98-12640. Diflubenzuron; Temporary Pesticide Tolerance  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 92 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 26481-26488]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-12640]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 180
    
    [OPP-300660; FRL-5790-5]
    RIN 2070-AB78
    
    
    Diflubenzuron; Temporary Pesticide Tolerance
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a temporary tolerance for residues 
    of the insecticide diflubenzuron (N-[[4-chlorophenyl)amino]-carbonyl]-
    2,6-difluorobenzamide) and metabolites convertible to p-chloroaniline 
    expressed as diflubenzuron on rice grain at 0.01 ppm. Uniroyal Chemical 
    Company, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, 
    and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act 
    of 1996 requesting this temporary tolerance in association with an 
    Experimental Use Permit (EUP) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, 
    and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
    
    DATES: This regulation is effective May 13, 1998. Objections and 
    requests for hearings must be received by EPA on or before July 13, 
    1998.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written objections and hearing requests, identified by the 
    docket control number, [OPP-300660], must be submitted to: Hearing 
    Clerk (1900), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. M3708, 401 M St., 
    SW., Washington, DC 20460. Fees accompanying objections and hearing 
    requests shall be labeled ``Tolerance Petition Fees'' and forwarded to: 
    EPA Headquarters Accounting Operations Branch, OPP (Tolerance Fees), 
    P.O. Box 360277M, Pittsburgh, PA 15251. A copy of any objections and 
    hearing requests filed with the Hearing Clerk identified by the docket 
    control number, [OPP-300660], must also be submitted to: Public 
    Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and 
    Services Division (7506C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
    Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. In person, 
    bring a copy of objections and hearing requests to Rm. 1132, CM #2, 
    1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA.
        A copy of objections and hearing requests filed with the Hearing 
    Clerk may also be submitted electronically by sending electronic mail 
    (e-mail) to: opp-docket@epamail.epa.gov. Copies of objections and 
    hearing requests must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the use of 
    special characters and any form of encryption. Copies of objections and 
    hearing requests will also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect 5.1 file 
    format or ASCII file format. All copies of objections and hearing 
    requests in electronic form must be identified by the docket control 
    number [OPP-300660]. No Confidential Business Information (CBI) should 
    be submitted through e-mail. Electronic copies of objections and 
    hearing requests on this rule may be filed online at many Federal 
    Depository Libraries.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Paul Schroeder, Registration 
    Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
    Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. Office 
    location, telephone number, and e-mail address: Crystal Mall #2, 1921 
    Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA, (703) 305-6602, e-mail: 
    schroeder.paul@epamail.epa.gov.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the Federal Register of February 25, 1998 
    (63 FR 9528) (FRL-5775-3), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408 
    of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) 
    announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 6G4771) from Uniroyal 
    Chemical Company, Inc., Bethany, CT proposing to amend 40 CFR part 180 
    by establishing a tolerance for residues of the insect growth 
    regulator, diflubenzuron and metabolites convertible to p-
    chloroaniline, expressed as diflubenzuron in or on rice at 0.02 parts 
    per million (ppm) and rice straw at 0.8 ppm. The notice included a 
    summary of the petition prepared by Uniroyal Chemical Company, Inc., 
    the registrant. In the Federal Register of March 9, 1998 (63 FR 11445) 
    (FRL-5777-8), a clarification of the notice of filing was published 
    explaining that Uniroyal had submitted two petitions, 6G4771, for the 
    establishment of a temporary tolerance in or on rice at 0.01 ppm in 
    association with a 3,000 acre EUP, and 8F4925, to amend 40 CFR 180.377 
    to include a tolerance for residues of the insect growth regulator, 
    diflubenzuron and metabolites convertible to p-chloroaniline, expressed 
    as diflubenzuron in or on rice at 0.02 parts per million (ppm) and rice 
    straw at 0.8 ppm. There were no comments received in response to the 
    notice of filing or the clarification.
    
    I. Risk Assessment and Statutory Findings
    
        EPA establishes maximum legal levels (tolerances) for pesticide 
    residues on food under section 408 of FFDCA. EPA performs a number of 
    analyses to determine the risk from aggregate exposure to pesticide 
    residues. For further discussion of the regulatory requirements of 
    section 408 and a complete description of the risk assessment process, 
    see the Final Rule on Bifenthrin Pesticide Tolerances (62 FR 62961, 
    November 26, 1997) (FRL-5754-7).
    
    II. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
    
        Consistent with 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 residues 
    of the insecticide diflubenzuron (N-[[4-chlorophenyl)amino]-carbonyl]-
    2,6-difluorobenzamide) and metabolites convertible to p-chloroaniline 
    expressed as diflubenzuron on rice grain at 0.01, and to make a 
    determination on aggregate exposure, consistent with section 408(b)(2), 
    for a tolerance for residues of the insecticide diflubenzuron (N-[[4-
    chlorophenyl)amino]-carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide) and metabolites 
    convertible to p-chloroaniline expressed as diflubenzuron on rice grain 
    at 0.01. EPA's assessment of the dietary exposures and risks associated 
    with establishing the tolerance follows.
    
    [[Page 26482]]
    
    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 nature of the toxic effects caused by diflubenzuron (N-
    [[4-chlorophenyl)amino]-carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide) and 
    metabolites convertible to p-chloroaniline expressed as diflubenzuron 
    have been fully described in the Reregistration Eligibility Decision 
    (RED) document (EPA 738-R-97-008, August 1997), a copy of which is in 
    the public docket.
    
    B. Toxicological Endpoints
    
        1. Acute toxicity. A risk assessment for acute dietary exposure (1 
    day) is not necessary. One day single dose oral studies in rats and 
    mice indicated only marginal effects on methemoglobin levels at a dose 
    level of 10,000 milligrams/kilograms (mg/kg) of diflubenzuron (25% 
    wettable powder formulation). Sulfhemoglobin levels and Heinz bodies 
    were not affected.
        2. Short- and intermediate-term toxicity. The toxicology endpoint 
    for short-term occupational or residential exposure (1 to 7 days) is 
    sulfhemoglobinemia observed in the 14-day subchronic oral study in mice 
    dosed with technical grade diflubenzuron. The no observed effect level 
    (NOEL) in this study was 40 mg/kg/day and the lowest effect level (LEL) 
    was 200 mg/kg/day.
        The toxicology endpoint for intermediate-term occupational or 
    residential exposure (1 week to several months) is methemoglobinemia 
    observed in the 13-week subchronic feeding study in dogs. For the 
    purpose of risk assessments, the NOEL of 1.64 mg/kg/day in this study 
    should be considered to be 2 mg/kg/day so as to be consistent with the 
    NOEL of 2 mg/kg/day in the chronic study used to calculate the RfD.
        The LEL in this study was 6.24 mg/kg/day. There were no acceptable 
    dermal absorption studies available. However, a dermal absorption rate 
    was selected from an acceptable dermal absorption submitted to the 
    Agency on June 25, 1996. From that study, a dermal absorption rate of 
    0.50% for exposures of 1 to 10 hours was determined for use in an 
    occupational exposure assessment.
        3. Chronic toxicity. The RfD was determined to be 0.02 mg/kg/day 
    and is based on the NOEL of 2.0 mg/kg/day in the 52-week chronic oral 
    study in dogs. Increases in methemoglobin and sulfhemoglobin were 
    observed at the next higher dose level of 10.0 mg/kg/day. An 
    uncertainty factor of 100 was applied to account for the interspecies 
    extrapolation and intraspecies variability. Diflubenzuron has been 
    reviewed by the FAO/WHO joint committee on pesticide residues and an 
    Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.02 mg/kg/day was established in 
    1985. The ADI was based upon the one-year oral toxicity study in dogs 
    with a NOEL of 2.0 mg/kg/day. A safety factor of 100 was applied to 
    account for the interspecies extrapolation and intraspecies 
    variability.
        4. Carcinogenicity. Based on the available evidence, which included 
    adequate carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice and a battery of 
    negative mutagenicity studies, diflubenzuron per se has been classified 
    as Group E (evidence of non-carcinogenicity for humans). However, p-
    chloroaniline (PCA), a metabolite of diflubenzuron, was classified as a 
    Group B2 carcinogen (probable human carcinogen). The classification for 
    PCA was based on the results of a National Toxicology Program (NTP) 
    study reported in July 1989 in which p-chloroaniline hydrochloride was 
    administered by gavage to rats and mice for 2 years. In rats, clearly 
    increased incidences of uncommon sarcomas (fibrosarcomas, 
    hemangiosarcomas and/or osteosarcomas) of the spleen were observed in 
    males. In females, two additional sarcomas of the spleen were also 
    found. Pheochromocytomas of the adrenal gland may also have been 
    associated with the test material in male and female rats. In mice, 
    increased incidences of hepatocellular neoplasms in the liver and of 
    hemangiosarcomas in the spleen and/or liver were observed in males. In 
    females, no evidence of carcinogenic activity was observed. The results 
    of several mutagenicity studies on PCA were also included in the same 
    NTP report. PCA was mutagenic in Salmonella strains TA98 and TA100 with 
    metabolic activation. Gene mutations were induced by PCA in cultured 
    mouse lymphoma cells with and without metabolic activation. In cultured 
    Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, treatment with PCA produced 
    significant increases in sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) with and 
    without metabolic activation. Chromosomal aberrations were also 
    significantly increased in CHO cells in the presence of metabolic 
    activation.
        For the purpose of calculating dietary risk assessments, the 
    following procedure was used:
        a. P-chlorophenylurea (CPU) and p-chloroacetanilide (PCAA), 
    additional metabolites of diflubenzuron that are closely related to PCA 
    and for which there are no adequate carcinogenicity data available, 
    should be considered to be potentially carcinogenic and to have the 
    same carcinogenic potency (Q1*) as PCA.
        b. The sum of PCA, CPU and PCAA residues in ingested food should be 
    used to estimate the dietary exposure of humans to the carcinogenic 
    metabolites of diflubenzuron.
        c. In addition to ingested residues of these three metabolites, 
    amounts of PCA, CPU, and/or PCAA formed in vivo following ingestion of 
    diflubenzuron should also be included when estimating the total 
    exposure of humans to the carcinogenic metabolites of diflubenzuron. 
    The in vivo conversion of ingested diflubenzuron to PCA and/or CPU was 
    estimated to be 2.0%, based on data in the rat metabolism study.
        The Q1* (estimated unit risk) for PCA, based upon spleen sarcoma 
    rates in male rats, was calculated to be 6.38 x 10-2 (mg/kg/
    day)-1 in human equivalents.
        Where no PCA, CPU, and/or PCAA are present, the toxicological 
    endpoint for diflubenzuron per se should be used for risk assessments.
        Regarding potential carcinogenic risks to humans resulting from 
    dermal and/or inhalation exposures to PCA, CPU, and/or PCAA occurring 
    during occupational or residential exposures to diflubenzuron, it has 
    been determined that these risks are likely to be negligible since 
    exposure to these metabolites is not anticipated. Only in the event 
    that direct exposure to one or more of these metabolites of 
    diflubenzuron is demonstrated would it be necessary to perform such 
    risk assessments.
        It has been determined that PCAA does not occur in animal or plant 
    tissues in significant amounts.
        5. Special sensitivity to infants and children. In assessing the 
    potential for additional sensitivity of infants and children to 
    residues of diflubenzuron, EPA considered data from developmental 
    toxicity studies in the rat and rabbit and a 2-generation reproductive 
    toxicity study in the rat. Developmental toxicity studies are designed 
    to evaluate adverse effects on the developing fetus resulting from 
    maternal pesticide exposure during gestation. Reproductive toxicity 
    studies provide information relating to pre- and post-natal effects 
    from exposure to the pesticide, information on the reproductive 
    capability of mating animals, and data on systemic toxicity.
    
    [[Page 26483]]
    
        FFDCA section 408 provides that EPA shall apply an additional 10-
    fold margin of safety for infants and children in the case of threshold 
    effects to account for pre- and post-natal toxicity and the 
    completeness of the data base unless EPA determines that a different 
    margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. Margins of 
    safety are incorporated into EPA risk assessments either directly 
    through use of a margin of exposure analysis or through using 
    uncertainty (safety) factors in calculating a dose level that poses no 
    appreciable risk to humans. In either case, EPA generally defines the 
    level of appreciable risk as exposure that is greater than 1/100 of the 
    no observed effect level in the animal study appropriate to the 
    particular risk assessment. This 100-fold uncertainty (safety) factor/
    margin of exposure (safety) is designed to account for inter-species 
    extrapolation and intra-species variability. EPA believes that reliable 
    data support using the 100-fold margin/factor, rather than the 1,000-
    fold margin/factor, when EPA has a complete data base under existing 
    guidelines, and when the severity of the effect in infants or children, 
    the potency or unusual toxic properties of a compound, or the quality 
    of the exposure data do not raise concerns regarding the adequacy of 
    the standard margin/factor.
        a. Developmental toxicity studies--i. Rats. In the developmental 
    study in rats, the maternal (systemic) NOEL was 1,000.0 mg/kg/day 
    [HDT]. The developmental (fetal) NOEL was 1,000.0 mg/kg/day, [HDT].
        ii. Rabbits. In the developmental toxicity study in rabbits, the 
    maternal (systemic) NOEL was 1,000.0 mg/kg/day, [HDT]. The 
    developmental (pup) NOEL was 1,000.0 mg/kg/day, [HDT].
        b. Reproductive toxicity studies. In the 2-generation reproductive 
    toxicity study in rats, the maternal (systemic) NOEL was <36><42 females="" mg/kg/day,="" [ldt]="" based="" on="" hematological="" effects="" at="" all="" dose="" levels="" tested.="" the="" reproductive="" (pup)="" noel="" was="" 427.0="" mg/kg/day,="" based="" on="" decreases="" in="" the="" f-1="" pup="" weight="" at="" the="" lel="" of="" 2,454.0="" mg/kg/day="" [hdt].="" c.="" pre-="" and="" post-natal="" sensitivity.="" the="" toxicological="" data="" base="" for="" evaluating="" pre-="" and="" post-natal="" toxicity="" for="" diflubenzuron="" is="" complete="" with="" respect="" to="" current="" data="" requirements.="" there="" is="" an="" ongoing="" review="" of="" these="" data="" with="" respect="" to="" the="" requirements="" of="" the="" food="" quality="" protection="" act.="" however,="" a="" preliminary="" decision,="" for="" purposes="" of="" this="" temporary="" tolerance,="" is="" that="" there="" is="" no="" extra="" sensitivity="" for="" pre-="" or="" post-natal="" effects="" and="" that="" there="" are="" reliable="" data="" to="" support="" use="" of="" a="" 100-fold="" margin="" of="" exposure/uncertainty="" factor,="" to="" protect="" infants="" and="" children.="" c.="" exposures="" and="" risks="" 1.="" from="" food="" and="" feed="" uses.="" tolerances="" have="" been="" established="" (40="" cfr="" 180.377)="" for="" residues="" of="" diflubenzuron="" per="" se,="" in="" or="" on="" citrus,="" artichokes,="" walnuts,="" mushrooms,="" cottonseed,="" soybean,="" and="" associated="" livestock="" commodities.="" existing="" tolerances="" range="" from="" 0.05="" ppm="" in/on="" soybeans="" to="" 6.0="" ppm="" in/on="" artichokes.="" tolerances="" of="" 0.05="" ppm="" have="" also="" been="" established="" for="" residues="" of="" diflubenzuron="" in="" animal="" commodities.="" for="" the="" dietary="" risk="" assessment,="" anticipated="" residues="" levels="" for="" were="" calculated="" in="" livestock="" commodities.="" anticipated="" residue="" estimates="" for="" diflubenzuron="" were="" not="" calculated="" for="" raw="" agricultural="" commodities.="" percent="" crop="" treated="" data="" were="" utilized="" where="" available.="" section="" 408(b)(2)(f)="" states="" that="" the="" agency="" may="" use="" data="" on="" the="" actual="" percent="" of="" food="" treated="" for="" assessing="" chronic="" dietary="" risk="" only="" if="" the="" agency="" can="" make="" the="" following="" findings:="" (1)="" that="" the="" data="" used="" are="" reliable="" and="" provide="" a="" valid="" basis="" for="" showing="" the="" percentage="" of="" food="" derived="" from="" a="" crop="" that="" is="" likely="" to="" contain="" residues;="" (2)="" that="" the="" exposure="" estimate="" does="" not="" underestimate="" the="" exposure="" for="" any="" significant="" subpopulation="" and;="" (3)="" where="" data="" on="" regional="" pesticide="" use="" and="" food="" consumption="" are="" available,="" that="" the="" exposure="" estimate="" does="" not="" understate="" exposure="" for="" any="" regional="" population.="" in="" addition,="" the="" agency="" must="" provide="" for="" periodic="" evaluation="" of="" any="" estimates="" used.="" to="" provide="" for="" the="" periodic="" evaluation="" of="" these="" estimates="" of="" percent="" crop="" treated="" as="" required="" by="" section="" 408(b)(2)(f),="" epa="" may="" require="" registrants="" to="" submit="" data="" on="" percent="" crop="" treated="" (pct).="" dietary="" exposure="" estimates="" were="" based="" on="" the="" following="" percent="" crop="" treated="" estimates:="" grass/rangeland,="" 1%;="" cottonseed,="" 3%;="" soybean,="" 1%;="" cattle="" bolus,="" 5%.="" other="" commodities="" were="" assumed="" to="" be="" 100="" percent="" treated.="" the="" agency="" believes="" that="" the="" three="" conditions="" listed="" above="" have="" been="" met.="" with="" respect="" to="" (1),="" epa="" finds="" that="" the="" pct="" information="" described="" above="" for="" diflubenzuron="" is="" reliable="" and="" has="" a="" valid="" basis.="" the="" agency="" has="" utilized="" statistical="" data="" from="" public="" and="" proprietary="" sources,="" including="" doane,="" and="" checked="" these="" against="" data="" provided="" by="" the="" registrant.="" these="" are="" the="" best="" available="" sources="" for="" such="" information.="" concerning="" (2)="" and="" (3),="" regional="" consumption="" information="" and="" consumption="" information="" for="" significant="" subpopulations="" is="" taken="" into="" account="" through="" epa's="" computer-based="" model="" for="" evaluating="" the="" exposure="" of="" significant="" subpopulations="" including="" several="" regional="" groups.="" use="" of="" this="" consumption="" information="" in="" epa's="" risk="" assessment="" process="" ensures="" that="" epa's="" exposure="" estimate="" does="" not="" understate="" exposure="" for="" any="" significant="" subpopulation="" group="" and="" allows="" the="" agency="" to="" be="" reasonably="" certain="" that="" no="" regional="" population="" is="" exposed="" to="" residue="" levels="" higher="" than="" those="" estimated="" by="" the="" agency.="" other="" than="" data="" available="" through="" national="" food="" consumption="" surveys,="" epa="" does="" not="" have="" available="" information="" on="" the="" consumption="" of="" food="" bearing="" diflubenzuron="" in="" a="" particular="" area.="" risk="" assessments="" were="" conducted="" as="" follows:="" a.="" acute="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" a="" risk="" assessment="" for="" acute="" dietary="" exposure="" (1="" day)="" is="" not="" necessary.="" one="" day="" single="" dose="" oral="" studies="" in="" rats="" and="" mice="" indicated="" only="" marginal="" effects="" on="" methemoglobin="" levels="" at="" a="" dose="" level="" of="" 10,000="" mg/kg="" of="" diflubenzuron="" (25%="" wettable="" powder="" formulation).="" sulfhemoglobin="" levels="" and="" heinz="" bodies="" were="" not="" affected.="" b.="" chronic="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" a="" chronic="" dietary="" risk="" assessment="" is="" required="" for="" diflubenzuron.="" the="" rfd="" used="" for="" the="" chronic="" dietary="" analysis="" for="" diflubenzuron="" is="" 0.02="" mg/kg="" bwt/day.="" the="" dres="" analysis="" utilized="" anticipated="" residues="" and="" percent="" crop="" treated,="" where="" available.="" the="" proposed="" diflubenzuron="" tolerance="" result="" in="" a="" dietary="" exposure="" that="" is="" equivalent="" to="" the="" following="" percent="" of="" the="" rfd:="" ------------------------------------------------------------------------="" subgroups="" diflubenzuron="" ------------------------------------------------------------------------="" u.s.="" population="" (48="" states)="">< 1%="" hispanics="">< 1%="" non-hispanic="" others="">< 1%="" nursing="" infants="">< 1="" year="" old)="">< 1%="" non-nursing="" infants=""><1 year="" old)="">< 1%="" females="" (13+="" years,="" pregnant)="">< 1%="" females="" (13+="" years,="" nursing)="">< 1%="" children="" (1-6="" years="" old)="" 1%="" children="" (7-12="" years="" old)="">< 1%="" females="" (20+="" years,="" not="" pregnant,="" not="">< 1%="" nursing)="" ------------------------------------------------------------------------="" epa="" does="" not="" consider="" the="" chronic="" dietary="" risk="" to="" exceed="" the="" level="" of="" concern.="" [[page="" 26484]]="" c.="" cancer="" risk="" from="" consumption="" of="" pca="" and="" related="" metabolites.="" the="" agency="" has="" determined="" that="" there="" are="" three="" sources="" of="" carcinogenic="" metabolites="" from="" the="" current="" uses="" of="" diflubenzuron="" and="" has="" added="" these="" three="" sources="" together="" to="" estimate="" the="" total="" cancer="" risk="" for="" pca="" and="" related="" metabolites.="" the="" first="" source="" is="" mushrooms.="" the="" agency="" used="" results="" from="" mushroom="" metabolism="" studies="" to="" determine="" the="" percent="" of="" total="" radioactive="" residue="" (trr)="" present="" as="" pca="" or="" the="" related="" compound="" cpu="" in="" mushrooms.="" the="" percent="" crop="" treated="" value="" for="" mushrooms,="" 30%,="" is="" an="" upper="" bound="" estimate.="" the="" overall="" u.s.="" dietary="" exposure="" is="" 0.0000045="" mg/kg/day="" for="" a="" risk="" estimate="" of="" 2.9="" x="">-7.
        For the second source, animal commodities, tolerance levels for 
    diflubenzuron in animal commodities were used and, adjusting for 
    percent crop treated of feed items, total levels of PCA and related 
    compounds were estimated. The overall U.S. dietary exposure is 0.000004 
    mg/kg/day for a risk estimate of 2.7 x 10-7.
        Finally, based on the results of a rat metabolism study, assumption 
    of a 2.0% conversion of diflubenzuron to PCA in humans was assumed. 
    Using the above exposure estimate for rice and currently registered 
    uses of diflubenzuron, the calculated exposure is 0.00008 mg/kg/day for 
    a risk estimate of 1.0 x 10-7.
        The total of these three estimates gives a total cancer risk 
    estimate for PCA and related metabolites from all dietary sources of 
    diflubenzuron of 6.6 x 10-7.
        2. From drinking water. HED has calculated drinking water 
    levels of concern (DWLOCs) for chronic (non-cancer) exposure to 
    diflubenzuron in surface and ground water for the U.S. population and 
    children (1-6 yrs). They are 700 and 200 ppb, respectively. For chronic 
    (cancer) exposure to CPU in surface and ground water, the DWLOC is 0.21 
    ppb for the U.S. population. To calculate the DWLOC for chronic (non-
    cancer) exposure relative to a chronic toxicity endpoint, the chronic 
    dietary food exposure (from DRES) was subtracted from the RfD to obtain 
    the acceptable chronic (non-cancer) exposure to diflubenzuron in 
    drinking water. To calculate the DWLOC for chronic exposures relative 
    to a carcinogenic toxicity endpoint, the chronic (cancer) dietary food 
    exposure was subtracted from the ratio of the negligible cancer risk to 
    the Q* to obtain the acceptable chronic (cancer) exposure to 
    diflubenzuron in drinking water. DWLOCs were then calculated using 
    default body weights and drinking water consumption figures.
        a. Chronic risk: Chronic RfD = 0.002 mg/kg/day. Maximum 
    H2O = 0.002 - Food Exposure.
    
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Food Exposure        Maximum H2O   
                Subgroup               (from DRES mg/kg/   Exposure (mg/kg/ 
                                             day)                day)       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    U.S. population                   0.000080            0.01992           
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Children (1-6 years)              0.00021             0.01980           
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        U.S. Population: DWLOC = 700 ppb
        Children (1-6 years): DWLOC = 200 ppb
    
        b. Cancer risk: Q* = 6.38 x 10-2 (mg/kg/day) -- Maximum 
    H2O = 1.6 x 10-5 - Food Exposure
    
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Maximum H2O   
                Subgroup              Food Exposure (mg/   Exposure (mg/kg/ 
                                            kg/day)              day)       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    U.S. population                   0.0000101           0.0000059         
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        U.S. population: DWLOC = 0.21 ppb
    
        The estimated average concentration of diflubenzuron in surface 
    water sources is not expected to exceed 0.05 ppb. Estimated average 
    concentrations of CPU in surface water sources is not expected to 
    exceed 0.85 ppb. The estimated average concentrations of diflubenzuron 
    in surface water are less than EPA's levels of concern for 
    diflubenzuron in drinking water as a contribution to chronic (non-
    cancer) aggregate exposure. However, the estimated average 
    concentration (0.85 ppb) of CPU in surface water exceeds EPA's levels 
    of concern for CPU in drinking water (0.21 ppb) as a contribution to 
    chronic (cancer) aggregate exposure.
        EPA believes the estimates of CPU exposure in water derived from 
    the PRZM-EXAMS model, particularly the estimates pertaining to chronic 
    exposure, are significantly overstated for several reasons. The PRZM-
    EXAMS model was designed to estimate exposure from ecological risk 
    assessments and thus uses a scenario of a body of water approximating 
    the size of a 1 hectare (2.5 acres) pond. This tends to overstate 
    chronic drinking water exposure levels for the following reasons. 
    First, surface water source drinking water generally comes from bodies 
    of water that are substantially larger than a 1 hectare (2.5 acres) 
    pond. Second, the modeled scenario also assumes that essentially the 
    whole basin receives an application of the pesticide. Yet in virtually 
    all cases, basins large enough to support a drinking water facility 
    will contain a substantial fraction of the area which does not receive 
    pesticide. Third, there is often at least some flow (in a river) or 
    turnover (in a reservoir or lake) of the water so the persistence of 
    the pesticide near the drinking water facility is usually 
    overestimated. Fourth, even assuming a reservoir is directly adjacent 
    to an agricultural field, the agricultural field may not be used to 
    grow a crop on which the pesticide in question is registered for use. 
    Fifth, the PRZM-EXAMS modeled scenario does not take into account 
    reductions in residue-loading due to applications of less than the 
    maximum application rate or no treatment of the crop at all (percent 
    crop treated data). Although there is a high degree of uncertainty to 
    this analysis, these are the best available estimates of concentrations 
    of CPU in drinking water. EPA believes that these numbers justify 
    asking for field runoff monitoring for CPU in conjunction with the 
    registered use on cotton.
        EPA bases this determination on a comparison of estimated 
    concentrations
    
    [[Page 26485]]
    
    of diflubenzuron and CPU in surface waters and ground waters to back-
    calculated ``levels of concern'' for diflubenzuron and CPU in drinking 
    water. These levels of concern in drinking water were determined after 
    EPA has considered all other non-occupational human exposures for which 
    it has reliable data, including all current uses, and uses considered 
    in this action. The estimates of diflubenzuron and CPU in surface and 
    ground waters are derived from water quality models that use 
    conservative assumptions (health-protective) regarding the pesticide 
    transport from the point of application to surface and ground water. 
    Because EPA considers the aggregate risk resulting from multiple 
    exposure pathways associated with a pesticide's uses, levels of concern 
    in drinking water may vary as those uses change. If new uses are added 
    in the future, EPA will reassess the potential impacts of diflubenzuron 
    and CPU on drinking water as a part of the aggregate risk assessment 
    process.
        3. From non-occupational non-dietary exposure. Diflubenzuron is a 
    restricted use pesticide and therefore not available for use by 
    homeowners. However, non-agricultural uses of diflubenzuron may expose 
    people in residential locations. Based on the low dermal absorption 
    rate (0.5%), and the extremely low dermal and inhalation toxicity, 
    these uses are expected to result in insignificant risk.
        4. Cumulative exposure to substances with common mechanism of 
    toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) 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.'' An explanation of the current Agency 
    approach to assessment of pesticides with a common mechanism of 
    toxicity may be found in the Final Rule on Bifenthrin Pesticide 
    Tolerances (62 FR 62961).
        Diflubenzuron is structurally similar to other substituted 
    benzoylurea insecticides including triflumuron and flucycloxuron. EPA 
    does not have, at this time, available data to determine whether 
    diflubenzuron has a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances 
    or how to include this pesticide in a cumulative risk assessment. 
    Unlike other pesticides for which EPA has followed a cumulative risk 
    approach based on a common mechanism of toxicity, diflubenzuron does 
    not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. 
    For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has not 
    assumed that diflubenzuron has a common mechanism of toxicity with 
    other substances.
    
    D. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, 
    Infants, and Children
    
        1. Acute risk. There is no risk from acute dietary exposure (1 day) 
    to diflubenzuron as there is no toxic endpoint identified.
        2. Chronic. For the U.S. population, <1% of="" the="" rfd="" is="" occupied="" by="" dietary="" (food)="" exposure.="" the="" estimated="" average="" concentrations="" of="" diflubenzuron="" in="" surface="" and="" ground="" water="" are="" less="" than="" opp's="" levels="" of="" concern="" for="" diflubenzuron="" in="" drinking="" water.="" therefore,="" epa="" concludes="" that="" there="" is="" a="" reasonable="" certainty="" that="" no="" harm="" will="" result="" to="" infants,="" children,="" or="" adults="" from="" chronic="" aggregate="" (food="" plus="" water)="" exposure="" to="" diflubenzuron="" residues.="" 3.="" carcinogenic="" aggregate="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" for="" the="" u.s.="" population,="" cancer="" risk="" resulting="" from="" dietary="" (food)="" exposure="" is="" 6.6="" x="">-7. The estimated average concentration (0.85 ppb) of CPU 
    in surface water exceeds EPA's levels of concern for CPU in drinking 
    water (0.21 ppb) as a contribution to chronic (cancer) aggregate 
    exposure. However, EPA believes that these PRZM-EXAMS model 
    overestimates exposures for the reasons given above. EPA does not 
    generally use surface water modeling values for quantitative risk 
    assessment. However, due to the statistical uncertainties regarding the 
    significance of cancer risks which are near 1 x 10-6, EPA 
    has calculated that the cancer risk resulting from 0.85 ppb of CPU in 
    drinking water is 1.55 x 10-6. The aggregate cancer risk is 
    thus 2.2 x 10-6 (6.6 x 10-7 for food + 1.55 x 
    10-6 for water).
        4. Determination of safety. EPA believes that the total risk 
    estimate for CPU in food and drinking water of 2.2 x 10-6 
    generally represents a negligible risk, as EPA has traditionally 
    applied that concept. EPA has commonly referred to a negligible risk as 
    one that is at or below 1 in 1 million (1 x 10-6). 
    Quantitative cancer risk assessment is not a precise science. There are 
    a significant number of uncertainties in both the toxicology used to 
    derive the cancer potency of a substance and in the data used to 
    measure and calculate exposure. The Agency does not attach great 
    significance to numerical estimates for carcinogenic risk that differ 
    by approximately a factor of 2.
    
    III. Other Considerations
    
    A. Metabolism in Plants and Animals
    
        The qualitative nature of the residue in plants is adequately 
    understood based on data from citrus, mushroom, and soybean metabolism 
    studies. The Agency has concluded that tolerances should be expressed 
    in terms of the combined residues of diflubenzuron and metabolites 
    convertible to PCA (CPU and PCAA) expressed as diflubenzuron. However, 
    for the purposes of this temporary tolerance petition, diflubenzuron 
    per se should be the regulated residue in plants.
        The nature of the residue in animals is adequately understood based 
    on acceptable poultry and ruminant metabolism studies reflecting oral 
    dosing. Terminal residues identified in animal tissues, milk, and eggs 
    include diflubenzuron, 2-hydroxy-diflubenzuron (2HDFB), 2,6-
    difluorobenzamide (DFBAM), 2,6-difluorobenzoic acid (DFBA), N-(4-
    chlorophenyl)urea (CPU), and PCA. For the purposes of this temporary 
    tolerance petition, diflubenzuron should be the regulated residue in 
    animals.
    
    B. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
    
        Adequate methods are available for the analysis of Diflubenzuron in 
    rice grain (0.01 ppm), rice straw (0.01 ppm) and water (0.001 ppm). The 
    method for measuring PCA in rice grain recovers only about 50% at the 
    0.025 ppm level. As part of the reregistration of diflubenzuron, the 
    Agency concluded that tolerances should be expressed in terms of the 
    combined residues of diflubenzuron and metabolites. Until suitable 
    methodology is developed, regulation of diflubenzuron per se is an 
    acceptable alternative. Three enforcement methods for diflubenzuron are 
    published in PAM, Vol. II as Methods I, II, and III. Method II is a GC/
    ECD method that can separately determine residues of diflubenzuron, 
    CPU, and PCA in eggs, milk, and animal tissues. All three methods have 
    undergone successful Agency validations and are acceptable for 
    enforcement purposes. The FDA PESTDATA data base dated 1/94 (PAM Vol. 
    I, Appendix II) contains no information on diflubenzuron recovery using 
    Multiresidue Methods PAM, Vol. I Sections 302, 303, and 304. However, 
    the registrant has submitted multi-residue testing data that the Agency 
    has forwarded to the FDA.
    
    C. Magnitude of Residues
    
        Uniroyal Chemical Company submitted data from 10 tests depicting 
    residues of diflubenzuron in/on rice.
    
    [[Page 26486]]
    
    Ten trials were conducted in Arizona (2), California (2), Louisiana 
    (1), Mississippi (2), and Texas (3). At each site rice grain and straw 
    were harvested at normal maturity following one broadcast application 
    of diflubenzuron (25% WP, EPA Reg. No. 400-465; 2 lb/gal FlC, EPA Reg. 
    No. 400-461) at 0.25 lb. ai/A (1x the maximum proposed application 
    rate). A single application was made 10 days or 2 weeks following 
    permanent flood or rice emergence, respectively. Applications of the 
    WP/D and FlC formulation were made in 10 gal of water/A using ground 
    equipment. Aerial applications of the FlC formulation were made at 5-10 
    gal of water/A. Residues of diflubenzuron and PCA in/on treated rice 
    grain were <0.0003 to="" 0.020="" ppm,="" and=""><0.0003 to="" 0.0014="" ppm;="" residues="" were="">LOQ may be 
    present in rice flood waters <14 days="" after="" application="" of="" diflubenzuron.="" d.="" magnitude="" of="" the="" residue="" in="" processed="" commodities="" uniroyal="" chemical="" company="" submitted="" data="" depicting="" the="" potential="" for="" concentration="" of="" diflubenzuron="" residues="" in="" the="" processed="" commodities="" of="" rice.="" two="" tests="" were="" conducted="" in="" mississippi="" (1)="" and="" texas="" (1).="" at="" each="" site,="" rice="" grain="" was="" harvested="" at="" maturity,="" 82="" to="" 85="" days="" following="" a="" post-permanent="" flood="" application="" of="" the="" 2="" lb/gal="" flc="" formulation="" at="" 2="" lb.="" ai/a="" (8x="" the="" proposed="" maximum="" application="" rate).="" samples="" were="" processed="" according="" to="" simulated="" commercial="" procedures="" into="" hulls,="" bran,="" and="" polished="" rice.="" residues="" of="" diflubenzuron="" were="" non-detectable="" (loq=""><0.01 ppm)="" and="" 0.26="" and="" 0.87="" ppm="" in="" four="" treated="" samples="" of="" the="" rac,="" and="" did="" not="" concentrate="" in="" processed="" commodities="" of="" rice="" harvested="" 82="" to="" 85="" days="" following="" a="" single="" 2="" lb.="" ai/a="" (8x)="" of="" diflubenzuron.="" as="" the="" residues="" of="" diflubenzuron="" did="" not="" concentrate="" in="" the="" hull,="" bran,="" or="" whole="" rice="" fractions="" of="" processed="" rice="" grain,="" a="" tolerance="" for="" residues="" in="" rice="" processed="" commodities="" is="" not="" required.="" e.="" magnitude="" of="" secondary="" residues="" in="" meat/milk/poultry/eggs="" rice="" grain,="" straw,="" hulls="" and="" bran="" may="" be="" fed="" to="" livestock="" and/or="" poultry.="" however,="" the="" incremental="" exposure="" of="" diflubenzuron="" residues="" to="" livestock="" and="" poultry="" is="" minimal="" when="" compared="" to="" the="" existing="" exposure.="" epa="" concludes="" that="" the="" current="" tolerances="" on="" meat,="" milk,="" poultry="" and="" eggs="" are="" adequate="" to="" cover="" the="" added="" residues="" resulting="" from="" the="" experimental="" use="" on="" rice.="" f.="" international="" residue="" limits="" there="" are="" no="" codex="" proposals,="" canadian,="" or="" mexican="" limits="" for="" residues="" of="" diflubenzuron="" on="" rice.="" a="" compatibility="" issue="" is="" not="" relevant="" to="" the="" proposed="" temporary="" tolerance.="" g.="" rotational="" crop="" restrictions.="" the="" nature="" of="" the="" residue="" in="" rotational="" crops="" is="" adequately="" understood="" for="" purposes="" of="" reregistration="" (residue="" chemistry="" chapters="" for="" the="" reregistration="" eligibility="" decision="" (red)="" document,="" march="" 16,="" 1995).="" although="" epa="" concluded="" that="" the="" available="" confined="" rotational="" crop="" study="" was="" inadequate="" to="" fully="" satisfy="" gln="" 165-1="" reregistration="" requirements,="" another="" confined="" rotational="" crop="" study="" will="" not="" be="" required="" because="" the="" study="" allowed="" epa="" to="" make="" regulatory="" conclusions="" regarding="" the="" need="" for="" limited="" rotational="" crop="" studies="" (gln="" 165-2)="" and="" to="" comment="" on="" the="" appropriateness="" of="" the="" currently="" established="" plantback="" interval="" (pbi)="" on="" diflubenzuron="" end-use="" product="" labels.="" residue="" data="" on="" field-grown="" rotational="" crops="" are="" not="" available.="" although="" the="" confined="" study="" was="" deemed="" inadequate,="" the="" available="" data="" indicate="" that="" diflubenzuron="" and="" cpu="" may="" exceed="" 0.01="" ppm="" in="" rotational="" crops="" planted="" up="" to="" 4="" months="" after="" a="" 1x="" application="" of="" diflubenzuron="" to="" the="" primary="" crop="" and="" in="" cereal="" grains="" planted="" up="" to="" 12="" months="" after="" a="" 1x="" application.="" iv.="" conclusion="" therefore,="" the="" temporary="" tolerance="" is="" established="" for="" residues="" of="" the="" insecticide="" diflubenzuron="" (n-[[4-chlorophenyl)amino]-carbonyl]-2,6-="" difluorobenzamide)="" and="" metabolites="" convertible="" to="" p-chloroaniline="" expressed="" as="" diflubenzuron="" on="" rice="" grain="" at="" 0.01="" ppm.="" v.="" objections="" and="" hearing="" requests="" the="" new="" ffdca="" section="" 408(g)="" provides="" essentially="" the="" same="" process="" for="" persons="" to="" ``object''="" to="" a="" tolerance="" regulation="" issued="" by="" epa="" under="" new="" section="" 408(e)="" and="" (l)(6)="" as="" was="" provided="" in="" the="" old="" section="" 408="" and="" in="" section="" 409.="" however,="" the="" period="" for="" filing="" objections="" is="" 60="" days,="" rather="" than="" 30="" days.="" epa="" currently="" has="" procedural="" regulations="" which="" govern="" the="" submission="" of="" objections="" and="" hearing="" requests.="" these="" regulations="" will="" require="" some="" modification="" to="" reflect="" the="" new="" law.="" however,="" until="" those="" modifications="" can="" be="" made,="" epa="" will="" continue="" to="" use="" those="" procedural="" regulations="" with="" appropriate="" adjustments="" to="" reflect="" the="" new="" law.="" any="" person="" may,="" by="" july="" 13,="" 1998,="" file="" written="" objections="" to="" any="" aspect="" of="" this="" regulation="" and="" may="" also="" request="" a="" hearing="" on="" those="" objections.="" objections="" and="" hearing="" requests="" must="" be="" filed="" with="" the="" hearing="" clerk,="" at="" the="" address="" given="" above="" (40="" cfr="" 178.20).="" a="" copy="" of="" the="" objections="" and/or="" hearing="" requests="" filed="" with="" the="" hearing="" clerk="" should="" be="" submitted="" to="" the="" opp="" docket="" for="" this="" rulemaking.="" the="" objections="" submitted="" must="" specify="" the="" provisions="" of="" the="" regulation="" deemed="" objectionable="" and="" the="" grounds="" for="" the="" objections="" (40="" cfr="" 178.25).="" each="" objection="" must="" be="" accompanied="" by="" the="" fee="" prescribed="" by="" 40="" cfr="" 180.33(i).="" if="" a="" hearing="" is="" requested,="" the="" objections="" must="" include="" a="" statement="" of="" the="" factual="" issues="" on="" which="" a="" hearing="" is="" requested,="" the="" requestor's="" contentions="" on="" such="" issues,="" and="" a="" summary="" of="" any="" evidence="" relied="" upon="" by="" the="" requestor="" (40="" cfr="" 178.27).="" a="" request="" for="" a="" hearing="" will="" be="" granted="" if="" the="" administrator="" determines="" that="" the="" [[page="" 26487]]="" material="" submitted="" shows="" the="" following:="" there="" is="" genuine="" and="" substantial="" issue="" of="" fact;="" there="" is="" a="" reasonable="" possibility="" that="" available="" evidence="" identified="" by="" the="" requestor="" would,="" if="" established,="" resolve="" one="" or="" more="" of="" such="" issues="" in="" favor="" of="" the="" requestor,="" taking="" into="" account="" uncontested="" claims="" or="" facts="" to="" the="" contrary;="" and="" resolution="" of="" the="" factual="" issues="" in="" the="" manner="" sought="" by="" the="" requestor="" would="" be="" adequate="" to="" justify="" the="" action="" requested="" (40="" cfr="" 178.32).="" information="" submitted="" in="" connection="" with="" an="" objection="" or="" hearing="" request="" may="" be="" claimed="" confidential="" by="" marking="" any="" part="" or="" all="" of="" that="" information="" as="" cbi.="" information="" so="" marked="" will="" not="" be="" disclosed="" except="" in="" accordance="" with="" procedures="" set="" forth="" in="" 40="" cfr="" part="" 2.="" a="" copy="" of="" the="" information="" that="" does="" not="" contain="" cbi="" must="" be="" submitted="" for="" inclusion="" in="" the="" public="" record.="" information="" not="" marked="" confidential="" may="" be="" disclosed="" publicly="" by="" epa="" without="" prior="" notice.="" vi.="" public="" docket="" epa="" has="" established="" a="" record="" for="" this="" rulemaking="" under="" docket="" control="" number="" [opp-300660]="" (including="" any="" comments="" and="" data="" submitted="" electronically).="" a="" public="" version="" of="" this="" record,="" including="" printed,="" paper="" versions="" of="" electronic="" comments,="" which="" does="" not="" include="" any="" information="" claimed="" as="" cbi,="" is="" available="" for="" inspection="" from="" 8:30="" a.m.="" to="" 4="" p.m.,="" monday="" through="" friday,="" excluding="" legal="" holidays.="" the="" public="" record="" is="" located="" in="" rm.="" 1119="" of="" the="" public="" information="" and="" records="" integrity="" branch,="" information="" resources="" and="" services="" division="" (7506c),="" office="" of="" pesticide="" programs,="" environmental="" protection="" agency,="" crystal="" mall="" #2,="" 1921="" jefferson="" davis="" highway,="" arlington,="" va.="" electronic="" comments="" may="" be="" sent="" directly="" to="" epa="" at:="">opp-docket@epamail.epa.gov.
        Electronic comments must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the 
    use of special characters and any form of encryption.
        The official record for this rulemaking, as well as the public 
    version, as described above will be kept in paper form. Accordingly, 
    EPA will transfer any copies of objections and hearing requests 
    received electronically into printed, paper form as they are received 
    and will place the paper copies in the official rulemaking record which 
    will also include all comments submitted directly in writing. The 
    official rulemaking record is the paper record maintained at the 
    Virginia address in ``ADDRESSES'' at the beginning of this document.
    
    VII. Regulatory Assessment Requirements
    
        This final rule establishes a temporary tolerance for the residues 
    of diflubenzuron (N-[[4-chlorophenyl)amino]-carbonyl]-2,6-
    difluorobenzamide) and metabolites convertible to p-chloroaniline 
    expressed as diflubenzuron on rice grain at 0.01 ppm 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). This final rule 
    does not contain any information collections subject to OMB approval 
    under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or 
    impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as 
    described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
    (UMRA) (Pub. L. 104-4). Nor does it require any prior consultation as 
    specified by Executive Order 12875, entitled Enhancing the 
    Intergovernmental Partnership (58 FR 58093, October 28, 1993), or 
    special considerations as required by Executive Order 12898, entitled 
    Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority 
    Populations and Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994), 
    or require OMB review in accordance with Executive Order 13045, 
    entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and 
    Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997).
        In addition, since these tolerances and exemptions that are 
    established on the basis of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such 
    as the tolerances for the residues of diflubenzuron (N-[[4-
    chlorophenyl)amino]-carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide) and metabolites 
    convertible to p-chloroaniline expressed as diflubenzuron on rice grain 
    at 0.01 ppm 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. Nevertheless, the Agency has 
    previously assessed whether establishing tolerances, exemptions from 
    tolerances, raising tolerance levels or expanding exemptions might 
    adversely impact small entities and concluded, as a generic matter, 
    that there is no adverse economic impact. The factual basis for the 
    Agency's generic certification for tolerance actions published on May 
    4, 1981 (46 FR 24950) and was provided to the Chief Counsel for 
    Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.
    
    VIII. Submission to Congress and the General Accounting Office
    
        The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
    Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
    provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
    the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
    to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
    United States. 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 rule 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: May 7, 1998.
    James Jones,
    Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
        Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
    
    PART 180--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 21 U.S.C. 346a and 371.
    
        2. By revising Sec. 180.377 to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 180.377   Diflubenzuron; tolerances for residues.
    
        (a) General. (1) Tolerances are established for residues of the 
    insecticide diflubenzuron (N-[[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]carbonyl]-2,6-
    difluorobenzamide) in or on the following raw agricultural commodities:
    
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Parts per
                              Commodity                             million 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Artichokes..................................................        6.0 
    Cattle, fat.................................................        0.05
    Cattle, mbyp................................................        0.05
    Cattle, meat................................................        0.05
    Cottonseed..................................................        0.2 
    Eggs........................................................        0.05
    Goats, fat..................................................        0.05
    Goats, mbyp.................................................        0.05
    Goats, meat.................................................        0.05
    Grapefruit..................................................        0.5 
    Hogs, fat...................................................        0.05
    Hogs, mbyp..................................................        0.05
    Hogs, meat..................................................        0.05
    Horses, fat.................................................        0.05
    
    [[Page 26488]]
    
                                                                            
    Horses, mbyp................................................        0.05
    Horses, meat................................................        0.05
    Milk........................................................        0.05
    Mushrooms...................................................        0.2 
    Orange......................................................        0.5 
    Poultry, fat................................................        0.05
    Poultry, mbyp...............................................        0.05
    Poultry, meat...............................................        0.05
    Sheep, fat..................................................        0.05
    Sheep, mbyp.................................................        0.05
    Sheep, meat.................................................        0.05
    Soybeans....................................................        0.05
    Tangerine...................................................        0.5 
    Walnuts.....................................................        0.1 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (2) A temporary tolerance expiring June 30, 1999, is established 
    for residues of the insecticide diflubenzuron (N-[[4-
    chlorophenyl)amino]-carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide) and metabolites 
    convertible to p-chloroaniline expressed as diflubenzuron on rice grain 
    at 0.01 ppm.
        (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved]
        (c) Tolerances with regional registrations. Tolerances with 
    regional registration, as defined in Sec. 180.1(n), are established for 
    residues of diflubenzuron in or on the following raw agricultural 
    commodities:
    
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Parts per
                              Commodity                             million 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Grass, pasture..............................................        1.0 
    Grass, range................................................        3.0 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. [Reserved]
    
    [FR Doc. 98-12640 Filed 5-12-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-F
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
5/13/1998
Published:
05/13/1998
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
98-12640
Dates:
This regulation is effective May 13, 1998. Objections and requests for hearings must be received by EPA on or before July 13, 1998.
Pages:
26481-26488 (8 pages)
Docket Numbers:
OPP-300660, FRL-5790-5
RINs:
2070-AB78
PDF File:
98-12640.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 180.377