Chlorfenapyr; Pesticide Tolerances, 8468-8472 [2020-02037]
Download as PDF
8468
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 31 / Friday, February 14, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
§ 180.629 Flutriafol; tolerances for
residues.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
(a) * * *
40 CFR Part 180
Parts per
million
Commodity
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2018–0783; FRL–10004–05]
Chlorfenapyr; Pesticide Tolerances
*
*
*
*
*
Barley, grain ...............................
Barley, hay ..................................
Barley, straw ...............................
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of chlorfenapyr
in or on basil, fresh leaves; chive, fresh
leaves; and cucumber and increases the
established tolerance on vegetable,
*
fruiting, group 8–10. Interregional
0.2 Research Project Number 4 (IR–4)
1.5 requested these tolerances under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
0.08 (FFDCA).
*
Cattle,
Cattle,
Cattle,
liver
20
70
SUMMARY:
*
1.5
7
8
*
*
*
fat ....................................
liver ..................................
meat byproducts, except
..........................................
0.03
8
*
*
*
*
Egg .............................................
*
0.02
*
*
*
*
Goat, fat ......................................
Goat, liver ...................................
Goat, meat byproducts, except
liver ..........................................
*
*
9
0.2
1.5
0.08
*
*
*
*
Horse, fat ....................................
Horse, liver .................................
Horse, meat byproducts, except
liver ..........................................
0.08
*
*
*
*
Poultry, fat ..................................
Poultry, meat byproducts ............
*
0.02
0.02
*
*
*
*
Sheep, fat ...................................
Sheep, liver .................................
Sheep, meat byproducts, except
liver ..........................................
*
*
*
*
*
(d) * * *
*
*
*
0.2
1.5
0.2
1.5
0.08
*
*
*
TABLE 2 TO PARAGRAPH (d)
Parts per
million
Commodity
This regulation is effective
February 14, 2020. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before April 14, 2020, 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–2018–0783, 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:
DATES:
*
*
*
*
Corn, sweet, forage ....................
Corn, sweet, kernel plus cob
with husk removed ..................
Corn, sweet, stover .....................
*
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
*
*
*
*
Alfalfa, forage .............................
Alfalfa, hay ..................................
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
Rice, grain ..................................
[FR Doc. 2020–02035 Filed 2–13–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:46 Feb 13, 2020
Jkt 250001
0.5
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
PO 00000
Frm 00096
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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–2018–0783 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing, and must be
received by the Hearing Clerk on or
before April 14, 2020. 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–
2018–0783, 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/
E:\FR\FM\14FER1.SGM
14FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 31 / Friday, February 14, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
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.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
II. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of March 18,
2019 (84 FR 9737) (FRL–9989–71), 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 8E8717) by IR–4
Headquarters, 500 College Road East,
Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The
petition requested that 40 CFR 180.513
be amended by establishing tolerances
for residues of the insecticide
chlorfenapyr, 4-bromo-2-(4chlorophenyl)-1-(ethoxymethyl)-5(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3carbonitrile, in or on Basil, fresh leaves
at 80 parts per million (ppm); Chive,
fresh leaves at 20 ppm; Cucumber at 0.5
ppm; and Vegetable, fruiting, group 8–
10 at 2.0 ppm. Upon establishment of
the above tolerance, the petitioner
requested removal of the existing
tolerance on Vegetable, fruiting, group
8–10 at 1.0 ppm. That document
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by BASF Corporation, 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 and pursuant to
its authority in section 408(d)(4)(A)(i),
EPA is establishing the requested
tolerances and one tolerance at a
different level than requested. 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:46 Feb 13, 2020
Jkt 250001
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 chlorfenapyr
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with chlorfenapyr 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.
Chlorfenapyr has moderate acute
toxicity via the oral route of exposure
and low acute toxicity via the dermal
and inhalation routes of exposure. It is
a mild eye irritant, but it is not a dermal
irritant or sensitizer. Chlorfenapyr
targets the central nervous system
(CNS), inducing neurohistological
changes (spongiform myelinopathy of
the brain and spinal cord and
vacuolization of the brain, spinal cord,
and optic nerve) from subchronic and
chronic dietary administration in mice
and rats. In addition to neuropathology,
rats also exhibited neurobehavioral
changes on the day of dosing in the
acute neurotoxicity study. Decreased
motor activity was observed in the acute
neurotoxicity study as well as in
offspring in the developmental
neurotoxicity (DNT) study. Several rat
studies also noted effects in the liver
(increased organ weights and tumors) at
similar doses or above those where CNS
effects were seen. The liver was
identified in metabolism studies as the
single organ to have the highest
recovery of administered dose.
There was evidence of increased
quantitative susceptibility to offspring
in the database as a result of
chlorfenapyr exposure. In the 2generation reproduction study,
PO 00000
Frm 00097
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
8469
decreased pup weights were seen at a
lower dose than parental toxicity
(decreased body-weight). In the DNT
study, offspring toxicity (decreased
motor activity and increased pup deaths
on postnatal days 1–4) was seen in the
absence of maternal toxicity. Additional
effects on the CNS (vacuolation of white
matter in the brain and decreased
hippocampus size) were also observed
in offspring at a higher dose in this
study. There was no evidence of
increased susceptibility to offspring in
the developmental toxicity studies. In
both the rat and rabbit developmental
toxicity studies, although no maternal or
developmental effects were noted up to
the highest doses tested (HDT), maternal
observations are limited in these
developmental studies. Consequently,
the data from the DNT are considered
more robust for assessing the effects of
chlorfenapyr on the nervous system.
Chlorfenapyr has a relatively high
octanol-water partition coefficient and
due to its lipophilic nature has been
shown to accumulate in milk in a
dietary cow study. Additionally, in the
rat metabolism study, chlorfenapyr was
found to accumulate in the fat tissue,
such that females exhibited greater
accumulation than males. This
observation suggests chlorfenapyr is
capable of accumulating in breast milk
and leading to the early pup deaths seen
in the reproduction toxicity and DNT
studies through lactation.
Furthermore, the lack of toxicity in
the rat and rabbit developmental studies
suggests that the early pup deaths in the
reproduction toxicity and DNT studies
is the result of postnatal exposure
through lactation.
EPA has concluded that a nonlinear
approach using the chronic RfD for
assessing cancer risk is appropriate for
chlorfenapyr. For more information
about this conclusion, see section 4.5.3
in the document entitled ‘‘SUBJECT:
Chlorfenapyr. Human Health Risk
Assessment for the Proposed New Uses
on Greenhouse-Grown Basil, Chive,
Cucumber, and Small Tomatoes,’’ in
docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2018–
0783.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by chlorfenapyr as well as
the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in the document
entitled ‘‘SUBJECT: Chlorfenapyr.
Human Health Risk Assessment for the
Proposed New Uses on GreenhouseGrown Basil, Chive, Cucumber, and
Small Tomatoes,’’ at pages 24–28 in
E:\FR\FM\14FER1.SGM
14FER1
8470
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 31 / Friday, February 14, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2018–
0783.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (POD)
and levels of concern to use in
evaluating the risk posed by human
exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
that have a threshold below which there
is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
POD is used as the basis for derivation
of reference values for risk assessment.
PODs are developed based on a careful
analysis of the doses in each
toxicological study to determine the
dose at which no adverse effects are
observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern
are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
safety factors are used in conjunction
with the POD to calculate a safe
exposure level—generally referred to as
a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
risks, the Agency assumes that any
amount of exposure will lead to some
degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
estimates risk in terms of the probability
of an occurrence of the adverse effect
expected in a lifetime. For more
information on the general principles
EPA uses in risk characterization and a
complete description of the risk
assessment process, see https://
www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks/assessinghuman-health-risk-pesticides.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for chlorfenapyr used for
human risk assessment is discussed in
Unit III of the final rule published in the
Federal Register of January 26, 2018 (83
FR 3605) (FRL–9970–88).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to chlorfenapyr, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
existing chlorfenapyr tolerances in 40
CFR 180.513. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from chlorfenapyr 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 chlorfenapyr. In estimating acute
dietary exposure, EPA used the Dietary
Exposure Evaluation Model—Food
Consumption Intake Database (DEEM–
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:46 Feb 13, 2020
Jkt 250001
FCID), Version 3.16, which uses food
consumption data from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s National
Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey, What We Eat in America
(NHANES/WWEIA) from 2003–2008. As
to residue levels in food, EPA’s acute
unrefined analysis used tolerance-level
residues and 100% crop-treated (PCT).
DEEM processing factors were set to 1
for all commodities except tomato and
peppers. EPA 2018 default processing
factors were used in the acute dietary
analyses for tomato and pepper
processed raw agricultural commodities
(RACs) to account for potential imports
of foreign agricultural use of
chlorfenapyr.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure
assessment, EPA used the DEEM–FCID,
Version 3.16, which uses food
consumption data from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s National
Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey, What We Eat in America
(NHANES/WWEIA) from 2003–2008. As
to residue levels in food, EPA’s chronic
analysis was unrefined and used
tolerance-level residues and 100 PCT.
DEEM processing factors were set to 1
for all commodities except tomato and
peppers. EPA 2018 default processing
factors were used in the chronic dietary
analyses for tomato and pepper
processed RACs to account for potential
imports of foreign agricultural use of
chlorfenapyr.
iii. Cancer. As indicated in Unit III.A.,
EPA has concluded that a nonlinear
approach using the chronic RfD for
assessing cancer risk is appropriate for
chlorfenapyr; therefore, a separate
quantitative cancer risk assessment is
not required.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did
not use anticipated residue and/or PCT
information in the dietary assessment
for chlorfenapyr. Tolerance level
residues for proposed and established
uses and 100 PCT were assumed for all
food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. Contamination of drinking water
from chlorfenapyr is not expected to
occur since none of the registered uses
(which are all indoor uses) would result
in residues in drinking water. Therefore,
a dietary exposure assessment for
chlorfenapyr in drinking water is
unnecessary.
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).
PO 00000
Frm 00098
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Chlorfenapyr is currently registered
for the following uses that could result
in residential exposures: Crack/crevice/
spot treatment on indoor and outdoor
residential sites (including as a bed bug
treatment). There are no residential uses
associated with the petitioned-for new
uses; therefore, an updated residential
exposure assessment was not necessary
for the proposed uses. The most
conservative residential exposure
scenarios were selected for use in the
aggregate risk assessment. EPA
combined post-application dermal and
inhalation exposure from indoor
applications (surfaces and mattresses) to
control bed bugs to assess risks to adults
and post-application dermal, inhalation,
and hand-to-mouth exposures from
indoor applications (surfaces and
mattresses) to control bed bugs to assess
risks to children 1 to <2 years old. The
residential exposures are short- and
intermediate-term for incidental oral,
dermal and inhalation. No long-term
exposures is expected.
Further information regarding EPA
standard assumptions and generic
inputs for residential exposures may be
found at https://www2.epa.gov/pesticidescience-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/
standard-operating-proceduresresidential-pesticide.
4. Cumulative effects from substances
with a common mechanism of toxicity.
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance, the Agency consider
‘‘available information’’ concerning the
cumulative effects of a particular
pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
EPA has not found chlorfenapyr to
share a common mechanism of toxicity
with any other substances, and
chlorfenapyr does not appear to produce
a toxic metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that chlorfenapyr does not
have a common mechanism of toxicity
with other substances. For information
regarding EPA’s efforts to determine
which chemicals have a common
mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate
the cumulative effects of such
chemicals, see EPA’s website at https://
www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks/cumulativeassessment-risk-pesticides.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
an additional tenfold (10X) margin of
safety for infants and children in the
E:\FR\FM\14FER1.SGM
14FER1
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 31 / Friday, February 14, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
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.
Although DNT studies show evidence of
neurotoxicity/neuropathology and
reproduction studies show
susceptibility/sensitivity to offspring,
the effects are well-characterized with
clearly established NOAEL/LOAEL
values and selected endpoints are
protective for the observed effects.
3. Conclusion. EPA determined that
the FQPA SF should be reduced to 1X
for all exposure scenarios. That decision
is based on the following findings:
i. The toxicity database for
chlorfenapyr is complete.
ii. Although the central nervous
system is the primary target for
chlorfenapyr and neurotoxic effects
were observed across studies, concern is
low since the selected PODs are
protective of observed neurotoxic
effects.
iii. Although there is evidence of
increased quantitative susceptibility in
available DNT and reproduction studies,
concern is low since the offspring
effects are well-characterized with
clearly established NOAEL/LOAEL
values and the endpoints selected for
risk assessment are protective of
observed offspring effects.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary analysis assumed tolerancelevel residues, EPA’s 2018 default
processing factors (except for tomatoes
and peppers), and 100 PCT. The dietary
analysis did not include exposure from
drinking water as contamination of
drinking water with chlorfenapyr as the
result of all registered uses, including
greenhouses or food/feed handling uses,
is not expected to occur. EPA used
similarly conservative assumptions to
assess post-application exposure of
children as well as incidental oral
exposure of toddlers. These assessments
will not underestimate the exposure and
risks posed by chlorfenapyr.
E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
Safety
EPA determines whether acute and
chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
safe by comparing aggregate exposure
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:46 Feb 13, 2020
Jkt 250001
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
chlorfenapyr will occupy 75% of the
aPAD (at the 95th percentile of
exposure) for children 3 to 5 years 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 chlorfenapyr
from food and water will utilize 19% of
the cPAD for children 3 to 5 years old,
the population group receiving the
greatest exposure. There are no chronic
drinking water or residential exposure
scenarios, therefore, the chronic
aggregate risk is equivalent to the
chronic dietary risk which is below the
Agency’s LOC.
3. Short- and intermediate-term risks.
Short- and intermediate-term aggregate
risk assessments were conducted since
there is potential for short- and
intermediate-term post-application
exposures from previously registered
uses of chlorfenapyr in residential
settings. Short-term residential exposure
estimates were aggregated with the
average dietary exposure to provide a
worst-case estimate of short-term
aggregate risk for adults and children 1
to 2 years old (considered protective for
children of all ages). Short-term
aggregate MOEs are protective of
intermediate-term exposure durations
since the same endpoints and PODs
were selected for both durations.
Resulting short-term aggregate MOEs for
adults at 660 and 120 for children (1 to
2 years old) are not of concern.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. As discussed in Unit III, the
Agency has determined that
quantification of risk using a non-linear
approach (i.e., using a cRfD) adequately
accounts for all chronic toxicity,
including carcinogenicity that could
result from exposure to chlorfenapyr.
Since there are no chronic risks of
concern, the Agency concludes that
aggregate exposure to chlorfenapyr will
not pose a cancer risk.
5. Determination of safety. Based on
these risk assessments, EPA concludes
that there is a reasonable certainty that
PO 00000
Frm 00099
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
8471
no harm will result to the general
population, or to infants and children
from aggregate exposure to chlorfenapyr
residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
The plant analytical enforcement
method is designated as M2427, a gas
chromatography/electron-capture
detection (GC/ECD) method with a limit
of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.05 ppm. The
method has been subjected to a
successful independent laboratory
validation (ILV) as well as an acceptable
radio validation using samples obtained
from lettuce and tomato metabolism
studies. EPA has concluded that method
M2427 is adequate for data collection
and tolerance enforcement purposes.
The method may be requested from:
Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch,
Environmental Science Center, 701
Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350;
telephone number: (410) 305–2905;
email address: residuemethods@
epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
international standards whenever
possible, consistent with U.S. food
safety standards and agricultural
practices. EPA considers the
international maximum residue limits
(MRLs) established by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
The Codex Alimentarius is a joint
United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization/World Health
Organization food standards program,
and it is recognized as an international
food safety standards-setting
organization in trade agreements to
which the United States is a party. EPA
may establish a tolerance that is
different from a Codex MRL; however,
FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
EPA explain the reasons for departing
from the Codex level.
There are no Codex maximum residue
limits (MRLs) for residues of
chlorfenapyr in/on the proposed
commodities.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For
Tolerances
EPA revised the proposed tolerances
for residues of chlorfenapyr on
vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10 based on
current OECD rounding classes. There is
no need to remove the existing tolerance
for vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10 at 1.0
ppm; rather EPA is simply amending
the existing tolerance as requested.
E:\FR\FM\14FER1.SGM
14FER1
8472
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 31 / Friday, February 14, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of the insecticide
chlorfenapyr, 4-bromo-2-(4chlorophenyl)-1-(ethoxymethyl)-5(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3carbonitrile, in or on Basil, fresh leaves
at 80 ppm; Chive, fresh leaves at 20
ppm; and Cucumber at 0.5 ppm; and
Vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10 at 2
ppm.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
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
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:46 Feb 13, 2020
Jkt 250001
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: January 24, 2020.
Michael Goodis,
Director, Registration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.513, amend the table in
paragraph (a)(1) as follows:
■ a. Add alphabetically the entries for
‘‘Basil, fresh leaves’’; ‘‘Chive, fresh
leaves’’; and ‘‘Cucumber’’; and
■ b. Revise the entry for ‘‘Vegetable,
fruiting, group 8–10’’.
The additions and revision read as
follows:
■
PO 00000
Frm 00100
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
§ 180.513 Chlorfenapyr; tolerances for
residues.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
Parts per
million
Commodity
Basil, fresh leaves ......................
Chive, fresh leaves .....................
Cucumber ...................................
*
*
*
*
Vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10 ..
*
*
*
*
80
20
0.5
*
2
*
[FR Doc. 2020–02037 Filed 2–13–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Parts 281 and 282
[EPA–R04–UST–2019–0310; FRL–10004–
27–Region 4]
Georgia: Final Approval and
Incorporation by Reference of State
Underground Storage Tank Program
Revisions
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is granting the State of
Georgia (Georgia or State) final approval
of revisions to its underground storage
tank (UST) program pursuant to the
Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA). In addition, the EPA is
codifying EPA’s approval of Georgia’s
revised UST program and incorporating
by reference those provisions of the
State statutes and regulations that the
EPA has determined meet the
requirements for approval. EPA
published a proposed rule on September
16, 2019 and provided for public
comment. No comments were received
on the EPA’s proposed approval of
Georgia’s UST program revisions. No
further opportunity for comment will be
provided.
DATES: This final rule is effective
February 14, 2020. The incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed
in the regulations is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register, as of
February 14, 2020.
ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket ID
No. EPA–R04–UST–2019–0310. All
documents in the docket are listed on
the https://www.regulations.gov website.
Certain other material, such as
copyrighted material, is not placed on
the internet and will be publicly
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\14FER1.SGM
14FER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8468-8472]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02037]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2018-0783; FRL-10004-05]
Chlorfenapyr; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
chlorfenapyr in or on basil, fresh leaves; chive, fresh leaves; and
cucumber and increases the established tolerance on vegetable,
fruiting, group 8-10. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4)
requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective February 14, 2020. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before April 14, 2020, 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-2018-0783, 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-2018-0783 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
April 14, 2020. 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-2018-0783, 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/
[[Page 8469]]
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 March 18, 2019 (84 FR 9737) (FRL-9989-
71), 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
8E8717) by IR-4 Headquarters, 500 College Road East, Suite 201 W,
Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.513 be
amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the insecticide
chlorfenapyr, 4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(ethoxymethyl)-5-
(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, in or on Basil, fresh
leaves at 80 parts per million (ppm); Chive, fresh leaves at 20 ppm;
Cucumber at 0.5 ppm; and Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10 at 2.0 ppm.
Upon establishment of the above tolerance, the petitioner requested
removal of the existing tolerance on Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10 at
1.0 ppm. That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by
BASF Corporation, 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 and pursuant
to its authority in section 408(d)(4)(A)(i), EPA is establishing the
requested tolerances and one tolerance at a different level than
requested. 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 chlorfenapyr including exposure
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's
assessment of exposures and risks associated with chlorfenapyr 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.
Chlorfenapyr has moderate acute toxicity via the oral route of
exposure and low acute toxicity via the dermal and inhalation routes of
exposure. It is a mild eye irritant, but it is not a dermal irritant or
sensitizer. Chlorfenapyr targets the central nervous system (CNS),
inducing neurohistological changes (spongiform myelinopathy of the
brain and spinal cord and vacuolization of the brain, spinal cord, and
optic nerve) from subchronic and chronic dietary administration in mice
and rats. In addition to neuropathology, rats also exhibited
neurobehavioral changes on the day of dosing in the acute neurotoxicity
study. Decreased motor activity was observed in the acute neurotoxicity
study as well as in offspring in the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT)
study. Several rat studies also noted effects in the liver (increased
organ weights and tumors) at similar doses or above those where CNS
effects were seen. The liver was identified in metabolism studies as
the single organ to have the highest recovery of administered dose.
There was evidence of increased quantitative susceptibility to
offspring in the database as a result of chlorfenapyr exposure. In the
2-generation reproduction study, decreased pup weights were seen at a
lower dose than parental toxicity (decreased body-weight). In the DNT
study, offspring toxicity (decreased motor activity and increased pup
deaths on postnatal days 1-4) was seen in the absence of maternal
toxicity. Additional effects on the CNS (vacuolation of white matter in
the brain and decreased hippocampus size) were also observed in
offspring at a higher dose in this study. There was no evidence of
increased susceptibility to offspring in the developmental toxicity
studies. In both the rat and rabbit developmental toxicity studies,
although no maternal or developmental effects were noted up to the
highest doses tested (HDT), maternal observations are limited in these
developmental studies. Consequently, the data from the DNT are
considered more robust for assessing the effects of chlorfenapyr on the
nervous system.
Chlorfenapyr has a relatively high octanol-water partition
coefficient and due to its lipophilic nature has been shown to
accumulate in milk in a dietary cow study. Additionally, in the rat
metabolism study, chlorfenapyr was found to accumulate in the fat
tissue, such that females exhibited greater accumulation than males.
This observation suggests chlorfenapyr is capable of accumulating in
breast milk and leading to the early pup deaths seen in the
reproduction toxicity and DNT studies through lactation.
Furthermore, the lack of toxicity in the rat and rabbit
developmental studies suggests that the early pup deaths in the
reproduction toxicity and DNT studies is the result of postnatal
exposure through lactation.
EPA has concluded that a nonlinear approach using the chronic RfD
for assessing cancer risk is appropriate for chlorfenapyr. For more
information about this conclusion, see section 4.5.3 in the document
entitled ``SUBJECT: Chlorfenapyr. Human Health Risk Assessment for the
Proposed New Uses on Greenhouse-Grown Basil, Chive, Cucumber, and Small
Tomatoes,'' in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2018-0783.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by chlorfenapyr as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in the document entitled ``SUBJECT: Chlorfenapyr.
Human Health Risk Assessment for the Proposed New Uses on Greenhouse-
Grown Basil, Chive, Cucumber, and Small Tomatoes,'' at pages 24-28 in
[[Page 8470]]
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2018-0783.
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 chlorfenapyr used for
human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III of the final rule
published in the Federal Register of January 26, 2018 (83 FR 3605)
(FRL-9970-88).
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to chlorfenapyr, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances as well as all existing chlorfenapyr tolerances in 40
CFR 180.513. EPA assessed dietary exposures from chlorfenapyr 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 chlorfenapyr. In estimating acute dietary exposure, EPA used the
Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model--Food Consumption Intake Database
(DEEM-FCID), Version 3.16, which uses food consumption data from the
U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, What We Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA) from 2003-
2008. As to residue levels in food, EPA's acute unrefined analysis used
tolerance-level residues and 100% crop-treated (PCT). DEEM processing
factors were set to 1 for all commodities except tomato and peppers.
EPA 2018 default processing factors were used in the acute dietary
analyses for tomato and pepper processed raw agricultural commodities
(RACs) to account for potential imports of foreign agricultural use of
chlorfenapyr.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment, EPA used the DEEM-FCID, Version 3.16, which uses food
consumption data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in America
(NHANES/WWEIA) from 2003-2008. As to residue levels in food, EPA's
chronic analysis was unrefined and used tolerance-level residues and
100 PCT. DEEM processing factors were set to 1 for all commodities
except tomato and peppers. EPA 2018 default processing factors were
used in the chronic dietary analyses for tomato and pepper processed
RACs to account for potential imports of foreign agricultural use of
chlorfenapyr.
iii. Cancer. As indicated in Unit III.A., EPA has concluded that a
nonlinear approach using the chronic RfD for assessing cancer risk is
appropriate for chlorfenapyr; therefore, a separate quantitative cancer
risk assessment is not required.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information.
EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the
dietary assessment for chlorfenapyr. Tolerance level residues for
proposed and established uses and 100 PCT were assumed for all food
commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. Contamination of drinking
water from chlorfenapyr is not expected to occur since none of the
registered uses (which are all indoor uses) would result in residues in
drinking water. Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for
chlorfenapyr in drinking water is unnecessary.
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).
Chlorfenapyr is currently registered for the following uses that
could result in residential exposures: Crack/crevice/spot treatment on
indoor and outdoor residential sites (including as a bed bug
treatment). There are no residential uses associated with the
petitioned-for new uses; therefore, an updated residential exposure
assessment was not necessary for the proposed uses. The most
conservative residential exposure scenarios were selected for use in
the aggregate risk assessment. EPA combined post-application dermal and
inhalation exposure from indoor applications (surfaces and mattresses)
to control bed bugs to assess risks to adults and post-application
dermal, inhalation, and hand-to-mouth exposures from indoor
applications (surfaces and mattresses) to control bed bugs to assess
risks to children 1 to <2 years old. The residential exposures are
short- and intermediate-term for incidental oral, dermal and
inhalation. No long-term exposures is expected.
Further information regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic
inputs for residential exposures may be found at https://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/standard-operating-procedures-residential-pesticide.
4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA has not found chlorfenapyr to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and chlorfenapyr does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
chlorfenapyr 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
[[Page 8471]]
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. Although DNT studies show
evidence of neurotoxicity/neuropathology and reproduction studies show
susceptibility/sensitivity to offspring, the effects are well-
characterized with clearly established NOAEL/LOAEL values and selected
endpoints are protective for the observed effects.
3. Conclusion. EPA determined that the FQPA SF should be reduced to
1X for all exposure scenarios. That decision is based on the following
findings:
i. The toxicity database for chlorfenapyr is complete.
ii. Although the central nervous system is the primary target for
chlorfenapyr and neurotoxic effects were observed across studies,
concern is low since the selected PODs are protective of observed
neurotoxic effects.
iii. Although there is evidence of increased quantitative
susceptibility in available DNT and reproduction studies, concern is
low since the offspring effects are well-characterized with clearly
established NOAEL/LOAEL values and the endpoints selected for risk
assessment are protective of observed offspring effects.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary analysis assumed tolerance-level residues, EPA's
2018 default processing factors (except for tomatoes and peppers), and
100 PCT. The dietary analysis did not include exposure from drinking
water as contamination of drinking water with chlorfenapyr as the
result of all registered uses, including greenhouses or food/feed
handling uses, is not expected to occur. EPA used similarly
conservative assumptions to assess post-application exposure of
children as well as incidental oral exposure of toddlers. These
assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by
chlorfenapyr.
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 chlorfenapyr will occupy 75% of the aPAD (at the 95th percentile of
exposure) for children 3 to 5 years 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
chlorfenapyr from food and water will utilize 19% of the cPAD for
children 3 to 5 years old, the population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no chronic drinking water or residential exposure
scenarios, therefore, the chronic aggregate risk is equivalent to the
chronic dietary risk which is below the Agency's LOC.
3. Short- and intermediate-term risks. Short- and intermediate-term
aggregate risk assessments were conducted since there is potential for
short- and intermediate-term post-application exposures from previously
registered uses of chlorfenapyr in residential settings. Short-term
residential exposure estimates were aggregated with the average dietary
exposure to provide a worst-case estimate of short-term aggregate risk
for adults and children 1 to 2 years old (considered protective for
children of all ages). Short-term aggregate MOEs are protective of
intermediate-term exposure durations since the same endpoints and PODs
were selected for both durations. Resulting short-term aggregate MOEs
for adults at 660 and 120 for children (1 to 2 years old) are not of
concern.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. As discussed in Unit
III, the Agency has determined that quantification of risk using a non-
linear approach (i.e., using a cRfD) adequately accounts for all
chronic toxicity, including carcinogenicity that could result from
exposure to chlorfenapyr. Since there are no chronic risks of concern,
the Agency concludes that aggregate exposure to chlorfenapyr will not
pose a cancer risk.
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 chlorfenapyr residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
The plant analytical enforcement method is designated as M2427, a
gas chromatography/electron-capture detection (GC/ECD) method with a
limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.05 ppm. The method has been subjected
to a successful independent laboratory validation (ILV) as well as an
acceptable radio validation using samples obtained from lettuce and
tomato metabolism studies. EPA has concluded that method M2427 is
adequate for data collection and tolerance enforcement purposes.
The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry
Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD
20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; email address:
[email protected].
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
There are no Codex maximum residue limits (MRLs) for residues of
chlorfenapyr in/on the proposed commodities.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances
EPA revised the proposed tolerances for residues of chlorfenapyr on
vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10 based on current OECD rounding classes.
There is no need to remove the existing tolerance for vegetable,
fruiting, group 8-10 at 1.0 ppm; rather EPA is simply amending the
existing tolerance as requested.
[[Page 8472]]
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of the
insecticide chlorfenapyr, 4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(ethoxymethyl)-
5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, in or on Basil, fresh
leaves at 80 ppm; Chive, fresh leaves at 20 ppm; and Cucumber at 0.5
ppm; and Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10 at 2 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
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: January 24, 2020.
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. 180.513, amend the table in paragraph (a)(1) as follows:
0
a. Add alphabetically the entries for ``Basil, fresh leaves'';
``Chive, fresh leaves''; and ``Cucumber''; and
0
b. Revise the entry for ``Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10''.
The additions and revision read as follows:
Sec. 180.513 Chlorfenapyr; tolerances for residues.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basil, fresh leaves......................................... 80
Chive, fresh leaves......................................... 20
Cucumber.................................................... 0.5
* * * * *
Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10............................. 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2020-02037 Filed 2-13-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P