Pyraclonil; Pesticide Tolerances, 57887-57891 [2023-18181]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2020–0004; FRL–11246–01–
OCSPP]
Pyraclonil; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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Charles Smith, Registration Division
(7505T), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460–0001; main telephone number:
(202) 566–1030; email address:
RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of pyraclonil in
or on rice, grain. Nichino America, Inc.
requested these tolerances under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
August 24, 2023. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before October 23, 2023 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–2020–0004, 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 and OPP Docket
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
40 CFR Part 180
15:37 Aug 23, 2023
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8/24/2023, [Insert Federal Register citation].
is (202) 566–1744. Please review the
visitor instructions and additional
information about the docket available
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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[FR Doc. 2023–17945 Filed 8–23–23; 8:45 am]
SUMMARY:
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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.
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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–2020–0004 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing and must be received
by the Hearing Clerk on or before
October 23, 2023. Addresses for mail
and hand delivery of objections and
hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR
178.25(b), although the Office of
Administrative Law Judges encourages
parties to file electronically. See https://
www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/202005/documents/2020-04-10_-_order_
urging_electronic_service_and_
filing.pdf.
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–
2020–0004, by one of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for submitting
comments. Do not submit electronically
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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
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 March 3,
2020 (85 FR 12454) (FRL–10005–58),
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 9F8809) by
Nichino America, Inc., 4550 Linden Hill
Road, Suite 501, Wilmington, DE 19808.
The petition requested that 40 CFR part
180 be amended by establishing
tolerances for residues of the herbicide
pyraclonil, 1-(3-chloro-4,5,6,7tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-2-yl)5-[methyl(prop-2-ynyl)amino]pyrazole4-carbonitrile, in or on rice, grain at 0.01
parts per million (ppm). That document
referenced a summary of the petition
prepared by Nichino America, Inc., the
registrant, which is available in the
docket https://www.regulations.gov.
Three comments supporting the
registration were improperly filed in the
docket for the notice of filing (NOF);
there were no comments on the
tolerance action.
Based upon review of the data
supporting the petition, EPA has
recommended changes to the tolerance
expression. The reason for these
changes is explained in Unit IV.C.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings but does not include
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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
therein, 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 pyraclonil
including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action.
EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
associated with pyraclonil follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available
toxicity data and considered its validity,
completeness, and reliability as well as
the relationship of the results of the
studies to human risk. EPA has also
considered available information
concerning the variability of the
sensitivities of major identifiable
subgroups of consumers, including
infants and children.
The target organs of pyraclonil are the
liver and the thyroid. Liver effects were
found to be primarily adaptive
(increased weight, hepatocellular
hypertrophy, induction of cytochrome
P450); however, female mice showed
adverse liver effects (clinical chemistry
changes, increased liver weight, and fat
deposits after 90 days of oral exposure;
these initial changes progressed to
cellular alteration, liver masses, and
hepatocellular adenomas after 78 weeks
of oral exposure). Thyroid effects
occurred in rats at similar doses across
the database via oral exposures (lowest
observed adverse effect levels (LOAELs)
range from 74 to 207 mg/kg/day).
Thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy was
observed in both sexes of rats in several
studies, after 14 or more days of oral
exposure. Colloid degeneration was
observed in both sexes, and thyroid
follicular cell adenomas were observed
in males in a chronic study. Increased
blood levels of thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH) and decreased levels of
thyroxine (T4) were detected after 1, 2,
52, and 104 weeks of oral exposure
(hormones only measured in one 14-day
oral study and one chronic study), in
either or both sexes. No thyroid effects
were detected in mice or dogs.
No reproductive effects were detected.
No increased pre- or postnatal
susceptibility was detected. Pup weights
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were decreased in the rat reproductive
study at the same dietary concentration
at which thyroid effects were observed
in adults. Decreased fetal weights were
seen in a rat developmental study at the
same dose as maternal clinical signs and
decreased body weight. In an acute
neurotoxicity study, decreased motor
activity and several functional
observation battery (FOB) findings
(tremors, hunchback posture and slight
lacrimation; decreased alertness,
exploration, approach response and
landing foot splay; and decreased body
temperature) were noted only at 2 hours
post-dosing with a single dose of 400
mg/kg in females, and at higher doses in
males. There was no effect of treatment
on neurological parameters measured in
a 90-day repeat dose studies in the rat.
Pyraclonil is classified as ‘‘Likely to
be Carcinogenic to Humans’’, based on
treatment-related hepatocellular tumors
in female mice (adenomas and
combined adenomas/carcinomas), and
thyroid follicular cell tumors in male rat
(adenomas and combined adenomas/
carcinomas). The unit risk, Q1* (mg/kg/
day)¥1 of pyraclonil based upon female
mouse liver tumor rates is 1.08 × 10¥2
in human equivalents.
Specific information on the studies
received and the nature of the adverse
effects caused by pyraclonil as well as
the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observedadverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
toxicity studies can be found at https://
www.regulations.gov in document
Pyraclonil. Human Health Risk
Assessment for the New Active
Ingredient for use on Rice at 11–14 in
docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2020–
0004.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide’s toxicological
profile is determined, EPA identifies
toxicological points of departure (POD)
and levels of concern to use in
evaluating the risk posed by human
exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
that have a threshold below which there
is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
POD is used as the basis for derivation
of reference values for risk assessment.
PODs are developed based on a careful
analysis of the doses in each
toxicological study to determine the
dose at which no adverse effects are
observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern
are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
safety factors are used in conjunction
with the POD to calculate a safe
exposure level—generally referred to as
a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
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of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
risks, the Agency assumes that any
amount of exposure will lead to some
degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
estimates risk in terms of the probability
of an occurrence of the adverse effect
expected in a lifetime. For more
information on the general principles
EPA uses in risk characterization and a
complete description of the risk
assessment process, see https://
www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks/assessinghuman-health-risk-pesticides.
A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for pyraclonil used for human
risk assessment can be found on pages
18–20 in the Pyraclonil Human Health
Risk Assessment.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and
feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to pyraclonil, EPA considered
exposure under the petitioned-for
tolerances. EPA assessed dietary
exposures from pyraclonil 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 pyraclonil. In estimating acute
dietary exposure, EPA used food
consumption information from the
United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) 2005–2010 National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey, What We
Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). As
to residue levels in food, EPA
conducted an unrefined acute dietary
exposure assessment for the proposed
new use on rice and assumed 100
percent crop treated (PCT), tolerancelevel residues and default processing
factors.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
EPA used the food consumption data
from the USDA 2005–2010 NHANES/
WWEIA. As to residue levels in food,
EPA conducted an unrefined chronic
dietary exposure assessment for the
proposed new use on rice and assumed
100 PCT, tolerance-level residues and
default processing factors.
iii. Cancer. EPA determines whether
quantitative cancer exposure and risk
assessments are appropriate for a fooduse pesticide based on the weight of the
evidence from cancer studies and other
relevant data. If quantitative cancer risk
assessment is appropriate, cancer risk
may be quantified using a linear or
nonlinear approach. If sufficient
information on the carcinogenic mode
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of action is available, a threshold or
nonlinear approach is used and a cancer
RfD is calculated based on an earlier
noncancer key event. If carcinogenic
mode of action data are not available, or
if the mode of action data determines a
mutagenic mode of action, a default
linear cancer slope factor approach is
utilized. Based on the data summarized
in Unit III.A., EPA has concluded that
pyraclonil should be classified as
‘‘Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans’’
and a linear approach has been used to
quantify cancer risk. The inputs for the
cancer dietary exposure assessment and
the chronic dietary exposure assessment
were equivalent with the exception of
the estimated drinking water
concentrations (EDWC) used. Applying
the Q1* of 1.08 × 10¥2 (mg/kg/day)¥1
to the exposure value (0.000136 mg/kg/
day) results in a cancer risk estimate of
1 × 10¥6 for adults 20 to 49 years old.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent
crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did
not use anticipated residue and/or PCT
information in the dietary assessment
for pyraclonil. Tolerance level residues
and/or 100PCT were assumed for all
food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking
water. The Agency used screening level
water exposure models in the dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment
for pyraclonil in drinking water. These
simulation models take into account
data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of pyraclonil.
Further information regarding EPA
drinking water models used in pesticide
exposure assessment can be found at
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-scienceand-assessing-pesticide-risks/modelspesticide-risk-assessment.
Based on the Pesticides in Flooded
Application Model (PFAM version 2.0),
the maximum EDWCs of 50.8 mg/L for
the 1-in-10-year daily mean, 6.68 mg/L
for the 1-in-10-year annual mean, and
6.40 mg/L for the 30-year annual mean
concentration in surface water were
used in the acute, chronic, and cancer
analyses, respectively.
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). Pyraclonil
is not registered for any specific use
patterns that would result in residential
exposure.
4. Cumulative effects from substances
with a common mechanism of toxicity.
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance, the Agency consider
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‘‘available information’’ concerning the
cumulative effects of a particular
pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
EPA has not found pyraclonil to share
a common mechanism of toxicity with
any other substances, and pyraclonil
does not appear to produce a toxic
metabolite produced by other
substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
assumed that pyraclonil does not have
a common mechanism of toxicity with
other substances. For information
regarding EPA’s efforts to determine
which chemicals have a common
mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate
the cumulative effects of such
chemicals, see EPA’s website at https://
www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-andassessing-pesticide-risks/cumulativeassessment-risk-pesticides.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and
Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
an additional tenfold (10X) margin of
safety for infants and children in the
case of threshold effects to account for
prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines
based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants
and children. This additional margin of
safety is commonly referred to as the
Food Quality Protection Act (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.
No increased pre- or postnatal
susceptibility was detected in
developmental studies in rats or rabbits,
or in a reproductive study in rats.
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 pyraclonil
is complete.
ii. Potential evidence of neurotoxicity
was observed in the pyraclonil acute
neurotoxicity study; however, concern
is low since a clear NOAEL was
established and the selected endpoints
are protective of the observed effects.
iii. There is no evidence that
pyraclonil results in increased
susceptibility in utero rats or rabbits in
the prenatal developmental studies or in
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young rats in the 2-generation
reproduction study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties
identified in the exposure databases.
The dietary food exposure assessments
were performed based on 100 PCT,
tolerance-level residues and default
processing factors. EPA made
conservative (protective) assumptions in
the ground and surface water modeling
used to assess exposure to pyraclonil in
drinking water. These assessments will
not underestimate the exposure and
risks posed by pyraclonil.
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
pyraclonil will occupy <1% of the aPAD
for all infants <1 year old, the
population group receiving the greatest
exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
assumptions described in this unit for
chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
that chronic exposure to pyraclonil from
food and water will utilize <1% of the
cPAD for all infants <1 year old, the
population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no residential uses
for pyraclonil.
3. Short-term and Intermediate-term
risk. Short-term and Intermediate-term
aggregate exposure takes into account
short-term and intermediate-term
residential exposure plus chronic
exposure to food and water (considered
to be a background exposure level).
A short-term and intermediate-term
adverse effect was identified; however,
pyraclonil is not registered for any use
patterns that would result in short-term
or intermediate-term residential
exposure. Short-term or intermediateterm risk is assessed based on shortterm or intermediate-term residential
exposure plus chronic dietary exposure.
Because there is no short-term or
intermediate-term residential exposure,
and chronic dietary exposure has
already been assessed under the
appropriately protective cPAD (which is
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at least as protective as the POD used to
assess short-term and intermediate-term
risk), no further assessment of shortterm or intermediate-term risk is
necessary, and EPA relies on the
chronic dietary risk assessment for
evaluating short-term and intermediateterm risk for pyraclonil.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
population. The estimated exposure of
adults 20 to 49 years old (the most
highly exposed adult subpopulation) to
pyraclonil is 0.000136 mg/kg/day.
Applying the Q1* of 1.08 × 10¥2 (mg/
kg/day)¥1 to the exposure value results
in a cancer risk estimate of 1 × 10¥6 for
adults 20 to 49 years old. EPA generally
considers cancer risks (expressed as the
probability of an increased cancer case)
in the range of 1 in 1 million (or × 10¥6)
or less to be negligible. The precision
which can be assumed for cancer risk
estimates is best described by rounding
to the nearest integral order of
magnitude on the logarithmic scale; for
example, risks falling between 3 × 10¥7
and 3 × 10¥6 are expressed as risks in
the range of 10¥6. This is particularly
the case where some conservatism is
maintained in the exposure assessment.
The pyraclonil exposure assessment is
unrefined and retains significant
conservatism in that tolerance-level
residues and 100 percent crop treated is
assumed for the rice use. In addition,
EPA made conservative (protective)
assumptions in the ground and surface
water modeling used to assess exposure
to pyraclonil in drinking water. These
assessments will not underestimate the
exposure posed by pyraclonil.
Accordingly, EPA has concluded the
aggregate cancer risk for all existing
pyraclonil uses and the new uses in this
action fall within the range of 1 × 10¥6
and are thus negligible.
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 pyraclonil
residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology
such as high-performance liquid
chromatography method with tandem
mass spectrometry detection (LC/MS/
MS), Method GLP–MTH–108, is
available to enforce the tolerance
expression.
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;
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email address: residuemethods@
epa.gov.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
international standards whenever
possible, consistent with U.S. food
safety standards and agricultural
practices. EPA considers the
international maximum residue limits
(MRLs) established by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
The Codex Alimentarius is a joint
United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization/World Health
Organization food standards program,
and it is recognized as an international
food safety standards-setting
organization in trade agreements to
which the United States is a party. EPA
may establish a tolerance that is
different from a Codex MRL; however,
FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
EPA explain the reasons for departing
from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established a MRL
for pyraclonil.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For
Tolerances
The Agency is establishing a tolerance
for residues of pyraclonil expressed as:
(1-(3-chloro-4,5,6,7tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-2-yl)5-(methyl-2-propyn-1-ylamino)-1Hpyrazole-4-carbonitrile), which is the
CAS name, rather than the petitioned
for expression of pyraclonil: 1-(3-chloro4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5a]pyridin-2-yl)-5-[methyl(prop-2ynyl)amino]pyrazole-4-carbonitrile,
which is the IUPAC name.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established
for residues of pyraclonil, 1-(3-chloro4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5a]pyridin-2-yl)-5-(methyl-2-propyn-1ylamino)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile, in
or on rice, grain at 0.01 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 163 / Thursday, August 24, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
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 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:37 Aug 23, 2023
Jkt 259001
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of the rule in the Federal
Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Dated: August 16, 2023.
Edward Messina,
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 § 180.725 to subpart C to read
as follows:
■
§ 180.725 Pyraclonil; tolerances for
residues.
(a)–(b) [Reserved]
(c) Tolerances with regional
registrations. Tolerances are established
for residues of the herbicide pyraclonil,
including its metabolites and
degradates, in or on the commodities to
the table to this paragraph (c).
Compliance with the tolerance levels
specified in the table to this paragraph
(c) is to be determined by measuring
only pyraclonil (1-(3-chloro-4,5,6,7tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-2-yl)5-(methyl-2-propyn-1-ylamino)-1Hpyrazole-4-carbonitrile).
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (c)
Commodity
Parts per
million
Rice, grain ................................
0.01
(d) [Reserved]
[FR Doc. 2023–18181 Filed 8–23–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2022–0577; FRL–11274–01–
OCSPP]
Imazapyr; Pesticide Tolerances
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
ACTION:
57891
Final rule.
This regulation establishes
tolerances for residues of imazapyr in or
on rice, bran and rice, grain. BASF
Corporation requested these tolerances
under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective
August 24, 2023. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before October 23, 2023, 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–2022–0577, is
available at https://www.regulations.gov
or in-person 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 and the OPP Docket is
(202) 566–1744. Please review the
visitor instructions and additional
information about the docket available
at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Charles Smith, Director, Registration
Division (7505T), Office of Pesticide
Programs, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone
number: (202) 566–1030; email address:
RDFRNotices@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).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
E:\FR\FM\24AUR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 163 (Thursday, August 24, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57887-57891]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-18181]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0004; FRL-11246-01-OCSPP]
Pyraclonil; Pesticide Tolerances
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of
pyraclonil in or on rice, grain. Nichino America, Inc. requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
DATES: This regulation is effective August 24, 2023. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before October 23, 2023
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-2020-0004, 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 and OPP Docket is (202) 566-1744. Please review the
visitor instructions and additional information about the docket
available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Smith, Registration Division
(7505T), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone
number: (202) 566-1030; 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-2020-0004 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
October 23, 2023. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b), although the
Office of Administrative Law Judges encourages parties to file
electronically. See https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/documents/2020-04-10_-_order_urging_electronic_service_and_filing.pdf.
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-2020-0004, by one of
the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit
electronically
[[Page 57888]]
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 dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance
In the Federal Register of March 3, 2020 (85 FR 12454) (FRL-10005-
58), 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
9F8809) by Nichino America, Inc., 4550 Linden Hill Road, Suite 501,
Wilmington, DE 19808. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be
amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the herbicide
pyraclonil, 1-(3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-2-yl)-
5-[methyl(prop-2-ynyl)amino]pyrazole-4-carbonitrile, in or on rice,
grain at 0.01 parts per million (ppm). That document referenced a
summary of the petition prepared by Nichino America, Inc., the
registrant, which is available in the docket https://www.regulations.gov. Three comments supporting the registration were
improperly filed in the docket for the notice of filing (NOF); there
were no comments on the tolerance action.
Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has
recommended changes to the tolerance expression. The reason for these
changes is explained in Unit IV.C.
III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . .
.''
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors
specified therein, 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 pyraclonil including exposure resulting from the
tolerances established by this action. EPA's assessment of exposures
and risks associated with pyraclonil follows.
A. Toxicological Profile
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and
children.
The target organs of pyraclonil are the liver and the thyroid.
Liver effects were found to be primarily adaptive (increased weight,
hepatocellular hypertrophy, induction of cytochrome P450); however,
female mice showed adverse liver effects (clinical chemistry changes,
increased liver weight, and fat deposits after 90 days of oral
exposure; these initial changes progressed to cellular alteration,
liver masses, and hepatocellular adenomas after 78 weeks of oral
exposure). Thyroid effects occurred in rats at similar doses across the
database via oral exposures (lowest observed adverse effect levels
(LOAELs) range from 74 to 207 mg/kg/day). Thyroid follicular cell
hypertrophy was observed in both sexes of rats in several studies,
after 14 or more days of oral exposure. Colloid degeneration was
observed in both sexes, and thyroid follicular cell adenomas were
observed in males in a chronic study. Increased blood levels of thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH) and decreased levels of thyroxine (T4) were
detected after 1, 2, 52, and 104 weeks of oral exposure (hormones only
measured in one 14-day oral study and one chronic study), in either or
both sexes. No thyroid effects were detected in mice or dogs.
No reproductive effects were detected. No increased pre- or
postnatal susceptibility was detected. Pup weights were decreased in
the rat reproductive study at the same dietary concentration at which
thyroid effects were observed in adults. Decreased fetal weights were
seen in a rat developmental study at the same dose as maternal clinical
signs and decreased body weight. In an acute neurotoxicity study,
decreased motor activity and several functional observation battery
(FOB) findings (tremors, hunchback posture and slight lacrimation;
decreased alertness, exploration, approach response and landing foot
splay; and decreased body temperature) were noted only at 2 hours post-
dosing with a single dose of 400 mg/kg in females, and at higher doses
in males. There was no effect of treatment on neurological parameters
measured in a 90-day repeat dose studies in the rat.
Pyraclonil is classified as ``Likely to be Carcinogenic to
Humans'', based on treatment-related hepatocellular tumors in female
mice (adenomas and combined adenomas/carcinomas), and thyroid
follicular cell tumors in male rat (adenomas and combined adenomas/
carcinomas). The unit risk, Q1* (mg/kg/day)-1 of pyraclonil
based upon female mouse liver tumor rates is 1.08 x 10-2 in
human equivalents.
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by pyraclonil as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at https://www.regulations.gov in document Pyraclonil. Human Health Risk
Assessment for the New Active Ingredient for use on Rice at 11-14 in
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0004.
B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern
Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL)
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe
margin
[[Page 57889]]
of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes that any
amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of the
adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete
description of the risk assessment process, see https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/assessing-human-health-risk-pesticides.
A summary of the toxicological endpoints for pyraclonil used for
human risk assessment can be found on pages 18-20 in the Pyraclonil
Human Health Risk Assessment.
C. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to pyraclonil, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances. EPA assessed dietary exposures from pyraclonil 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 pyraclonil. In estimating acute dietary exposure, EPA used food
consumption information from the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey, What We Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). As to residue levels in
food, EPA conducted an unrefined acute dietary exposure assessment for
the proposed new use on rice and assumed 100 percent crop treated
(PCT), tolerance-level residues and default processing factors.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 2005-2010
NHANES/WWEIA. As to residue levels in food, EPA conducted an unrefined
chronic dietary exposure assessment for the proposed new use on rice
and assumed 100 PCT, tolerance-level residues and default processing
factors.
iii. Cancer. EPA determines whether quantitative cancer exposure
and risk assessments are appropriate for a food-use pesticide based on
the weight of the evidence from cancer studies and other relevant data.
If quantitative cancer risk assessment is appropriate, cancer risk may
be quantified using a linear or nonlinear approach. If sufficient
information on the carcinogenic mode of action is available, a
threshold or nonlinear approach is used and a cancer RfD is calculated
based on an earlier noncancer key event. If carcinogenic mode of action
data are not available, or if the mode of action data determines a
mutagenic mode of action, a default linear cancer slope factor approach
is utilized. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has
concluded that pyraclonil should be classified as ``Likely to be
Carcinogenic to Humans'' and a linear approach has been used to
quantify cancer risk. The inputs for the cancer dietary exposure
assessment and the chronic dietary exposure assessment were equivalent
with the exception of the estimated drinking water concentrations
(EDWC) used. Applying the Q1* of 1.08 x 10-2 (mg/kg/
day)-1 to the exposure value (0.000136 mg/kg/day) results in
a cancer risk estimate of 1 x 10-6 for adults 20 to 49 years
old.
iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information.
EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the
dietary assessment for pyraclonil. Tolerance level residues and/or
100PCT were assumed for all food commodities.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk
assessment for pyraclonil in drinking water. These simulation models
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport
characteristics of pyraclonil. Further information regarding EPA
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be
found at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/models-pesticide-risk-assessment.
Based on the Pesticides in Flooded Application Model (PFAM version
2.0), the maximum EDWCs of 50.8 [micro]g/L for the 1-in-10-year daily
mean, 6.68 [micro]g/L for the 1-in-10-year annual mean, and 6.40
[micro]g/L for the 30-year annual mean concentration in surface water
were used in the acute, chronic, and cancer analyses, respectively.
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). Pyraclonil is not
registered for any specific use patterns that would result in
residential exposure.
4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA has not found pyraclonil to share a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and pyraclonil does not appear to
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that
pyraclonil does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with other
substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which
chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/cumulative-assessment-risk-pesticides.
D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the Food Quality
Protection Act (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. No increased pre- or
postnatal susceptibility was detected in developmental studies in rats
or rabbits, or in a reproductive study in rats.
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 pyraclonil is complete.
ii. Potential evidence of neurotoxicity was observed in the
pyraclonil acute neurotoxicity study; however, concern is low since a
clear NOAEL was established and the selected endpoints are protective
of the observed effects.
iii. There is no evidence that pyraclonil results in increased
susceptibility in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal developmental
studies or in
[[Page 57890]]
young rats in the 2-generation reproduction study.
iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based
on 100 PCT, tolerance-level residues and default processing factors.
EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and
surface water modeling used to assess exposure to pyraclonil in
drinking water. These assessments will not underestimate the exposure
and risks posed by pyraclonil.
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 pyraclonil will occupy <1% of the aPAD for all infants <1 year old,
the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to
pyraclonil from food and water will utilize <1% of the cPAD for all
infants <1 year old, the population group receiving the greatest
exposure. There are no residential uses for pyraclonil.
3. Short-term and Intermediate-term risk. Short-term and
Intermediate-term aggregate exposure takes into account short-term and
intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
A short-term and intermediate-term adverse effect was identified;
however, pyraclonil is not registered for any use patterns that would
result in short-term or intermediate-term residential exposure. Short-
term or intermediate-term risk is assessed based on short-term or
intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic dietary exposure.
Because there is no short-term or intermediate-term residential
exposure, and chronic dietary exposure has already been assessed under
the appropriately protective cPAD (which is at least as protective as
the POD used to assess short-term and intermediate-term risk), no
further assessment of short-term or intermediate-term risk is
necessary, and EPA relies on the chronic dietary risk assessment for
evaluating short-term and intermediate-term risk for pyraclonil.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. The estimated
exposure of adults 20 to 49 years old (the most highly exposed adult
subpopulation) to pyraclonil is 0.000136 mg/kg/day. Applying the Q1* of
1.08 x 10-2 (mg/kg/day)-1 to the exposure value
results in a cancer risk estimate of 1 x 10-6 for adults 20
to 49 years old. EPA generally considers cancer risks (expressed as the
probability of an increased cancer case) in the range of 1 in 1 million
(or x 10-6) or less to be negligible. The precision which
can be assumed for cancer risk estimates is best described by rounding
to the nearest integral order of magnitude on the logarithmic scale;
for example, risks falling between 3 x 10-7 and 3 x
10-6 are expressed as risks in the range of 10-6.
This is particularly the case where some conservatism is maintained in
the exposure assessment. The pyraclonil exposure assessment is
unrefined and retains significant conservatism in that tolerance-level
residues and 100 percent crop treated is assumed for the rice use. In
addition, EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground
and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to pyraclonil in
drinking water. These assessments will not underestimate the exposure
posed by pyraclonil. Accordingly, EPA has concluded the aggregate
cancer risk for all existing pyraclonil uses and the new uses in this
action fall within the range of 1 x 10-6 and are thus
negligible.
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 pyraclonil residues.
IV. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
Adequate enforcement methodology such as high-performance liquid
chromatography method with tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC/MS/
MS), Method GLP-MTH-108, is available to enforce the tolerance
expression.
The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry
Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD
20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; email address:
[email protected].
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established a MRL for pyraclonil.
C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances
The Agency is establishing a tolerance for residues of pyraclonil
expressed as: (1-(3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-2-
yl)-5-(methyl-2-propyn-1-ylamino)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile), which is
the CAS name, rather than the petitioned for expression of pyraclonil:
1-(3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-2-yl)-5-
[methyl(prop-2-ynyl)amino]pyrazole-4-carbonitrile, which is the IUPAC
name.
V. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of pyraclonil,
1-(3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-2-yl)-5-(methyl-2-
propyn-1-ylamino)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile, in or on rice, grain at
0.01 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
[[Page 57891]]
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 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: August 16, 2023.
Edward Messina,
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
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. Add Sec. 180.725 to subpart C to read as follows:
Sec. 180.725 Pyraclonil; tolerances for residues.
(a)-(b) [Reserved]
(c) Tolerances with regional registrations. Tolerances are
established for residues of the herbicide pyraclonil, including its
metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities to the table to
this paragraph (c). Compliance with the tolerance levels specified in
the table to this paragraph (c) is to be determined by measuring only
pyraclonil (1-(3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-2-yl)-
5-(methyl-2-propyn-1-ylamino)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile).
Table 1 to Paragraph (c)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts per
Commodity million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rice, grain............................................... 0.01
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) [Reserved]
[FR Doc. 2023-18181 Filed 8-23-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P