Nitrapyrin; Pesticide Tolerances, 3446-3449 [2022-01248]
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(19) Nova Chemicals Company
Beaver—Incorporating by reference
Permit No. 04–00033, issued April 2,
2020, as redacted by PADEP, which
supersedes prior RACT Permit No. 04–
000333, issued April 16, 1999 and
reissued January 24, 2001. See also
§ 52.2063(c)(173)(i)(B)(4), for prior
RACT approval.
(20) Sasol Chemicals USA LLC—
Incorporating by reference Permit No.
61–00011, effective February 16, 2020,
as redacted by Pennsylvania. All permit
conditions in the prior RACT Permit No.
61–011, effective April 18, 2005, remain
as RACT requirements, except for the
bypass limitation in Condition 12
(applicable to Source 107, 314/340
Distillation Columns), which is
superseded by the new permit. See also
§ 52.2020(d)(1), for prior RACT
approval.
(21) Silberline Manufacturing
Company Lincoln Drive Plant–
Incorporating by reference Permit No.
54–00041, effective March 16, 2020, as
redacted by Pennsylvania. All permit
conditions in the prior RACT Permit No.
54–0041, effective April 19, 1999,
remain as RACT requirements. See also
§ 52.2063(c)(143)(i)(B)(44), for prior
RACT approval.
(22) Superior Tube Company Lower
Providence—Incorporating by reference
Permit No. 46–00020, effective February
5, 2020, as redacted by Pennsylvania,
which supersedes the prior RACT I
Permit No OP–46–0020, effective April
17, 1998, except for the facility-wide
NOX emissions limit found in Condition
4 and Conditions 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, and
15, which remain as RACT
requirements. See also
§ 52.2063(c)(136)(i)(B)(13), for prior
RACT approval.
(23) Victaulic Company Alburtis
Facility—Incorporating by reference
Permit No. 39–00069, effective October
24, 2017, as redacted by Pennsylvania.
(24) Victaulic Forks Facility—
Incorporating by reference Permit No.
48–00009, effective October 24, 2017, as
redacted by Pennsylvania.
[FR Doc. 2021–27231 Filed 1–21–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
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40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2021–0352; FRL–9419–01–
OCSPP]
Nitrapyrin; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
AGENCY:
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ACTION:
Final rule.
This regulation establishes a
tolerance for residues of nitrapyrin in or
on cottonseed, crop subgroup 20C;
cotton, gin byproducts; cotton, meal;
rice, grain; and rice, straw. Corteva
Agrosciences requested this tolerance
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
January 24, 2022. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before March 25, 2022 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–2021–0352, 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 (202) 566–0294.
Due to the public health concerns
related to COVID–19, the EPA Docket
Center (EPA/DC) and Reading Room is
open to visitors by appointment only.
For the latest status information on
EPA/DC services and access, visit
https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Anita Pease, Antimicrobials Division
(7510P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460–0001; main telephone number:
(703) 305–7090; email address:
ADFRNotices@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. The following
list of North American Industrial
Classification System (NAICS) codes is
not intended to be exhaustive, but rather
provides a guide to help readers
determine whether this document
applies to them. Potentially affected
entities may include:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
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• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
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 Office of the Federal Register’s eCFR site at https://www.ecfr.gov/
current/title-40.
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–2021–0352 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 March
25, 2022. 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–
2021–0352, by one of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for submitting
comments. Do not submit electronically
any information you consider to be CBI
or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute.
• Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001.
• Hand Delivery: To make special
arrangements for hand delivery or
delivery of boxed information, please
follow the instructions at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets/where-sendcomments-epa-dockets.
Additional instructions on
commenting or visiting the docket,
along with more information about
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dockets generally, is available at https://
www.epa.gov/dockets.
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II. Summary of Petitioned-For
Tolerance
In the Federal Register of August 24,
2021 86 FR 47275 (FRL–8792–02–
OCSPP), 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 0F8875) by
Corteva Agrosciences, 9330 Zionsville
Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268. The
petition requested that 40 CFR 180.350
be amended by establishing a tolerance
for combined residues or residues of the
nitrification inhibitor nitrapyrin and its
metabolite, 6-chloropicolinic acid (6–
CPA), in or on cottonseed crop subgroup
20C; cotton, gin byproducts; cotton,
meal; rice, grain; and rice, straw at 4.0,
0.6, 6.0, 0.03 and 0.15 parts per million
(ppm), respectively. That document
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Corteva Agrosciences, the
registrant, which is included in the
docket. There were no comments
received in response to the notice of
filing.
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 a tolerance for
combined residues or residues of
nitrapyrin and its metabolite, 6chloropicolinic acid (6–CPA), in or on
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cottonseed crop subgroup 20C; cotton,
gin byproducts; cotton, meal; rice, grain;
and rice, straw at 4.0, 0.6, 6.0, 0.03 and
0.15 parts per million (ppm),
respectively. EPA’s assessment of
exposures and risks associated with
establishing the tolerance follows.
In an effort to streamline its
publications in the Federal Register,
EPA is not reprinting sections that
repeat what has been previously
published for tolerance rulemaking of
the same pesticide chemical. Where
scientific information concerning a
particular chemical remains unchanged,
the content of those sections would not
vary between tolerance rulemaking and
republishing the same sections is
unnecessary. EPA considers referral
back to those sections as sufficient to
provide an explanation of the
information EPA considered in making
its safety determination for the new
rulemaking.
EPA has previously published a
number of tolerance rulemakings for
nitrapyrin, in which EPA concluded,
based on the available information, that
there is a reasonable certainty that no
harm would result from aggregate
exposure to nitrapyrin and established
tolerances for residues of that chemical.
EPA is incorporating previously
published sections from those
rulemakings as described further in this
rulemaking, as they remain unchanged.
On August 27, 2019, EPA published in
the Federal Register a final rule
establishing tolerances for residues of
nitrapyrin in or on sugar beet molasses,
sugar beet roots, sugar beet tops,
rapeseed seed, and the vegetable,
tuberous and corm, crop subgroup 1C.
See (85 FR 48651) (FRL–10009–42).
That document contains a summary of
the toxicological profile, assumptions
for dietary exposure assessment,
cumulative risk, and the safety factor for
children, which have not changed. More
detailed information on the subject
action to establish a tolerance in or on
cotton and rice can be found in the
document titled, ‘‘Nitrapyrin. Human
Health Risk Assessment for New Uses
in/on Cotton and Rice,’’ dated December
8, 2021 by going to https://
www.regulations.gov. The referenced
document is available in the docket
EPA–HQ–OPP–2021–0352.
Toxicological profile. For a discussion
of the Toxicological Profile of
nitrapyrin, see Unit III of the August 12,
2020 rulemaking (85 FR 48651) (FRL–
10009–42). There have been no changes
to the toxicological endpoints since the
last risk assessment.
Toxicological points of departure/
Levels of concern. For a summary of the
Toxicological Points of Departure/
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Levels of Concern for nitrapyrin, see the
document titled: ‘‘Nitrapyrin. Human
Health Risk Assessment for New Uses
in/on Cotton and Rice,’’ dated December
8, 2021, in docket number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2021–0352.
Exposure assessment. EPA’s dietary
exposure assessments have been
updated to include the additional
exposure from the new uses of
nitrapyrin on cotton and rice. The
assessment used the same assumptions
as the August 12, 2020 final rule
concerning tolerance-level residues,
default processing factors for all
processed commodities, and 100
percent crop treated.
Drinking water exposure. EPA has
revised the nitrapyrin drinking water
assessment since the August 12, 2020
final rule. Surface water and
groundwater modeling were simulated
using the Pesticide in Water Calculator
(PWC version 2.0; Sep. 18, 2020) for use
on cotton. The Pesticides in Flooded
Applications Model (PFAM; version 2.0;
Sep. 27, 2016) was also used in surface
water modeling for use on rice. The
highest estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWCs) are 124 mg/L for
acute exposure and 111 mg/L for chronic
exposure from ground water sources
based on the Florida (FL) central ridge
model scenarios.
Non-occupational exposure. There are
no currently registered or proposed
residential uses for nitrapyrin; therefore,
residential handler and post-application
exposure and risks were not assessed.
Cumulative exposures. 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 nitrapyrin and any
other substances and nitrapyrin does
not appear to produce a toxic metabolite
produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this action, therefore, EPA
has not assumed that nitrapyrin has a
common mechanism of toxicity with
other substances.
Safety factor for infants and children.
EPA continues to conclude that there
are reliable data to support the
reduction of the Food Quality Protection
Act (FQPA) safety factor. See Unit III of
the August 12, 2020 final rule for a
discussion of the Agency’s rationale for
that determination.
Aggregate risk and determination of
safety. EPA determines whether acute
and chronic dietary pesticide exposures
are safe by comparing aggregate
exposure estimates to the acute
population adjusted dose (aPAD) and
the chronic population adjusted dose
(cPAD). Short-, intermediate-, and
chronic term risks are evaluated by
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comparing the estimated aggregate food,
water, and residential exposure to the
appropriate points of departure to
ensure that an adequate margin of
exposure (MOE) exists. For linear cancer
risks, EPA calculates the lifetime
probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure.
The acute dietary (food and water)
risk estimates are below EPA’s level of
concern for all population subgroups
(<100% of the acute population
adjusted dose (aPAD)). The population
subgroup with the highest acute risk
estimate is all-infants (<1 year-old), at
14% of the aPAD. The chronic dietary
(food and water) risk estimates are
below HED’s level of concern for all
population subgroups (<100% of the
chronic adjusted population dose
(cPAD)). The population subgroup with
the highest chronic risk estimate is
children (1 to 2 years old) at 26% of the
cPAD.
Since there are no registered
residential uses, the acute and chronic
aggregate exposure and risk assessment
are equivalent to the dietary (food and
drinking water) exposure and risk
estimates and are below EPA’s level of
concern (<26% of the cPAD). Nitrapyrin
is classified as ‘‘not likely to be
carcinogenic to humans at doses that do
not result in constitutive androstane
receptor (CAR) activation as indicated
by Cyp2b10 expression’’. Therefore, the
chronic dietary endpoint and
assessment are protective of all chronic
risks, including potential carcinogenic
effects. More detailed information can
be found at https://www.regulations.gov
in the document titled ‘‘Nitrapyrin.
Human Health Risk Assessment for the
Section 3 Registration Action for New
Uses on in/on Cotton and Rice,’’ dated
December 8, 2021 by going to https://
www.regulations.gov. The referenced
document is available in the docket
EPA–HQ–OPP–2021–0352.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
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Adequate enforcement methodology
(gas chromatography with electron
capture detection) is available to enforce
the tolerance expression. Seven
analytical methods are available in
Volume II of the Pesticide Analytical
Manual (PAM II—Pesticide Reg. Sec.
180.350) for tolerance enforcement for
nitrapyrin and/or for metabolite 6–CPA.
B. International Residue Limits
Codex and Canada have not
established maximum residue limits
(MRLs) for residues of nitrapyrin.
Therefore, there are no issues related to
international harmonization. A
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summary of the MRLs can be found in
Appendix D of the document titled
‘‘Nitrapyrin. Human Health Risk
Assessment for the Section 3
Registration Action for New Uses on in/
on Cotton and Rice,’’ dated December 8,
2021 by going to https://
www.regulations.gov. The referenced
document is available in the docket
EPA–HQ–OPP–2021–0352.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For
Tolerances
Rice straw is no longer considered a
significant livestock feed item and a
tolerance is therefore unnecessary.
Additionally, tolerance values for
cottonseed crop subgroup 20C, cotton,
gin byproducts and cotton meal are
being established consistent with the
Agency’s rounding class practice.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for the residues of nitrapyrin in or on
cottonseed crop subgroup 20C at 4 parts
per million (ppm); cotton, gin
byproducts at 0.6 ppm; cotton, meal at
6 ppm; and rice, grain at 0.03 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). 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
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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 19, 2022.
Anita Pease,
Director, Antimicrobials Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, for the reasons stated in the
preamble, EPA is amending 40 CFR
chapter I as follows:
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PART 180—TOLERANCES AND
EXEMPTIONS FOR PESTICIDE
CHEMICAL RESIDUES IN FOOD
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
46 CFR Parts 114, 116, 118, 122, 175,
177, 181, and 185
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. In § 180.350, amend the table in
paragraph (a) by adding a table heading
and, in alphabetical order, the entries
‘‘Cottonseed subgroup 20C’’; ‘‘Cotton,
gin byproduct’’; ‘‘Cotton, meal’’; and
‘‘Rice, grain’’ to read as follows:
■
§ 180.350 Nitrapyrin; tolerances for
residues.
[Docket No. USCG–2021–0306]
RIN 1625–AC69
Fire Safety of Small Passenger
Vessels; Correction
Coast Guard, DHS.
Interim rule; correction.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard is correcting
an interim rule that appeared in the
(a) * * *
Federal Register on December 27, 2021.
The interim rule announced changes to
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (a)
small passenger vessel fire safety
regulations. The interim rule has an
Parts per
effective date of March 28, 2022. This
Commodity
million
correction fixes incorrect cross
references in the regulatory text of that
interim rule.
*
*
*
*
*
Cottonseed subgroup 20C ...
4 DATES: This correction is effective on
Cotton, gin byproduct ...........
0.6 March 28, 2022.
Cotton, meal .........................
6 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this correction,
*
*
*
*
*
please contact Lieutenant Carmine Faul,
Rice, grain ............................
0.03 Coast Guard; telephone 202–475–1357,
email carmine.a.faul@uscg.mil.
*
*
*
*
*
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
*
*
*
*
Correction
*
[FR Doc. 2022–01248 Filed 1–21–22; 8:45 am]
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BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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SUMMARY:
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In FR Doc. 2021–27549, published at
86 FR 73160 on December 27, 2021, the
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Coast Guard is correcting incorrect cross
references in the regulatory text of
§ 114.110(g)(1). On page 73171,
published in the first column, the
interim rule referenced incorrect
paragraphs in the second amendatory
instruction for § 114.110(g)(1). There,
the interim rule incorrectly referenced
the requirements in §§ 118.400(c) and
118.500r. We are correcting the interim
rule to instead cross reference
§§ 118.400(d) and 118.500 in
§ 114.110(g)(1). The interim rule added
new § 118.400(d) which requires certain
small passenger vessels to install an
interconnected fire detection system.
Referencing paragraph (c) of § 118.400
was a typographical error. Additionally,
§ 118.500r does not exist. The ‘‘r’’ is a
typographical error.
In FR Doc. 2021–27549, appearing on
page 73171 in the Federal Register of
Monday, December 27, 2021, the
following correction is made:
§ 114.110
[Corrected]
1. On page 73171, in the first column,
in part 114, in amendment 2, in the
regulatory text of § 114.110(g)(1), the
text ‘‘118.400(c) and 118.500r’’ is
corrected to read ‘‘118.400(d) and
118.500’’.
■
Dated: January 19, 2022.
M.T. Cunningham,
Chief, Office of Regulations and
Administrative Law.
[FR Doc. 2022–01247 Filed 1–21–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 15 (Monday, January 24, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3446-3449]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01248]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0352; FRL-9419-01-OCSPP]
Nitrapyrin; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of
nitrapyrin in or on cottonseed, crop subgroup 20C; cotton, gin
byproducts; cotton, meal; rice, grain; and rice, straw. Corteva
Agrosciences requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective January 24, 2022. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before March 25, 2022 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-2021-0352, 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 (202) 566-0294.
Due to the public health concerns related to COVID-19, the EPA
Docket Center (EPA/DC) and Reading Room is open to visitors by
appointment only. For the latest status information on EPA/DC services
and access, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anita Pease, Antimicrobials Division
(7510P), 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 Office of the
Federal Register's e-CFR site at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40.
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-2021-0352 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
March 25, 2022. 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-2021-0352, by one of
the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460-0001.
Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/where-send-comments-epa-dockets.
Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along
with more information about
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dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance
In the Federal Register of August 24, 2021 86 FR 47275 (FRL-8792-
02-OCSPP), 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
0F8875) by Corteva Agrosciences, 9330 Zionsville Rd., Indianapolis, IN
46268. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.350 be amended by
establishing a tolerance for combined residues or residues of the
nitrification inhibitor nitrapyrin and its metabolite, 6-
chloropicolinic acid (6-CPA), in or on cottonseed crop subgroup 20C;
cotton, gin byproducts; cotton, meal; rice, grain; and rice, straw at
4.0, 0.6, 6.0, 0.03 and 0.15 parts per million (ppm), respectively.
That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Corteva
Agrosciences, the registrant, which is included in the docket. There
were no comments received in response to the notice of filing.
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 a tolerance for combined
residues or residues of nitrapyrin and its metabolite, 6-
chloropicolinic acid (6-CPA), in or on cottonseed crop subgroup 20C;
cotton, gin byproducts; cotton, meal; rice, grain; and rice, straw at
4.0, 0.6, 6.0, 0.03 and 0.15 parts per million (ppm), respectively.
EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with establishing
the tolerance follows.
In an effort to streamline its publications in the Federal
Register, EPA is not reprinting sections that repeat what has been
previously published for tolerance rulemaking of the same pesticide
chemical. Where scientific information concerning a particular chemical
remains unchanged, the content of those sections would not vary between
tolerance rulemaking and republishing the same sections is unnecessary.
EPA considers referral back to those sections as sufficient to provide
an explanation of the information EPA considered in making its safety
determination for the new rulemaking.
EPA has previously published a number of tolerance rulemakings for
nitrapyrin, in which EPA concluded, based on the available information,
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm would result from
aggregate exposure to nitrapyrin and established tolerances for
residues of that chemical. EPA is incorporating previously published
sections from those rulemakings as described further in this
rulemaking, as they remain unchanged. On August 27, 2019, EPA published
in the Federal Register a final rule establishing tolerances for
residues of nitrapyrin in or on sugar beet molasses, sugar beet roots,
sugar beet tops, rapeseed seed, and the vegetable, tuberous and corm,
crop subgroup 1C. See (85 FR 48651) (FRL-10009-42). That document
contains a summary of the toxicological profile, assumptions for
dietary exposure assessment, cumulative risk, and the safety factor for
children, which have not changed. More detailed information on the
subject action to establish a tolerance in or on cotton and rice can be
found in the document titled, ``Nitrapyrin. Human Health Risk
Assessment for New Uses in/on Cotton and Rice,'' dated December 8, 2021
by going to https://www.regulations.gov. The referenced document is
available in the docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0352.
Toxicological profile. For a discussion of the Toxicological
Profile of nitrapyrin, see Unit III of the August 12, 2020 rulemaking
(85 FR 48651) (FRL-10009-42). There have been no changes to the
toxicological endpoints since the last risk assessment.
Toxicological points of departure/Levels of concern. For a summary
of the Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern for
nitrapyrin, see the document titled: ``Nitrapyrin. Human Health Risk
Assessment for New Uses in/on Cotton and Rice,'' dated December 8,
2021, in docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0352.
Exposure assessment. EPA's dietary exposure assessments have been
updated to include the additional exposure from the new uses of
nitrapyrin on cotton and rice. The assessment used the same assumptions
as the August 12, 2020 final rule concerning tolerance-level residues,
default processing factors for all processed commodities, and 100
percent crop treated.
Drinking water exposure. EPA has revised the nitrapyrin drinking
water assessment since the August 12, 2020 final rule. Surface water
and groundwater modeling were simulated using the Pesticide in Water
Calculator (PWC version 2.0; Sep. 18, 2020) for use on cotton. The
Pesticides in Flooded Applications Model (PFAM; version 2.0; Sep. 27,
2016) was also used in surface water modeling for use on rice. The
highest estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) are 124 [mu]g/L
for acute exposure and 111 [micro]g/L for chronic exposure from ground
water sources based on the Florida (FL) central ridge model scenarios.
Non-occupational exposure. There are no currently registered or
proposed residential uses for nitrapyrin; therefore, residential
handler and post-application exposure and risks were not assessed.
Cumulative exposures. 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
nitrapyrin and any other substances and nitrapyrin does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this action, therefore, EPA has not assumed that nitrapyrin
has a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances.
Safety factor for infants and children. EPA continues to conclude
that there are reliable data to support the reduction of the Food
Quality Protection Act (FQPA) safety factor. See Unit III of the August
12, 2020 final rule for a discussion of the Agency's rationale for that
determination.
Aggregate risk and determination of safety. EPA determines whether
acute and chronic dietary pesticide exposures are safe by comparing
aggregate exposure estimates to the acute population adjusted dose
(aPAD) and the chronic population adjusted dose (cPAD). Short-,
intermediate-, and chronic term risks are evaluated by
[[Page 3448]]
comparing the estimated aggregate food, water, and residential exposure
to the appropriate points of departure to ensure that an adequate
margin of exposure (MOE) exists. For linear cancer risks, EPA
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the
estimated aggregate exposure.
The acute dietary (food and water) risk estimates are below EPA's
level of concern for all population subgroups (<100% of the acute
population adjusted dose (aPAD)). The population subgroup with the
highest acute risk estimate is all-infants (<1 year-old), at 14% of the
aPAD. The chronic dietary (food and water) risk estimates are below
HED's level of concern for all population subgroups (<100% of the
chronic adjusted population dose (cPAD)). The population subgroup with
the highest chronic risk estimate is children (1 to 2 years old) at 26%
of the cPAD.
Since there are no registered residential uses, the acute and
chronic aggregate exposure and risk assessment are equivalent to the
dietary (food and drinking water) exposure and risk estimates and are
below EPA's level of concern (<26% of the cPAD). Nitrapyrin is
classified as ``not likely to be carcinogenic to humans at doses that
do not result in constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activation as
indicated by Cyp2b10 expression''. Therefore, the chronic dietary
endpoint and assessment are protective of all chronic risks, including
potential carcinogenic effects. More detailed information can be found
at https://www.regulations.gov in the document titled ``Nitrapyrin.
Human Health Risk Assessment for the Section 3 Registration Action for
New Uses on in/on Cotton and Rice,'' dated December 8, 2021 by going to
https://www.regulations.gov. The referenced document is available in
the docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0352.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology (gas chromatography with electron
capture detection) is available to enforce the tolerance expression.
Seven analytical methods are available in Volume II of the Pesticide
Analytical Manual (PAM II--Pesticide Reg. Sec. 180.350) for tolerance
enforcement for nitrapyrin and/or for metabolite 6-CPA.
B. International Residue Limits
Codex and Canada have not established maximum residue limits (MRLs)
for residues of nitrapyrin. Therefore, there are no issues related to
international harmonization. A summary of the MRLs can be found in
Appendix D of the document titled ``Nitrapyrin. Human Health Risk
Assessment for the Section 3 Registration Action for New Uses on in/on
Cotton and Rice,'' dated December 8, 2021 by going to https://www.regulations.gov. The referenced document is available in the docket
EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0352.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances
Rice straw is no longer considered a significant livestock feed
item and a tolerance is therefore unnecessary. Additionally, tolerance
values for cottonseed crop subgroup 20C, cotton, gin byproducts and
cotton meal are being established consistent with the Agency's rounding
class practice.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for the residues of
nitrapyrin in or on cottonseed crop subgroup 20C at 4 parts per million
(ppm); cotton, gin byproducts at 0.6 ppm; cotton, meal at 6 ppm; and
rice, grain at 0.03 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). 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 19, 2022.
Anita Pease,
Director, Antimicrobials Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, for the reasons stated in the preamble, EPA is amending
40 CFR chapter I as follows:
[[Page 3449]]
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. 180.350, amend the table in paragraph (a) by adding a table
heading and, in alphabetical order, the entries ``Cottonseed subgroup
20C''; ``Cotton, gin byproduct''; ``Cotton, meal''; and ``Rice, grain''
to read as follows:
Sec. 180.350 Nitrapyrin; tolerances for residues.
(a) * * *
Table 1 to Paragraph (a)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Cottonseed subgroup 20C................................. 4
Cotton, gin byproduct................................... 0.6
Cotton, meal............................................ 6
* * * * *
Rice, grain............................................. 0.03
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2022-01248 Filed 1-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P