Fluroxypyr; Pesticide Tolerances, 29702-29706 [2018-13724]

Download as PDF 29702 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Rules and Regulations Rule No. State effective date Rule title * * EPA effective date * Final rule citation, date * 74:36:21 * Comments * * Regional Haze Program * 74:36:21:02 .................... * * Definitions ...................... * 7/26/2018 * [Insert Federal Register citation], 6/26/2018. * * 9/13/2017 * 74:36:21:04 .................... * * Visibility impact analysis * 7/26/2018 * 74:36:21:05 .................... BART determination ...... 9/13/2017 7/26/2018 * [Insert Federal Register citation], 6/26/2018. [Insert Federal Register citation], 6/26/2018. * 9/13/2017 * 74:36:21:09 .................... * * Monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting. * 7/26/2018 * [Insert Federal Register citation], 6/26/2018. * * 9/13/2017 * * * * * * * * * * [FR Doc. 2018–13598 Filed 6–25–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 180 [EPA–HQ–OPP–2017–0225; FRL–9978–70] Fluroxypyr; Pesticide Tolerances Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of fluroxypyr in or on teff forage, teff grain, teff hay, and teff straw. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). DATES: This regulation is effective June 26, 2018. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before August 27, 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–2017–0225, 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 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Jun 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 * * 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 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/ 40tab_02.tpl. C. How can I file an objection or hearing request? Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID number EPA–HQ– OPP–2017–0225 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 August 27, 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– 2017–0225, 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 E:\FR\FM\26JNR1.SGM 26JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 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. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES II. Summary of Petitioned-for Tolerance In the Federal Register of October 23, 2017 (82 FR 49020) (FRL–9967–37), 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 7E8550) by IR–4, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 500 College Road East, Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by establishing tolerances for residues of herbicide fluroxypyr 1methylheptyl ester [1-methylheptyl ((4amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2pyridinyl)oxy) acetate] and its metabolite fluroxypyr [((4-amino-3,5dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy)acetic acid] in or on teff, forage at 12.0 ppm; teff, grain at 0.5 ppm; teff, straw at 12.0 ppm; and teff, hay at 20.0 ppm. That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Dow AgroSciences, the registrant, which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the notice of filing. Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has changed the numerical expression of the proposed tolerance values in order to conform to current Agency policy on significant figures. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Jun 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 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 fluroxypyr including exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks associated with fluroxypyr follows. A. Toxicological Profile EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and children. The active ingredient used in formulating end-use herbicide products is fluroxypyr 1-methylheptyl ester. However, since the ester form has been shown to rapidly hydrolyze to the acid form, the residues of fluroxypyr 1methylheptyl ester along with its fluroxypyr acid metabolite (free and conjugated), are collectively expressed as ‘‘fluroxypyr’’ and are therefore regulated together for tolerance enforcement. In terms of toxicity, the ester and acid forms are considered the same. Fluroxypyr has low acute toxicity by the oral and dermal routes of exposure and moderate to mild acute toxicity by the inhalation route of exposure, based on lethality studies. Fluroxypyr is not a dermal sensitizer, nor is it irritating to the skin; however, it is a mild eye irritant. The kidney is the target organ for fluroxypyr following oral exposure to rats, mice, and dogs. In the rat, increased kidney weight, nephrotoxicity, and death were observed in both sexes in the 90-day feeding study, and increased kidney weight and microscopic kidney lesions were observed in both sexes in the chronic study. Increased kidney weight was also observed in maternal rats in the developmental toxicity study, and kidney effects (deaths due to renal PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 29703 failure; increased kidney weight, and microscopic kidney lesions) were observed in both sexes in the 2generation reproduction study in rats. Although microscopic kidney lesions were observed in dogs in the 28-day feeding study, no kidney effects or other treatment related toxicity were seen in the chronic feeding study in dogs at the same doses used in the 28-day study. Microscopic kidney lesions were observed in mice following long-term exposure. There was no evidence of increased susceptibility (quantitative/qualitative) following in utero exposure in rats and rabbits, or following pre and/or postnatal exposure in rats. Neither developmental toxicity nor reproductive toxicity was observed in rats. In rabbits, developmental toxicity was not observed following exposure to dose levels that resulted in maternal death; however, abortions were observed in rabbits following exposure to fluroxypyr at the limit dose. There was no evidence of neurotoxicity or neuropathology in any of the studies. An immunotoxicity study in rats found no indication of immunotoxicity. Fluroxypyr is classified ‘‘not likely to be carcinogenic to humans’’ due to lack of evidence to suggest carcinogenicity in the database, and there is no concern for its mutagenicity potential. Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the adverse effects caused by fluroxypyr 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 ‘‘Fluroxypyr: Human Health Risk Assessment to Support Proposed New Use on Teff’’ on pages 13–16 in docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2017–0225. 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 E:\FR\FM\26JNR1.SGM 26JNR1 29704 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Rules and Regulations sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES 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 fluroxypyr used for human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III.B. of the final rule published in the Federal Register of January 16, 2013 (78 FR 3328) (FRL–9371–1). C. Exposure Assessment 1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary exposure to fluroxypyr, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing fluroxypyr tolerances in 40 CFR 180.535. EPA assessed dietary exposures from fluroxypyr 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 fluroxypyr; therefore, a quantitative acute dietary exposure assessment is unnecessary. ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, ‘‘What We Eat in America’’ (NHANES/WWEIA) dietary survey conducted in 2003–2008. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed tolerance-level residues with 100 percent crop treated (PCT) for all existing and proposed crop uses and default processing factors for processed commodities. iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has concluded that fluroxypyr 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Jun 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 in the dietary assessment for fluroxypyr. 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 fluroxypyr in drinking water. These simulation models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/ transport characteristics of fluroxypyr. 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 Tier 1 Rice Model and Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI–GROW) models, the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of fluroxypyr for chronic exposures are estimated to be 540 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 0.055 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 value of 540 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). Fluroxypyr is currently registered for the following uses that could result in residential exposures: Residential turfgrass, golf courses, parks and sports fields. Residential handler exposure was not assessed because all the labels require the use of personal-protective equipment (PPE) and are not intended for application by homeowners. For post-application exposure, although adults and children performing physical activities on treated turf (e.g., golfing, mowing) may receive dermal exposure to fluroxypyr residues, a quantitative risk assessment for the dermal route of exposure was not conducted since there are no toxicity findings for the short-term dermal route of exposure up to the limit dose. In addition, a quantitative post-application inhalation exposure assessment was not conducted because of the low acute inhalation toxicity, low vapor pressure, and the relatively low use rate. Young children 1 to <2 years old may receive incidental oral post-application exposure to fluroxypyr from treated turf. The post-application exposures for children playing on treated turf resulting in incidental oral exposure as PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 a result of mouthing behaviors were assessed. Further information regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic inputs for residential exposures may be found at https://www2.epa.gov/pesticidescience-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/ standard-operating-proceduresresidential-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 fluroxypyr to share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and fluroxypyr does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that fluroxypyr 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:// 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 is no evidence of increased qualitative or quantitative susceptibility following in utero exposure in rats and rabbits or following pre and/or postnatal exposure in rats. Fluroxypyr is neither a developmental nor a reproductive toxicant in rats. Fluroxypyr has been evaluated for potential developmental effects in the E:\FR\FM\26JNR1.SGM 26JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Rules and Regulations sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES rat and rabbit (gavage administration). Maternal toxicity included death in rats and rabbits. There were no developmental effects in the rat, and while abortions were observed in the rabbit, they occurred only at the limit dose. 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 fluroxypyr is complete. ii. There is no indication that fluroxypyr is a neurotoxic chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity. iii. There is no evidence that fluroxypyr results in increased susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction study. iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure databases. The chronic dietary food exposure assessment utilizes tolerance-level residue estimates and assumes 100 PCT for all commodities. This assessment will not underestimate exposure/risk. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to fluroxypyr 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 fluroxypyr. 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, fluroxypyr is not expected to pose an acute risk. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Jun 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to fluroxypyr from food and water will utilize 3.5% of the cPAD for all infants less than 1-yearold, the population group receiving the greatest exposure. Based on the explanation in Unit III.C.3., regarding residential use patterns, chronic residential exposure to residues of fluroxypyr 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). Fluroxypyr 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 fluroxypyr. Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water, and residential exposures result in an aggregate MOE of 2,500 for children 1– 2 years old. Because EPA’s level of concern for fluroxypyr is a MOE of 100 or below, this MOE is 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, fluroxypyr is not registered for any use patterns that would result in intermediate-term 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 fluroxypyr. 5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies, fluroxypyr 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 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 29705 population, or to infants and children from aggregate exposure to fluroxypyr residues. IV. Other Considerations A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology Adequate GC/ECD (gas chromatography/electron-capture detection) analytical methods are available to enforce the proposed plant tolerances. The available methods for plant commodities involve extraction of fluroxypyr residues with acetone, partitioning with hexane, purification using a florisil column, and analysis of residues by GC/ECD. The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350; telephone number: (410) 305–2905; email address: residuemethods@epa.gov. B. International Residue Limits In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain the reasons for departing from the Codex level. The Codex has not established a MRL for fluroxypyr on teff. V. Conclusion Therefore, tolerances are established for the combined residues of fluroxypyr 1-methylheptyl ester [1-methylheptyl ((4-amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2pyridinyl)oxy)acetate] and its metabolite fluroxypyr [((4-amino-3,5-dichloro-6fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy)acetic acid] in or on teff, forage at 12 ppm; teff, grain at 0.50 ppm; teff, hay at 20 ppm; and teff, straw at 12 ppm. VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews This action establishes tolerances under FFDCA section 408(d) in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types E:\FR\FM\26JNR1.SGM 26JNR1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES 29706 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 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), nor is it considered a regulatory action under 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.). VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Jun 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 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: June 8, 2018. Michael 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 § 180.535, add alphabetically the entries ‘‘Teff, forage’’; ‘‘Teff, grain’’; ‘‘Teff, hay’’; and ‘‘Teff, straw’’ to the table in paragraph (a) to read as follows: ■ § 180.535 Fluroxypyr 1-methylheptyl ester; tolerances for residues. (a) * * * Parts per million Commodity * Teff, Teff, Teff, Teff, * * * forage ................................. grain ................................... hay ...................................... straw ................................... * * * * * * * * 12 0.50 20 12 * * * [FR Doc. 2018–13724 Filed 6–25–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 228 [EPA–R10–OW–2018–0284; FRL–9979–31— Region 10] Ocean Dumping; Withdrawal of Designated Disposal Site; Grays Harbor, Washington Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Direct final rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking direct final action to withdraw from EPA regulation and management one designated ocean dredged material disposal site, the Grays Harbor Eight Mile Site, located near the mouth of Grays Harbor, Washington. This action is pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, as amended. The disposal site was designated by the EPA for a specific one-time use in 1990. The Grays Harbor Eight Mile Site fulfilled its intended purpose in 1990 as a single-use disposal site, and monitoring indicates that there will be no unacceptable adverse impacts to the marine environment once the EPA relinquishes management of the site. Five other open-water dredged material disposal sites remain in close proximity to the mouth of Grays Harbor. These sites remain available for use for the disposal of suitable dredged material and are not affected by this withdrawal. DATES: This rule is effective on September 24, 2018 without further notice, unless the EPA receives adverse comment by July 26, 2018. If the EPA receives adverse comment, the Agency will publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register informing the public that the rule will not take effect. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. [EPA–R10– OW–2018–0284; FRL–9979–31—Region 10], at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. The EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\26JNR1.SGM 26JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 123 (Tuesday, June 26, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29702-29706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-13724]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0225; FRL-9978-70]


Fluroxypyr; Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of 
fluroxypyr in or on teff forage, teff grain, teff hay, and teff straw. 
Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these 
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective June 26, 2018. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before August 27, 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-2017-0225, 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: [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 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-2017-0225 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 
August 27, 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-2017-0225, 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

[[Page 29703]]

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 October 23, 2017 (82 FR 49020) (FRL-
9967-37), 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 
7E8550) by IR-4, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 500 
College Road East, Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition 
requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by establishing tolerances 
for residues of herbicide fluroxypyr 1-methylheptyl ester [1-
methylheptyl ((4-amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy) acetate] 
and its metabolite fluroxypyr [((4-amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2-
pyridinyl)oxy)acetic acid] in or on teff, forage at 12.0 ppm; teff, 
grain at 0.5 ppm; teff, straw at 12.0 ppm; and teff, hay at 20.0 ppm. 
That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Dow 
AgroSciences, the registrant, which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the 
notice of filing.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has 
changed the numerical expression of the proposed tolerance values in 
order to conform to current Agency policy on significant figures.

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 fluroxypyr including exposure 
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with fluroxypyr follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children.
    The active ingredient used in formulating end-use herbicide 
products is fluroxypyr 1-methylheptyl ester. However, since the ester 
form has been shown to rapidly hydrolyze to the acid form, the residues 
of fluroxypyr 1-methylheptyl ester along with its fluroxypyr acid 
metabolite (free and conjugated), are collectively expressed as 
``fluroxypyr'' and are therefore regulated together for tolerance 
enforcement. In terms of toxicity, the ester and acid forms are 
considered the same.
    Fluroxypyr has low acute toxicity by the oral and dermal routes of 
exposure and moderate to mild acute toxicity by the inhalation route of 
exposure, based on lethality studies. Fluroxypyr is not a dermal 
sensitizer, nor is it irritating to the skin; however, it is a mild eye 
irritant.
    The kidney is the target organ for fluroxypyr following oral 
exposure to rats, mice, and dogs. In the rat, increased kidney weight, 
nephrotoxicity, and death were observed in both sexes in the 90-day 
feeding study, and increased kidney weight and microscopic kidney 
lesions were observed in both sexes in the chronic study. Increased 
kidney weight was also observed in maternal rats in the developmental 
toxicity study, and kidney effects (deaths due to renal failure; 
increased kidney weight, and microscopic kidney lesions) were observed 
in both sexes in the 2-generation reproduction study in rats. Although 
microscopic kidney lesions were observed in dogs in the 28-day feeding 
study, no kidney effects or other treatment related toxicity were seen 
in the chronic feeding study in dogs at the same doses used in the 28-
day study. Microscopic kidney lesions were observed in mice following 
long-term exposure.
    There was no evidence of increased susceptibility (quantitative/
qualitative) following in utero exposure in rats and rabbits, or 
following pre and/or postnatal exposure in rats. Neither developmental 
toxicity nor reproductive toxicity was observed in rats. In rabbits, 
developmental toxicity was not observed following exposure to dose 
levels that resulted in maternal death; however, abortions were 
observed in rabbits following exposure to fluroxypyr at the limit dose. 
There was no evidence of neurotoxicity or neuropathology in any of the 
studies. An immunotoxicity study in rats found no indication of 
immunotoxicity. Fluroxypyr is classified ``not likely to be 
carcinogenic to humans'' due to lack of evidence to suggest 
carcinogenicity in the database, and there is no concern for its 
mutagenicity potential.
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by fluroxypyr 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 ``Fluroxypyr: Human Health 
Risk Assessment to Support Proposed New Use on Teff'' on pages 13-16 in 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0225.

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

[[Page 29704]]

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 fluroxypyr used for 
human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III.B. of the final rule 
published in the Federal Register of January 16, 2013 (78 FR 3328) 
(FRL-9371-1).

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to fluroxypyr, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances as well as all existing fluroxypyr tolerances in 40 CFR 
180.535. EPA assessed dietary exposures from fluroxypyr 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 fluroxypyr; therefore, a 
quantitative acute dietary exposure assessment is unnecessary.
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 
``What We Eat in America'' (NHANES/WWEIA) dietary survey conducted in 
2003-2008. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed tolerance-level 
residues with 100 percent crop treated (PCT) for all existing and 
proposed crop uses and default processing factors for processed 
commodities.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has 
concluded that fluroxypyr 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 
fluroxypyr. 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 fluroxypyr in drinking water. These simulation models 
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport 
characteristics of fluroxypyr. Further information regarding EPA 
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be 
found at https://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
    Based on the Tier 1 Rice Model and Screening Concentration in 
Ground Water (SCI-GROW) models, the estimated drinking water 
concentrations (EDWCs) of fluroxypyr for chronic exposures are 
estimated to be 540 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 0.055 
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 value of 540 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).
    Fluroxypyr is currently registered for the following uses that 
could result in residential exposures: Residential turfgrass, golf 
courses, parks and sports fields. Residential handler exposure was not 
assessed because all the labels require the use of personal-protective 
equipment (PPE) and are not intended for application by homeowners.
    For post-application exposure, although adults and children 
performing physical activities on treated turf (e.g., golfing, mowing) 
may receive dermal exposure to fluroxypyr residues, a quantitative risk 
assessment for the dermal route of exposure was not conducted since 
there are no toxicity findings for the short-term dermal route of 
exposure up to the limit dose. In addition, a quantitative post-
application inhalation exposure assessment was not conducted because of 
the low acute inhalation toxicity, low vapor pressure, and the 
relatively low use rate.
    Young children 1 to <2 years old may receive incidental oral post-
application exposure to fluroxypyr from treated turf. The post-
application exposures for children playing on treated turf resulting in 
incidental oral exposure as a result of mouthing behaviors were 
assessed.
    Further information regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic 
inputs for residential exposures may be found at https://www2.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 fluroxypyr to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and fluroxypyr does not appear to 
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the 
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
fluroxypyr 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://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 is no evidence of 
increased qualitative or quantitative susceptibility following in utero 
exposure in rats and rabbits or following pre and/or postnatal exposure 
in rats.
    Fluroxypyr is neither a developmental nor a reproductive toxicant 
in rats. Fluroxypyr has been evaluated for potential developmental 
effects in the

[[Page 29705]]

rat and rabbit (gavage administration). Maternal toxicity included 
death in rats and rabbits. There were no developmental effects in the 
rat, and while abortions were observed in the rabbit, they occurred 
only at the limit dose.
    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 fluroxypyr is complete.
    ii. There is no indication that fluroxypyr is a neurotoxic chemical 
and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study or 
additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
    iii. There is no evidence that fluroxypyr results in increased 
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal 
developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction 
study.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The chronic dietary food exposure assessment utilizes 
tolerance-level residue estimates and assumes 100 PCT for all 
commodities. This assessment will not underestimate exposure/risk. EPA 
made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface 
water modeling used to assess exposure to fluroxypyr 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 fluroxypyr.

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, 
fluroxypyr 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 
fluroxypyr from food and water will utilize 3.5% of the cPAD for all 
infants less than 1-year-old, the population group receiving the 
greatest exposure. Based on the explanation in Unit III.C.3., regarding 
residential use patterns, chronic residential exposure to residues of 
fluroxypyr 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).
    Fluroxypyr 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 fluroxypyr.
    Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water, 
and residential exposures result in an aggregate MOE of 2,500 for 
children 1-2 years old. Because EPA's level of concern for fluroxypyr 
is a MOE of 100 or below, this MOE is 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, 
fluroxypyr 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 
fluroxypyr.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of 
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity 
studies, fluroxypyr 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 fluroxypyr residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate GC/ECD (gas chromatography/electron-capture detection) 
analytical methods are available to enforce the proposed plant 
tolerances. The available methods for plant commodities involve 
extraction of fluroxypyr residues with acetone, partitioning with 
hexane, purification using a florisil column, and analysis of residues 
by GC/ECD. 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 EPA explain 
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
    The Codex has not established a MRL for fluroxypyr on teff.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for the combined residues of 
fluroxypyr 1-methylheptyl ester [1-methylheptyl ((4-amino-3,5-dichloro-
6-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy)acetate] and its metabolite fluroxypyr [((4-
amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)oxy)acetic acid] in or on teff, 
forage at 12 ppm; teff, grain at 0.50 ppm; teff, hay at 20 ppm; and 
teff, straw at 12 ppm.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes tolerances under FFDCA section 408(d) in 
response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types

[[Page 29706]]

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), nor is 
it considered a regulatory action under 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: June 8, 2018.
Michael 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.  180.535, add alphabetically the entries ``Teff, forage''; 
``Teff, grain''; ``Teff, hay''; and ``Teff, straw'' to the table in 
paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  180.535  Fluroxypyr 1-methylheptyl ester; tolerances for 
residues.

    (a) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Parts per
                          Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Teff, forage................................................          12
Teff, grain.................................................        0.50
Teff, hay...................................................          20
Teff, straw.................................................          12
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2018-13724 Filed 6-25-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.