Fludioxonil; Pesticide Tolerances, 55491-55495 [2018-24265]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 6, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
55491
TABLE 5 OF § 165.801—SECTOR NEW ORLEANS ANNUAL AND RECURRING SAFETY ZONES—Continued
Date
Sponsor/name
Sector New Orleans location
Safety zone
5. July 4th ..............................
Independence Day Celebration, Main
Street 4th of July (Fireworks Display).
Morgan City, LA ...................
6. July 4th ..............................
WBRZ—The Advocate 4th of July Fireworks Display.
Baton Rouge, LA ..................
7. The Saturday before July
4th or on July 4th if that
day is a Saturday.
Independence Day
Side Marine.
Celebration/Bridge
Grand Isle, LA ......................
8. 1st Weekend of September
LA Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Fireworks Display, LA Shrimp and Petroleum Festival and Fair Association.
Office of Mayor-President/Downtown
Festival of Lights.
Morgan City, LA ...................
Morgan City Port Allen Route mile
marker 0.0 to 1.0, Morgan City,
LA.
In the vicinity of the USS Kidd, the
Lower Mississippi River from mile
marker 228.8 to 230.0, Baton
Rouge, LA.
500 Foot Radius from the Pier located at Bridge Side Marine, 2012
LA Highway 1, Grand Isle, LA (Lat:
29°12′14″ N; Long: 090°02′28.47″
W).
Atchafalaya River at mile marker
118.5, Morgan City, LA.
Crescent City Countdown Club/New
Year’s Celebration.
Boomtown Casino/New Year’s Celebration.
USS Kidd Veterans Memorial/Fourth of
July Star-Spangled Celebration.
Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA.
Harvey Canal, Harvey, LA ...
Baton Rouge, LA ..................
15. July 4th ............................
Baton Rouge Paddle Club and Muddy
Water Paddle Co./Big River Regional.
L’Auberge Casino Baton Rouge/July 4th
Celebration.
Madisonville Old Fashioned 4th of July ...
Madisonville, LA ...................
16. Weekend before July 4th
Mandeville July 4th Celebration ...............
Mandeville, LA ......................
9. 1st Weekend in December
(Usually that Friday, subject to change due to
weather).
10. December 31st ................
11. December 31st ................
12. July 4th ............................
13. Saturday before Labor
Day.
14. July 4th ............................
Dated: October 31, 2018.
W.E. Watson,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Captain
of the Port Sector New Orleans.
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2017–0538; FRL–9982–75]
Fludioxonil; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
revised tolerances for residues of
fludioxonil in or on beet, sugar, roots at
4.0 parts per million. Syngenta Crop
Protection, LLC requested this tolerance
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
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Baton Rouge, LA ..................
Baton Rouge, LA ..................
This regulation is effective
November 6, 2018. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before January 7, 2019, 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–2017–0538, 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.
DATES:
[FR Doc. 2018–24230 Filed 11–5–18; 8:45 am]
SUMMARY:
Baton Rouge, LA ..................
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Located on Left Descending Bank,
Lower Mississippi River north of
the USS Kidd, at mile marker 230,
Baton Rouge, LA.
Mississippi River mile marker 93.5–
96.5, New Orleans, LA.
Harvey Canal mile marker 4.0 to 5.0,
Harvey, LA.
In the vicinity of the USS Kidd, the
Lower Mississippi River from mile
marker 228.8 to 230.0, Baton
Rouge, LA.
Mississippi River from mile marker
215 to 230.4, Baton Rouge, LA.
Mississippi River from mile marker
216.0 to 217.5, Baton Rouge, LA.
Tchefuncte River, at approximate position 30°24′11.63″ N 090°09′17.
39″ W, in front of the Madisonville
Town Hall.
Approximately 600′ off the shore of
the
Mandeville
Lakefront
30°21′12.03″ N 90°04′ 28.95″ W.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael L. 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).
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• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
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B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of EPA’s tolerance
regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR
site at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl.
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation
and may also request a hearing on those
objections. You must file your objection
or request a hearing on this regulation
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2017–0538 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing, and must be
received by the Hearing Clerk on or
before January 7, 2019. 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–
2017–0538, by one of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Do not submit electronically any
information you consider to be CBI or
other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute.
• Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001.
• Hand Delivery: To make special
arrangements for hand delivery or
delivery of boxed information, please
follow the instructions at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
Additional instructions on
commenting or visiting the docket,
along with more information about
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dockets generally, is available at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of December
15, 2017 (82 FR 59604) (FRL–9970–50),
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 7F8592) by
Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, 410
Swing Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. The
petition requested that the existing
tolerance in 40 CFR 180.516 for residues
of the fungicide fludioxonil, 4-(2, 2difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-1Hpyrrole-3-carbonitrile, in or on beet,
sugar, roots be amended to 5.0 parts per
million (ppm). That document
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Syngenta Crop Protection,
LLC, 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
determined that the tolerance be set at
4.0 ppm, which is less than the
tolerance level of 5.0 ppm proposed by
the petitioner. The reason for this
change is explained in Unit IV.C.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Section
408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
give special consideration to exposure
of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a
tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to infants and children from
aggregate exposure to the pesticide
chemical residue. . . .’’
Consistent with FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has
reviewed the available scientific data
and other relevant information in
support of this action. EPA has
sufficient data to assess the hazards of
and to make a determination on
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aggregate exposure for fludioxonil
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with fludioxonil 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.
In all species tested, the effects in the
fludioxonil database are indicative of
toxicity to the liver, kidney, and
hematopoietic system (dogs only). There
were also decreased body weights and
clinical signs throughout the database.
Fludioxonil was non-toxic through the
dermal route and there was no evidence
of immunotoxicity when tested up to
the limit dose. Fludioxonil was not
mutagenic in the tests for gene
mutations. There was no quantitative or
qualitative evidence of increased
susceptibility following in utero
exposure to rats and rabbits or following
pre-/postnatal exposure to rats.
In a rat developmental toxicity study,
fludioxonil caused an increase in fetal
incidence and litter incidence of both
dilated renal pelvis and ureter at the
limit dose (1000 mg/kg/day). These
effects are known to occur
spontaneously in the rat, in addition to
being transient and reversible, which is
consistent with the fludioxonil hazard
database (not seen in offspring in the
two-generation reproductive study).
Maternal toxicity occurred at the same
dose and manifested as body-weight
decrements. Fludioxonil was not
developmentally toxic in rabbits. In the
two-generation reproduction study,
parental and offspring effects occurred
at the same dose and consisted of
decreased body weights in parental and
offspring animals, as well as increased
clinical signs in parental animals.
Fludioxonil was classified as a Group
D carcinogen (not classifiable as to
human carcinogenicity); therefore, there
is no need for a quantitative cancer risk
assessment.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by fludioxonil 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 document
Fludioxonil. ‘‘Human Health Risk
Assessment for the Proposed New Post
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Harvest Use on Sugar Beets.’’ at pg. 11
in docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
2017–0538.
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B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (POD)
and levels of concern to use in
evaluating the risk posed by human
exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
that have a threshold below which there
is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
POD is used as the basis for derivation
of reference values for risk assessment.
PODs are developed based on a careful
analysis of the doses in each
toxicological study to determine the
dose at which no adverse effects are
observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern
are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
safety factors are used in conjunction
with the POD to calculate a safe
exposure level—generally referred to as
a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
risks, the Agency assumes that any
amount of exposure will lead to some
degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
estimates risk in terms of the probability
of an occurrence of the adverse effect
expected in a lifetime. For more
information on the general principles
EPA uses in risk characterization and a
complete description of the risk
assessment process, see https://
www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/
riskassess.htm.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for fludioxonil used for
human risk assessment is discussed in
Unit III.B. of the final rule published in
the Federal Register of April 14, 2015
(80 FR 48743) (FRL–9931–06).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to fludioxonil, EPA considered
exposure under the petitioned-for
tolerance as well as all existing
fludioxonil tolerances in 40 CFR
180.516. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from fludioxonil 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 fludioxonil;
therefore, a quantitative acute dietary
exposure assessment is unnecessary.
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ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) 2003–2008 National
Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey, What We Eat in America,
(NHANES/WWEIA). As to residue levels
in food, EPA an unrefined chronic
dietary exposure and risk assessment
was conducted assuming 100% percent
crop treated (PCT) and tolerance-level
residues for all food commodities. The
Processing Factor Focus (PFFG) default
processing factors were used.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data
summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
classified fludioxonil as a group D
carcinogen, i.e., not classifiable as to
human carcinogenicity. Therefore, a
dietary exposure assessment for the
purpose of assessing cancer risk is
unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information.
EPA did not use anticipated residue
and/or PCT information in the dietary
assessment for fludioxonil. Tolerance
level residues and/or 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 fludioxonil in drinking water. These
simulation models take into account
data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of fludioxonil.
Further information regarding EPA
drinking water models used in pesticide
exposure assessment can be found at
https://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-scienceand-assessing-pesticide-risks/aboutwater-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
Based on the Pesticide Root Zone
Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling
System (PRZM) and the Variable
Volume Water Model (VVWM) along
with the Pesticide Root Zone Model
Ground Water (PRZM GW) were used,
the estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWCs) of fludioxonil
for chronic exposures for non-cancer
assessments are estimated to be 17.7
parts per billion (ppb) for surface water
and 48.34 ppb for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model. For
chronic dietary risk assessment, the
water concentration of value 48.34 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,
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55493
indoor pest control, termiticides, and
flea and tick control on pets).
Fludioxonil is currently registered for
the following uses that could result in
residential exposures: Parks, golf
courses, athletic fields, residential
lawns, ornamentals, and greenhouses.
EPA assessed residential exposure based
on the following: The residential
exposure for use in the adult aggregate
assessment reflects inhalation exposures
from handler exposure to applying
paints with airless sprayers. The
residential exposure for use in the
children 1 to <2 years old aggregate
assessment reflects incidental oral
exposures (hand-to-mouth) from postapplication exposure to outdoor treated
turf.
Further information regarding EPA
standard assumptions and generic
inputs for residential exposures may be
found at https://www.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 fludioxonil to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
fludioxonil does not appear to produce
a toxic metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that fludioxonil 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.
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
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safety is commonly referred to as the
Food Quality Protection Act Safety
Factor (FQPA SF). In applying this
provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X, or uses a different
additional safety factor when reliable
data available to EPA support the choice
of a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
There was no quantitative or qualitative
evidence of increased susceptibility
following in utero exposure to rats and
rabbits or following pre-/postnatal
exposure. In a rat developmental
toxicity study, fludioxonil caused an
increase in fetal incidence and litter
incidence of dilated renal pelvis at the
limit dose (1,000 mg/kg/day). Maternal
toxicity occurred at the same dose and
manifested as body weight decrements.
Fludioxonil was not developmentally
toxic in rabbits. In the 2-generation
reproduction study, parental and
offspring effects occurred at the same
dose and consisted of decreased body
weights in parental and offspring
animals, as well as increased clinical
signs in parental animals.
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 fludioxonil
is complete.
ii. There is low concern that
fludioxonil is a neurotoxic chemical.
The only potential indicator of
neurotoxicity for fludioxonil was
convulsions in mice following handling
in the mouse carcinogenicity study at
the mid- and high-doses. There was no
supportive neuropathology, the effect
was not seen at similar doses in a
second mouse carcinogenicity study,
there were no other signs of potential
neurotoxicity observed in the database,
and selected endpoints are protective of
the effect seen in mice. Therefore, there
is no residual uncertainty concerning
neurotoxicity and no need to retain the
FQPA 10X safety factor.
iii. There is no evidence that
fludioxonil 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 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 fludioxonil in
drinking water. EPA made conservative
(protective) assumptions in the ground
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and surface water modeling used to
assess exposure to fludioxonil 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 fludioxonil.
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, fludioxonil 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 fludioxonil
from food and water will utilize 51% of
the cPAD for children 1–2 years 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 fludioxonil 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).
Fludioxonil 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 fludioxonil.
Using the exposure assumptions
described in this unit for short-term
exposures, EPA has concluded the
combined short-term food, water, and
residential exposures result in aggregate
MOEs of 15,000 for adults and 4,600 for
children 1–2 years old. Because EPA’s
level of concern for fludioxonil is a
MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are
not of concern.
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4. Intermediate-term risk.
Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered
to be a background exposure level).
Intermediate- and long-term aggregate
risk assessments were not performed
because there are no registered or
proposed uses of fludioxonil that result
in intermediate- or long-term residential
exposures.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the discussion
contained in Unit III.A., fludioxonil 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 fludioxonil
residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
high-performance liquid
chromatography/ultraviolet (HPLC/UV)
methods (Methods AG–597 and AG–
597B) are available for enforcing
tolerances for fludioxonil on plant
commodities. An adequate liquid
chromatography, tandem mass
spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method
(Analytical Method GRM025.03A) is
available for enforcing tolerances for
residues of fludioxonil in or on
livestock commodities.
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
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different from a Codex MRL; however,
FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
EPA explain the reasons for departing
from the Codex level.
There is no Codex MRL for sugar beet
roots for fludioxonil.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For
Tolerances
All tolerance levels are based upon
the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD)
tolerance calculation procedures. Based
on the residue chemistry data and the
OECD tolerance-calculation procedure,
the tolerance level established in this
notice for fludioxonil on beet, sugar,
roots is lower (4.0 ppm) than that
requested by the petitioner (5.0 ppm).
V. Conclusion
Therefore, the tolerance is amended
for residues of fludioxonil: [4-(2, 2difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-1Hpyrrole-3-carbonitrile], in or on beet,
sugar, roots from 0.02 ppm to 4.0 ppm.
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action amends a tolerance under
FFDCA section 408(d) in response to a
petition submitted to the Agency. The
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) has exempted these types of
actions from review under Executive
Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory
Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993). Because this action
has been exempted from review under
Executive Order 12866, this action is
not subject to Executive Order 13211,
entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive
Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997) 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:14 Nov 05, 2018
Jkt 247001
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).
Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: October 16, 2018.
Michael Goodis,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Program.
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 § 180.516, revise the tolerance for
‘‘Beet, sugar, roots’’ in the table of
paragraph (a)(1), to read as follows:
■
§ 180.516 Fludioxonil; tolerance for
residues.
(a) General. (1) * * *
*
*
*
Beet, sugar, roots .................
*
*
*
*
*
Fmt 4700
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*
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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
Frm 00031
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[FR Doc. 2018–24265 Filed 11–5–18; 8:45 am]
VII. Congressional Review Act
PO 00000
Parts per
million
Commodity
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 6, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55491-55495]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24265]
=======================================================================
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0538; FRL-9982-75]
Fludioxonil; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes revised tolerances for residues of
fludioxonil in or on beet, sugar, roots at 4.0 parts per million.
Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested this tolerance under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective November 6, 2018. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before January 7, 2019,
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-2017-0538, 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, 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).
[[Page 55492]]
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-2017-0538 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
January 7, 2019. 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-2017-0538, by one of
the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460-0001.
Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance
In the Federal Register of December 15, 2017 (82 FR 59604) (FRL-
9970-50), 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
7F8592) by Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, 410 Swing Road, Greensboro,
NC 27409. The petition requested that the existing tolerance in 40 CFR
180.516 for residues of the fungicide fludioxonil, 4-(2, 2-difluoro-
1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, in or on beet, sugar,
roots be amended to 5.0 parts per million (ppm). That document
referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Syngenta Crop
Protection, LLC, 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
determined that the tolerance be set at 4.0 ppm, which is less than the
tolerance level of 5.0 ppm proposed by the petitioner. The reason for
this change is explained in Unit IV.C.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . .
.''
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a
determination on aggregate exposure for fludioxonil including exposure
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's
assessment of exposures and risks associated with fludioxonil 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.
In all species tested, the effects in the fludioxonil database are
indicative of toxicity to the liver, kidney, and hematopoietic system
(dogs only). There were also decreased body weights and clinical signs
throughout the database. Fludioxonil was non-toxic through the dermal
route and there was no evidence of immunotoxicity when tested up to the
limit dose. Fludioxonil was not mutagenic in the tests for gene
mutations. There was no quantitative or qualitative evidence of
increased susceptibility following in utero exposure to rats and
rabbits or following pre-/postnatal exposure to rats.
In a rat developmental toxicity study, fludioxonil caused an
increase in fetal incidence and litter incidence of both dilated renal
pelvis and ureter at the limit dose (1000 mg/kg/day). These effects are
known to occur spontaneously in the rat, in addition to being transient
and reversible, which is consistent with the fludioxonil hazard
database (not seen in offspring in the two-generation reproductive
study). Maternal toxicity occurred at the same dose and manifested as
body-weight decrements. Fludioxonil was not developmentally toxic in
rabbits. In the two-generation reproduction study, parental and
offspring effects occurred at the same dose and consisted of decreased
body weights in parental and offspring animals, as well as increased
clinical signs in parental animals.
Fludioxonil was classified as a Group D carcinogen (not
classifiable as to human carcinogenicity); therefore, there is no need
for a quantitative cancer risk assessment.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by fludioxonil 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 document Fludioxonil. ``Human Health Risk
Assessment for the Proposed New Post
[[Page 55493]]
Harvest Use on Sugar Beets.'' at pg. 11 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-
2017-0538.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL)
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete
description of the risk assessment process, see https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for fludioxonil used for
human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III.B. of the final rule
published in the Federal Register of April 14, 2015 (80 FR 48743) (FRL-
9931-06).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to fludioxonil, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerance as well as all existing fludioxonil tolerances in 40 CFR
180.516. EPA assessed dietary exposures from fludioxonil 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
fludioxonil; 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 United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2003-2008 National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in America, (NHANES/WWEIA).
As to residue levels in food, EPA an unrefined chronic dietary exposure
and risk assessment was conducted assuming 100% percent crop treated
(PCT) and tolerance-level residues for all food commodities. The
Processing Factor Focus (PFFG) default processing factors were used.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
classified fludioxonil as a group D carcinogen, i.e., not classifiable
as to human carcinogenicity. Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment
for the purpose of assessing cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information.
EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the
dietary assessment for fludioxonil. Tolerance level residues and/or
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 fludioxonil in drinking water. These simulation models
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of fludioxonil. Further information regarding EPA
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be
found at https://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
Based on the Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling
System (PRZM) and the Variable Volume Water Model (VVWM) along with the
Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM GW) were used, the
estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of fludioxonil for
chronic exposures for non-cancer assessments are estimated to be 17.7
parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 48.34 ppb for ground
water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly
entered into the dietary exposure model. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of value 48.34 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).
Fludioxonil is currently registered for the following uses that
could result in residential exposures: Parks, golf courses, athletic
fields, residential lawns, ornamentals, and greenhouses. EPA assessed
residential exposure based on the following: The residential exposure
for use in the adult aggregate assessment reflects inhalation exposures
from handler exposure to applying paints with airless sprayers. The
residential exposure for use in the children 1 to <2 years old
aggregate assessment reflects incidental oral exposures (hand-to-mouth)
from post-application exposure to outdoor 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 fludioxonil to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and fludioxonil does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
fludioxonil 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.
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
[[Page 55494]]
safety is commonly referred to as the Food Quality Protection Act
Safety Factor (FQPA SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains
the default value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor
when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different
factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There was no quantitative or
qualitative evidence of increased susceptibility following in utero
exposure to rats and rabbits or following pre-/postnatal exposure. In a
rat developmental toxicity study, fludioxonil caused an increase in
fetal incidence and litter incidence of dilated renal pelvis at the
limit dose (1,000 mg/kg/day). Maternal toxicity occurred at the same
dose and manifested as body weight decrements. Fludioxonil was not
developmentally toxic in rabbits. In the 2-generation reproduction
study, parental and offspring effects occurred at the same dose and
consisted of decreased body weights in parental and offspring animals,
as well as increased clinical signs in parental animals.
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 fludioxonil is complete.
ii. There is low concern that fludioxonil is a neurotoxic chemical.
The only potential indicator of neurotoxicity for fludioxonil was
convulsions in mice following handling in the mouse carcinogenicity
study at the mid- and high-doses. There was no supportive
neuropathology, the effect was not seen at similar doses in a second
mouse carcinogenicity study, there were no other signs of potential
neurotoxicity observed in the database, and selected endpoints are
protective of the effect seen in mice. Therefore, there is no residual
uncertainty concerning neurotoxicity and no need to retain the FQPA 10X
safety factor.
iii. There is no evidence that fludioxonil 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 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 fludioxonil in drinking water. EPA made
conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water
modeling used to assess exposure to fludioxonil 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 fludioxonil.
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,
fludioxonil 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
fludioxonil from food and water will utilize 51% of the cPAD for
children 1-2 years 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
fludioxonil 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).
Fludioxonil 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 fludioxonil.
Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water,
and residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 15,000 for adults
and 4,600 for children 1-2 years old. Because EPA's level of concern
for fludioxonil 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).
Intermediate- and long-term aggregate risk assessments were not
performed because there are no registered or proposed uses of
fludioxonil that result in intermediate- or long-term residential
exposures.
5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the
discussion contained in Unit III.A., fludioxonil 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 fludioxonil residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology high-performance liquid
chromatography/ultraviolet (HPLC/UV) methods (Methods AG-597 and AG-
597B) are available for enforcing tolerances for fludioxonil on plant
commodities. An adequate liquid chromatography, tandem mass
spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method (Analytical Method GRM025.03A) is
available for enforcing tolerances for residues of fludioxonil in or on
livestock commodities.
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
[[Page 55495]]
different from a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires
that EPA explain the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
There is no Codex MRL for sugar beet roots for fludioxonil.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances
All tolerance levels are based upon the Organization for Economic
Co-operation and Development's (OECD) tolerance calculation procedures.
Based on the residue chemistry data and the OECD tolerance-calculation
procedure, the tolerance level established in this notice for
fludioxonil on beet, sugar, roots is lower (4.0 ppm) than that
requested by the petitioner (5.0 ppm).
V. Conclusion
Therefore, the tolerance is amended for residues of fludioxonil:
[4-(2, 2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile], in
or on beet, sugar, roots from 0.02 ppm to 4.0 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action amends a tolerance under FFDCA section 408(d) in
response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and
Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this action has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action is not
subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or
Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) 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: October 16, 2018.
Michael Goodis,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Program.
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. 180.516, revise the tolerance for ``Beet, sugar, roots'' in
the table of paragraph (a)(1), to read as follows:
Sec. 180.516 Fludioxonil; tolerance for residues.
(a) General. (1) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Beet, sugar, roots...................................... 4.0
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2018-24265 Filed 11-5-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P