Nitrapyrin; Pesticide Tolerances, 44708-44712 [2019-18382]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 27, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
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[FR Doc. 2019–18366 Filed 8–26–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2018–0095; FRL–9996–85]
Nitrapyrin; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of nitrapyrin in
or on multiple commodities which are
identified and discussed later in this
document. Interregional Research
Project No. 4 (IR–4) requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
August 27, 2019. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before October 28, 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–2018–0095, is
available at https://www.regulations.gov
or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)
in the Environmental Protection Agency
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460–0001. The Public Reading Room
is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The telephone number for the
Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
and the telephone number for the OPP
Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
the visitor instructions and additional
information about the docket available
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Goodis, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460–0001; main telephone number:
(703) 305–7090; email address:
RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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SUMMARY:
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
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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 Publishing Office’s eCFR 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–2018–0095 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 October 28, 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–
2018–0095, 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.
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• 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 July 24,
2018 (83 FR 34968) (FRL–9980–31),
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 7E8645) by
Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR–
4), Rutgers, The State University of New
Jersey, 500 College Road East, Suite
201W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition
requested that 40 CFR 180.350 be
amended by establishing tolerances for
residues of the nitrification inhibitor
nitrapyrin (2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)
pyridine) and its metabolite, 6chloropicolinic acid (6–CPA), calculated
as the stoichiometric equivalent of
nitrapyrin, in or on citrus, dried pulp at
0.094 parts per million (ppm); citrus, oil
at 0.37 ppm; fruit, citrus, group 10–10
at 0.03 ppm; leaf petiole vegetable
subgroup 22B at 0.4 ppm; Vegetable,
brassica, head and stem, group 5–16 at
0.07 ppm; vegetable, bulb, group 3–07 at
0.3 ppm; and vegetable, leafy, group 4–
16 at 0.3 ppm. That document
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Dow AgroSciences 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 is
establishing tolerances that vary from
what the petitioner requested, as
authorized under FFDCA section
408(d)(4)(A)(i). EPA’s explanation for
those variations is contained in Unit
IV.D.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
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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 nitrapyrin
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with nitrapyrin follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered their
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 oral studies, the liver is the target
organ for nitrapyrin, and liver effects are
evident in all species tested. Clear signs
of hepatotoxicity (i.e., marked changes
in clinical chemistry in dogs, indicative
of liver toxicity and histopathology in
rats and mice, leading to malignant
tumor formation in mice) are seen after
repeated exposure. Nitrapyrin does not
show qualitative or quantitative
susceptibility in the rat or rabbit
developmental studies or in the 2generation reproduction study. The
observed adverse effects (e.g., delayed
ossification and decreased fetal body
weight in the developmental rat study
and liver effects in pups in the rat
reproduction study) occurred at the
same doses as maternal toxicity. There
is low concern for the altered motor
activity seen after acute or subchronic
exposure because: Clear no-observed
adverse effect levels (NOAELs) and
lowest-observed adverse effect levels
(LOAELs) have been established; no
corroborating gross pathological or
neuropathological effects were found in
any other study in the database; and the
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selected endpoints are protective of the
observed effects.
Nitrapyrin is not mutagenic or
immunotoxic, and no effects were
observed in the subchronic dermal
toxicity study in rabbits up to the limit
dose. Nitrapyrin is classified as having
‘‘suggestive’’ evidence of
carcinogenicity, based on liver
adenomas and carcinomas in mice. This
classification is supported by the
following factors: (1) Liver tumors were
not seen in the 2-year carcinogenicity
study in rats; (2) The response is driven
by benign adenomas; (3) Mutagenicity
was ruled out as a mode of action; and
(4) There are adequate data supporting
the MOA of mitogenesis through
activation CAR nuclear receptors in
male mice but not in female mice. In
addition, the chronic reference dose
(0.03 mg/kg/day) is approximately
4000X lower than the dose at which
tumors are seen in the female mouse.
Therefore, quantification of cancer risk
using a non-linear Reference Dose (RfD)
approach adequately accounts for all
chronic toxicity, including
carcinogenicity that could result from
exposure to nitrapyrin.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by nitrapyrin as well as
the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies are discussed in the
final rule published in the Federal
Register of November 30, 2017 (82 FR
56739) (FRL–9967–73).
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
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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 nitrapyrin used for human
risk assessment is discussed in Unit
III.B of the final rule published in the
Federal Register of November 30, 2017
(82 FR 56739) (FRL–9967–73).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to nitrapyrin, EPA considered
exposure under the petitioned-for
tolerances as well as all existing
nitrapyrin tolerances in 40 CFR 180.350.
EPA assessed dietary exposures from
nitrapyrin in food as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute
dietary exposure and risk assessments
are performed for a food-use pesticide,
if a toxicological study has indicated the
possibility of an effect of concern
occurring as a result of a 1-day or single
exposure.
Such effects were identified for
nitrapyrin. In estimating acute dietary
exposure, EPA used food consumption
information 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 assumed
tolerance-level residues and 100 percent
crop treated (PCT).
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure
assessment, EPA used the food
consumption data from the USDA 2003–
2008 NHANES/WWEIA. As to residue
levels in food, EPA assumed tolerancelevel residues and 100 PCT.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data cited in
Unit III.A., EPA has concluded that
quantification of cancer risk using a
nonlinear RfD approach adequately
accounts for all chronic toxicity,
including carcinogenicity that could
result from exposure to nitrapyrin.
Cancer risk was assessed using the same
exposure estimates as discussed in Unit
III.C.1.ii., Chronic exposure.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did
not use anticipated residue and/or PCT
information in the dietary assessment
for nitrapyrin. Tolerance level residues
and/or 100 PCT were assumed for all
food commodities.
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2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for nitrapyrin in drinking water. These
simulation models take into account
data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of nitrapyrin.
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 II pesticide water
calculator (PWC), which incorporates
the Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground
Water (PRZM GW), the estimated
drinking water concentrations (EDWCs)
of nitrapyrin residues of concern for
acute exposures are estimated to be 51
parts per billion (ppb) for surface water
and 76 ppb for ground water, and for
chronic exposures for non-cancer
assessments are estimated to be 15 ppb
for surface water and 67 ppb for ground
water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water
concentrations were directly entered
into the dietary exposure model. For
acute dietary risk assessment, the water
concentration value of 76 ppb was used
to assess the contribution to drinking
water. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of
value 67 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). Nitrapyrin
is not registered for any specific use
patterns that would result in residential
exposure.
4. Cumulative effects from substances
with a common mechanism of toxicity.
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance, the Agency consider
‘‘available information’’ concerning the
cumulative effects of a particular
pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
EPA has not found nitrapyrin to share
a common mechanism of toxicity with
any other substances, and nitrapyrin
does not appear to produce a toxic
metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that nitrapyrin does not have
a common mechanism of toxicity with
other substances. For information
regarding EPA’s efforts to determine
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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 are adequate pre- and/or postnatal toxicity studies that do not show
quantitative susceptibility in the rabbit
or rat developmental studies or in the
two-generation reproduction study. In
the developmental toxicity in the rabbit,
an increased incidence of crooked hyoid
bones was seen at the highest dose
tested. This effect is considered to be
treatment-related but not adverse. In the
rat developmental study, developmental
toxicity (delayed ossification and
decreased fetal body weight) occurred at
the same dose as maternal toxicity
(reduced body weight/weight gain and
reduced food consumption). Toxic
effects in the 2-generation reproduction
study also occurred at the same dose in
both parental animals and the offspring
and included increased liver weights
(parental M and F; both generations),
enlarged livers in F2 pups (M and F),
and hepatic vacuolation consistent with
fatty changes in parental and offspring
animals (both sexes and both
generations). Similarly, gross
pathological or neuropathological
findings in the neurotoxicity studies
were negative.
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 nitrapyrin
is complete.
ii. An acceptable acute neurotoxicity
study and an acceptable subchronic
neurotoxicity study are available for
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nitrapyrin. Acutely, nitrapyrin induced
tremors and other functional
observation battery effects (i.e., slight
gait incoordination, palpebral closure
and perineal fecal staining) at the high
dose (400 mg/kg) only. Decreased motor
activity was seen in both sexes at 400
mg/kg and in females at 80 mg/kg. In
contrast, increased motor activity was
observed in the subchronic
neurotoxicity study in female rats but
only at high doses (≥500 mg/kg/day).
However, concern is low since: (1)
There are clear NOAELs/LOAELs; (2)
there are no corroborating gross
pathological or neuropathological
findings; (3) there was no evidence of
neurotoxicity in other studies in the
database; and (4) the selected endpoints
are protective of the observed effects.
iii. There is no evidence that
nitrapyrin 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. Effects on the
offspring were either not treatmentrelated or occurred only at the same
parental dose.
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 nitrapyrin in
drinking water. These assessments will
not underestimate the exposure and
risks posed by nitrapyrin.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure
estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and
chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer
risks, EPA calculates the lifetime
probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,
intermediate-, and chronic-term risks
are evaluated by comparing the
estimated aggregate food, water, and
residential exposure to the appropriate
PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE
exists.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure
assumptions discussed in this unit for
acute exposure, the acute dietary
exposure from food and water to
nitrapyrin will occupy 8.5% of the
aPAD for all infants (less than 1-year
old), the population group receiving the
greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to nitrapyrin from
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food and water will utilize 17% of the
cPAD for children 1 to 2 years old, the
population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no residential uses
for nitrapyrin.
3. Short- and intermediate-term risk.
Short- and intermediate-term aggregate
exposure takes into account short- and
intermediate-term residential exposure
plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background
exposure level).
However, nitrapyrin is not registered
for, or proposed for, any residential
uses. Therefore, because there is no
short-term or intermediate-term
residential exposure and chronic dietary
exposure has already been assessed
under the appropriately protective
cPAD (which is at least as protective as
the POD used to assess short-term risk),
no further assessment of short- or
intermediate-term risk is necessary, and
EPA relies on the chronic dietary risk
assessment for evaluating short- and
intermediate-term risk for nitrapyrin.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the discussion in
Unit III.A., EPA considers the chronic
aggregate risk assessment to be
protective of any aggregate cancer risk.
As there is no chronic risk of concern,
EPA does not expect any cancer risk to
the U.S. population from aggregate
exposure to nitrapyrin.
5. Determination of safety. Based on
these risk assessments, EPA concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to the general
population, or to infants and children
from aggregate exposure to nitrapyrin
residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
(gas chromatograph/electron capture
detector) is available to enforce the
tolerance expression. Seven analytical
methods are available in Volume II of
the Pesticide Analytical Manual (PAM
ii—Pesticide Reg. Sec. 180.350) for
tolerance enforcement for nitrapyrin
and/or for metabolite 6–CPA.
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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
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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 nitrapyrin.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For
Tolerances
EPA is establishing tolerances for
residues of nitrapyrin at different levels
than requested in the petition for most
commodities. For fruit, citrus, group 10–
10, dried pulp and fruit, citrus, group
10–10, oil, EPA established the
tolerances based on the processing
study and highest average field trial
residue for the raw agricultural
commodity lemon. This leads to higher
tolerances (0.5 ppm for fruit, citrus,
group 10–10, dried pulp and 2 ppm for
fruit, citrus, group 10–10, oil) than those
proposed by petitioner (0.094 ppm and
0.37 ppm, respectively). EPA also
corrected the commodity names for
these commodities.
Based on the residue chemistry data
and the Organization for Economic CoOperation and Development (OECD)
tolerance-calculation procedure, EPA is
establishing different tolerances for
fruit, citrus, group 10–10; leaf petiole
vegetable subgroup 22B; vegetable,
Brassica, head and stem, group 5–16;
and vegetable, leafy, group 4–16,
because the tolerance values proposed
by the petitioner do not include the
combined residues of nitrapyrin and its
metabolite 6–CPA.
In addition, EPA is revising the
tolerance expression in § 180.350(a) to
correctly identify nitrapyrin as a
nitrification inhibitor rather than the
current identification as an insecticide.
The rest of the tolerance expression
remains the same. The revised tolerance
expression is:
(a) General. Tolerances are
established for residues of the
nitrification inhibitor nitrapyrin,
including its metabolites and
degradates, in or on the commodities in
the table below. Compliance with the
tolerance levels specified below is to be
determined by measuring only the sum
of nitrapyrin (2-chloro-6(trichloromethyl) pyridine) and its 6–
CPA metabolite (6-chloro-picolinic
acid), calculated as the stoichiometric
equivalent of nitrapyrin, in or on the
commodity.
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V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of nitrapyrin, by measuring
only the sum of nitrapyrin (2-chloro-6(trichloromethyl) pyridine) and its 6–
CPA (6-chloropicolinic acid) metabolite,
calculated as the stoichiometric
equivalent of nitrapyrin, in or on fruit,
citrus, group 10–10 at 0.06 ppm; fruit,
citrus, group 10–10, dried pulp at 0.5
ppm; fruit, citrus, group 10–10, oil at 2
ppm; leaf petiole vegetable subgroup
22B at 0.5 ppm; vegetable, Brassica,
head and stem, group 5–16 at 0.1 ppm;
vegetable, bulb, group 3–07 at 0.3 ppm;
and vegetable, leafy, group 4–16 at 0.4
ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action establishes tolerances
under FFDCA section 408(d) in
response to a petition submitted to the
Agency. The Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) has exempted these types
of actions from review under Executive
Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory
Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993). Because this action
has been exempted from review under
Executive Order 12866, this action is
not subject to Executive Order 13211,
entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive
Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997), 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 tolerances in this final rule, do not
require the issuance of a proposed rule,
the requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.), do not apply.
This action directly regulates growers,
food processors, food handlers, and food
retailers, not States or tribes, nor does
this action alter the relationships or
distribution of power and
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 27, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
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).
§ 180.350 Nitrapyrin; tolerances for
residues.
(a) General. Tolerances are
established for residues of the
nitrification inhibitor nitrapyrin,
including its metabolites and
degradates, in or on the commodities in
the table below. Compliance with the
tolerance levels specified below is to be
determined by measuring only the sum
of nitrapyrin (2-chloro-6(trichloromethyl) pyridine) and its 6–
CPA metabolite (6-chloro-picolinic
acid), calculated as the stoichiometric
equivalent of nitrapyrin, in or on the
commodity:
Parts per
million
Commodity
*
*
*
*
Fruit, citrus, group 10–10 ...........
Fruit, citrus, group 10–10, dried
pulp .........................................
Fruit, citrus, group 10–10, oil ......
Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup
22B ..........................................
*
0.06
*
*
*
*
Vegetable, Brassica, head and
stem, group 5–16 ....................
Vegetable, bulb, group 3–07 ......
Vegetable, leafy, group 4–16 .....
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.5
2
0.5
0.1
0.3
0.4
*
*
*
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
[FR Doc. 2019–18382 Filed 8–26–19; 8:45 am]
Dated: August 8, 2019.
Michael Goodis,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
40 CFR Part 180
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.350, paragraph (a):
a. Revise the introductory text.
b. Add alphabetically the entries for
‘‘Fruit, citrus, group 10–10’’; ‘‘Fruit,
citrus, group 10–10, dried pulp’’; ‘‘Fruit,
■
■
■
Jkt 247001
This regulation establishes an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of oxirane, 2methyl-, polymer with oxirane,
monoundecyl ether, branched and
linear (CAS Reg. No. 2222805–23–2)
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 4700
when used as an inert ingredient in a
pesticide chemical formulation.
Exponent, Inc. on behalf of Clariant
Corporation submitted a petition to EPA
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an
amendment to an existing requirement
of a tolerance. This regulation
eliminates the need to establish a
maximum permissible level for residues
of oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with
oxirane, monoundecyl ether, branched
and linear.
DATES: This regulation is effective
August 27, 2019. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before October 28, 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–2019–0093, is
available at https://www.regulations.gov
or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)
in the Environmental Protection Agency
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460–0001. The Public Reading Room
is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The telephone number for the
Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
and the telephone number for the OPP
Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
the visitor instructions and additional
information about the docket available
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Goodis, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460–0001; main telephone number:
(703) 305–7090; email address:
RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
AGENCY:
■
17:38 Aug 26, 2019
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
Oxirane, 2-methyl-, Polymer With
Oxirane, Monoundecyl Ether,
Branched and Linear; Exemption From
the Requirement of a Tolerance
PART 180—[AMENDED]
VerDate Sep<11>2014
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2019–0093; FRL–9996–95]
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
citrus, group 10–10, oil’’; ‘‘Leaf petiole
vegetable subgroup 22B’’; ‘‘Vegetable,
Brassica, head and stem, group 5–16’’;
‘‘Vegetable, bulb, group 3–07’’; and
‘‘Vegetable, leafy, group 4–16’’ to the
table.
The revision and additions read as
follows:
Sfmt 4700
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).
E:\FR\FM\27AUR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 27, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44708-44712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-18382]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2018-0095; FRL-9996-85]
Nitrapyrin; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
nitrapyrin in or on multiple commodities which are identified and
discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project No. 4
(IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective August 27, 2019. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before October 28, 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-2018-0095, 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
Publishing 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-2018-0095 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
October 28, 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-2018-0095, 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 July 24, 2018 (83 FR 34968) (FRL-9980-
31), 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
7E8645) by Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4), Rutgers, The
State University of New Jersey, 500 College Road East, Suite 201W,
Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.350 be
amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the nitrification
inhibitor nitrapyrin (2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl) pyridine) and its
metabolite, 6-chloropicolinic acid (6-CPA), calculated as the
stoichiometric equivalent of nitrapyrin, in or on citrus, dried pulp at
0.094 parts per million (ppm); citrus, oil at 0.37 ppm; fruit, citrus,
group 10-10 at 0.03 ppm; leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B at 0.4
ppm; Vegetable, brassica, head and stem, group 5-16 at 0.07 ppm;
vegetable, bulb, group 3-07 at 0.3 ppm; and vegetable, leafy, group 4-
16 at 0.3 ppm. That document referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Dow AgroSciences 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 is
establishing tolerances that vary from what the petitioner requested,
as authorized under FFDCA section 408(d)(4)(A)(i). EPA's explanation
for those variations is contained in Unit IV.D.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the
[[Page 44709]]
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 nitrapyrin including exposure
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's
assessment of exposures and risks associated with nitrapyrin follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered their
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 oral studies, the liver is the target organ for nitrapyrin, and
liver effects are evident in all species tested. Clear signs of
hepatotoxicity (i.e., marked changes in clinical chemistry in dogs,
indicative of liver toxicity and histopathology in rats and mice,
leading to malignant tumor formation in mice) are seen after repeated
exposure. Nitrapyrin does not show qualitative or quantitative
susceptibility in the rat or rabbit developmental studies or in the 2-
generation reproduction study. The observed adverse effects (e.g.,
delayed ossification and decreased fetal body weight in the
developmental rat study and liver effects in pups in the rat
reproduction study) occurred at the same doses as maternal toxicity.
There is low concern for the altered motor activity seen after acute or
subchronic exposure because: Clear no-observed adverse effect levels
(NOAELs) and lowest-observed adverse effect levels (LOAELs) have been
established; no corroborating gross pathological or neuropathological
effects were found in any other study in the database; and the selected
endpoints are protective of the observed effects.
Nitrapyrin is not mutagenic or immunotoxic, and no effects were
observed in the subchronic dermal toxicity study in rabbits up to the
limit dose. Nitrapyrin is classified as having ``suggestive'' evidence
of carcinogenicity, based on liver adenomas and carcinomas in mice.
This classification is supported by the following factors: (1) Liver
tumors were not seen in the 2-year carcinogenicity study in rats; (2)
The response is driven by benign adenomas; (3) Mutagenicity was ruled
out as a mode of action; and (4) There are adequate data supporting the
MOA of mitogenesis through activation CAR nuclear receptors in male
mice but not in female mice. In addition, the chronic reference dose
(0.03 mg/kg/day) is approximately 4000X lower than the dose at which
tumors are seen in the female mouse. Therefore, quantification of
cancer risk using a non-linear Reference Dose (RfD) approach adequately
accounts for all chronic toxicity, including carcinogenicity that could
result from exposure to nitrapyrin.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by nitrapyrin as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies are discussed in the final rule
published in the Federal Register of November 30, 2017 (82 FR 56739)
(FRL-9967-73).
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL)
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete
description of the risk assessment process, see https://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/assessing-human-health-risk-pesticides.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for nitrapyrin used for
human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III.B of the final rule
published in the Federal Register of November 30, 2017 (82 FR 56739)
(FRL-9967-73).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to nitrapyrin, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances as well as all existing nitrapyrin tolerances in 40 CFR
180.350. EPA assessed dietary exposures from nitrapyrin in food as
follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure.
Such effects were identified for nitrapyrin. In estimating acute
dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption information 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 assumed tolerance-level residues and
100 percent crop treated (PCT).
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment, EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 2003-2008
NHANES/WWEIA. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed tolerance-level
residues and 100 PCT.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data cited in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that quantification of cancer risk using a nonlinear RfD
approach adequately accounts for all chronic toxicity, including
carcinogenicity that could result from exposure to nitrapyrin. Cancer
risk was assessed using the same exposure estimates as discussed in
Unit III.C.1.ii., Chronic exposure.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information.
EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the
dietary assessment for nitrapyrin. Tolerance level residues and/or 100
PCT were assumed for all food commodities.
[[Page 44710]]
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for nitrapyrin in drinking water. These simulation models
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of nitrapyrin. 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 II pesticide water calculator (PWC), which
incorporates the Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM GW), the
estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of nitrapyrin residues
of concern for acute exposures are estimated to be 51 parts per billion
(ppb) for surface water and 76 ppb for ground water, and for chronic
exposures for non-cancer assessments are estimated to be 15 ppb for
surface water and 67 ppb for ground water.
Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly
entered into the dietary exposure model. For acute dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration value of 76 ppb was used to assess
the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of value 67 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). Nitrapyrin is not
registered for any specific use patterns that would result in
residential exposure.
4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA has not found nitrapyrin to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and nitrapyrin does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
nitrapyrin 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 are adequate pre- and/
or post-natal toxicity studies that do not show quantitative
susceptibility in the rabbit or rat developmental studies or in the
two-generation reproduction study. In the developmental toxicity in the
rabbit, an increased incidence of crooked hyoid bones was seen at the
highest dose tested. This effect is considered to be treatment-related
but not adverse. In the rat developmental study, developmental toxicity
(delayed ossification and decreased fetal body weight) occurred at the
same dose as maternal toxicity (reduced body weight/weight gain and
reduced food consumption). Toxic effects in the 2-generation
reproduction study also occurred at the same dose in both parental
animals and the offspring and included increased liver weights
(parental M and F; both generations), enlarged livers in F2 pups (M and
F), and hepatic vacuolation consistent with fatty changes in parental
and offspring animals (both sexes and both generations). Similarly,
gross pathological or neuropathological findings in the neurotoxicity
studies were negative.
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 nitrapyrin is complete.
ii. An acceptable acute neurotoxicity study and an acceptable
subchronic neurotoxicity study are available for nitrapyrin. Acutely,
nitrapyrin induced tremors and other functional observation battery
effects (i.e., slight gait incoordination, palpebral closure and
perineal fecal staining) at the high dose (400 mg/kg) only. Decreased
motor activity was seen in both sexes at 400 mg/kg and in females at 80
mg/kg. In contrast, increased motor activity was observed in the
subchronic neurotoxicity study in female rats but only at high doses
(>=500 mg/kg/day). However, concern is low since: (1) There are clear
NOAELs/LOAELs; (2) there are no corroborating gross pathological or
neuropathological findings; (3) there was no evidence of neurotoxicity
in other studies in the database; and (4) the selected endpoints are
protective of the observed effects.
iii. There is no evidence that nitrapyrin 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. Effects on the offspring were either not treatment-related or
occurred only at the same parental dose.
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 nitrapyrin in drinking water. These assessments
will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by nitrapyrin.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water,
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an
adequate MOE exists.
1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this
unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water
to nitrapyrin will occupy 8.5% of the aPAD for all infants (less than
1-year old), the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
nitrapyrin from
[[Page 44711]]
food and water will utilize 17% of the cPAD for children 1 to 2 years
old, the population group receiving the greatest exposure. There are no
residential uses for nitrapyrin.
3. Short- and intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term
aggregate exposure takes into account short- and intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background exposure level).
However, nitrapyrin is not registered for, or proposed for, any
residential uses. Therefore, because there is no short-term or
intermediate-term residential exposure and chronic dietary exposure has
already been assessed under the appropriately protective cPAD (which is
at least as protective as the POD used to assess short-term risk), no
further assessment of short- or intermediate-term risk is necessary,
and EPA relies on the chronic dietary risk assessment for evaluating
short- and intermediate-term risk for nitrapyrin.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the
discussion in Unit III.A., EPA considers the chronic aggregate risk
assessment to be protective of any aggregate cancer risk. As there is
no chronic risk of concern, EPA does not expect any cancer risk to the
U.S. population from aggregate exposure to nitrapyrin.
5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate
exposure to nitrapyrin residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology (gas chromatograph/electron
capture detector) is available to enforce the tolerance expression.
Seven analytical methods are available in Volume II of the Pesticide
Analytical Manual (PAM ii--Pesticide Reg. Sec. 180.350) for tolerance
enforcement for nitrapyrin and/or for metabolite 6-CPA.
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 nitrapyrin.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances
EPA is establishing tolerances for residues of nitrapyrin at
different levels than requested in the petition for most commodities.
For fruit, citrus, group 10-10, dried pulp and fruit, citrus, group 10-
10, oil, EPA established the tolerances based on the processing study
and highest average field trial residue for the raw agricultural
commodity lemon. This leads to higher tolerances (0.5 ppm for fruit,
citrus, group 10-10, dried pulp and 2 ppm for fruit, citrus, group 10-
10, oil) than those proposed by petitioner (0.094 ppm and 0.37 ppm,
respectively). EPA also corrected the commodity names for these
commodities.
Based on the residue chemistry data and the Organization for
Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) tolerance-calculation
procedure, EPA is establishing different tolerances for fruit, citrus,
group 10-10; leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B; vegetable, Brassica,
head and stem, group 5-16; and vegetable, leafy, group 4-16, because
the tolerance values proposed by the petitioner do not include the
combined residues of nitrapyrin and its metabolite 6-CPA.
In addition, EPA is revising the tolerance expression in Sec.
180.350(a) to correctly identify nitrapyrin as a nitrification
inhibitor rather than the current identification as an insecticide. The
rest of the tolerance expression remains the same. The revised
tolerance expression is:
(a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of the
nitrification inhibitor nitrapyrin, including its metabolites and
degradates, in or on the commodities in the table below. Compliance
with the tolerance levels specified below is to be determined by
measuring only the sum of nitrapyrin (2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)
pyridine) and its 6-CPA metabolite (6-chloro-picolinic acid),
calculated as the stoichiometric equivalent of nitrapyrin, in or on the
commodity.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of nitrapyrin,
by measuring only the sum of nitrapyrin (2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)
pyridine) and its 6-CPA (6-chloropicolinic acid) metabolite, calculated
as the stoichiometric equivalent of nitrapyrin, in or on fruit, citrus,
group 10-10 at 0.06 ppm; fruit, citrus, group 10-10, dried pulp at 0.5
ppm; fruit, citrus, group 10-10, oil at 2 ppm; leaf petiole vegetable
subgroup 22B at 0.5 ppm; vegetable, Brassica, head and stem, group 5-16
at 0.1 ppm; vegetable, bulb, group 3-07 at 0.3 ppm; and vegetable,
leafy, group 4-16 at 0.4 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action establishes tolerances under FFDCA section 408(d) in
response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and
Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this action has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action is not
subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or
Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), 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 tolerances in
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.), do not apply.
This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
[[Page 44712]]
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: August 8, 2019.
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. 180.350, paragraph (a):
0
a. Revise the introductory text.
0
b. Add alphabetically the entries for ``Fruit, citrus, group 10-10'';
``Fruit, citrus, group 10-10, dried pulp''; ``Fruit, citrus, group 10-
10, oil''; ``Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B''; ``Vegetable,
Brassica, head and stem, group 5-16''; ``Vegetable, bulb, group 3-07'';
and ``Vegetable, leafy, group 4-16'' to the table.
The revision and additions read as follows:
Sec. 180.350 Nitrapyrin; tolerances for residues.
(a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of the
nitrification inhibitor nitrapyrin, including its metabolites and
degradates, in or on the commodities in the table below. Compliance
with the tolerance levels specified below is to be determined by
measuring only the sum of nitrapyrin (2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)
pyridine) and its 6-CPA metabolite (6-chloro-picolinic acid),
calculated as the stoichiometric equivalent of nitrapyrin, in or on the
commodity:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Fruit, citrus, group 10-10.................................. 0.06
Fruit, citrus, group 10-10, dried pulp...................... 0.5
Fruit, citrus, group 10-10, oil............................. 2
Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B......................... 0.5
* * * * *
Vegetable, Brassica, head and stem, group 5-16.............. 0.1
Vegetable, bulb, group 3-07................................. 0.3
Vegetable, leafy, group 4-16................................ 0.4
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2019-18382 Filed 8-26-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P