose that also
caused clinical signs of neurotoxicity
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along with decreased body weight in
maternal animals.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined
that reliable data show that the safety of
infants and children would be
adequately protected if the FQPA SF
were reduced to 1X. That decision is
based on the following findings:
i. The toxicity database for indaziflam
is complete.
ii. Evidence of neurotoxicity was
observed in dogs and rats throughout
the database, which included the dog
subchronic toxicity study, the rat
subchronic toxicity, the rat acute,
subchronic, and developmental
neurotoxicity screening batteries, the rat
2-generation reproduction study, the rat
chronic toxicity study, and the rat
combined carcinogenicity/chronic
toxicity study. Evidence of
neurotoxicity was manifested as
neuropathology in dogs and as
decreased motor activity and clinical
signs (e.g., tremors) in rats. Evidence of
neurotoxicity was the most consistent
effect (seen in dogs and rats), the most
sensitive toxicological finding (based on
neuropathology in dogs), and was
therefore used as the adverse effect of
concern in the risk assessment. The
endpoints selected for risk assessment
are based on and protective of the
neurotoxic effects seen in the guideline
studies.
iii. No developmental effects were
observed in rabbits up to maternally
toxic dose levels. Offspring effects in the
developmental neurotoxicity study in
rats and multi-generation toxicity
studies only occurred at exposure levels
that also produced maternal toxicity and
these offspring effects were not
considered more severe than the
parental effects. In addition, clear
NOAELs/LOAELs were identified for
these studies. Therefore, EPA concluded
that there is no evidence of increased
quantitative or qualitative susceptibility
to rat or rabbit fetuses exposed in utero
and/or postnatally to indaziflam.
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 indaziflam in
drinking water. EPA used similarly
conservative assumptions to assess postapplication exposure of children as well
as incidental oral exposure of toddlers.
These assessments will not
underestimate the exposure and risks
posed by indaziflam.
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D. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure
estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and
chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer
risks, EPA calculates the lifetime
probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,
intermediate-, and chronic-term risks
are evaluated by comparing the
estimated aggregate food, water, and
residential exposure to the appropriate
PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE
exists.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure
assumptions discussed in this document
for acute exposure, the acute dietary
exposure from food and water to
indaziflam will occupy 19% of the
aPAD for all infants, the population
group receiving the greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this document
for chronic exposure, EPA has
concluded that chronic exposure to
indaziflam from food and water will
utilize 8% of the cPAD for all infants,
the population group receiving the
greatest exposure. Based on the
explanation in the unit regarding
residential use patterns, chronic
residential exposure to residues of
indaziflam 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).
Indaziflam 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 indaziflam.
Using the exposure assumptions
described in this document for shortterm exposures, EPA has concluded the
combined short-term food, water, and
residential exposures result in aggregate
MOEs of 1,400 for adults and 580 for
children. Because EPA’s level of
concern for indaziflam 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 adverse effect
was identified; however, indaziflam is
not registered for any use patterns that
would result in intermediate-term
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residential exposure. Intermediate-term
risk is assessed based on intermediateterm residential exposure plus chronic
dietary exposure. Because there is no
intermediate-term residential exposure
and chronic dietary exposure has
already been assessed under the
appropriately protective cPAD (which is
at least as protective as the POD used to
assess intermediate-term risk), no
further assessment of intermediate-term
risk is necessary, and EPA relies on the
chronic dietary risk assessment for
evaluating intermediate-term risk for
indaziflam.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two
adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,
indaziflam 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 indaziflam
residues.
V. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An adequate enforcement
methodology (liquid chromatography
with tandem mass spectrometry
detection (LC/MS/MS) method (DH–
003–P07–02) for indaziflam and FDAT)
is available to enforce the tolerance
expression.
The method may be requested from:
Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch,
Environmental Science Center, 701
Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350;
telephone number: (410) 305–2905;
email address: residuemethods@
epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
international standards whenever
possible, consistent with U.S. food
safety standards and agricultural
practices. EPA considers the
international maximum residue limits
(MRLs) established by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
The Codex Alimentarius is a joint
United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization/World Health
Organization food standards program,
and it is recognized as an international
food safety standards-setting
organization in trade agreements to
which the United States is a party. EPA
may establish a tolerance that is
different from a Codex MRL; however,
FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
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EPA explain the reasons for departing
from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established MRLs
for indaziflam.
VI. Conclusion
Therefore, time-limited tolerances are
established for residues of the herbicide
indaziflam, N-[(1R,2S)-2,3-dihydro-2,6dimethyl-1H-inden-1-yl]-6-(1fluoroethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine,
including its metabolites and degradates
in or on grass, forage, fodder, and hay,
group 17, forage at 30 parts per million
(ppm) and grass, forage, fodder, and
hay, group 17, hay at 100 ppm from use
on rangeland, pastures, and areas
subject to the CRP. These tolerances
expire on December 31, 2020.
VII. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action establishes tolerances
under FFDCA sections 408(e) and
408(l)(6). The Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) has exempted these types
of actions from review under Executive
Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory
Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993). Because this action
has been exempted from review under
Executive Order 12866, this action is
not subject to Executive Order 13211,
entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive
Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997). This action does not
contain any information collections
subject to OMB approval under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it require
any special considerations under
Executive Order 12898, entitled
‘‘Federal Actions to Address
Environmental Justice in Minority
Populations and Low-Income
Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,
1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that
are established in accordance with
FFDCA sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6),
such as the tolerances in this final rule,
do not require the issuance of a
proposed rule, the requirements of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply.
This action directly regulates growers,
food processors, food handlers, and food
retailers, not States or tribes, nor does
this action alter the relationships or
distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress
in the preemption provisions of FFDCA
section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency
has determined that this action will not
have a substantial direct effect on States
or tribal governments, on the
relationship between the national
government and the States or tribal
governments, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian
tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined
that Executive Order 13132, entitled
‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,
1999) and Executive Order 13175,
entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply
to this action. In addition, this action
does not impose any enforceable duty or
contain any unfunded mandate as
described under Title II of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.
1501 et seq.).
This action does not involve any
technical standards that would require
Agency consideration of voluntary
consensus standards pursuant to section
12(d) of the National Technology
Transfer and Advancement Act
(NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VIII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will
submit a report containing this rule and
other required information to the U.S.
Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of the rule in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: February 6, 2018.
Michael L. Goodis,
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 § 180.653, revise paragraph (b) to
read as follows:
■
§ 180.653
residues.
Indaziflam; tolerances for
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Section 18 emergency exemptions.
Time-limited tolerances specified in the
following table are established for
residues of the herbicide indaziflam, N[(1R,2S)-2,3-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-1Hinden-1-yl]-6-(1-fluoroethyl)-1,3,5triazine-2,4-diamine, including its
metabolites and degradates in or on the
specified agricultural commodities,
resulting from use of the pesticide
pursuant to FIFRA section 18
emergency exemptions. Compliance
with the tolerance levels specified in the
table in this paragraph (b) is to be
determined by measuring only
indaziflam and FDAT, 6-[(1R)-1fluoroethyl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine
(converted to parent equivalents), in or
on the commodity. The tolerances
expire on the date specified in the table.
Parts per
million
Commodity
Grass, forage, fodder, and hay, Group 17, forage ......................................................................................
Grass, forage, fodder, and hay, Group 17, hay ..........................................................................................
*
*
*
*
30
100
*
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7998-8002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03673]
[[Page 7998]]
=======================================================================
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0551; FRL-9973-10]
Indaziflam; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes time-limited tolerances for
residues of indaziflam in or on rangeland, pastures, and areas subject
to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). This action is in response
to EPA's granting of an emergency exemption under the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of
the pesticide in or on grass, forage, fodder, and hay, group 17, forage
and grass, forage, fodder, and hay, group 17, hay, grown in rangeland,
pastures, and areas subject to the CRP. This regulation establishes a
maximum permissible level for residues of indaziflam in or on these
commodities. The time-limited tolerances expire on December 31, 2020.
DATES: This regulation is effective February 23, 2018. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before April 24, 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-2017-0551, 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 L. Goodis, Director,
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:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them.
Potentially affected entities may include:
Crop production (NAICS code 111).
Animal production (NAICS code 112).
Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?
You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR
part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl. To access the OCSPP test guidelines referenced in this
document electronically, please go to https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-chemical-safety-and-pollution-prevention-ocspp and select
``Test Methods and Guidelines.''
C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under section 408(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an objection to any aspect
of this regulation and may also request a hearing on those objections.
You must file your objection or request a hearing on this regulation in
accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-
2017-0551 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 April 24, 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-2017-0551, 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/where-send-comments-epa-dockets. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket,
along with more information about dockets generally, is available at
https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
EPA, on its own initiative, in accordance with FFDCA sections
408(e) and 408(l)(6) of, 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) and 346a(1)(6), is
establishing time-limited tolerances for residues of the herbicide
indaziflam, N-[(1R,2S)-2,3-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-1H-inden-1-yl]-6-(1-
fluoroethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine, including its metabolites and
degradates in or on grass, forage, fodder, and hay, group 17, forage at
30 parts per million (ppm) and grass, forage, fodder, and hay, group
17, hay at 100 ppm from use on rangeland, pastures, and areas subject
to the CRP. These time-limited tolerances expire on December 31, 2020.
Section 408(l)(6) of FFDCA requires EPA to establish a time-limited
tolerance or exemption from the requirement for a tolerance for
pesticide chemical residues in food that will result from the use of a
pesticide under an emergency exemption granted by EPA under FIFRA
section 18. Such tolerances can be established without providing notice
or period for public comment. EPA does not intend for its actions on
FIFRA section 18 related time-limited tolerances to set binding
precedents for the application of FFDCA section 408 and the safety
standard to other tolerances and exemptions. Section 408(e) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance or an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance on its own initiative, i.e., without having
received any petition from an outside party.
[[Page 7999]]
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . .
.''
Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes EPA to exempt any Federal or State
agency from any provision of FIFRA, if EPA determines that ``emergency
conditions exist which require such exemption.'' EPA has established
regulations governing such emergency exemptions in 40 CFR part 166.
III. Emergency Exemption for Indaziflam on Rangeland, Pastures, and
Areas Subject to the CRP
The Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) requested a specific
emergency exemption for the use of indaziflam in rangeland, pastures,
and areas subject to the conservation reserve program (CRP) to control
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and ventenata (Ventenata dubia)
in the Wyoming counties of Sheridan, Johnson, Cambell, Crook, and
Weston. Medusahead and ventenata have recently become established in
Wyoming. These pests are potentially two of the greatest risks to
Wyoming cattle production because they degrade rangeland forage and hay
production. Medusahead has reduced forage production by 80%. Visual
assessments of areas invaded by ventenata suggest it offers very little
forage. In addition to reducing the forage production, ventenata and
medusahead also increase forage silica content by 1.5 and 4 times
respectively. This produces poorer quality forage that is less
palatable and harder for cattle to digest. If these pests are not
controlled, potential statewide invasion can happen in less than 25
years. After having reviewed the submission, EPA determined that an
emergency condition exists for this State, and that the criteria for
approval of an emergency exemption are met.
As part of its evaluation of the emergency exemption application,
EPA assessed the potential risks presented by residues of indaziflam in
or on rangeland, pastures, and areas subject to the CRP. In doing so,
EPA considered the safety standard in FFDCA section 408(b)(2), and EPA
decided that the necessary tolerances under FFDCA section 408(l)(6)
would be consistent with the safety standard and with FIFRA section 18.
Consistent with the need to move quickly on the emergency exemption in
order to address an urgent, non-routine situation and to ensure that
the resulting food is safe and lawful, EPA is issuing these tolerances
without notice and opportunity for public comment as provided in FFDCA
section 408(l)(6). Although these time-limited tolerances expire on
December 31, 2020, under FFDCA section 408(l)(5), residues of the
pesticide not in excess of the amounts specified in the tolerance
remaining in or on grass, forage, fodder, and hay, group 17, forage and
grass, forage, fodder, and hay, group 17, hay on rangeland, pastures,
and areas subject to the CRP after that date will not be unlawful,
provided the pesticide was applied in a manner that was lawful under
FIFRA, and the residues do not exceed a level that was authorized by
these time-limited tolerances at the time of that application. EPA will
take action to revoke these time-limited tolerances earlier if any
experience with, scientific data on, or other relevant information on
this pesticide indicate that the residues are not safe.
Because these time-limited tolerances are being approved under
emergency conditions, EPA has not made any decisions about whether
indaziflam meets FIFRA's registration requirements for use on
rangeland, pastures, and areas subject to the CRP or whether permanent
tolerances for this use would be appropriate. Under these
circumstances, EPA does not believe that this time-limited tolerance
decision serves as a basis for registration of indaziflam by a State
for special local needs under FIFRA section 24(c), nor does this
tolerance by itself serve as the authority for persons in any State
other than Wyoming to use this pesticide on the applicable crops under
FIFRA section 18, absent the issuance of an emergency exemption
applicable within that State. For additional information regarding the
emergency exemption for indaziflam, contact the Agency's Registration
Division at the address provided under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Consistent with the factors specified in FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available scientific data and other
relevant information in support of this action. EPA has sufficient data
to assess the hazards of, and to make a determination on, aggregate
exposure expected as a result of this emergency exemption request and
the time-limited tolerances for residues of indaziflam on grass,
forage, fodder, and hay, group 17, forage at 30 ppm and grass, forage,
fodder, and hay, group 17, hay at 100 ppm from use on rangeland,
pastures, and areas subject to the CRP. EPA's assessment of exposures
and risks associated with establishing time-limited tolerances follows.
A. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL)
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete
description of the risk assessment process, see https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for indaziflam used for
human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III.B. of the final rule
published in the Federal Register of January 29, 2014 (79 FR 4624)
(FRL-9903-88).
B. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
[[Page 8000]]
exposure to indaziflam, EPA considered exposure under the time-limited
tolerances established by this action as well as all existing
indaziflam tolerances in 40 CFR 180.653. EPA assessed dietary exposures
from indaziflam in food as follows:
i. Acute and chronic exposures. Acute effects were identified for
indaziflam. In estimating acute and chronic dietary exposures, EPA used
food consumption information from the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,
What We Eat in America, (NHANES/WWEIA). As to residue levels in food,
EPA notes that previous indaziflam assessments used screening-level
assessments which assumed tolerance-level residues and 100% crop
treated for all included commodities. There are no uses on human foods
associated with this section 18 emergency use and there is no
expectation of quantifiable residues in livestock commodities. This
emergency exemption does not result in any changes to the previous
dietary exposure and risk estimates.
ii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit IV.A., EPA has
concluded that indaziflam does not pose a cancer risk to humans.
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is unnecessary.
iii. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT)
information. EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information
in the dietary assessment for indaziflam. Tolerance level residues and
100% CT 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 indaziflam in drinking water. These simulation models
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of indaziflam. Further information regarding EPA
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be
found at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
Based on the Pesticide in Water Calculator (PWC) and the Tier 1
Rice model, the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of
indaziflam for acute exposures are estimated to be 84 parts per billion
(ppb) for surface water and 3.7 ppb for ground water. For chronic
exposures for non-cancer assessments are estimated to be 26 ppb for
surface water and 3.7 ppb for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly
entered into the dietary exposure model. For the acute dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration value of 84 ppb was used to assess
the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration value of 26 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).
Indaziflam is currently registered for the following uses that
could result in residential exposures: Turf, gardens, and trees. EPA
assessed residential exposure using the following assumptions: Short-
term dermal and inhalation handler exposure is expected for adults as a
result of applying products containing indaziflam to lawns/turf and
gardens/trees using a variety of application equipment. Short-term
post-application dermal exposure is expected for adults, children 11 to
16, and children 6 to 11 years old as a result of playing, mowing and/
or golfing on treated turf. Short-term dermal and incidental oral
exposures (hand to mouth, object to mouth, incidental soil ingestion)
are expected for children 1 to 2 years old as a result from playing on
treated turf/lawns. Lastly, short-term post-application dermal exposure
is expected for adults and children 6 to 11 years old as result of
application to gardens and trees. The Agency selected only the most
conservative residential adult and child scenarios to be included in
the aggregate estimates, based on the lowest overall MOE (i.e., highest
risk estimates). The most conservative residential exposure scenario
for both adults and children resulted from short-term dermal and
incidental oral (for children only) post-application exposure to
treated turf.
Further information regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic
inputs for residential exposures may be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/standard-operating-procedures-residential-pesticide.
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 indaziflam to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and indaziflam does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
indaziflam 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 website at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/cumulative-assessment-risk-pesticides.
C. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA Safety
Factor (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X, or uses a different additional SF when reliable data
available to EPA support the choice of a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. No evidence of increased
quantitative or qualitative susceptibility was seen in developmental
toxicity studies in rats and rabbits, a developmental toxicity study in
rats, or in a reproduction study in rats. In the rat developmental
toxicity study, decreased fetal weight was observed in the presence of
maternal effects that included decreased body weight gain and food
consumption. No developmental effects were observed in rabbits up to
maternally toxic dose levels. Decreased pup weight and delays in sexual
maturation (preputial separation in males and vaginal patency in
females) were observed in the rat 2-generation reproductive toxicity
study, along with clinical signs of toxicity, at a dose causing
parental toxicity that included coarse tremors, renal toxicity and
decreased weight gain. In the developmental neurotoxicity study,
transiently decreased motor activity on post-natal day (PND) 21 only in
male offspring was observed and was considered a potential neurotoxic
effect. It was observed at a dose that also caused clinical signs of
neurotoxicity
[[Page 8001]]
along with decreased body weight in maternal animals.
3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show that the
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the
FQPA SF were reduced to 1X. That decision is based on the following
findings:
i. The toxicity database for indaziflam is complete.
ii. Evidence of neurotoxicity was observed in dogs and rats
throughout the database, which included the dog subchronic toxicity
study, the rat subchronic toxicity, the rat acute, subchronic, and
developmental neurotoxicity screening batteries, the rat 2-generation
reproduction study, the rat chronic toxicity study, and the rat
combined carcinogenicity/chronic toxicity study. Evidence of
neurotoxicity was manifested as neuropathology in dogs and as decreased
motor activity and clinical signs (e.g., tremors) in rats. Evidence of
neurotoxicity was the most consistent effect (seen in dogs and rats),
the most sensitive toxicological finding (based on neuropathology in
dogs), and was therefore used as the adverse effect of concern in the
risk assessment. The endpoints selected for risk assessment are based
on and protective of the neurotoxic effects seen in the guideline
studies.
iii. No developmental effects were observed in rabbits up to
maternally toxic dose levels. Offspring effects in the developmental
neurotoxicity study in rats and multi-generation toxicity studies only
occurred at exposure levels that also produced maternal toxicity and
these offspring effects were not considered more severe than the
parental effects. In addition, clear NOAELs/LOAELs were identified for
these studies. Therefore, EPA concluded that there is no evidence of
increased quantitative or qualitative susceptibility to rat or rabbit
fetuses exposed in utero and/or postnatally to indaziflam.
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 indaziflam in drinking water. EPA used similarly
conservative assumptions to assess post-application exposure of
children as well as incidental oral exposure of toddlers. These
assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by
indaziflam.
D. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water,
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an
adequate MOE exists.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this
document for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and
water to indaziflam will occupy 19% of the aPAD for all infants, the
population group receiving the greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
document for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure
to indaziflam from food and water will utilize 8% of the cPAD for all
infants, the population group receiving the greatest exposure. Based on
the explanation in the unit regarding residential use patterns, chronic
residential exposure to residues of indaziflam 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).
Indaziflam 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 indaziflam.
Using the exposure assumptions described in this document for
short-term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food,
water, and residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 1,400 for
adults and 580 for children. Because EPA's level of concern for
indaziflam 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 adverse effect was identified; however,
indaziflam is not registered for any use patterns that would result in
intermediate-term residential exposure. Intermediate-term risk is
assessed based on intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic
dietary exposure. Because there is no intermediate-term residential
exposure and chronic dietary exposure has already been assessed under
the appropriately protective cPAD (which is at least as protective as
the POD used to assess intermediate-term risk), no further assessment
of intermediate-term risk is necessary, and EPA relies on the chronic
dietary risk assessment for evaluating intermediate-term risk for
indaziflam.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity
studies, indaziflam 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 indaziflam residues.
V. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An adequate enforcement methodology (liquid chromatography with
tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC/MS/MS) method (DH-003-P07-02)
for indaziflam and FDAT) is available to enforce the tolerance
expression.
The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry
Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD
20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; email address:
[email protected].
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
[[Page 8002]]
EPA explain the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established MRLs for indaziflam.
VI. Conclusion
Therefore, time-limited tolerances are established for residues of
the herbicide indaziflam, N-[(1R,2S)-2,3-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-1H-inden-
1-yl]-6-(1-fluoroethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine, including its
metabolites and degradates in or on grass, forage, fodder, and hay,
group 17, forage at 30 parts per million (ppm) and grass, forage,
fodder, and hay, group 17, hay at 100 ppm from use on rangeland,
pastures, and areas subject to the CRP. These tolerances expire on
December 31, 2020.
VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action establishes tolerances under FFDCA sections 408(e) and
408(l)(6). The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these
types of actions from review under Executive Order 12866, entitled
``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993).
Because this action has been exempted from review under Executive Order
12866, this action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled
``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy
Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive
Order 13045, entitled ``Protection of Children from Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This
action does not contain any information collections subject to OMB
approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq., nor does it require any special considerations under Executive
Order 12898, entitled ``Federal Actions to Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR
7629, February 16, 1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that are established in accordance
with FFDCA sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6), such as the tolerances in
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) do not apply.
This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In addition, this
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
This action does not involve any technical standards that would
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VIII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.),
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule''
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: February 6, 2018.
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. 180.653, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. [emsp14]180.653 Indaziflam; tolerances for residues.
* * * * *
(b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. Time-limited tolerances
specified in the following table are established for residues of the
herbicide indaziflam, N-[(1R,2S)-2,3-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-1H-inden-1-
yl]-6-(1-fluoroethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine, including its
metabolites and degradates in or on the specified agricultural
commodities, resulting from use of the pesticide pursuant to FIFRA
section 18 emergency exemptions. Compliance with the tolerance levels
specified in the table in this paragraph (b) is to be determined by
measuring only indaziflam and FDAT, 6-[(1R)-1-fluoroethyl]-1,3,5-
triazine-2,4-diamine (converted to parent equivalents), in or on the
commodity. The tolerances expire on the date specified in the table.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commodity Parts per million Expiration date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grass, forage, fodder, and hay, 30 12/31/2020
Group 17, forage.................
Grass, forage, fodder, and hay, 100 12/31/2020
Group 17, hay....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2018-03673 Filed 2-22-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P