Tolfenpyrad; Pesticide Tolerances, 31950-31954 [2021-12609]
Download as PDF
31950
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 16, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
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
EPA’s 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).
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
V. Congressional Review Act
SUMMARY:
Pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will
submit a report containing this rule and
other required information to the U.S.
Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of the rule in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: June 10, 2021.
Edward Messina,
Acting Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, for the reasons stated in the
preamble, EPA is amending 40 CFR
chapter I as follows:
PART 180—TOLERANCES AND
EXEMPTIONS FOR PESTICIDE
CHEMICAL RESIDUES IN FOOD
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. Add § 180.1382 to subpart D to read
as follows:
■
§ 180.1382 Purpureocillium lilacinum
strain PL11; exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance.
An exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance is established for residues
of Purpureocillium lilacinum strain
PL11 in or on all food commodities
when used in accordance with label
directions and good agricultural
practices.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
[FR Doc. 2021–12610 Filed 6–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2020–0067; FRL–10024–51]
Tolfenpyrad; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of tolfenpyrad in
or on artichoke, globe. The Interregional
Project Number 4 (IR–4) requested this
tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective June
16, 2021. Objections and requests for
hearings must be received on or before
August 16, 2021, 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–2020–0067, 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.
Due to the public health concerns
related to COVID–19, the EPA Docket
Center (EPA/DC) and Reading Room is
closed to visitors with limited
exceptions. The staff continues to
provide remote customer service via
email, phone, and webform. For the
latest status information on EPA/DC
services and docket access, visit https://
www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Marietta Echeverria, Acting Director,
Registration Division (7505P), Office of
Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001;
main telephone number: (703) 305–
7090; email address: RDFRNotices@
epa.gov.
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:52 Jun 15, 2021
Jkt 253001
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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 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–2020–0067 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing and must be received
by the Hearing Clerk on or before
August 16, 2021. 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–
2020–0067, 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.
E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM
16JNR1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 16, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
• Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001.
• Hand Delivery: To make special
arrangements for hand delivery or
delivery of boxed information, please
follow the instructions at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets/where-sendcomments-epa-dockets. Additional
instructions on commenting or visiting
the docket, along with more information
about dockets generally, is available at
https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of May 8, 2020
(85 FR 27346) (FRL–10008–38), 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 9E8807) by the
Interregional Project Number 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 180.675 be
amended by establishing a tolerance for
residues of the insecticide tolfenpyrad,
(4-choro-3-ethyl-1-methyl-N-[[4-(4methylphenoxy)phenyl]methyl]-1Hpyrazole-5-carboxamide), in or on
artichoke, globe at 5 parts per million
(ppm). That document referenced a
summary of the petition prepared by IR–
4, the petitioner, which is available in
the docket for this action, Docket ID
EPA–HQ–OPP–2020–0067, at https://
www.regulations.gov. There were no
comments received in response to the
notice of filing.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered its validity,
completeness, and reliability as well as
the relationship of the results of the
studies to human risk. EPA has also
considered available information
concerning the variability of the
sensitivities of major identifiable
subgroups of consumers, including
infants and children.
The toxicology database is considered
complete. A variety of toxic effects were
noted in the toxicology database for
tolfenpyrad. However, the most
consistent findings across species and
studies were effects on bodyweight and
bodyweight gain. Decreases in
bodyweight and/or bodyweight gain
were observed in adults of all species
(rat, mice, rabbit, and dog) in the
majority of the subchronic oral and
dermal toxicity studies, and all chronic
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:52 Jun 15, 2021
Jkt 253001
toxicity studies. Bodyweight decreases
in rats were observed at much lower
doses than in other species. Chronic
exposure resulted in bodyweight and
bodyweight gain decreases in mice and
dogs at lower doses than the effects that
were observed from acute and
subchronic exposures. In addition,
quantitative susceptibility was observed
in the database; in the rat
developmental study, decreased fetal
weights and number of ossified
metacarpals were observed in the
absence of adverse maternal toxicity and
in the one-generation reproduction
study, decreased pup weights were
observed at a lower dose than the dose
at which parental bodyweight decreases
reached biological significance.
Tolfenpyrad is classified as ‘‘not likely
to be carcinogenic to humans’’.
A complete discussion of the
toxicological profile for tolfenpyrad as
well as specific information on the
studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by tolfenpyrad as
well as the no-observed-adverse-effectlevel (NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies can be found in the
document titled ‘‘Tolfenpyrad—Human
Health Risk Assessment of the New Use
on Globe Artichoke’’ (hereinafter
‘‘Tolfenpyrad Human Health Risk
Assessment’’) in docket ID number
EPA–HQ–OPP–2020–0067 at https://
regulations.gov.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (PODs)
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
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
31951
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 tolfenpyrad used for
human risk assessment can be found in
the Tolfenpyrad Human Health Risk
Assessment.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to tolfenpyrad, EPA
considered exposure under the
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
existing tolfenpyrad tolerances in 40
CFR 180.675. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from tolfenpyrad 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
tolfenpyrad. In estimating acute dietary
exposure, EPA used food consumption
information from the United States
Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s)
National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, What We Eat in
America (NHANES/WWEIA). As to
residue levels in food, the acute
assessment assumed tolerance-level
residues and 100% crop treated (PCT)
for all commodities. Refinements
include a factor to account for the
reduction in residues when wrapper
leaves are removed from head lettuce,
radicchio, cabbage, Chinese Napa
cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
Empirical processing factors were
available for processed commodities of
apple, orange, cottonseed, grape, plum,
potato and tomato, and were translated
to other crop processed commodities
where appropriate. Where empirical
processing factors were not available or
were not translated, the Agency’s 2018
default processing factors were used.
Several factors were used to account for
metabolite residues in/on bulb onion
subgroup 3–07A commodities and
livestock commodities.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure
assessment, EPA used the food
consumption data from the USDA’s
2003–2008 NHANES/WWEIA. As to
residue levels in food, EPA used average
residues from field trials. The chronic
assessment includes estimates of PCT
for some crops and all the refinements
E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM
16JNR1
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
31952
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 16, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
described above for the acute
assessment.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data cited in
Unit III.A., EPA has concluded that
tolfenpyrad does not pose a cancer risk
to humans. Therefore, a dietary
exposure assessment for the purpose of
assessing cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information. Section
408(b)(2)(E) of FFDCA authorizes EPA
to use available data and information on
the anticipated residue levels of
pesticide residues in food and the actual
levels of pesticide residues that have
been measured in food. If EPA relies on
such information to establish the
tolerance, EPA must require pursuant to
FFDCA section 408(f)(1) that data be
provided 5 years after the tolerance is
established, modified, or left in effect,
demonstrating that the residue levels in
food are not above the levels
anticipated. For the present action, EPA
will issue such data call-ins as are
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(E)
and authorized under FFDCA section
408(f)(1). Data will be required to be
submitted no later than 5 years from the
date of issuance of these tolerances.
Section 408(b)(2)(F) of FFDCA states
that the Agency may use data on the
actual percent of food treated for
assessing chronic dietary risk only if:
• Condition a: The data used are
reliable and provide a valid basis to
show what percentage of the food
derived from such crop is likely to
contain the pesticide residue.
• Condition b: The exposure estimate
does not underestimate exposure for any
significant subpopulation group.
• Condition c: Data are available on
pesticide use and food consumption in
a particular area, and the exposure
estimate does not understate exposure
for the population in such area.
In addition, the Agency must provide
for periodic evaluation of any estimates
used. To provide for the periodic
evaluation of the estimate of PCT as
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(F),
EPA may require registrants to submit
data on PCT.
The acute assessment assumes 100
PCT. The Agency incorporated
estimates of average PCT in the chronic
assessment for the following crops:
Grapefruit (15%), grapes (2.5%), lettuce
(10%), onion (2.5%), oranges (5%),
peppers (less than 2.5%), potatoes
(2.5%), tangerines (2.5%), and tomatoes
(2.5%).
In most cases, EPA uses available data
from United States Department of
Agriculture/National Agricultural
Statistics Service (USDA/NASS),
proprietary market surveys, and
California Department of Pesticide
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:52 Jun 15, 2021
Jkt 253001
Regulation (CalDPR) Pesticide Use
Reporting (PUR) for the chemical/crop
combination for the most recent 10
years. EPA uses an average PCT for
chronic dietary risk analysis and a
maximum PCT for acute dietary risk
analysis. The average PCT figure for
each existing use is derived by
combining available public and private
market survey data for that use,
averaging across all observations, and
rounding to the nearest 5%, except for
those situations in which the average
PCT is less than 1% or less than 2.5%.
In those cases, the Agency would use
less than 1% or less than 2.5% as the
average PCT value, respectively. The
maximum PCT figure is the highest
observed maximum value reported
within the most recent 10 years of
available public and private market
survey data for the existing use and
rounded up to the nearest multiple of
5%, except where the maximum PCT is
less than 2.5%, in which case, the
Agency uses less than 2.5% as the
maximum PCT.
The Agency believes that the three
conditions discussed in Unit III.C.1.iv.
have been met. With respect to
Condition a, PCT estimates are derived
from Federal and private market survey
data, which are reliable and have a valid
basis. The Agency is reasonably certain
that the percentage of the food treated
is not likely to be an underestimation.
As to Conditions b and c, regional
consumption information and
consumption information for significant
subpopulations is taken into account
through EPA’s computer-based model
for evaluating the exposure of
significant subpopulations including
several regional groups. Use of this
consumption information in EPA’s risk
assessment process ensures that EPA’s
exposure estimate does not understate
exposure for any significant
subpopulation group and allows the
Agency to be reasonably certain that no
regional population is exposed to
residue levels higher than those
estimated by the Agency. Other than the
data available through national food
consumption surveys, EPA does not
have available reliable information on
the regional consumption of food to
which tolfenpyrad may be applied in a
particular area.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for tolfenpyrad in drinking water. These
simulation models take into account
data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of tolfenpyrad.
Further information regarding EPA
drinking water models used in pesticide
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
exposure assessment can be found at
https://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-scienceand-assessing-pesticide-risks/aboutwater-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
Residues of tolfenpyrad in surface and
ground water were modeled with the
Pesticide in Water Calculator (PWC
Version 1.52). Groundwater estimated
drinking water concentrations were
modeled with the Pesticide Root Zone
Model Groundwater (PRZM GW) model
within the Pesticide in Water Calculator
(Version 1.52). For tolfenpyrad, the
assessment uses the total residues
approach, which is commonly used to
assess chemicals that have residues of
concern with similar toxicity to parent
compound. The recommended
estimated drinking water concentrations
(EDWCs) for tolfenpyrad acute
exposures are estimated to be 32.6 parts
per billion (ppb) for surface water and
168 ppb for ground water. For chronic
exposures for non-cancer assessments,
EDWCs are estimated to be 14.1 ppb for
surface water and 125 ppb for ground
water. For the acute dietary exposure
assessment, EPA used an EDWC of 168
ppm. For the chronic dietary exposure
assessment, EPA used a value of 125
ppb.
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).
Tolfenpyrad is not registered for any
specific use patterns that would result
in residential exposure. Further
information regarding EPA standard
assumptions and generic inputs for
residential exposures may be found at
https://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-scienceand-assessing-pesticide-risks/standardoperating-procedures-residentialpesticide.
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.’’
Unlike other pesticides for which EPA
has followed a cumulative risk approach
based on a common mechanism of
toxicity, EPA has not made a common
mechanism of toxicity finding as to
tolfenpyrad and any other substances,
and tolfenpyrad does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by
other substances. For the purposes of
this action, therefore, EPA has not
E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM
16JNR1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 16, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
assumed that tolfenpyrad has a common
mechanism of toxicity with other
substances. For information regarding
EPA’s efforts to determine which
chemicals have a common mechanism
of toxicity and to evaluate the
cumulative effects of such chemicals,
see EPA’s website at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks/pesticidecumulative-risk-assessment-framework.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
an additional tenfold (10X) margin of
safety for infants and children in the
case of threshold effects to account for
prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines
based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants
and children. This additional margin of
safety is commonly referred to as the
FQPA Safety Factor (SF). In applying
this provision, EPA either retains the
default value of 10X, or uses a different
additional safety factor when reliable
data available to EPA support the choice
of a different factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
There is no evidence of increased
quantitative or qualitative susceptibility
in the guideline rabbit developmental
studies, the rat two-generation
reproduction study, or the
developmental immunotoxicity (DIT)
study. Quantitative susceptibility was
observed in the developmental rat study
and the range-finding one-generation
reproduction study. In the
developmental rat study, decreased fetal
weights and number of ossified
metacarpals were observed in the
absence of adverse maternal toxicity
(only a 9% decrease in bodyweight). In
the one-generation reproduction study,
decreased pup weights were observed at
a dose lower than the dose at which
parental bodyweight decreases reached
biological significance. All of the
reviewed studies (developmental
toxicity studies in the rat and rabbit and
the one- and two-generation
reproductive toxicity studies in the rat)
include decreased bodyweight in the
maternal LOAEL statement, as well as
mortality in both of the developmental
rabbit studies and the two-generation rat
reproduction study. Reproductive
toxicity was seen in rats as increased
total litter loss in the two-generation
study and decreased pup viability in the
one- and two-generation study.
Decreased pup weight was observed in
all six studies, and additional offspring
effects include: An increase in skeletal
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:52 Jun 15, 2021
Jkt 253001
variation in both developmental toxicity
studies; blackish abdominal cavity, dark
green intestinal contents, and decreased
survival of offspring in the
developmental immunotoxicity study;
decreased pup viability in both
reproduction studies, with the addition
of a delay in developmental landmarks
in the two-generation reproductive
toxicity study. Since most of these
effects occurred in the presence of
comparable or more severe maternal
toxicity, or were partially attributable to
the maternal animal behavior, they were
not considered evidence of qualitative
susceptibility.
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
tolfenpyrad is complete and includes
acceptable developmental and
reproductive toxicity studies.
ii. Based on the available toxicity
database, there is no indication that
tolfenpyrad is a neurotoxic chemical,
and there is no need for a
developmental neurotoxicity study or
additional uncertainty factors to account
for neurotoxicity.
iii. While there was evidence of
quantitative susceptibility in two
studies, the Agency’s degree of concern
for the susceptibility is low because the
offspring effects consistently occurred at
or near doses which caused maternal
toxicity (bodyweight decrease), and
because endpoints and doses selected
for risk assessment are protective of the
observed susceptibility.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary exposure assessment is
partially refined but does not
underestimate potential dietary
exposure to tolfenpyrad. EPA made
conservative (protective) assumptions in
the ground and surface water modeling
used to assess exposure to tolfenpyrad
in drinking water. These assessments
will not underestimate the exposure and
risks posed by tolfenpyrad.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00049
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
31953
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
tolfenpyrad will occupy 69% of the
aPAD for children 1 to 2 years of age,
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 tolfenpyrad
from food and water will utilize 59% of
the cPAD for all infants less than 1-year
old, the population group receiving the
greatest exposure. There are no
residential uses for tolfenpyrad.
3. Short-term and Intermediate-term
risks. Short-term and intermediate-term
aggregate exposures take into account
short-term and intermediate-term
residential exposures plus chronic
exposures to food and water (considered
to be a background exposure level).
Short-term and intermediate-term
adverse effects were identified;
however, tolfenpyrad is not registered
for any use patterns that would result in
short-term or intermediate-term
residential exposures. Short-term and
intermediate-term risks are assessed
based on short-term and intermediateterm residential exposures plus chronic
dietary exposure. Because there are no
short-term or intermediate-term
residential exposures and chronic
dietary exposures have already been
assessed under the appropriately
protective cPAD (which is at least as
protective as the POD used to assess
short-term and intermediate-term risk),
no further assessments of short-term and
intermediate-term risks are necessary,
and EPA relies on the chronic dietary
risk assessment for evaluating shortterm and intermediate-term risks for
tolfenpyrad.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two
adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,
tolfenpyrad is not expected to pose a
cancer risk to humans.
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 tolfenpyrad
residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An acceptable high-performance
liquid chromatography method with
E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM
16JNR1
31954
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 16, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
tandem mass spectrometry detection
(LC/MS/MS) is available for
enforcement of tolfenpyrad residue
tolerances in/on plant commodities
(Morse Laboratories Analytical Method
#Meth-183, Revision #2). For livestock,
a method described in PTRL West Study
No. 1841W is available. Residues are
determined by LC/MS/MS analysis.
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 has not established an
MRL for tolfenpyrad in globe artichoke.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
V. Conclusion
Therefore, a tolerance is established
for residues of tolfenpyrad, (4-choro-3ethyl-1-methyl-N-[[4-(4methylphenoxy)phenyl]methyl]-1Hpyrazole-5-carboxamide), in or on
artichoke, globe at 5 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This action establishes a tolerance
under FFDCA section 408(d) in
response to petitions 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 to
Executive Order 13045, entitled
‘‘Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks’’ (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997).
This action does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB
approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq.), nor does it require any special
considerations under Executive Order
12898, entitled ‘‘Federal Actions to
Address Environmental Justice in
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:52 Jun 15, 2021
Jkt 253001
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,
1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that
are established on the basis of a petition
under FFDCA section 408(d), such as
the tolerance in this final rule, do not
require the issuance of a proposed rule,
the requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.), do not apply.
This action directly regulates growers,
food processors, food handlers, and food
retailers, not States or Tribes, nor does
this action alter the relationships or
distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress
in the preemption provisions of FFDCA
section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency
has determined that this action will not
have a substantial direct effect on States
or Tribal Governments, on the
relationship between the National
Government and the States or Tribal
Governments, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian
Tribes. Thus, the Agency has
determined that Executive Order 13132,
entitled ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255,
August 10, 1999) and Executive Order
13175, entitled ‘‘Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments’’ (65 FR 67249, November
9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In
addition, this action does not impose
any enforceable duty or contain any
unfunded mandate as described under
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et
seq.).
This action does not involve any
technical standards that would require
Agency consideration of voluntary
consensus standards pursuant to section
12(d) of the National Technology
Transfer and Advancement Act
(NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
Dated: June 10, 2021.
Marietta Echeverria,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
of Pesticide Programs.
VII. Congressional Review Act
Television Broadcasting Services
Hannibal, Missouri
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Therefore, for the reasons stated in the
preamble, EPA is amending 40 CFR
chapter I as follows:
PART 180—TOLERANCES AND
EXEMPTIONS FOR PESTICIDE
CHEMICAL RESIDUES IN FOOD
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.675, amend paragraph
(a)(1) by designating the table and
adding in alphabetical order in newly
designated Table 1 to paragraph (a)(1)
the entry ‘‘Artichoke, globe’’ to read as
follows:
■
§ 180.675 Tolfenpyrad; tolerances for
residues.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (a)(1)
Parts per
million
Commodity
*
*
*
Artichoke, globe ....................
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
5
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2021–12609 Filed 6–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 73
[MB Docket No. 21–71; RM–11887; DA 21–
601; FR ID 29216]
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
On March 7, 2021, the Media
Bureau, Video Division (Bureau) issued
a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in
response to a petition for rulemaking
filed by KHQA Licensee, LLC
(Licensee), the licensee of KMYU,
channel 7 (CBS), Hannibal, Missouri,
requesting the substitution of channel
22 for channel 7 at Hannibal in the DTV
Table of Allotments. For the reasons set
forth in the Report and Order referenced
below, the Bureau amends FCC
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM
16JNR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 16, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31950-31954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12609]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0067; FRL-10024-51]
Tolfenpyrad; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
tolfenpyrad in or on artichoke, globe. The Interregional Project Number
4 (IR-4) requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective June 16, 2021. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before August 16, 2021,
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-2020-0067, 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.
Due to the public health concerns related to COVID-19, the EPA
Docket Center (EPA/DC) and Reading Room is closed to visitors with
limited exceptions. The staff continues to provide remote customer
service via email, phone, and webform. For the latest status
information on EPA/DC services and docket access, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marietta Echeverria, Acting Director,
Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington,
DC 20460-0001; main telephone number: (703) 305-7090; email address:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them.
Potentially affected entities may include:
Crop production (NAICS code 111).
Animal production (NAICS code 112).
Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?
You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 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-2020-0067 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
August 16, 2021. 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-2020-0067, 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.
[[Page 31951]]
Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460-0001.
Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/where-send-comments-epa-dockets. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket,
along with more information about dockets generally, is available at
https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance
In the Federal Register of May 8, 2020 (85 FR 27346) (FRL-10008-
38), 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
9E8807) by the Interregional Project Number 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 180.675 be
amended by establishing a tolerance for residues of the insecticide
tolfenpyrad, (4-choro-3-ethyl-1-methyl-N-[[4-(4-
methylphenoxy)phenyl]methyl]-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide), in or on
artichoke, globe at 5 parts per million (ppm). That document referenced
a summary of the petition prepared by IR-4, the petitioner, which is
available in the docket for this action, Docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-
0067, at https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and
children.
The toxicology database is considered complete. A variety of toxic
effects were noted in the toxicology database for tolfenpyrad. However,
the most consistent findings across species and studies were effects on
bodyweight and bodyweight gain. Decreases in bodyweight and/or
bodyweight gain were observed in adults of all species (rat, mice,
rabbit, and dog) in the majority of the subchronic oral and dermal
toxicity studies, and all chronic toxicity studies. Bodyweight
decreases in rats were observed at much lower doses than in other
species. Chronic exposure resulted in bodyweight and bodyweight gain
decreases in mice and dogs at lower doses than the effects that were
observed from acute and subchronic exposures. In addition, quantitative
susceptibility was observed in the database; in the rat developmental
study, decreased fetal weights and number of ossified metacarpals were
observed in the absence of adverse maternal toxicity and in the one-
generation reproduction study, decreased pup weights were observed at a
lower dose than the dose at which parental bodyweight decreases reached
biological significance. Tolfenpyrad is classified as ``not likely to
be carcinogenic to humans''.
A complete discussion of the toxicological profile for tolfenpyrad
as well as specific information on the studies received and the nature
of the adverse effects caused by tolfenpyrad 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 in the
document titled ``Tolfenpyrad--Human Health Risk Assessment of the New
Use on Globe Artichoke'' (hereinafter ``Tolfenpyrad Human Health Risk
Assessment'') in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0067 at https://regulations.gov.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (PODs) 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 tolfenpyrad used for
human risk assessment can be found in the Tolfenpyrad Human Health Risk
Assessment.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to tolfenpyrad, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances as well as all existing tolfenpyrad tolerances in 40 CFR
180.675. EPA assessed dietary exposures from tolfenpyrad 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 tolfenpyrad. In estimating acute
dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption information from the United
States Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). As
to residue levels in food, the acute assessment assumed tolerance-level
residues and 100% crop treated (PCT) for all commodities. Refinements
include a factor to account for the reduction in residues when wrapper
leaves are removed from head lettuce, radicchio, cabbage, Chinese Napa
cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Empirical processing factors were
available for processed commodities of apple, orange, cottonseed,
grape, plum, potato and tomato, and were translated to other crop
processed commodities where appropriate. Where empirical processing
factors were not available or were not translated, the Agency's 2018
default processing factors were used. Several factors were used to
account for metabolite residues in/on bulb onion subgroup 3-07A
commodities and livestock commodities.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment, EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA's 2003-
2008 NHANES/WWEIA. As to residue levels in food, EPA used average
residues from field trials. The chronic assessment includes estimates
of PCT for some crops and all the refinements
[[Page 31952]]
described above for the acute assessment.
iii. Cancer. Based on the data cited in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that tolfenpyrad does not pose a cancer risk to humans.
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing
cancer risk is unnecessary.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information.
Section 408(b)(2)(E) of FFDCA authorizes EPA to use available data and
information on the anticipated residue levels of pesticide residues in
food and the actual levels of pesticide residues that have been
measured in food. If EPA relies on such information to establish the
tolerance, EPA must require pursuant to FFDCA section 408(f)(1) that
data be provided 5 years after the tolerance is established, modified,
or left in effect, demonstrating that the residue levels in food are
not above the levels anticipated. For the present action, EPA will
issue such data call-ins as are required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(E)
and authorized under FFDCA section 408(f)(1). Data will be required to
be submitted no later than 5 years from the date of issuance of these
tolerances.
Section 408(b)(2)(F) of FFDCA states that the Agency may use data
on the actual percent of food treated for assessing chronic dietary
risk only if:
Condition a: The data used are reliable and provide a
valid basis to show what percentage of the food derived from such crop
is likely to contain the pesticide residue.
Condition b: The exposure estimate does not underestimate
exposure for any significant subpopulation group.
Condition c: Data are available on pesticide use and food
consumption in a particular area, and the exposure estimate does not
understate exposure for the population in such area.
In addition, the Agency must provide for periodic evaluation of any
estimates used. To provide for the periodic evaluation of the estimate
of PCT as required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(F), EPA may require
registrants to submit data on PCT.
The acute assessment assumes 100 PCT. The Agency incorporated
estimates of average PCT in the chronic assessment for the following
crops: Grapefruit (15%), grapes (2.5%), lettuce (10%), onion (2.5%),
oranges (5%), peppers (less than 2.5%), potatoes (2.5%), tangerines
(2.5%), and tomatoes (2.5%).
In most cases, EPA uses available data from United States
Department of Agriculture/National Agricultural Statistics Service
(USDA/NASS), proprietary market surveys, and California Department of
Pesticide Regulation (CalDPR) Pesticide Use Reporting (PUR) for the
chemical/crop combination for the most recent 10 years. EPA uses an
average PCT for chronic dietary risk analysis and a maximum PCT for
acute dietary risk analysis. The average PCT figure for each existing
use is derived by combining available public and private market survey
data for that use, averaging across all observations, and rounding to
the nearest 5%, except for those situations in which the average PCT is
less than 1% or less than 2.5%. In those cases, the Agency would use
less than 1% or less than 2.5% as the average PCT value, respectively.
The maximum PCT figure is the highest observed maximum value reported
within the most recent 10 years of available public and private market
survey data for the existing use and rounded up to the nearest multiple
of 5%, except where the maximum PCT is less than 2.5%, in which case,
the Agency uses less than 2.5% as the maximum PCT.
The Agency believes that the three conditions discussed in Unit
III.C.1.iv. have been met. With respect to Condition a, PCT estimates
are derived from Federal and private market survey data, which are
reliable and have a valid basis. The Agency is reasonably certain that
the percentage of the food treated is not likely to be an
underestimation. As to Conditions b and c, regional consumption
information and consumption information for significant subpopulations
is taken into account through EPA's computer-based model for evaluating
the exposure of significant subpopulations including several regional
groups. Use of this consumption information in EPA's risk assessment
process ensures that EPA's exposure estimate does not understate
exposure for any significant subpopulation group and allows the Agency
to be reasonably certain that no regional population is exposed to
residue levels higher than those estimated by the Agency. Other than
the data available through national food consumption surveys, EPA does
not have available reliable information on the regional consumption of
food to which tolfenpyrad may be applied in a particular area.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for tolfenpyrad in drinking water. These simulation models
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of tolfenpyrad. 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.
Residues of tolfenpyrad in surface and ground water were modeled
with the Pesticide in Water Calculator (PWC Version 1.52). Groundwater
estimated drinking water concentrations were modeled with the Pesticide
Root Zone Model Groundwater (PRZM GW) model within the Pesticide in
Water Calculator (Version 1.52). For tolfenpyrad, the assessment uses
the total residues approach, which is commonly used to assess chemicals
that have residues of concern with similar toxicity to parent compound.
The recommended estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) for
tolfenpyrad acute exposures are estimated to be 32.6 parts per billion
(ppb) for surface water and 168 ppb for ground water. For chronic
exposures for non-cancer assessments, EDWCs are estimated to be 14.1
ppb for surface water and 125 ppb for ground water. For the acute
dietary exposure assessment, EPA used an EDWC of 168 ppm. For the
chronic dietary exposure assessment, EPA used a value of 125 ppb.
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).
Tolfenpyrad is not registered for any specific use patterns that
would result in residential exposure. 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.''
Unlike other pesticides for which EPA has followed a cumulative
risk approach based on a common mechanism of toxicity, EPA has not made
a common mechanism of toxicity finding as to tolfenpyrad and any other
substances, and tolfenpyrad does not appear to produce a toxic
metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this
action, therefore, EPA has not
[[Page 31953]]
assumed that tolfenpyrad has a common mechanism of toxicity with other
substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which
chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/pesticide-cumulative-risk-assessment-framework.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA Safety
Factor (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when
reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different
factor.
2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There is no evidence of
increased quantitative or qualitative susceptibility in the guideline
rabbit developmental studies, the rat two-generation reproduction
study, or the developmental immunotoxicity (DIT) study. Quantitative
susceptibility was observed in the developmental rat study and the
range-finding one-generation reproduction study. In the developmental
rat study, decreased fetal weights and number of ossified metacarpals
were observed in the absence of adverse maternal toxicity (only a 9%
decrease in bodyweight). In the one-generation reproduction study,
decreased pup weights were observed at a dose lower than the dose at
which parental bodyweight decreases reached biological significance.
All of the reviewed studies (developmental toxicity studies in the rat
and rabbit and the one- and two-generation reproductive toxicity
studies in the rat) include decreased bodyweight in the maternal LOAEL
statement, as well as mortality in both of the developmental rabbit
studies and the two-generation rat reproduction study. Reproductive
toxicity was seen in rats as increased total litter loss in the two-
generation study and decreased pup viability in the one- and two-
generation study. Decreased pup weight was observed in all six studies,
and additional offspring effects include: An increase in skeletal
variation in both developmental toxicity studies; blackish abdominal
cavity, dark green intestinal contents, and decreased survival of
offspring in the developmental immunotoxicity study; decreased pup
viability in both reproduction studies, with the addition of a delay in
developmental landmarks in the two-generation reproductive toxicity
study. Since most of these effects occurred in the presence of
comparable or more severe maternal toxicity, or were partially
attributable to the maternal animal behavior, they were not considered
evidence of qualitative susceptibility.
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 tolfenpyrad is complete and includes
acceptable developmental and reproductive toxicity studies.
ii. Based on the available toxicity database, there is no
indication that tolfenpyrad is a neurotoxic chemical, and there is no
need for a developmental neurotoxicity study or additional uncertainty
factors to account for neurotoxicity.
iii. While there was evidence of quantitative susceptibility in two
studies, the Agency's degree of concern for the susceptibility is low
because the offspring effects consistently occurred at or near doses
which caused maternal toxicity (bodyweight decrease), and because
endpoints and doses selected for risk assessment are protective of the
observed susceptibility.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary exposure assessment is partially refined but
does not underestimate potential dietary exposure to tolfenpyrad. EPA
made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface
water modeling used to assess exposure to tolfenpyrad in drinking
water. These assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks
posed by tolfenpyrad.
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 tolfenpyrad will occupy 69% of the aPAD for children 1 to 2 years of
age, 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
tolfenpyrad from food and water will utilize 59% of the cPAD for all
infants less than 1-year old, the population group receiving the
greatest exposure. There are no residential uses for tolfenpyrad.
3. Short-term and Intermediate-term risks. Short-term and
intermediate-term aggregate exposures take into account short-term and
intermediate-term residential exposures plus chronic exposures to food
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
Short-term and intermediate-term adverse effects were identified;
however, tolfenpyrad is not registered for any use patterns that would
result in short-term or intermediate-term residential exposures. Short-
term and intermediate-term risks are assessed based on short-term and
intermediate-term residential exposures plus chronic dietary exposure.
Because there are no short-term or intermediate-term residential
exposures and chronic dietary exposures have already been assessed
under the appropriately protective cPAD (which is at least as
protective as the POD used to assess short-term and intermediate-term
risk), no further assessments of short-term and intermediate-term risks
are necessary, and EPA relies on the chronic dietary risk assessment
for evaluating short-term and intermediate-term risks for tolfenpyrad.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity
studies, tolfenpyrad is not expected to pose a cancer risk to humans.
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 tolfenpyrad residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An acceptable high-performance liquid chromatography method with
[[Page 31954]]
tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC/MS/MS) is available for
enforcement of tolfenpyrad residue tolerances in/on plant commodities
(Morse Laboratories Analytical Method #Meth-183, Revision #2). For
livestock, a method described in PTRL West Study No. 1841W is
available. Residues are determined by LC/MS/MS analysis.
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 has not established an MRL for tolfenpyrad in globe
artichoke.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, a tolerance is established for residues of tolfenpyrad,
(4-choro-3-ethyl-1-methyl-N-[[4-(4-methylphenoxy)phenyl]methyl]-1H-
pyrazole-5-carboxamide), in or on artichoke, globe at 5 ppm.
VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action establishes a tolerance under FFDCA section 408(d) in
response to petitions 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 to Executive Order 13045, entitled
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any
special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance in this
final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.), do not apply.
This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or Tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or
Tribal Governments, on the relationship between the National Government
and the States or Tribal Governments, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes. Thus, the Agency has
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In addition, this
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
This action does not involve any technical standards that would
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
VII. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.),
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule''
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: June 10, 2021.
Marietta Echeverria,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, for the reasons stated in the preamble, EPA is amending
40 CFR chapter I as follows:
PART 180--TOLERANCES AND EXEMPTIONS FOR PESTICIDE CHEMICAL RESIDUES
IN FOOD
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. 180.675, amend paragraph (a)(1) by designating the table
and adding in alphabetical order in newly designated Table 1 to
paragraph (a)(1) the entry ``Artichoke, globe'' to read as follows:
Sec. 180.675 Tolfenpyrad; tolerances for residues.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
Table 1 to Paragraph (a)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Artichoke, globe........................................ 5
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2021-12609 Filed 6-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P