99-16575. Bifenthrin; Pesticide Tolerance  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 125 (Wednesday, June 30, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 35051-35058]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-16575]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 180
    
    [OPP-300888; FRL-6089-9]
    RIN 2070-AB78
    
    
    Bifenthrin; Pesticide Tolerance
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of the 
    insecticide bifenthrin, (2-methyl[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl) methyl-3-(2-
    chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1- propenyl)-2,2-
    dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate, in or on the food commodities: cabbage 
    at 4.0 part per million (ppm); the cucurbit vegetable crop group (Crop 
    Group 9) at 0.4 ppm; edible- podded legume vegetable subgroup (Crop 
    Subgroup 6A) at 0.6 ppm; eggplant at 0.05 ppm; globe artichoke at 1.0 
    ppm; head and stem Brassica subgroup (Crop Subgroup 5A), except 
    cabbage, at 0.6 ppm; rapeseed at 0.05 ppm, succulent shelled pea and 
    bean subgroup (Crop Subgroup 6B) at 0.05 ppm; sweet corn kernel plus 
    cob with husk removed at 0.05 ppm; and corn forage at 3.0 ppm. The 
    Interregional Research Project (IR-4) and FMC Corporation requested 
    these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as 
    amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
    
    DATES: This regulation is effective June 30, 1999. Objections and 
    requests for hearings must be received by EPA on or before August 30, 
    1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written objections and hearing requests, identified by the 
    docket control number, [OPP-300888], 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-300888], must also be submitted to: Public 
    Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and 
    Services Division (7502C), 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. 119, Crystal 
    Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA.
        A copy of objections and hearing requests filed with the Hearing 
    Clerk may be submitted electronically by sending electronic mail (e-
    mail) to: opp-docket@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 5.1/6.1 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-300888]. 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: Hoyt Jamerson, 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: Rm. 272, Crystal Mall 
    #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA, (703) 308-9368, e-mail: 
    jamerson.hoyt@epa.gov.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the Federal Register of October 7, 1998 
    (63 FR 53902) (FRL-6026-3), and May 19, 1999 (64 FR 27262) (FRL-6079-
    8), EPA issued notices pursuant to section 408 of the Federal Food, 
    Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a as amended by the Food 
    Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) (Public Law 104-170) announcing 
    the filing of pesticide petitions for tolerances by the Interregional 
    Research Project Number 4 (IR-4), New Jersey Agricultural Experimental 
    Station, P.O. Box 231, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, and FMC 
    Corporation, 1753 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. These notices 
    included summaries of the petitions prepared by FMC Corporation, the 
    registrant. There were no comments received in response to the notices 
    of filing.
        The petitions requested that 40 CFR 180.442 be amended by 
    establishing tolerances for residues of the insecticide bifenthrin, in 
    or on various food commodities, as follows:
        1. IR-4 petition 6E4629 proposes the establishment of a tolerance 
    for globe artichoke at 1.0 ppm. IR-4 first proposed the tolerance for 
    the commodity ``artichokes,'' but the petition was amended to specify 
    the food commodity as ``globe artichoke.''
    
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        2. IR-4 petition 6E4760 proposes the establishment of a tolerance 
    for the cucurbit vegetable crop group at 0.4 ppm.
        3. IR-4 petition 8E4993 proposes the establishment of a tolerance 
    for the edible-podded legume vegetable subgroup at 0.6 ppm. The initial 
    proposal was for a tolerance for the edible- podded legume vegetable 
    group at 0.2 ppm. Based on EPA's review of the field residue data 
    submitted by IR-4, the petition was revised by the petitioner to 
    propose the tolerance at 0.6 ppm.
        4. IR-4 petition 8E5009 proposes the establishment of a tolerance 
    for eggplant at 0.05 ppm.
        5. IR-4 petition 9E5084 proposes the establishment of a tolerance 
    for rapeseed (including canola and crambe seed) at 0.05 ppm.
        6. IR-4 petition 9E5064 proposes the establishment of a tolerance 
    for succulent shelled pea and bean subgroup at 0.05 ppm.
        7. IR-4 petition 9E5069 proposes the establishment of a tolerance 
    for the head and stem Brassica subgroup, except cabbage, at 0.6 ppm; 
    and cabbage at 4.0 ppm.
        8. FMC Corporation petition 8F5014 proposes the establishment of a 
    tolerance for sweet corn grain at 0.05 ppm and corn forage at 3.0 ppm. 
    The petition was amended by changing the commodity term ``sweet corn 
    grain'' to read ``sweet corn kernel plus cob with husk removed.''
    
    I. Background and Statutory Findings
    
        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....''
        EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks 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 
    bifenthrin and to make a determination on aggregate exposure, 
    consistent with section 408(b)(2), for tolerances for residues of 
    bifenthrin on cabbage at 4.0 ppm; the cucurbit vegetable crop group at 
    0.4 ppm; edible-podded legume vegetable subgroup at 0.6 ppm; eggplant 
    at 0.05 ppm; globe artichoke at 1.0 ppm; head and stem Brassica 
    subgroup, except cabbage, at 0.6 ppm; rapeseed at 0.05 ppm; succulent 
    shelled pea and bean subgroup at 0.05 ppm; sweet corn kernel plus cob 
    with husk removed at 0.05 ppm; and corn forage at 3.0 ppm. EPA's 
    assessment of the dietary exposures and risks associated with 
    establishing the tolerances follows.
    
    A. Toxicological Profile
    
        EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its 
    validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
    the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
    available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
    of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
    children. The nature of the toxic effects caused by bifenthrin are 
    discussed in this unit.
        1. Genotoxicity. The following genotoxicity tests conducted with 
    bifenthrin all yielded negative results including: gene mutation in 
    Salmonella (Ames); chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary and 
    rat bone marrow cells; HGPRT locus mutation in mouse lymphoma cells; 
    and unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes. Bifenthrin tested 
    positive in a mouse lymphoma forward mutation assay, with and without 
    metabolic activation.
         2. Developmental toxicity. In the rabbit developmental toxicity 
    study, there were no developmental effects observed in the fetuses 
    exposed to bifenthrin. The maternal no observed adverse effect level 
    (NOAEL) was 2.67 milligrams (mg)/kilogram (kg)/day based on head and 
    forelimb twitching at the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) 
    of 4 mg/kg/day. In the rat developmental study, the maternal NOAEL was 
    1 mg/kg/day, based on tremors at the LOAEL of 2 mg/kg/day. The 
    developmental (pup) NOAEL was also 1 mg/kg/day, based upon increased 
    incidence of hydroureter at the LOAEL of 2 mg/kg/day. There were 5 of 
    23 (22 percent) litters affected with each litter having only one 
    affected pup in the 2 mg/kg/day group, compared with zero in the 
    control, 1 and 0.5 mg/kg/day groups. According to recent historical 
    data (1992-1994) for this strain of rat, incidence of distended ureter 
    averaged 11 percent with a maximum incidence of 90 percent.
        3. Reproductive toxicity. In the rat reproduction study, parental 
    toxicity occurred as decreased body weight at 5.0 mg/kg/day with a 
    NOAEL of 3.0 mg/kg/day. There were no developmental (pup) or 
    reproductive effects up to 5.0 mg/kg/day (highest dose tested)(HDT).
         4. Chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity. In a 1-year chronic/
    carcinogenicity study dogs were fed diets containing 0, 0.75, 1.5, 3, 
    or 5 mg/kg/day. No mortality occurred during the study and there were 
    no treatment-related effects on body weight, food consumption, organ 
    weights, and gross or microscopic pathology. In addition, there were no 
    treatment-related ophthalmological changes. Tremors were noted in all 
    males and females at 5 mg/kg/day during weeks 15-29 and in 1 of 4 males 
    and 2 of 4 females at 3 mg/kg/day during weeks 16-23. A significant 
    increase in platelets was noted at 52 weeks in males fed 5 mg/kg/day . 
    Serum sodium levels were significantly increased in males at 3 and 5 
    mg/kg/day and serum chloride was increased in males fed 5 mg/kg/day. 
    The LOAEL for this study is 3 mg/kg/day based on the increased 
    incidence of tremors in both sexes. The NOAEL is 1.5 mg/kg/day.
        5. Chronic/carcinogenicity study. In this study mice were fed doses 
    of 0, 50, 200, 500, or 600 ppm (0, 2.5, 10, 25, or 30 mg/kg/day) in the 
    diet for 87 weeks (males) or 92 weeks (females). The chronic LOAEL was 
    established at 10 mg/kg/day based on the incidence of tremors in both 
    sexes. The chronic NOAEL is established at 2.5 mg/kg/day. Carcinogenic 
    potential was evidenced by a statistically significant increased trend 
    for hemangiopericytomas in the urinary bladders of males, a significant 
    dose-related trend for combined hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas 
    in males, and a significantly higher incidence of combined lung 
    adenomas and carcinomas in females.
        6. Chronic/carcinogenicity study. In this study rats were fed diets 
    containing 0, 12, 50, 100, or 200 ppm (0, 0.6, 2.5,
    
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    5, or 10 mg/kg/day). The chronic LOAEL is 5 mg/kg/day based on the 
    increased incidence of tremors in both sexes and possible increases in 
    organ-to-body weight ratios in males, and the chronic NOAEL is 
    established at 2.5 mg/kg/day. Under the conditions of this study, there 
    was no evidence of carcinogenic potential.
         7. Animal metabolism. Metabolism studies in rats demonstrated that 
    distribution patterns and excretion rates in multiple oral dose studies 
    are similar to single-dose studies. There was an accumulation of 
    unchanged compound in fat upon chronic administration with slow 
    elimination. Otherwise, bifenthrin was rapidly metabolized and 
    excreted. Unchanged bifenthrin is the major residue component of 
    toxicological concern in meat and milk.
    
    B. Toxicological Endpoints
    
        1. Acute dietary toxicity. The acute reference doses (RfD) for 
    dietary exposure is established at 0.01 mg/kg/day. The acute RfD is 
    based on a developmental toxicity study in the rat with a maternal 
    NOAEL of 1.0 mg/kg of body weight/day and an uncertainty factor (UF) of 
    100. The FQPA Safety Factor for the protection of infants and children 
    was reduced to 1x. (See Unit II.E.iv. in the preamble of this document 
    for discussion of pre- and post-natal sensitivity to bifenthrin.) The 
    acute population adjusted dose (acute PAD) is determined by dividing 
    the acute RFD by the FQPA factor: acute PAD = 0.01 / 1 = 0.01 mg/kg /
    day. Since the FQPA Safety Factor is 1X, the acute RfD is identical to 
    the acute PAD. This acute PAD applies to all population subgroups.
         2. Short- and intermediate-term residential dermal toxicity. For 
    short- and intermediate- term dermal endpoints, EPA selected the 
    maternal NOAEL of 1.0 mg/kg/day from the oral developmental toxicity 
    study in rats (same study as for acute dietary exposure). The dermal 
    absorption rate is 25% and a MOE of 100 was selected, which includes 
    FQPA considerations.
        3. Chronic residential dermal exposure. For the chronic dermal 
    endpoint, EPA selected the NOAEL of 1.5 mg/kg/day from the 1-year oral 
    study in dogs (same study as for chronic dietary exposure). The dermal 
    absorption rate is 25% and a MOE of 100 was selected, which includes 
    FQPA considerations.
         4. Chronic dietary toxicity. EPA has established the chronic RfD 
    for bifenthrin at 0.015 mg/kg/day. This RfD is based on a 1-year oral 
    feeding study in dogs with a NOAEL of 1.5 mg/kg/day and an uncertainty 
    factor (UF) of 100. The FQPA Safety Factor for the protection of 
    infants and children was reduced to 1x. The chronic population adjusted 
    dose (chronic PAD) is determined by dividing the chronic RfD by the 
    FQPA factor. Since the FQPA safety factor is 1X, the chronic RfD is 
    identical to the chronic PAD. This chronic PAD applies to all 
    population subgroups.
        5. Carcinogenicity. Bifenthrin has been classified as a Group C 
    Carcinogen (a possible human carcinogen). A cancer risk assessment 
    using the RfD approach is required.
    
    C. Exposures and Risks
    
        1. From food and feed uses. Tolerances have been established (40 
    CFR 180.442) for the residues of bifenthrin, in or on a variety of food 
    commodities. Tolerances are established on plant commodities ranging 
    from 0.05 ppm on field corn grain to 10 ppm on dried hops. Tolerances 
    are also established on animal commodities including meat, meat 
    byproducts and fat of cattle, goats, hogs, horses, poultry, sheep, and 
    milk and eggs. Risk assessments were conducted by EPA to assess dietary 
    exposures from bifenthrin as follows:
        The acute dietary (food only) risk assessment was conducted by 
    Novigen Science, Inc. In this acute analysis, Monte Carlo analysis 
    (Tier 3) was used. For those foods identified by EPA as single-serving 
    commodities, Monte Carlo simulation is based on iterative sampling from 
    individual residue values from field trial data reflecting maximum 
    application rates and minimum preharvest intervals. For those 
    considered to be blended or processed, mean field trial residues were 
    calculated, substituting those samples for which residues were reported 
    at or below the limit of detection (LOD) with one-half of the LOD. It 
    was assumed that 100% crop treated for all pending registrations: 
    citrus, snap beans, peas, lima beans, canola, sweet corn, cucurbits, 
    eggplant, and Brassica vegetable. Secondary residues for meat and milk 
    were derived from the total dietary burden and tissue- to- feed ratio, 
    using the highest ratio for meat, and the average ratio for milk.
        This analysis evaluates individual food consumption as reported by 
    respondents in the USDA Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by 
    Individuals conducted in 1989 through 1992. The model accumulates 
    exposure to the chemical for each commodity and expresses risk as a 
    function of exposure to residues in food. This is a highly refined 
    assessment since percent of crop treated was used for registered crops 
    and anticipated residues for all crops.
        In conducting this DEEM analysis for chronic food risk assessment, 
    Novigen used anticipated residue values which were determined from 
    field trial data conducted at maximum label conditions of maximum 
    application rates and minimum preharvest intervals. Mean anticipated 
    residue values were calculated, substituting one-half of the LOD for 
    those samples for which residues were reported below the LOD. It was 
    assumed that 100% crop treated for all crops except hops at 43%, 
    cottonseed-oil and cottonseed-meal at 4%. Secondary residues for meat 
    and milk were derived from the total dietary burden and tissue- to- 
    feed ratio, using the average ratio for meat and milk. The analysis 
    evaluates individual food consumption as reported by respondents in the 
    USDA Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals conducted in 1989 
    through 1992.
        Section 408(b)(2)(E) authorizes EPA to use available data and 
    information on the anticipated residue levels of pesticide residues in 
    food and the actual levels of pesticide chemicals that have been 
    measured in food. If EPA relies on such information, EPA must require 
    that data be provided 5 years after the tolerance is established, 
    modified, or left in effect, demonstrating that the levels in food are 
    not above the levels anticipated. Following the initial data 
    submission, EPA is authorized to require similar data on a time frame 
    it deems appropriate. As required by section 408(b)(2)(E), EPA will 
    issue a data call-in for information relating to anticipated residues 
    to be submitted no later than 5 years from the date of issuance of 
    these tolerances.
        Section 408(b)(2)(F) states that the Agency may use data on the 
    actual percent of food treated (PCT) for assessing chronic dietary risk 
    only if the Agency can make the following findings: That the data used 
    are reliable and provide a valid basis to show what percentage of the 
    food derived from such crop is likely to contain such pesticide 
    residue; that the exposure estimate does not underestimate exposure for 
    any significant subpopulation group; and if data are available on 
    pesticide use and food consumption in a particular area, the exposure 
    estimate does not understate exposure for the population in such area. 
    In addition, the Agency must provide for periodic evaluation of any 
    estimates used. To provide for the periodic evaluation of the estimate 
    of percent of crop treated as required by the section 408(b)(2)(F), EPA 
    may
    
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    require registrants to submit data on PCT.
        The Agency believes that the three conditions, discussed in section 
    408 (b)(2)(F) in this unit concerning the Agency's responsibilities in 
    assessing chronic dietary risk findings, have been met. The PCT 
    estimates are derived from Federal and private market survey data, 
    which are reliable and have a valid basis. 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 the PCT, the Agency is 
    reasonably certain that the percentage of the food treated is not 
    likely to be underestimated. The 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 the data available 
    through national food consumption surveys, EPA does not have available 
    information on the regional consumption of food to which bifenthrin may 
    be applied in a particular area.
        i.  Acute exposure and risk (food). 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 1-day or single exposure. The percentages of the acute PAD 
    utilized at the 99.9th percentile of exposure are 53% for the U.S. 
    population, 63% for infants (<1 year),="" 58%="" for="" non-nursing="" infants="">< 1="" year)="" and="" 96%="" for="" children="" (1-6="" years="" old),="" the="" most="" highly="" exposed="" population="" subgroup.="" an="" acute="" dietary="" exposure="" (food="" plus="" water)="" of="" 100%="" or="" less="" of="" the="" acute="" pad="" is="" needed="" to="" protect="" the="" safety="" of="" all="" population="" subgroups.="" ii.="" chronic="" exposure="" and="" risk="" (food).="" the="" most="" highly="" exposed="" population="" subgroup="" (children="" 1-6="" years)="" will="" utilize="" 6.7%="" of="" the="" chronic="" pad.="" the="" exposure="" for="" the="" u.s.="" population="" is="" 2.4%="" of="" the="" chronic="" pad.="" a="" chronic="" dietary="" exposure="" (food="" plus="" water)="" of="" 100%="" or="" less="" of="" the="" chronic="" pad="" is="" needed="" to="" protect="" the="" safety="" of="" all="" population="" subgroups.="" 2.="" from="" drinking="" water.="" a="" drinking="" water="" level="" of="" comparison="" (dwloc)="" is="" a="" theoretical="" upper="" limit="" on="" a="" pesticide's="" concentration="" in="" drinking="" water="" in="" light="" of="" total="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" a="" pesticide="" in="" food,="" drinking="" water,="" and="" through="" residential="" uses.="" a="" dwloc="" will="" vary="" depending="" on="" the="" toxic="" endpoint,="" drinking="" water="" consumption,="" and="" body="" weights.="" different="" populations="" will="" have="" different="" dwlocs.="" the="" agency="" uses="" dwlocs="" internally="" in="" the="" risk="" assessment="" process="" as="" a="" surrogate="" measure="" of="" potential="" exposure="" associated="" with="" pesticide="" exposure="" through="" drinking="" water.="" in="" the="" absence="" of="" monitoring="" data="" for="" pesticides,="" it="" is="" used="" as="" a="" point="" of="" comparison="" against="" conservative="" model="" estimates="" of="" a="" pesticide's="" concentration="" in="" water.="" dwloc="" values="" are="" not="" regulatory="" standards="" for="" drinking="" water.="" they="" do="" have="" an="" indirect="" regulatory="" impact="" through="" aggregate="" exposure="" and="" risk="" assessments.="" the="" estimated="" acute="" and="" chronic="" drinking="" water="" concentrations="" were="" generated="" with="" the="" przmi/exams="" model="" using="" the="" highest="" application="" rate="" of="" 0.5="" pounds/acre,="" which="" is="" registered="" for="" use="" on="" cotton.="" i.="" acute="" exposure="" and="" risk="" (water).="" for="" purposes="" of="" this="" acute="" risk="" assessment,="" the="" estimated="" acute="" maximum="" concentration="" for="" bifenthrin="" in="" surface="" and="" ground="" waters="" is="" 0.10="">g (micrograms)/L (liter), 
    which was used for comparison to the back- calculated DWLOCs for the 
    acute endpoint. The DWLOCs for various population categories are 165 
    g/L for the U.S. population, 200 g/L for females 13 
    years and older, and 4 g/L for children 1 to 6 years. Acute 
    exposure to bifenthrin in drinking water is below the calculated 
    drinking water levels of concern.
        ii. Chronic exposure and risk (water). For purposes of chronic risk 
    assessment, the estimated chronic maximum concentration for bifenthrin 
    in surface and ground waters is 0.032 g/L, which was used for 
    comparison to the back-calculated human health DWLOCs from the chronic 
    (non-cancer) endpoint. These DWLOCs for various population categories 
    are 530 g/L for the U.S. population, 450 g/L for 
    females 13 years and older, and 140 g/L for children 1 to 6 
    years. Chronic exposure to bifenthrin in drinking water is below the 
    calculated drinking water levels of concern. iii. Short- and 
    intermediate-term exposure and risk (water). For purposes of short- and 
    intermediate-term risk assessment, the estimated chronic maximum 
    concentration for bifenthrin in surface and ground waters is 0.032 
    g/L, which was used for comparison to the back-calculated 
    human health DWLOCs from the short- and intermediate-term endpoints. 
    The DWLOCs for various population categories are 290 g/L for 
    the U.S. population, 250 g/L for females 13 years and older, 
    and 77 g/L for children 1 to 6 years. Short- and intermediate-
    term exposure to bifenthrin in drinking water is below the calculated 
    drinking water levels of concern.
        3. From non-dietary exposure. Bifenthrin is currently registered 
    for use on the residential non-food sites outdoor lawn and garden, 
    inside households and termiticide use. These registered uses constitute 
    short- and/or intermediate-term, and chronic exposure.
        i. Chronic exposure and risk (residential). Although the registered 
    termiticide use of bifenthrin constitutes a chronic exposure scenario, 
    the exposure from this termiticide use is negligible considering the 
    application technique of the termiticide use (buried underground) and 
    the fact that vapor pressure of bifenthrin is extremely low (1.8 x 10 
    -7 torr). .
        ii. Short- and intermediate-term exposure and risk (residential). 
    This risk assessment is based on post-application to treated lawns 
    (turf use), a worst case scenario estimate of residential exposure. An 
    assessment of applicator exposure was not included since the registered 
    products are primarily limited to commercial use and, therefore, 
    applied by professional lawn care operators. Inhalation, dermal and 
    oral non-dietary routes of exposure were evaluated by this short- and 
    intermediate-term risk assessment. For adults, the routes of exposure 
    from these registered residential uses include dermal and inhalation, 
    and for infants and children, the routes of exposure include dermal, 
    inhalation, and oral (nondietary). The MOEs for residential exposures 
    are 1600 for adults, 610 for children (1 to 6 years), and 600 for 
    infants (<1 year).="" these="" moe's="" are="" well="" above="" the="" acceptable="" short-term="" aggregate="" moe="" of="" 100.="" 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.''="" bifenthrin="" is="" a="" member="" of="" a="" class="" of="" chemicals="" commonly="" referred="" to="" as="" ``synthetic="" pyrethroids.''="" other="" members="" of="" this="" class="" include="" cyfluthrin,="" cypermethrin,="" lambda-="" cyhalothrin,="" zeta-cypermethrin,="" deltamethrin,="" esfenvalerate,="" [[page="" 35055]]="" fenpropathrin,="" tefluthrin="" and="" tralomethrin.="" epa="" does="" not="" have,="" at="" this="" time,="" available="" data="" to="" determine="" whether="" bifenthrin="" 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,="" bifenthrin="" 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="" bifenthrin="" has="" a="" common="" mechanism="" of="" toxicity="" with="" other="" substances.="" for="" information="" regarding="" epa's="" efforts="" to="" determine="" which="" chemicals="" have="" a="" common="" mechanism="" of="" toxicity="" and="" to="" evaluate="" the="" cumulative="" effects="" of="" such="" chemicals,="" see="" the="" final="" rule="" for="" bifenthrin="" pesticide="" tolerances="" (62="" fr="" 62961,="" november="" 26,="" 1997).="" 5.="" endocrine="" disrupter="" effects.="" epa="" is="" required="" to="" develop="" a="" screening="" program="" to="" determine="" whether="" certain="" substances="" (including="" all="" pesticides="" and="" inerts)="" ``may="" have="" an="" effect="" in="" humans="" that="" is="" similar="" to="" an="" effect="" produced="" by="" a="" naturally="" occurring="" estrogen,="" or="" such="" other="" endocrine="" effect...''="" the="" agency="" is="" currently="" working="" with="" interested="" stakeholders,="" including="" other="" government="" agencies,="" public="" interest="" groups,="" industry="" and="" research="" scientists="" in="" developing="" a="" screening="" and="" testing="" program="" and="" a="" priority="" setting="" scheme="" to="" implement="" this="" program.="" congress="" has="" allowed="" 3="" years="" from="" the="" passage="" of="" fqpa="" (august="" 3,="" 1999)="" to="" implement="" this="" program.="" at="" that="" time,="" epa="" may="" require="" further="" testing="" of="" this="" active="" ingredient="" and="" end="" use="" products="" for="" endocrine="" disrupter="" effects.="" d.="" aggregate="" risks="" and="" determination="" of="" safety="" for="" u.s.="" population="" 1.="" acute="" risk="" (food="" +="" water).="" using="" the="" monte="" carlo="" analysis,="" it="" is="" estimated="" that="" the="" acute="" exposure="" to="" bifenthrin="" from="" food="" for="" the="" u.s.="" population="" subgroup="" will="" utilize="" 53%="" of="" the="" acute="" pad.="" children="" 1="" to="" 6="" years="" are="" the="" most="" highly="" exposed="" population="" subgroup.="" (see="" discussion="" in="" unit="" ii.e.)="" an="" acute="" dietary="" exposure="" (food="" plus="" water)="" of="" 100%="" or="" less="" of="" the="" acute="" pad="" is="" needed="" to="" protect="" the="" safety="" of="" all="" population="" subgroups.="" despite="" the="" potential="" for="" exposure="" to="" bifenthrin="" in="" drinking="" water,="" epa="" does="" not="" expect="" the="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" exceed="" 100%="" of="" the="" acute="" pad="" for="" adults,="" infants="" and="" children.="" the="" estimated="" maximum="" concentration="" of="" bifenthrin="" in="" surface="" and="" ground="" water="" for="" acute="" exposure="" is="" below="" the="" dwloc.="" 2.="" chronic="" risk="" (food="" +="" water="" +="" residential).="" using="" the="" exposure="" assumptions="" described="" in="" this="" unit,="" epa="" has="" concluded="" that="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" bifenthrin="" from="" food="" will="" utilize="" 2.4%="" of="" the="" chronic="" pad="" for="" the="" u.s.="" population.="" the="" major="" identifiable="" subgroup="" with="" the="" highest="" aggregate="" exposure="" is="" children="" 1="" to="" 6="" years.="" [see="" discussion="" in="" unit="" ii.e.="" in="" the="" preamble="" of="" this="" document]="" epa="" generally="" has="" no="" concern="" for="" exposures="" below="" 100%="" of="" the="" chronic="" pad="" because="" the="" chronic="" pad="" 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="" bifenthrin="" in="" drinking="" water,="" epa="" does="" not="" expect="" the="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" exceed="" 100%="" of="" the="" chronic="" pad,="" the="" estimated="" maximum="" concentration="" of="" bifenthrin="" in="" surface="" and="" ground="" water="" for="" chronic="" exposure="" is="" very="" small="" compared="" to="" the="" dwloc.="" although="" the="" registered="" termiticide="" use="" of="" bifenthrin="" constitutes="" a="" chronic="" exposure="" scenario,="" the="" exposure="" from="" this="" termiticide="" use="" is="" negligible="" considering="" the="" application="" technique="" of="" the="" termiticide="" use="" (buried="" underground)="" and="" the="" fact="" that="" vapor="" pressure="" of="" bifenthrin="" is="" extremely="" low="" (1.8="" x="" 10="">-7 torr).
        3. 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. In the case of bifenthrin, the registered 
    residential use sites include outdoor lawn/gardens, inside households 
    and termiticide. These uses constitute a short- and intermediate-term 
    exposure scenario. The short- and intermediate-term aggregate risk 
    assessment for bifenthrin includes inhalation, dermal, oral non-
    dietary, chronic food, and water exposure routes. The acceptable MOEs 
    for short- and intermediate-term exposures are all at 100. For adults, 
    the routes of exposure from these registered, residential uses include 
    dermal and inhalation, and for infants and children, the routes of 
    exposure include dermal, inhalation, and oral (nondietary). The MOEs 
    for food (excluding water) and residential exposures is 1200 for 
    adults, 430 for children 1 to 6 years, and 500 for infants less than 1 
    year. These MOEs are well above the acceptable short-term aggregate MOE 
    of 100.
        Since residue values in drinking water are not available, the 
    DWLOCs have to be back- calculated. The short- and intermediate-term 
    DWLOCs are 290 g/L for adult males, 250 g/L for adult 
    females, 77 g/L for children 1 to 6 years, and 77 g/L 
    for infants (less than 1 year old). The estimated maximum concentration 
    of bifenthrin in surface and ground water for chronic exposure 0.032 
    g/L is very small compared to the DWLOCs.
        4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Bifenthrin has been 
    classified as a group C carcinogen, using the RfD approach. Based on 
    the recommendation that the RfD approach be used, a quantitative (q*) 
    dietary cancer risk assessment was not performed. Dietary risk concerns 
    due to long-term consumption of bifenthrin are adequately addressed by 
    the DEEM chronic exposure analysis using the chronic PAD (RfD). For the 
    U.S. population, only 2.4% of the chronic PAD (RfD) is occupied by 
    chronic food exposure. As stated previously, based on a comparison of 
    the calculated DWLOCs and the estimated exposure to bifenthrin in 
    drinking water (0.032 g/L), EPA does not expect the aggregate exposure 
    to exceed 100% of the chronic PAD (RfD) for adults.
        5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
    concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
    from aggregate exposure to bifenthrin residues.
    
    E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety for Infants and Children
    
        1. Safety factor for infants and children -- i. In general. In 
    assessing the potential for additional sensitivity of infants and 
    children to residues of bifenthrin, EPA considered data from 
    developmental toxicity studies in the rat and rabbit and a 2-generation 
    reproduction study in the rat. The developmental toxicity studies are 
    designed to evaluate adverse effects on the developing organism 
    resulting from maternal pesticide exposure gestation. Reproduction 
    studies provide information relating to effects from exposure to the 
    pesticide on the reproductive capability of mating animals and data on 
    systemic toxicity.
        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 margin of exposure (MOE) analysis or through using 
    uncertainty (safety) factors in calculating a dose level that poses no 
    appreciable risk to humans. EPA believes that reliable data support 
    using the standard uncertainty factor (usually
    
    [[Page 35056]]
    
    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.
        ii. Developmental toxicity studies. In the rabbit developmental 
    study, there were no developmental effects observed in the fetuses 
    exposed to bifenthrin. The maternal NOEL was 2.67 mg/kg/day based on 
    head and forelimb twitching at the LOAEL of 4 mg/kg/day. In the rat 
    developmental study, the maternal NOEL was 1 mg/kg/day, based on 
    tremors at the LOAEL of 2 mg/kg/day. The developmental (pup) NOEL was 
    also 1 mg/kg/day, based upon increased incidence of hydroureter at the 
    LOAEL 2 mg/kg/day. There were 5 of 23 (22%) litters affected with each 
    litter having only one affected pup in the in the 2 mg/kg/day group, 
    compared with zero in the control, 1 and 0.5 mg/kg/day groups. 
    According to recent historical data (1992-1994) for this strain of rat, 
    incidence of distended ureter averaged 11% with a maximum incidence of 
    90%.
        iii. Reproductive toxicity study. In the rat reproduction study, 
    parental toxicity occurred as decreased bwt at 5.0 mg/kg/day with a 
    NOEL of 3.0 mg/kg/day. There were no developmental (pup) or 
    reproductive effects up to 5.0 mg/kg/day (HDT).
        iv. Pre- and post-natal sensitivity -- a. Pre-natal. Since there 
    was not a dose-related finding of hydroureter in the rat developmental 
    study and in the presence of similar incidences in the recent 
    historical control data, the marginal finding of hydroureter in rat 
    fetuses at 2 mg/kg/day (in the presence of maternal toxicity) is not 
    considered a significant developmental finding. Nor does it provide 
    sufficient evidence of a special dietary risk (either acute or chronic) 
    for infants and children which would require an additional safety 
    factor.
        b. Post-natal. Based on the absence of pup toxicity up to dose 
    levels which produced toxicity in the parental animals, there is no 
    evidence of special post-natal sensitivity to infants and children in 
    the rat reproduction study.
        v. Conclusion. There is a complete toxicity database for bifenthrin 
    and exposure data is complete or is estimated based on data that 
    reasonably accounts for potential exposures. Based on the completeness 
    of the toxicity data and pre- and post-natal toxicity of bifenthrin, no 
    additional safety factor is needed to protect infants and children.
        2. Acute risk. (Food + Water.) The percentages of the acute PAD 
    utilized at the 99.9th percentile of exposure are 63% for infants (less 
    than 1 year) and 96% for children (1 to 6 years), the most highly 
    exposed population subgroup. An acute dietary exposure (food plus 
    water) of 100% or less of the acute PAD is needed to protect the safety 
    of all population subgroups. Despite the potential for exposure to 
    bifenthrin in drinking water, EPA does not expect the aggregate 
    exposure to exceed 100% of the acute PAD for infants and children. The 
    estimated maximum concentration of bifenthrin in surface and ground 
    water for acute exposure is below the DWLOC.
        3. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
    unit, EPA has concluded that aggregate exposure to bifenthrin from food 
    will utilize 6.7% of the chronic PAD (RfD) for children (1 to 6 years). 
    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 bifenthrin in 
    drinking water and from non-dietary, non-occupational exposure, EPA 
    does not expect the aggregate exposure to exceed 100% of the RfD.
        4. Short- or intermediate-term risk. The MOEs for food (excluding 
    water) and residential exposures is 430 for children (1 to 6 years), 
    and 500 for infants (less than 1 year). These MOEs are well above the 
    acceptable short-term aggregate MOE of 100. The short- and 
    intermediate-term DWLOCs are 77 g/L for children (1 to 6 
    years), and 77 g/L for infants (less than 1 year). The 
    estimated maximum concentration of bifenthrin in surface and ground 
    water for chronic exposure (g/L) is very small compared to the 
    DWLOCs.
        5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
    concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
    to infants and children from aggregate exposure to bifenthrin residues.
    
    III. Other Considerations
    
    A. Metabolism In Plants and Animals
    
         The metabolism of bifenthrin in plants and animals is adequately 
    understood. Studies conducted to delineate the metabolism of radio-
    labeled bifenthrin in various crops and animals show similar results. 
    The residue of concern is the parent compound only.
    
    B. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
    
         Adequate enforcement methods are available for determination of 
    the regulated bifenthrin residue in plants and animals. Residues of 
    bifenthrin are recoverable under Protocols D and E of the FDA 
    Multiresidue Methods.
    
    C. Magnitude of Residues
    
         An adequate number of residue field trials reflecting the proposed 
    use rates were submitted to EPA to demonstrate that tolerances for 
    cabbage at 4.0 ppm; the cucurbit vegetable crop group at 0.4 ppm; 
    edible-podded legume vegetable subgroup at 0.6 ppm; eggplant at 0.05 
    ppm; globe artichoke at 1.0 ppm; head and stem Brassica subgroup, 
    except cabbage, at 0.6 ppm; rapeseed at 0.05 ppm, succulent shelled pea 
    and bean subgroup at 0.05 ppm; sweet corn at 0.05 ppm; and corn forage 
    at 0.6 ppm will not be exceeded when bifenthrin products labeled for 
    these uses are used as directed.
    
    D. International Residue Limits
    
         There are no Codex Maximum Residue Levels (MRL's) for these 
    commodities.
    
    E. Rotational Crop Restrictions
    
         Crops with established U.S. tolerances may be rotated at any time. 
    Leafy vegetable and root crops may be rotated 30 days following the 
    final application. All other crops may be rotated seven months 
    following the final application.
    
    IV. Conclusion
    
        Therefore, the tolerance is established for residues of bifenthrin 
    in cabbage at 4.0 part per million (ppm); the cucurbit vegetable crop 
    group (Crop Group 9) at 0.4 ppm; edible- podded legume vegetable 
    subgroup (Crop Subgroup 6A) at 0.6 ppm; eggplant at 0.05 ppm; globe 
    artichoke at 1.0 ppm; head and stem Brassica subgroup (Crop Subgroup 
    5A), except cabbage, at 0.6 ppm; rapeseed at 0.05 ppm, succulent 
    shelled pea and bean subgroup (Crop Subgroup 6B) at 0.05 ppm; sweet 
    corn kernel plus cob with husk removed at 0.05 ppm; and corn forage at 
    3.0 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 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.
    
    [[Page 35057]]
    
    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 30, 1999, 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 under the ``ADDRESSES'' section (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 
    regulation. 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). EPA is authorized to waive any fee requirement 
    ``when in the judgement of the Administrator such a waiver or refund is 
    equitable and not contrary to the purpose of this subsection.'' For 
    additional information regarding tolerance objection fee waivers, 
    contact James Tompkins, 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: Rm. 239, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., 
    Arlington, VA, (703) 305-5697, tompkins.jim@epa.gov. Requests for 
    waiver of tolerance objection fees should be sent to James Hollins, 
    Information Resources and Services Division (7502C), Office of 
    Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., 
    Washington, DC 20460.
         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 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 Record and Electronic Submissions
    
         EPA has established a record for this regulation under docket 
    control number [OPP-300888] (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 Room 119 of the Public Information and Records 
    Integrity Branch, Information Resources and Services Division (7502C), 
    Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, Crystal 
    Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA.
         Objections and hearing requests may be sent by e-mail directly to 
    EPA at:
         opp-docket@epa.gov.
    
         E-mailed objections and hearing requests must be submitted as an 
    ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and any form of 
    encryption.
         The official record for this regulation, as well as the public 
    version, as described in this unit 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 record which 
    will also include all comments submitted directly in writing. The 
    official record is the paper record maintained at the Virginia address 
    in ``ADDRESSES'' at the beginning of this document.
    
    VII. Regulatory Assessment Requirements
    
    A. Certain Acts and Executive Orders
    
        This final rule establishes a tolerance under section 408(d) of the 
    FFDCA 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) (Public Law 104-4). Nor 
    does it require any prior consultation as specficed 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 tolerances and exemptions that are established 
    on the basis of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the 
    tolerance/exemption 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 
    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.
    
    B. Executive Order 12875
    
        Under Executive Order 12875, entitled Enhancing the 
    Intergovernmental Partnership (58 FR 58093, October 28, 1993), EPA may 
    not issue a regulation that is not required by statute and that creates 
    a mandate upon a State, local or tribal government, unless the Federal 
    government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance 
    costs incurred by those governments. If the mandate is unfunded, EPA 
    must provide to OMB a description of the extent of EPA's prior 
    consultation with representatives of affected State, local, and tribal 
    governments, the nature of their concerns, copies of any written 
    communications from the governments, and a statement supporting the 
    need to issue the regulation. In addition, Executive Order 12875 
    requires EPA to develop an effective process permitting elected 
    officials and other representatives of State, local, and tribal 
    governments ``to provide meaningful
    
    [[Page 35058]]
    
    and timely input in the development of regulatory proposals containing 
    significant unfunded mandates.''
        Today's rule does not create an unfunded Federal mandate on State, 
    local, or tribal governments. The rule does not impose any enforceable 
    duties on these entities. Accordingly, the requirements of section 1(a) 
    of Executive Order 12875 do not apply to this rule.
    
    C. Executive Order 13084
    
        Under Executive Order 13084, entitled Consultation and Coordination 
    with Indian Tribal Governments (63 FR 27655, May 19, 1998), EPA may not 
    issue a regulation that is not required by statute, that significantly 
    or uniquely affects the communities of Indian tribal governments, and 
    that imposes substantial direct compliance costs on those communities, 
    unless the Federal government provides the funds necessary to pay the 
    direct compliance costs incurred by the tribal governments. If the 
    mandate is unfunded, EPA must provide OMB, in a separately identified 
    section of the preamble to the rule, a description of the extent of 
    EPA's prior consultation with representatives of affected tribal 
    governments, a summary of the nature of their concerns, and a statement 
    supporting the need to issue the regulation. In addition, Executive 
    Order 13084 requires EPA to develop an effective process permitting 
    elected officials and other representatives of Indian tribal 
    governments ``to provide meaningful and timely input in the development 
    of regulatory policies on matters that significantly or uniquely affect 
    their communities.''
        Today's rule does not significantly or uniquely affect the 
    communities of Indian tribal governments. This action does not involve 
    or impose any requirements that affect Indian tribes. Accordingly, the 
    requirements of section 3(b) of Executive Order 13084 do not apply to 
    this rule.
    
    VIII. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General
    
        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 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: June 23, 1999.
    
    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. In Sec. 180.442, by amending paragraph (a) by revising the 
    introductory text and the tolerance level for ``corn forage'' and by 
    alphabetically adding the following entries to the table:
    
    
    Sec. 180.442  Bifenthrin; tolerances for residues.
    
        (a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of the 
    insecticide bifenthrin (2-methyl [1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl) methyl-3-(2-
    chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate 
    in or on the following food commodities:
    
     
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Commodity                        Parts per million
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Artichoke, globe..........................  1.0
    Brassica, head and stem, subgroup,          0.6
     excluding cabbage.
    Cabbage...................................  4.0
     
                        *    *    *    *    *    *    *
    Corn, forage..............................  3.0
     
                        *    *    *    *    *    *    *
    Corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husk      0.05
     removed.
    Eggplant..................................  0.05
     
                        *    *    *    *    *    *    *
    Pea and bean, succulent shelled, subgroup.  0.05
     
                        *    *    *    *    *    *    *
    Rapeseed..................................  0.05
     
                        *    *    *    *    *    *    *
    Vegetable, cucurbit, crop group...........  0.4
    Vegetable, legume, edible podded, subgroup  0.6
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    * * * * *
    
    [FR Doc. 99-16575 Filed 6-29-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-F
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
6/30/1999
Published:
06/30/1999
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
99-16575
Dates:
This regulation is effective June 30, 1999. Objections and requests for hearings must be received by EPA on or before August 30, 1999.
Pages:
35051-35058 (8 pages)
Docket Numbers:
OPP-300888, FRL-6089-9
RINs:
2070-AB78
PDF File:
99-16575.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 180.442