95-15428. Clethodim; Pesticide Tolerance and Food Additive Regulation  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 121 (Friday, June 23, 1995)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 32643-32645]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-15428]
    
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Parts 180 and 185
    
    [OPP-300391; FRL-4962-7]
    RIN 2070-AC18
    
    
    Clethodim; Pesticide Tolerance and Food Additive Regulation
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: EPA proposes to establish an import tolerance and a food 
    additive regulation, respectively, for residues of the herbicide 
    clethodim ((E)-()-2-[1-[[(3-chloro-2-
    propenyl)oxy]imino]propyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-
    cyclohexen-1-one) and its metabolites containing the 2-cyclohexen-1-one 
    moiety in or on the raw agricultural commodity potatoes and the food 
    additive commodities potato flakes and granules. EPA is issuing this 
    proposal on its own initiative pursuant to a project to harmonize 
    certain tolerances and food additive regulations with those established 
    by the Canadian government.
    
    DATES: Comments, identified by the document control number [OPP-
    300391], must be received on or before July 24, 1995.
    
    ADDRESSES: By mail, submit written comments 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 comments to: Rm. 1132, CM #2, 
    1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 22202. Information submitted 
    as a comment concerning this document 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 
    comment 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. All written comments will be 
    available for public inspection in Rm. 1132 at the address given above, 
    from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
    holidays.
        Comments and data may also be submitted electronically by sending 
    electronic mail (e-mail) to: 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. Comments and data will also be 
    accepted on disks in WordPerfect in 5.1 file format or ASCII file 
    format. All comments and data in electronic form must be identified by 
    the docket number [OPP-300391]. No Confidential Business Information 
    (CBI) should be submitted through e-mail. Electronic comments on this 
    proposed rule may be filed online at many Federal Depository Libraries. 
    Additional information on electronic submissions can be found below in 
    this document.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Joanne Miller, Product 
    Manager (PM) 23, Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide 
    Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St. SW., Washington, 
    DC 20460. Office location and telephone number: Rm. 237, CM #2, 1921 
    Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202, (703)-305-6224; e-mail: 
    miller.joanne@epamail.epa.gov.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On its own initiative and pursuant to 
    section 408(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by (FFDCA), 
    21 U.S.C. 346a(e), EPA is proposing to amend 40 CFR 180.458 by 
    establishing an import tolerance for residues of the herbicide 
    clethodim and its metabolites containing the 2-cyclohexen-1-one moiety 
    in or on the raw agricultural commodity potatoes at 0.5 part per 
    million (ppm); and to add new Sec. 185.1075 (40 CFR 185.1075) by 
    establishing a food additive regulation for residues of the herbicide 
    clethodim and its metabolites containing the 2-cyclohexen-1-one moiety 
    in or on the food additive commodity potato granules and potato flakes 
    at 1 part per million (ppm). Clethodim residues on potatoes grown in 
    Canada and imported into the United States have been identified as a 
    Canada-United States Trade Agreement (CUSTA) irritant. The Agency has 
    reviewed Canadian crop field trial residue data and determined that 
    they are adequate to support an import tolerance. All relevant 
    materials have been evaluated. The toxicological data considered in 
    support of the proposed tolerances and food additive regulation 
    include:
        1. Several acute toxicology studies placing the technical-grade 
    herbicide in Toxicity Category II for primary dermal irritation, 
    Toxicity Category III for oral and inhalation toxicity and primary eye 
    irritation, and Toxicity Category IV for dermal toxicity.
        2. A 2-year rat chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study found the 
    compound to be noncarcinogenic to rats under the conditions of the 
    study. The systemic no-observed-effect level (NOEL) was 500 ppm 
    (approximately 19 mg/kg/day), and the systemic lowest-observed-effect 
    level (LOEL) was 2,500 ppm (approximately 100 mg/kg/day) based on the 
    observed body weight gain, the increases in liver weights, and the 
    presence of centrilobular hepatic hypertrophy.
        3. An 18-month mouse carcinogencity study which showed the compound 
    to be noncarcinogenic to mice under the conditions of the study. The 
    systemic NOEL was 200 ppm (approximately 30 mg/kg/day), and the 
    systemic LOEL was 1,000 ppm (approximately 150 mg/kg/day) based on 
    treatment-related effects on survival, red cell mass, absolute and 
    relative liver weights, and microscopic findings in liver and lung.
        4. A 1-year feeding study in dogs with a systemic NOEL of 1 mg/kg/
    day in both sexes and a LOEL of 75 mg/kg/day based on increased 
    absolute and relative liver weights, and alterations in hematology and 
    clinical chemistry.
        5. A developmental toxicity study in rats with a developmental and 
    maternal NOEL and LOEL of 100 and 350 mg/kg/day, respectively. The LOEL 
    for developmental toxicity was based on reductions in fetal body weight 
    and increases in skeletal anomalies.
        6. A developmental toxicity study in rabbits with a maternal 
    toxicity NOEL and LOEL of 25 and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively. Maternal 
    toxicity was manifested as clinical signs of toxicity and reduced 
    weight gain and food consumption during treatment. Developmental 
    toxicity was not observed, and therefore the developmental toxicity 
    NOEL was 300 mg/kg/day (HDT).
        7. A two-generation reproduction study in the rat with a parental 
    toxicity NOEL and LOEL of 500 and 2,500 ppm (51 and 263 mg/kg/day), 
    respectively, based on reductions in body weight in males, and 
    decreased food consumption in both generations. The NOEL for 
    [[Page 32644]] reproductive toxicity was 2,500 ppm (263 mg/kg/day, 
    HDT).
    
        8. A mutagenicity test with Salmonella Ames assay showed 
    nonmutagenicity in three strains. Clethodim imine sulfone was negative 
    for reverse gene mutation in Salmonella and E. coli exposed up to 
    10,000 ug/plate with or without activation. Clethodim was negative for 
    chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells of rats treated orally up to 
    toxic doses (1,500 mg/kg).
    
        The dietary risk exposure analysis used a RfD of 0.01 mg/kg/body 
    weight(bw)/day based on a NOEL of 1.0 mg/kg/bw/day and a safety factor 
    of 100. The proposed use on potatoes for the U.S. population results in 
    an Anticipated Residue Contribution (ARC) of 0.000571 mg/kg/bw/day, 
    which represents 6% of the RfD. For nonnursing infants less than one 
    year old, the ARC for the use on potatoes is 0.000860 mg/kg/bw/day, or 
    9% of the RfD.
    
        The nature of the residue is adequately understood. A common moiety 
    analytical method (gas chromatograph with a flame photometric detector 
    in the sulfur mode) and a compound-specific confirmatory method are 
    available for enforcement purposes. Prior to publication in the 
    Pesticide Analytical Manual, Vol. II, both methods are available in the 
    interim to anyone interested in pesticide enforcement. They can be 
    requested from: Calvin Furlow, Public Response and Program Resources 
    Branch, Field Operations Division (7506C), Office of Pesticide 
    Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M. St. SW., Washington, 
    DC 20460. Office location and telephone number: Crystal Mall #2, Rm. 
    1132, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 22202, (703)-305-5232.
    
        Any secondary residues occurring in milk, eggs, or meat of 
    livestock and poultry will be covered by the established tolerances for 
    these commodities.The pesticide is considered useful for the purpose 
    for which the tolerance is sought. There are currently no actions 
    pending against the continued registration of this chemical.
    
        Based on the information and data considered, the Agency has 
    determined that the tolerances established by amending 40 CFR parts 180 
    and 185 would protect the public health. Therefore, it is proposed that 
    the tolerances be established as set forth below.
    
        Any person who has registered or submitted an application for 
    registration of a pesticide, under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, 
    and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as amended, which contains any of the 
    ingredients listed herein, may request within 30 days after publication 
    of this notice in the Federal Register that this rulemaking proposal be 
    referred to an Advisory Committee in accordance with section 408(e) of 
    the FFDCA.
    
        Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the 
    proposed regulation. Comments must bear a notation indicating the 
    document control number, [OPP-300391]. All written comments filed in 
    response to this petition will be available in the Public Response and 
    Program Resources Branch, at the address given above from 8 a.m. to 
    4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.
    
         A record has been established for this rulemaking under docket 
    number [OPP-300391] (including comments and data submitted 
    electronically as described below). 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 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.
    
        Electronic comments can 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 all comments 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.
    
        Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993), the Agency 
    must determine whether the regulatory action is ``significant'' and 
    therefore subject to all the requirements of the Executive Order (i.e., 
    Regulatory Impact Analysis, review by the Office of Management and 
    Budget (OMB)). Under section 3(f), the order defines ``significant'' as 
    those actions likely to lead to a rule (1) having an annual effect on 
    the economy of $100 million or more, or adversely and materially 
    affecting a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the 
    environment, public health or safety, or State, local or tribal 
    governments or communities (also known as ``economically 
    significant''); (2) creating serious inconsistency or otherwise 
    interfering with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) 
    materially altering the budgetary impacts of entitlement, grants, user 
    fees, or loan programs; or (4) raising novel legal or policy issues 
    arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the 
    principles set forth in this Executive Order.
    
        Pursuant to the terms of this Executive Order, EPA has determined 
    that this rule is not ``significant'' and is therefore not subject to 
    OMB review.
    
        Pursuant to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
    (Pub. L. 96-354, 94 Stat. 1164, 5 U.S.C. 601-612), the Administrator 
    has determined that regulations establishing new tolerances or raising 
    tolerance levels or establishing exemptions from tolerance requirements 
    do not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
    small entities. A certification statement to this effect was published 
    in the Federal Register of May 4, 1981 (46 FR 24950).
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 180 and 185
    
        Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
    Agricultural commodities, Food additives, Pesticides and pests, 
    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
    Dated: June 15, 1995.
    
    Peter Caulkins,
    
    Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
        herefore, it is proposed that 40 CFR parts 180 and 185 be amended 
    as follows:
    
    PART 180--[AMENDED]
    
        1. In part 180:
    
        a. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 21 U.S.C. 346a and 371.
    
        b. By amending Sec. 180.458 in the table therein by adding and 
    alphabetically inserting the commodity potatoes, to read as 
    follows: [[Page 32645]] 
    
    
    Sec. 180.458   Clethodim ((E)-()-2-[1-[[(3-chloro-2-
    propenyl)oxy]imino]propyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-
    cyclohexen-1-one); tolerances for residues.
    
      
    
        *        *        *        *        *
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Parts per 
                             Commodity                             million  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
                      *        *        *        *        *                 
    Potatoes...................................................          0.5
                                                                            
                      *        *        *        *        *                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    PART 185--[AMENDED]
    
        2. In part 185:
        a. The authority citation for part 185 continues to read as 
    follows:
        Authority: 21 U.S.C. 346a and 348.
        b. By adding new Sec. 185.1075, to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 185.1075   Clethodim ((E)-()-2-[1-[[(3-chloro-2-
    propenyl)oxy]imino]propyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-
    cyclohexen-1-one).
    
        Food additive tolerances are established for the combined residues 
    of the herbicide clethodim ((E)-()-2-[1-[[(3-chloro-2-
    propenyl)oxy]imino]propyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-
    cyclohexen-1-one) and its metabolites containing the 2-cyclohexen-1-one 
    moiety in or on the following processed foods:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Parts per 
                                Food                               million  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
    Potato flakes\1\...........................................          1.0
    Potato granules\1\.........................................          1.0
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\There are no U.S. registrations as of (date of publication of final  
      rule) for clethodim on potatoes.                                      
    
    
    [FR Doc. 95-15428 Filed 6-20-95; 1:50 pm]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-F
    
    

Document Information

Published:
06/23/1995
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
95-15428
Dates:
Comments, identified by the document control number [OPP- 300391], must be received on or before July 24, 1995.
Pages:
32643-32645 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
OPP-300391, FRL-4962-7
RINs:
2070-AC18
PDF File:
95-15428.pdf
CFR: (2)
40 CFR 180.458
40 CFR 185.1075