97-15981. Metolachlor; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemption  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 117 (Wednesday, June 18, 1997)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 33012-33019]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-15981]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 180
    
    [OPP-300504; FRL-5722-5]
    RIN 2070-AB78
    
    
    Metolachlor; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemption
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This regulation establishes time-limited tolerances for 
    residues of the herbicide metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-
    methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide] and its 
    metabolites, determined as the derivatives, 2-[(2-ethyl-6-
    methylphenyl)amino]-1-propanol and 4-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-2-
    hydroxy-5-methyl-3-morpholinone, each expressed as the parent compound, 
    in or on the raw agricultural commodity tomato, in tomato puree, and in 
    tomato paste, in connection with EPA's granting an emergency exemption 
    under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide 
    Act authorizing use of the pesticide on tomato in Ohio, Indiana, 
    Michigan and Pennsylvania. The tolerances will expire and are revoked 
    on December 31, 1998.
    
    DATES: This regulation becomes effective June 18, 1997. Objections and 
    requests for hearings must be received by EPA on or before August 18, 
    1997.
    
    ADDRESSES:  Written objections and hearing requests, identified by the 
    docket control number, [OPP-300504], 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-300504], must be submitted to: Public Response and 
    Program Resources Branch, Field Operations 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-300504]. 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: Olga Odiott, Registration 
    Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
    Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. Office 
    location, telephone number, and e-mail: Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson 
    Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202. (703) 308-9363, e-mail: 
    odiott.olga@epamail.epa.gov.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA, on its own initiative, pursuant to 
    section 408(e) and (l)(6) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
    (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) and (l)(6), is establishing tolerances for 
    residues of the herbicide [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-
    methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide] and its metabolites (determined as the 
    derivatives, 2-[(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)amino]-1-propanol and 4-(2-
    ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-morpholinone, each expressed 
    as the parent compound), also referred to in this document as 
    metolachlor, in or on tomato at 0.1 part per million (ppm), tomato 
    puree at 0.3 ppm and tomato paste at 0.6 ppm. These tolerances will 
    expire and be revoked by EPA on December 31, 1998. After December 31, 
    1998, EPA will publish a document in the Federal Register to remove the 
    revoked tolerances from the Code of Federal Regulations.
    
    I. Background and Statutory Authority
    
        The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) (Pub. L. 104-170) 
    was signed into law August 3, 1996. FQPA amends both the FFDCA, 21 
    U.S.C. 301 et seq., and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
    Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. Among other things, FQPA 
    amends FFDCA to bring all EPA pesticide tolerance-setting activities 
    under section 408 with a new safety standard and new procedures. These 
    activities are described below and discussed in greater detail in the 
    final rule establishing the time-limited tolerance associated with the 
    emergency exemption for use of propiconazole on sorghum (61 FR 58135, 
    November 13, 1996) (FRL-5572-9).
        New section 408(b)(2)(A)(I) of the 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) 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) 
    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....''
        Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes EPA to exempt any Federal or State 
    agency from any provision of FIFRA, if EPA determines that ``emergency 
    conditions exist which require such exemption.'' This provision was not 
    amended by FQPA. EPA has established regulations governing such 
    emergency exemptions in 40 CFR part 166. Section 408(l)(6) of the FFDCA 
    requires EPA to establish a time-limited tolerance or exemption from 
    the requirement for a tolerance for pesticide chemical residues in food 
    that will result from the use of a pesticide under an emergency 
    exemption granted by EPA under section 18 of FIFRA. Such tolerances can 
    be established without providing notice or period for public comment.
        Because decisions on section 18-related tolerances must proceed 
    before EPA reaches closure on several policy issues relating to 
    interpretation and implementation of the FQPA, EPA does not intend for 
    its actions on such tolerance to set binding precedents for the 
    application of section 408 and the new safety standard to other 
    tolerances and exemptions.
    
    [[Page 33013]]
    
    II. Emergency Exemption for Metolachlor on Tomato and FFDCA 
    Tolerances
    
        The Eastern black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a common annual 
    weed found in tomato fields. Currently registered herbicides for use on 
    tomatoes have little or no effect in controlling the eastern black 
    nightshade. Chloramben (amiben) is the most effective herbicide for 
    this weed, but it has not been manufactured since 1991 and grower's 
    reserves of the herbicide have been depleted. Hand hoeing is utilized, 
    but it does not provide complete control and is very expensive. The 
    Applicants stated that since this weed is ubiquitous and hand hoeing 
    does not provide complete control, the weed population is increasing 
    and threatening the economic viability of the tomato industry in their 
    states. EPA has authorized under FIFRA section 18 the use of 
    metolachlor on tomato for control of Eastern black nightshade. After 
    having reviewed the submissions, EPA concurs that emergency conditions 
    exist for these states.
        As part of its assessment of this emergency exemption, EPA assessed 
    the potential risks presented by residues of metolachlor in or on 
    tomatoes. In doing so, EPA considered the new safety standard in FFDCA 
    section 408(b)(2), and EPA decided that the necessary tolerances under 
    FFDCA section 408(l)(6) would be consistent with the new safety 
    standard and with FIFRA section 18. These tolerances will permit the 
    marketing of tomatoes treated in accordance with the provisions of the 
    section 18 emergency exemption. Consistent with the need to move 
    quickly on the emergency exemption in order to address an urgent non-
    routine situation and to ensure that the resulting food is safe and 
    lawful, EPA is issuing these tolerances without notice and opportunity 
    for public comment under section 408(e), as provided in section 
    408(l)(6). Although these tolerances will expire and are revoked on 
    December 31, 1998, under FFDCA section 408(l)(5), residues of the 
    pesticide not in excess of the amounts specified in the tolerance 
    remaining in or on tomatoes after that date will not be unlawful, 
    provided the pesticide is applied during the term of, and in accordance 
    with all the conditions of, section 18 of FIFRA. EPA will take action 
    to revoke these tolerances earlier if any experience with, scientific 
    data on, or other relevant information on this pesticide indicate that 
    the residues are not safe.
        EPA has not made any decisions about whether metolachlor meets 
    EPA's registration requirements for use on tomatoes or whether 
    permanent tolerances for this use would be appropriate. These 
    tolerances do not serve as a basis for registration of metolachlor by a 
    State for special local needs under FIFRA section 24(c). Nor do these 
    tolerances serve as the basis for any State other than Ohio, Indiana, 
    Michigan and Pennsylvania, to use this pesticide on this crop under 
    section 18 of FIFRA without following all provisions of section 18 as 
    identified in 40 CFR part 166. For additional information regarding the 
    emergency exemption for metolachlor, contact the Agency's Registration 
    Division at the address provided above.
    
    III. Risk Assessment and Statutory Findings
    
        EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from 
    aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. First, EPA determines the 
    toxicity of pesticides based primarily on toxicological studies using 
    laboratory animals. These studies address many adverse health effects, 
    including (but not limited to) reproductive effects, developmental 
    toxicity, toxicity to the nervous system, and carcinogenicity. For many 
    of these studies, a dose response relationship can be determined, which 
    provides a dose that causes adverse effects (threshold effects) and 
    doses causing no observed effects (the ``no-observed effect level'' or 
    ``NOEL'').
        Once a study has been evaluated and the observed effects have been 
    determined to be threshold effects, EPA generally divides the NOEL from 
    the study with the lowest NOEL by an uncertainty factor (usually 100 or 
    more) to determine the Reference Dose (RfD). The RfD is a level at or 
    below which daily aggregate exposure over a lifetime will not pose 
    appreciable risks to human health. An uncertainty factor (sometimes 
    called a ``safety factor'') of 100 is commonly used since it is assumed 
    that people may be up to 10 times more sensitive to pesticides than the 
    test animals, and that one person or subgroup of the population (such 
    as infants and children) could be up to 10 times more sensitive to a 
    pesticide than another. In addition, EPA assesses the potential risks 
    to infants and children based on the weight of the evidence of the 
    toxicology studies and determines whether an additional uncertainty 
    factor is warranted. Thus, an aggregate daily exposure to a pesticide 
    residue at or below the RfD (expressed as 100% or less of the RfD) is 
    generally considered acceptable by EPA. EPA generally uses the RfD to 
    evaluate the chronic risks posed by pesticide exposure. For shorter 
    term risks, EPA calculates a margin of exposure (MOE) by dividing the 
    estimated human exposure into the NOEL from the appropriate animal 
    study. Commonly, EPA finds MOEs lower than 100 to be unacceptable. This 
    100-fold MOE is based on the same rationale as the 100-fold uncertainty 
    factor.
        Lifetime feeding studies in two species of laboratory animals are 
    conducted to screen pesticides for cancer effects. When evidence of 
    increased cancer is noted in these studies, the Agency conducts a 
    weight of the evidence review of all relevant toxicological data 
    including short term and mutagenicity studies and structure activity 
    relationship. Once a pesticide has been classified as a potential human 
    carcinogen, different types of risk assessments (e.g., linear low dose 
    extrapolations or MOE calculation based on the appropriate NOEL) will 
    be carried out based on the nature of the carcinogenic response and the 
    Agency's knowledge of its mode of action.
        In examining aggregate exposure, FFDCA section 408 requires that 
    EPA take into account available and reliable information concerning 
    exposure from the pesticide residue in the food in question, residues 
    in other foods for which there are tolerances, residues in groundwater 
    or surface water that is consumed as drinking water, and other non-
    occupational exposures through pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or 
    buildings (residential and other indoor uses). Dietary exposure to 
    residues of a pesticide in a food commodity are estimated by 
    multiplying the average daily consumption of the food forms of that 
    commodity by the tolerance level or the anticipated pesticide residue 
    level. The Theoretical Maximum Residue Contribution (TMRC) is an 
    estimate of the level of residues consumed daily if each food item 
    contained pesticide residues equal to the tolerance. The TMRC is a 
    ``worst case'' estimate since it is based on the assumptions that food 
    contains pesticide residues at the tolerance level and that 100% of the 
    crop is treated by pesticides that have established tolerances. If the 
    TMRC exceeds the RfD or poses a lifetime cancer risk that is greater 
    than approximately one in a million, EPA attempts to derive a more 
    accurate exposure estimate for the pesticide by evaluating additional 
    types of information (anticipated residue data and/or percent of crop 
    treated data) which show, generally, that pesticide residues in most 
    foods when they are eaten are well below established tolerances.
    
    [[Page 33014]]
    
        Percent of crop treated estimates are derived from federal and 
    private market survey data. Typically, a range of estimates are 
    supplied and the upper end of this range is assumed for the exposure 
    assessment. By using this upper end estimate of percent of crop 
    treated, the Agency is reasonably certain that exposure is not 
    understated for any significant subpopulation group. Further, regional 
    consumption information is taken into account through EPA's computer-
    based model for evaluating the exposure of significant subpopulations 
    including several regional groups, to pesticide residues.
    
    IV. 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.
    
    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 metolachlor are 
    discussed below.
        1. Acute toxicity. The EPA has determined that the available data 
    do not indicate the potential for adverse effects after a single 
    dietary exposure.
        2. Short- and intermediate term toxicity. The EPA has determined 
    that a NOEL of 100 mg/kg/day from a 21-day dermal toxicity study on 
    rats should be used to assess risks from intermediate-term dermal 
    exposures. At the lowest effect level (LEL) of 1,000 mg/kg/day, there 
    were dose-related increases in minor histopathological alterations of 
    the skin, in total bilirubin (females), in absolute and relative liver 
    weights (males), and in relative kidney weights (females). An 
    inhalation exposure intermediate-term hazard was not identified. The 
    EPA has determined that the available data do not indicate the 
    potential for adverse effects from short-term dermal or inhalation 
    exposures.
        3. Chronic risk. Based on the available chronic toxicity data, the 
    EPA has established the RfD for metolachlor at 0.10 mg/kg/day. The RfD 
    was established based on the results of a 1-year feeding study in dogs 
    with a NOEL of 9.7 mg/kg/day, and an uncertainty factor of 100 based on 
    decreased body weight gain at the LEL of 33 mg/kg/day.
        4. Cancer risk. Using its Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment 
    published September 24, 1986 (51 FR 33992), the EPA has classified 
    metolachlor as a Group C, ``possible human carcinogen'', chemical. The 
    classification as a Group C chemical was based on the increased 
    incidence of adenomas and combined adenomas/carcinomas in female rats, 
    both by pair-wise and trend analysis and the replication of this 
    finding in a second study. The OPP Carcinogenicity Peer Review 
    Committee (CPRC) recommended the quantitation of risk by MOE estimates 
    using a NOEL of 15.7 mg/kg/day from a 2-year feeding study in rats. The 
    structural relationship of metolachlor to acetochlor and alachlor was 
    of concern to the CPRC. However, in light of new information on the 
    relative metabolism of these chemicals, and since there was no 
    supportable mutagenicity concern, the CPRC recommended the MOE 
    approach.
    
    B. Exposures and Risks
    
        In examining aggregate exposure, FQPA directs EPA to consider 
    available information concerning exposures from the pesticide residue 
    in food and all other non-occupational exposures. The primary non-food 
    sources of exposure the Agency looks at include drinking water (whether 
    from groundwater or surface water), and exposure through pesticide use 
    in gardens, lawns, or buildings (residential and other indoor uses). In 
    evaluating food exposures, EPA takes into account varying consumption 
    patterns of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including 
    infants and children.
        1. From food and feed uses. Tolerances have been established (40 
    CFR 180.368) for the combined residues of metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-
    ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide] and its 
    metabolites, determined as the derivatives, 2-[(2-ethyl-6-
    methylphenyl)amino]-1-propanol and 4-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-2-
    hydroxy-5-methyl-3-morpholinone, each expressed as the parent compound 
    in or on a variety of raw agricultural commodities at levels ranging 
    from 0.02 ppm in milk and numerous animal commodities to 30 ppm in 
    peanut forage and hay. Risk assessments were conducted by EPA to assess 
    dietary exposures and risks from metolachlor as follows:
        i. Acute risk. Acute dietary 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 one day 
    or single exposure. The available data for metolachlor do not indicate 
    the potential for adverse effects after a single dietary exposure.
        ii. Chronic risk. For the chronic dietary (food only) risk 
    assessment OPP used percent crop-treated data for selected commodities 
    and assumed tolerance level residues. OPP also assumed that 100% of 
    tomatoes were treated. The population subgroups with the largest 
    percentage of the RfD occupied are non-nursing infants less than 1 year 
    old and children 1 to 6 years old, both at 2.3% of the RfD. This risk 
    estimate should be viewed as conservative; further refinement using 
    anticipated residue levels and additional percent crop-treated values 
    analysis would result in lower dietary exposure estimates. Thus, in 
    making a safety determination for these tolerances, EPA is taking into 
    account this conservative exposure assessment.
        iii. Cancer risk. Based on the OPP CPRC recommendation that the MOE 
    approach be used to assess cancer risk, a quantitative cancer risk 
    assessment was not performed. Human health risk concerns due to long 
    term exposure to metolachlor residues are adequately addressed by the 
    aggregate chronic exposure analysis using the MOE approach.
        2. From drinking water. Based on the available environmental fate 
    studies, metolachlor appears to be moderately persistent and ranges 
    from being mobile to highly mobile in different soils. Data collected 
    from around the United States provides evidence that metolachlor 
    leaches into ground water, occasionally at levels that exceed the 
    Lifetime Health Advisory (HA) Level of 100 ppb. The ``Pesticides in 
    Groundwater Database'' (EPA 734-12-92-001, Sept. 1992), indicates that 
    metolachlor residues were detected in wells in 20 states. Levels 
    exceeded the lifetime HA in three wells located in Wisconsin, New York, 
    and Montana. In eight other states concentrations in some well waters 
    exceeded 10% of the HA. Incident reports submitted under 6(a)2 of FIFRA 
    describe 47 detections of metolachlor in the ground water of seven 
    states at concentrations ranging from 0.11 ppb to 116 ppb. Metolachlor 
    is not yet formally regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act; 
    therefore, no enforcement Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) has been 
    established for it. Metolachlor also has relatively high health 
    advisory levels (1-10 day HA level of 2,000 ppb and lifetime HA level 
    of 100 ppb).
        Based on available data, it appears highly unlikely that maximum or 
    short-term average metolachlor concentrations will exceed the 1-10 day 
    HA levels of 2,000 ppb or that annual average metolachlor 
    concentrations will exceed
    
    [[Page 33015]]
    
    the lifetime HA of 100 ppb anywhere. As part of the risk mitigation in 
    the metolachlor Reregistration Eligibility Document (RED), additional 
    label restrictions designed to minimize ground and surface water 
    contamination are required. Groundwater concerns may be mitigated by 
    adhering to these label restrictions and advisory statements.
        Because the Agency lacks sufficient water-related exposure data to 
    complete a comprehensive drinking water risk assessment for many 
    pesticides, EPA has commenced and nearly completed a process to 
    identify a reasonable yet conservative bounding figure for the 
    potential contribution of water related exposure to the aggregate risk 
    posed by a pesticide. In developing the bounding figure, EPA estimated 
    residue levels in water for a number of specific pesticides using 
    various data sources. The Agency then applied the estimated residue 
    levels, in conjunction with appropriate toxicological endpoints (RfD's 
    or acute dietary NOEL's)and assumptions about body weight and 
    consumption, to calculate, for each pesticide, the increment of 
    aggregate risk contributed by consumption of contaminated water. While 
    EPA has not yet pinpointed the appropriate bounding figure for exposure 
    from contaminated water, the ranges the Agency is continuing to examine 
    are all below the level that would cause metolachlor to exceed the RfD 
    if the tolerance being considered in this document were granted. The 
    Agency has therefore concluded that the potential exposures associated 
    with metolachlor in water, even at the higher levels the Agency is 
    considering as a conservative upper bound, would not prevent the Agency 
    from determining that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm if the 
    tolerances are granted.
        3. From non-dietary exposure. Metolachlor is registered for outdoor 
    residential lawn use, use on numerous ornamental plants and trees, 
    highway rights-of-way and recreational areas.
        i. Acute risk. EPA generally will not include residential or other 
    non-dietary exposure as a component of the acute exposure assessment. 
    Theoretically, it is also possible that a residential, or other non-
    dietary, exposure could be combined with the acute total dietary 
    exposure from food and water. However, the Agency does not believe that 
    aggregating multiple exposure to large amounts of pesticide residues in 
    the residential environment via multiple products and routes for a one 
    day exposure is a reasonably probable event. It is highly unlikely 
    that, in one day, an individual would have multiple high-end exposures 
    to the same pesticide by treating their lawn and garden, treating their 
    house via crack and crevice application, swimming in a pool, and be 
    maximally exposed in the food and water consumed. Additionally, the 
    concept of an acute exposure as a single exposure does not allow for 
    including post-application exposures, in which residues decline over a 
    period of days after application. Therefore, the Agency believes that 
    residential exposures are more appropriately included in the short-term 
    exposure scenario discussed below.
        ii. Chronic risk. The Agency has concluded that a chronic 
    residential exposure scenario does not exit for non-occupational uses 
    of metolachlor.
        iii. Short- and intermediate-term risk. There are residential uses 
    of metolachlor and EPA acknowledges that there may be shortand 
    intermediate-term non-occupational exposure scenarios. The EPA has 
    identified a toxicity endpoint for intermediate-term residential risks. 
    However, no acceptable reliable exposure data to assess the potential 
    risks are available at this time. Based on the high level of the 
    intermediate-term toxicity endpoint (NOEL = 100 mg/kg/day and lowest 
    observed effect level (LOEL) = 1,000 mg/kg/day), the Agency does not 
    expect the intermediate-term aggregate risk to exceed the level of 
    concern. A short-term non-dietary toxicity endpoint was not identified 
    for metolachlor.
    
    C. 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.'' The Agency believes that ``available 
    information'' in this context might include not only toxicity, 
    chemistry, and exposure data, but also scientific policies and 
    methodologies for understanding common mechanisms of toxicity and 
    conducting cumulative risk assessments. For most pesticides, although 
    the Agency has some information in its files that may turn out to be 
    helpful in eventually determining whether a pesticide shares a common 
    mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, EPA does not at this 
    time have the methodologies to resolve the complex scientific issues 
    concerning common mechanism of toxicity in a meaningful way. EPA has 
    begun a pilot process to study this issue further through the 
    examination of particular classes of pesticides. The Agency hopes that 
    the results of this pilot process will increase the Agency's scientific 
    understanding of this question such that EPA will be able to develop 
    and apply scientific principles for better determining which chemicals 
    have a common mechanism of toxicity and evaluating the cumulative 
    effects of such chemicals. The Agency anticipates, however, that even 
    as its understanding of the science of common mechanisms increases, 
    decisions on specific classes of chemicals will be heavily dependent on 
    chemical specific data, much of which may not be presently available.
        Although at present the Agency does not know how to apply the 
    information in its files concerning common mechanism issues to most 
    risk assessments, there are pesticides as to which the common mechanism 
    issues can be resolved. These pesticides include pesticides that are 
    toxicologically dissimilar to existing chemical substances (in which 
    case the Agency can conclude that it is unlikely that a pesticide 
    shares a common mechanism of activity with other substances) and 
    pesticides that produce a common toxic metabolite (in which case common 
    mechanism of activity will be assumed).
        EPA does not have, at this time, available data to determine 
    whether metolachlor 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, 
    metolachlor 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 metolachlor has a common mechanism of toxicity 
    with other substances.
    
    D. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety for U.S. Population
    
        1. Acute risk. The available data for metolachlor do not indicate 
    the potential for adverse effects from acute dietary exposures. An 
    acute aggregate risk assessment was not conducted.
        2. Short- and intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term 
    aggregate exposure takes into account chronic dietary food and water 
    (considered to be a background exposure level) plus indoor and outdoor 
    residential exposure. Based on the low percentage of the RfD occupied 
    by the chronic dietary exposure (<3% for="" all="" population="" subgroups)="" and="" the="" high="" level="" of="" the="" intermediate-term="" toxicity="" endpoint="" (noel="100" mg/kg/day="" and="" loel="1,000" mg/kg/day),="" in="" the="" best="" [[page="" 33016]]="" scientific="" judgment="" of="" epa,="" the="" intermediate-term="" aggregate="" risk="" will="" not="" exceed="" the="" agency's="" level="" of="" concern.="" despite="" the="" potential="" for="" exposure="" to="" metolachlor="" in="" drinking="" water,="" epa="" does="" not="" expect="" the="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" exceed="" 100%="" of="" the="" rfd.="" since="" a="" short-term="" toxicity="" endpoint="" was="" not="" identified="" for="" metolachlor,="" a="" short-term="" aggregate="" risk="" assessment="" was="" not="" conducted.="" 3.="" chronic="" risk.="" using="" the="" conservative="" exposure="" assumptions="" described="" above,="" taking="" into="" account="" the="" completeness="" and="" reliability="" of="" the="" toxicity="" data,="" epa="" has="" concluded="" that="" aggregate="" dietary="" exposure="" to="" metolachlor="" from="" food="" will="" utilize="" 1.1%="" of="" the="" rfd="" for="" the="" u.s.="" population.="" epa="" generally="" has="" no="" concern="" for="" exposures="" below="" 100%="" of="" the="" rfd="" because="" the="" rfd="" represents="" the="" level="" at="" or="" below="" which="" daily="" aggregate="" dietary="" exposure="" over="" a="" lifetime="" will="" not="" pose="" appreciable="" risks="" to="" human="" health.="" despite="" the="" potential="" for="" exposure="" to="" metolachlor="" in="" drinking="" water,="" epa="" does="" not="" expect="" the="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" exceed="" 100%="" of="" the="" rfd.="" epa="" concludes="" that="" there="" is="" a="" reasonable="" certainty="" that="" no="" harm="" will="" result="" from="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" metolachlor="" residues.="" 4.="" cancer="" risk.="" based="" on="" the="" cprc="" recommendation="" that="" the="" moe="" approach="" be="" used="" to="" assess="" cancer="" risk,="" a="" quantitative="" cancer="" risk="" assessment="" was="" not="" performed.="" based="" on="" the="" aggregate="" chronic="" dietary="" analysis,="" the="" calculated="" moe="" (food="" only)="" for="" the="" u.s.="" population="" (48="" states)="" is=""> 20,000. Other than dietary exposure, no chronic exposure 
    scenarios have been identified from registered uses of metolachlor. The 
    chronic dietary risk from the currently registered, and this proposed 
    Section 18 use of metolachlor, do not exceed the Agency's level of 
    concern. The EPA believes that the potential additional exposure in 
    drinking water would not significantly lower the chronic dietary MOE. 
    The Agency concluded that the human health risk concerns due to long-
    term exposure to metolachlor residues are adequately addressed by the 
    aggregate chronic exposure analysis using the MOE approach.
    
    E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety for Infants and Children
    
        FFDCA section 408 provides that EPA shall apply an additional 
    tenfold 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 database 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 MOE 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 NOEL in the animal 
    study appropriate to the particular risk assessment. EPA believes that 
    reliable data support using the standard MOE and uncertainty factor 
    (usually 100 for combined inter- and intra-species variability) and not 
    the additional tenfold MOE/uncertainty factor when EPA has a complete 
    data base under existing guidelines and when the severity of the effect 
    in infants or children or the potency or unusual toxic properties of a 
    compound do not raise concerns regarding the adequacy of the standard 
    MOE/safety factor.
        In assessing the potential for additional sensitivity of infants 
    and children to residues of metolachlor, EPA considered data from 
    developmental toxicity studies in the rat and rabbit and a two-
    generation reproduction study in the rat. The developmental toxicity 
    studies are designed to evaluate adverse effects on the developing 
    organism resulting from pesticide exposure during prenatal development 
    to one or both parents. Reproduction studies provide information 
    relating to effects from exposure to the pesticide on the reproductive 
    capability of mating animals and data on systemic toxicity.
        1. Developmental toxicity studies.--i. Rat. The maternal NOEL was 
    300 mg/kg/day. At the maternal LEL of 1,000 mg/kg/day, there were 
    deaths, increased salivation, lacrimation, convulsions, reduced body 
    weight gain, and reduced feed consumption. The developmental NOEL was 
    also 300 mg/kg/day. The developmental LEL of 1,000 mg/kg/day was based 
    on reduced mean fetal body weight, reduced number of implantations/dam 
    with resulting decreased litter size, and a slight increase in 
    resorptions/dam with resulting increase in post-implantation loss.
        ii. Rabbit. The maternal NOEL was 120 mg/kg/day. The maternal LEL 
    of 360 mg/kg/day was based on lacrimation, miosis, reduced food 
    consumption and decreased body weight gain. The developmental NOEL was 
    360 mg/kg/day at the highest dose tested (HDT).*
        2. Reproductive toxicity study (Rat). In the two-generation 
    reproductive toxicity study the reproductive/ developmental toxicity 
    NOEL of 23 mg/kg/day was less than the parental (systemic) toxicity 
    NOEL of >76 mg/kg/day (HDT). The reproductive/developmental NOEL was 
    based on decreased pup body weight during late lactation.
        3. Pre- and post-natal sensitivity. Based on current toxicological 
    data requirements, the data base for metolachlor relative to pre- and 
    post-natal toxicity is complete. The developmental toxicity NOELs of 
    300 mg/kg/day (in rats) and 360 mg/kg/day (HDT in rabbits) 
    demonstrate that there is no increased sensitivity to metolachlor by 
    the developing fetus (pre-natal) in the presence of maternal toxicity. 
    There was developmental toxicity in rats at 1,000 mg/kg/day (but not in 
    rabbits). The developmental NOELs are more than 30- and 37-fold higher 
    in the rats and rabbits, respectively, than the NOEL of 9.7 mg/kg/day 
    from the 1-year feeding study in dogs, which is the basis of the RfD.
        In the two-generation reproductive toxicity study in rats, the 
    reproductive/developmental toxicity NOEL of 23 mg/kg/day was less than 
    the parental (systemic) toxicity NOEL of >76 mg/kg/day. The 
    reproductive/developmental NOEL was based on decreased pup body weight 
    during late lactation and the NOEL occurred at a level which is below 
    the NOEL for parental toxicity (>76 mg/kg/day). This finding suggests 
    that pups are more sensitive to metolachlor than adult animals. For 
    purposes of this Section 18 only, an additional 3x uncertainty factor 
    was added to the RfD.
        The TMRC value for the most highly exposed infant and children 
    subgroup (non-nursing infants <1 year="" old)="" occupies="" 6.9%="" of="" the="" rfd="" (with="" the="" additional="" 3x="" safety="" factor).="" this="" estimate="" should="" be="" viewed="" as="" conservative,="" since="" is="" based="" on="" percent="" crop-treated="" data="" for="" selected="" crops="" and="" tolerance="" level="" residues="" for="" all="" commodities.="" refinement="" of="" the="" dietary="" risk="" assessment="" by="" using="" additional="" percent="" crop="" treated="" and="" anticipated="" residue="" data="" would="" reduce="" dietary="" exposure.="" therefore,="" this="" risk="" assessment="" is="" an="" over-estimate="" of="" dietary="" risk.="" 4.="" acute="" risk.="" the="" available="" data="" for="" metolachlor="" do="" not="" indicate="" the="" potential="" for="" adverse="" effects="" from="" acute="" dietary="" exposures.="" 5.="" short-="" and="" intermediate-term="" risk.="" short-="" and="" intermediate-term="" aggregate="" exposure="" takes="" into="" account="" chronic="" dietary="" food="" and="" water="" (considered="" to="" be="" a="" background="" exposure="" level)="" plus="" indoor="" and="" outdoor="" residential="" exposure.="" a="" short-term="" non-dietary="" toxicity="" endpoint="" was="" not="" identified="" for="" metolachlor.="" using="" the="" conservative="" exposure="" assumptions="" described="" above,="" epa="" has="" concluded="" that="" the="" percent="" of="" [[page="" 33017]]="" the="" rfd="" that="" will="" be="" utilized="" by="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" residues="" of="" metolachlor="" is="" 6.9="" %="" (using="" an="" additional="" 3x="" safety="" factor)="" for="" non-="" nursing="" infants="" less="" than="" 1="" year="" old="" (the="" most="" highly="" exposed="" population="" subgroup).="" based="" on="" the="" low="" percentage="" of="" the="" rfd="" occupied="" by="" the="" chronic="" dietary="" exposure="" and="" the="" high="" level="" of="" the="" intermediate-="" term="" toxicity="" endpoint="" (noel="100" mg/kg/day="" and="" loel="1,000" mg/kg/="" day),="" in="" the="" best="" scientific="" judgment="" of="" epa,="" the="" intermediate-term="" aggregate="" risk="" will="" not="" exceed="" the="" agency's="" level="" of="" concern.="" despite="" the="" potential="" for="" exposure="" to="" metolachlor="" in="" drinking="" water,="" epa="" does="" not="" expect="" the="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" exceed="" 100%="" of="" the="" rfd.="" 6.="" chronic="" risk.="" using="" the="" conservative="" exposure="" assumptions="" described="" above,="" epa="" has="" concluded="" that="" the="" percent="" of="" the="" rfd="" that="" will="" be="" utilized="" by="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" residues="" of="" metolachlor="" ranges="" from="" 6.9="" %="" for="" non-nursing="" infants="" less="" than="" one="" year="" old,="" down="" to="" 1.8="" %="" for="" nursing="" infants="" less="" than="" one="" year="" old="" (using="" an="" additional="" 3x="" safety="" factor).="" epa="" generally="" has="" no="" concern="" for="" exposures="" below="" 100%="" of="" the="" rfd="" because="" the="" rfd="" represents="" the="" level="" at="" or="" below="" which="" daily="" aggregate="" dietary="" exposure="" over="" a="" lifetime="" will="" not="" pose="" appreciable="" risks="" to="" human="" health.="" despite="" the="" potential="" for="" exposure="" to="" metolachlor="" in="" drinking="" water="" and="" from="" non-dietary,="" non-="" occupational="" exposure,="" epa="" does="" not="" expect="" the="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" exceed="" 100%="" of="" the="" rfd.="" epa="" concludes="" that="" there="" is="" a="" reasonable="" certainty="" that="" no="" harm="" will="" result="" to="" infants="" and="" children="" from="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" metolachlor="" residues.="" v.="" other="" considerations="" a.="" metabolism="" in="" plants="" and="" animals="" the="" nature="" of="" the="" residue="" in="" plants="" and="" animals="" is="" adequately="" understood.="" tolerances="" for="" residues="" of="" metolachlor="" in="" or="" on="" food/feed="" commodities="" are="" currently="" expressed="" in="" terms="" of="" the="" combined="" residues="" (free="" and="" bound)="" of="" the="" herbicide="" metolachlor="" ([2-chloro-n-(2-ethyl-6-="" methylphenyl)-n-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide])="" and="" its="" metabolites,="" determined="" as="" the="" derivatives,="" 2-[(2-ethyl-6-="" methylphenyl)amino]-1-propanol="" and="" 4-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-2-="" hydroxy-5-methyl-3-morpholinone,="" each="" expressed="" as="" the="" parent="" compound="" (40="" cfr="" 180.368).="" 2.="" analytical="" enforcement="" methodology.="" adequate="" methods="" for="" purposes="" of="" data="" collection="" and="" enforcement="" of="" tolerances="" for="" metolachlor="" residues="" are="" available.="" methods="" for="" determining="" the="" combined="" residues="" of="" metolachlor="" and="" its="" metabolites,="" as="" the="" derivatives="" cga-37913="" and="" cga-49751,="" are="" described="" in="" pam,="" vol.="" ii,="" as="" method="" i="" (plants;="" gc-npd)="" and="" method="" ii="" (animals;="" gc-ms).="" 3.="" magnitude="" of="" residues.="" regulable="" residues="" of="" metolachlor="" are="" not="" expected="" to="" exceed="" 0.1="" ppm="" in/on="" tomatoes="" as="" a="" result="" of="" this="" section="" 18="" use.="" a="" time-limited="" tolerance="" should="" be="" established="" at="" this="" level.="" residues="" of="" metolachlor="" appear="" to="" concentrate="" in="" the="" tomato="" processed="" commodities="" of="" tomato="" puree="" (3x)="" and="" paste="" (6x).="" regulable="" residues="" of="" metolachlor="" are="" not="" expected="" to="" exceed="" 0.3="" ppm="" in="" tomato="" puree="" and="" 0.6="" ppm="" in="" tomato="" paste="" a="" result="" of="" this="" section="" 18="" use.="" time-limited="" tolerances="" should="" be="" established="" at="" these="" levels.="" secondary="" residues="" are="" not="" expected="" in="" animal="" commodities="" as="" no="" feed="" items="" are="" associated="" with="" this="" section="" 18="" use.="" 4.="" international="" residue="" limits.="" there="" are="" no="" codex="" or="" mexican="" residue="" limits="" for="" metolachlor="" on="" tomatoes.="" there="" is="" a="" canadian="" residue="" limit="" of="" 0.1="" ppm="" for="" the="" parent="" compound.="" 5.="" rotational="" crop="" restrictions.="" rotational="" crop="" restrictions="" are="" stated="" on="" the="" dual="" and="" dual="" 8e="" product="" labels.="" vi.="" conclusion="" therefore,="" tolerances="" in="" connection="" with="" the="" fifra="" section="" 18="" emergency="" exemptions="" are="" established="" for="" residues="" of="" the="" herbicide="" [2-="" chloro-n-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-n-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide]="" and="" its="" metabolites="" (determined="" as="" the="" derivatives,="" 2-[(2-ethyl-6-="" methylphenyl)amino]-1-propanol="" and="" 4-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-2-="" hydroxy-5-methyl-3-morpholinone,="" each="" expressed="" as="" the="" parent="" compound)="" also="" referred="" to="" in="" this="" document="" as="" metolachlor,="" in="" or="" on="" tomato="" at="" 0.1="" part="" per="" million="" (ppm),="" in="" tomato="" puree="" at="" 0.3="" ppm="" and="" in="" tomato="" paste="" at="" 0.6="" ppm.="" vii.="" 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="" august="" 18,="" 1997,="" file="" written="" objections="" to="" any="" aspect="" of="" this="" regulation="" (including="" the="" revocation="" provision)="" 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="" 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="" confidential="" business="" information="" (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.="" viii.="" public="" docket="" a="" record="" has="" been="" established="" for="" this="" rulemaking="" under="" docket="" control="" number="" [opp-300504].="" a="" public="" version="" of="" this="" record,="" which="" does="" not="" include="" any="" information="" claimed="" as="" cbi,="" is="" available="" for="" inspection="" from="" 8="" a.m.="" to="" 4:30="" p.m.,="" monday="" through="" friday,="" excluding="" legal="" holidays.="" the="" public="" record="" is="" located="" in="" room="" 1132="" of="" the="" public="" response="" and="" program="" resources="" branch,="" field="" operations="" division="" (7506c),="" office="" of="" pesticide="" programs,="" environmental="" protection="" agency,="" crystal="" mall="" #2,="" 1921="" jefferson="" davis="" highway,="" arlington,="" va.="" [[page="" 33018]]="" 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="" address="" in="" ``addresses''="" at="" the="" beginning="" of="" this="" document.="" ix.="" regulatory="" assessment="" requirements="" this="" final="" rule="" establishes="" a="" time-limited="" tolerance="" under="" section="" 408="" of="" the="" ffdca="" and="" is="" related="" to="" epa's="" granting="" emergency="" exemptions="" under="" section="" 18="" of="" the="" fifra.="" 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).="" in="" addition,="" this="" final="" rule="" does="" not="" contain="" any="" information="" collections="" subject="" to="" additional="" 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,="" because="" these="" tolerances="" are="" established="" without="" notice="" and="" comment="" rulemaking,="" the="" requirements="" of="" the="" regulatory="" flexibility="" act="" (rfa)="" (5="" u.s.c.="" 601="" et="" seq.)="" do="" not="" apply.="" nonetheless,="" 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="" significant="" adverse="" economic="" impact="" associated="" with="" these="" actions="" (46="" fr="" 24950,="" may="" 4,="" 1981).="" in="" accordance="" with="" small="" business="" administration="" (sba)="" policy,="" this="" determination="" will="" be="" provided="" to="" the="" chief="" counsel="" for="" advocacy="" of="" the="" sba="" upon="" request.="" x.="" submission="" to="" congress="" and="" the="" general="" accounting="" office="" under="" 5="" u.s.c.="" 801(a)(1)(a),="" as="" added="" by="" the="" small="" business="" regulatory="" enforcement="" fairness="" act="" of="" 1996,="" the="" agency="" has="" submitted="" 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="" general="" accounting="" office="" prior="" to="" publication="" of="" this="" rule="" in="" today's="" federal="" register.="" this="" is="" not="" a="" ``major="" rule''="" as="" defined="" by="" 5="" u.s.c.="" 804(2).="" list="" of="" subjects="" in="" 40="" cfr="" part="" 180="" environmental="" protection,="" administrative="" practice="" and="" procedure,="" agricultural="" commodities,="" pesticides="" and="" pests,="" reporting="" and="" recordkeeping="" requirements.="" dated:="" june="" 5,="" 1997.="" james="" jones,="" acting="" 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.="" section="" 180.368="" is="" amended="" as="" follows:="" i.="" in="" paragraph="" (a)="" by="" adding="" the="" heading.="" ii.="" in="" paragraph="" (b)="" by="" transferring="" and="" alphabetically="" adding="" the="" entries="" in="" the="" table="" to="" the="" table="" in="" paragraph="" (a)="" and="" by="" removing="" the="" remaining="" text.="" iii.="" in="" paragraph="" (c)="" by="" adding="" the="" heading.="" iv.="" by="" adding="" a="" heading="" and="" reserving="" new="" paragraph="" (d).="" v.="" by="" redesignating="" paragraph="" (e)="" as="" paragraph="" (b)="" and="" revising="" newly="" redesignated="" paragraph="" (b).="" sec.="" 180.368="" metolachlor;="" tolerances="" for="" residues.="" (a)="" general.="" *="" *="" *="" (b)="" section="" 18="" emergency="" exemptions.="" time-limited="" tolerances="" are="" established="" for="" the="" combined="" residues="" (free="" and="" bound)="" of="" the="" herbicide="" metolachlor="" [2-chloro-n-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-n-(2-methoxy-1-="" methylethyl)acetamide]="" and="" its="" metabolites,="" determined="" as="" the="" derivatives,="" 2-[(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)amino]-1-propanol="" and="" 4-(2-="" ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-morpholinone,="" each="" expressed="" as="" the="" parent="" compound="" in="" connection="" with="" use="" of="" the="" pesticide="" under="" section="" 18="" emergency="" exemptions="" granted="" by="" epa.="" the="" tolerance="" is="" specified="" in="" the="" following="" table.="" the="" tolerances="" will="" expire="" and="" are="" revoked="" on="" the="" dates="" specified="" in="" the="" following="" table.="" ------------------------------------------------------------------------="" expiration/="" commodity="" parts="" per="" million="" revocation="" date="" ------------------------------------------------------------------------="" spinach...........................="" 0.3="" 11/15/98="" tomato="" paste......................="" 0.6="" 12/31/98="" tomato="" puree......................="" 0.3="" 12/31/98="" tomatoes..........................="" 0.1="" 12/31/98="" ------------------------------------------------------------------------="" [[page="" 33019]]="" (c)="" tolerances="" with="" regional="" registrations.*="" *="" *="" (d)="" indirect="" or="" inadvertent="" residues.="" [reserved]="" [fr="" doc.="" 97-15981="" filed="" 6-17-97;="" 8:45="" am]="" billing="" code="" 6560-50-f="">

Document Information

Effective Date:
6/18/1997
Published:
06/18/1997
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
97-15981
Dates:
This regulation becomes effective June 18, 1997. Objections and requests for hearings must be received by EPA on or before August 18, 1997.
Pages:
33012-33019 (8 pages)
Docket Numbers:
OPP-300504, FRL-5722-5
RINs:
2070-AB78
PDF File:
97-15981.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 180.368