98-24845. Myclobutanil; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 179 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 49472-49479]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-24845]
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Part 180
    
    [OPP-300705; FRL-6025-1]
    RIN 2070-AB78
    
    
    Myclobutanil; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This regulation establishes time-limited tolerances for 
    combined residues of myclobutanil in or on artichokes, asparagus, and 
    peppers (bell and non-bell). This action is in response to EPA's 
    granting of emergency exemptions under section 18 of the Federal 
    Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act authorizing use of the 
    pesticide on artichokes, asparagus, and peppers (bell and non-bell) in 
    California (all three commodities), Michigan (asparagus) and New Mexico 
    (peppers). This regulation establishes a maximum permissible level for 
    residues of myclobutanil in these food commodities pursuant to section 
    408(l)(6) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by 
    the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. These tolerances will expire 
    and are revoked on July 31, 2000.
    
    DATES: This regulation is effective September 16, 1998. Objections and 
    requests for hearings must be received by EPA on or before November 16, 
    1998.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written objections and hearing requests, identified by the 
    docket control number, [OPP-300705], 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-300705], 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, 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 5.1/6.1 
    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-300705]. 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: David Deegan, Registration 
    Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
    Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. Office 
    location, telephone number, and e-mail address: Crystal Mall #2, 1921 
    Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA, (703) 308-9358, e-mail: 
    deegan.dave@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 
    the combined residues of the fungicide myclobutanil, in or on 
    artichokes at 1.0 parts per million (ppm), asparagus at 0.02 ppm, and 
    on peppers (bell and non-bell) at 1.0 ppm. These tolerances will expire 
    and are revoked on July 31, 2000. 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 Federal Food, 
    Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq., and the Federal 
    Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. 136 et 
    seq. The FQPA amendments went into effect immediately. Among other 
    things, FQPA amends FFDCA to bring all EPA pesticide tolerance-setting 
    activities under a new 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
    
    [[Page 49473]]
    
    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.
    
    II. Emergency Exemption for Use of Myclobutanil on Artichokes, 
    Asparagus, and Peppers (Bell and Non-bell), and FFDCA Tolerances
    
        The state of California requested specific exemptions for the use 
    of myclobutanil on artichokes to control powdery mildew, on asparagus 
    to control asparagus rust, and bell and non-bell peppers to control 
    powdery mildew. Michigan requested a specific exemption for use of 
    myclobutanil on asparagus to control asparagus rust. New Mexico 
    requested a specific exemption for the use of myclobutanil on bell and 
    non-bell peppers to control powdery mildew.
        EPA has authorized under FIFRA section 18 the use of myclobutanil 
    on artichoke to control powdery mildew in California, on asparagus to 
    control asparagus rust in California and Michigan, and on peppers (bell 
    and non-bell) for control of powdery mildew in California and New 
    Mexico. After having reviewed these 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 myclobutanil in or on 
    artichoke, asparagus, and bell and non-bell peppers. 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. 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 July 31, 2000, under FFDCA section 408(l)(5), 
    residues of the pesticide not in excess of the amounts specified in the 
    tolerances remaining in or on artichoke, asparagus, and peppers (bell 
    and non-bell) after that date will not be unlawful, provided the 
    pesticide is applied in a manner that was lawful under 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.
        Because these tolerances are being approved under emergency 
    conditions, EPA has not made any decisions about whether myclobutanil 
    meets EPA's registration requirements for use on artichoke, asparagus, 
    or on bell and non-bell peppers or whether permanent tolerances for 
    these uses would be appropriate. Under these circumstances, EPA does 
    not believe that these tolerances serve as a basis for registration of 
    myclobutanil by a State for special local needs under FIFRA section 
    24(c). Nor do these tolerances serve as the basis for any States other 
    than those already detailed within this document to use this pesticide 
    on these crops 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 
    myclobutanil, 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. Second, 
    EPA examines exposure to the pesticide through the diet (e.g., food and 
    drinking water) and through exposures that occur as a result of 
    pesticide use in residential settings.
    
    A. Toxicity
    
        1. Threshold and non-threshold effects. For many animal 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.
        2. Differences in toxic effect due to exposure duration. The 
    toxicological effects of a pesticide can vary with different exposure 
    durations. EPA considers the entire toxicity data base, and based on 
    the effects seen for different durations and routes of exposure, 
    determines which risk assessments should be done to assure that the 
    public is adequately protected from any pesticide exposure scenario. 
    Both short and long durations of exposure are always considered. 
    Typically, risk assessments include ``acute,'' ``short-term,'' 
    ``intermediate term,'' and ``chronic'' risks. These assessments are 
    defined by the Agency as follows.
        Acute risk, by the Agency's definition, results from 1-day 
    consumption of food and water, and reflects toxicity which could be 
    expressed following a single oral exposure to the pesticide residues. 
    High end exposure to food and water residues are typically assumed.
    
    [[Page 49474]]
    
        Short-term risk results from exposure to the pesticide for a period 
    of 1-7 days, and therefore overlaps with the acute risk assessment. 
    Historically, this risk assessment was intended to address primarily 
    dermal and inhalation exposure which could result, for example, from 
    residential pesticide applications. However, since enaction of FQPA, 
    this assessment has been expanded to include both dietary and non-
    dietary sources of exposure, and will typically consider exposure from 
    food, water, and residential uses when reliable data are available. In 
    this assessment, risks from average food and water exposure, and high-
    end residential exposure, are aggregated. High-end exposures from all 3 
    sources are not typically added because of the very low probability of 
    this occurring in most cases, and because the other conservative 
    assumptions built into the assessment assure adequate protection of 
    public health. However, for cases in which high-end exposure can 
    reasonably be expected from multiple sources (e.g. frequent and 
    widespread homeowner use in a specific geographical area), multiple 
    high-end risks will be aggregated and presented as part of the 
    comprehensive risk assessment/characterization. Since the toxicological 
    endpoint considered in this assessment reflects exposure over a period 
    of at least 7 days, an additional degree of conservatism is built into 
    the assessment; i.e., the risk assessment nominally covers 1-7 days 
    exposure, and the toxicological endpoint/NOEL is selected to be 
    adequate for at least 7 days of exposure. (Toxicity results at lower 
    levels when the dosing duration is increased.)
        Intermediate-term risk results from exposure for 7 days to several 
    months. This assessment is handled in a manner similar to the short-
    term risk assessment.
        Chronic risk assessment describes risk which could result from 
    several months to a lifetime of exposure. For this assessment, risks 
    are aggregated considering average exposure from all sources for 
    representative population subgroups including infants and children.
    
    B. Aggregate Exposure
    
        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. In evaluating food 
    exposures, EPA takes into account varying consumption patterns of major 
    identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and children. 
    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.
        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. For this 
    pesticide, the most highly exposed population subgroup (non-nursing 
    infants <1 year="" old)="" was="" not="" regionally="" based.="" 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,="" epa="" has="" sufficient="" data="" to="" assess="" the="" hazards="" of="" myclobutanil="" and="" to="" make="" a="" determination="" on="" aggregate="" exposure,="" consistent="" with="" section="" 408(b)(2),="" for="" time-limited="" tolerances="" for="" the="" combined="" residues="" of="" myclobutanil="" on="" artichokes="" at="" 1.0="" ppm,="" asparagus="" at="" 0.02="" ppm,="" and="" peppers="" (bell="" and="" non-bell)="" at="" 1.0="" ppm.="" epa's="" assessment="" of="" the="" dietary="" exposures="" and="" risks="" associated="" with="" establishing="" the="" tolerance="" 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="" myclobutanil="" are="" discussed="" below.="" 1.="" acute="" toxicity.="" none.="" for="" acute="" dietary="" risk,="" epa="" has="" not="" identified="" an="" acute="" dietary="" endpoint.="" 2.="" short="" -="" and="" intermediate="" -="" term="" toxicity.="" for="" short-term="" dermal="" margin="" of="" exposure="" (moe)="" calculations,="" the="" agency="" used="" the="" systemic="" noel="" of="" 100="" mg/kg/day="" from="" a="" 21-day="" dermal="" toxicity="" study="" in="" rats.="" this="" dose="" was="" the="" highest="" tested="" in="" the="" study.="" the="" agency="" did="" not="" identify="" an="" inhalation="" endpoint.="" for="" intermediate-term="" moe="" calculations,="" the="" agency="" used="" the="" noel="" of="" 10="" miligrams/kilograms/day="" (mg/kg/day)="" from="" a="" 2-generation="" reproductive="" toxicity="" study="" in="" rats.="" at="" the="" lowest="" effect="" level="" (lel)="" of="" 50="" mg/kg/="" day,="" there="" were="" decreases="" in="" pup="" body="" weight,="" an="" increased="" incidence="" in="" the="" number="" of="" stillborns,="" and="" atrophy="" of="" the="" prostate="" and="" testes.="" 3.="" chronic="" toxicity.="" epa="" has="" established="" the="" rfd="" for="" myclobutanil="" at="" 0.025="" mg/kg/day.="" this="" rfd="" is="" based="" on="" a="" chronic="" feeding="" study="" in="" rats="" using="" a="" noel="" of="" 2.5="" mg/kg/day="" and="" an="" uncertainty="" factor="" of="" 100.="" at="" the="" lowest="" observed="" effect="" level="" (loel)="" of="" 9.9="" mg/kg/day="" there="" was="" testicular="" atrophy.="" 4.="" carcinogenicity.="" myclobutanil="" has="" been="" classified="" as="" a="" group="" e="" chemical="" (no="" evidence="" of="" carcinogenicity="" for="" humans)="" by="" the="" agency.="" b.="" exposures="" and="" risks="" 1.="" from="" food="" and="" feed="" uses.="" tolerances="" have="" been="" established="" (40="" cfr="" 180.443)="" for="" the="" combined="" residues="" of="" myclobutanil="" alpha-butyl-="" alpha-(4-chlorophenyl)-1h-1,2,4-triazole-1-propanenitrile="" plus="" its="" alcohol="" metabolite="" alpha-(3-hydroxybutyl)-alpha-(4-chlorophenyl)-1h-="" 1,2,4-triazole-1-propanenitrile="" (free="" and="" bound),="" in="" or="" on="" a="" variety="" of="" raw="" agricultural="" commodities="" at="" levels="" ranging="" from="" 25.0="" ppm="" in="" raisin="" waste="" to="" 0.02="" ppm="" in="" cottonseed.="" tolerances="" have="" also="" been="" established="" (40="" cfr="" 180.443(b))="" for="" the="" combined="" residues="" of="" myclobutanil="" plus="" its="" alcohol="" metabolite="" [[page="" 49475]]="" (free="" and="" bound)="" and="" diol="" metabolite="" alpha-(4-chlorophenyl)-alpha-(3,4-="" dihydroxybutyl)-1h-1,2,4-triazole-1-propanenitrile,="" in="" meat,="" milk,="" poultry="" and="" eggs,="" at="" levels="" ranging="" from="" 0.02="" ppm="" to="" 1.0="" ppm.="" risk="" assessments="" were="" conducted="" by="" epa="" to="" assess="" dietary="" exposures="" and="" risks="" from="" myclobutanil="" as="" follows:="" i.="" acute="" exposure="" and="" 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.="" ii.="" chronic="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" in="" conducting="" this="" chronic="" dietary="" risk="" assessment,="" epa="" has="" made="" somewhat="" conservative="" assumptions="" --="" with="" the="" exception="" of="" bananas,="" all="" commodities="" having="" myclobutanil="" tolerances="" will="" contain="" myclobutanil="" and="" metabolite="" residues="" and="" those="" residues="" will="" be="" at="" the="" level="" of="" the="" established="" tolerance="" --="" which="" results="" in="" an="" overestimate="" of="" human="" dietary="" exposure.="" for="" bananas="" an="" anticipated="" residue="" estimate="" was="" used.="" percent="" crop-treated="" estimates="" were="" utilized="" for="" selected="" commodities="" included="" in="" the="" assessment.="" thus,="" in="" making="" a="" safety="" determination="" for="" this="" tolerance,="" epa="" is="" taking="" into="" account="" this="" partially="" refined="" exposure="" assessment.="" the="" existing="" myclobutanil="" tolerances="" (published,="" pending,="" and="" including="" the="" necessary="" section="" 18="" tolerances)="" result="" in="" an="" anticipated="" residue="" contribution="" (arc)="" that="" is="" equivalent="" to="" the="" following="" percentages="" of="" the="" rfd:="" ------------------------------------------------------------------------="">food (mg/kg/                     
           Population Subgroup               day)                %Rfd       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    U.S. Population (48 states)       0.004283            17%               
    Nursing Infants (<1 year="" old)="" 0.006365="" 25%="" non-nursing="" infants=""><1 year="" 0.018836="" 75%="" old)="" children="" (1-6="" years="" old)="" 0.011508="" 46%="" children="" (7-12="" years="" old)="" 0.006924="" 28%="" northeast="" region="" 0.004573="" 18%="" western="" region="" 0.004880="" 19%="" hispanics="" 0.005066="" 20%="" non-hispanic="" others="" 0.004443="" 18%="" ------------------------------------------------------------------------="" the="" subgroups="" listed="" above="" are:="" (1)="" the="" u.s.="" population="" (48="" states);="" (2)="" those="" for="" infants="" and="" children;="" and,="" (3)="" the="" other="" subgroups="" for="" which="" the="" percentage="" of="" the="" rfd="" occupied="" is="" greater="" than="" that="" occupied="" by="" the="" subgroup="" u.s.="" population="" (48="" states).="" 2.="" from="" drinking="" water.="" chronic="" exposure="" and="" risk="" based="" on="" information="" available="" to="" epa,="" myclobutanil="" is="" persistent="" and="" not="" considered="" mobile="" in="" soils="" with="" the="" exception="" of="" sandy="" soils.="" data="" are="" not="" available="" for="" its="" metabolite="" alpha-(3-hydroxybutyl)-alpha-(4-="" chlorophenyl)-1h-1,2,4-triazole-1-propanenitrile.="" there="" is="" no="" established="" maximum="" contaminant="" level="" for="" residues="" of="" myclobutanil="" in="" drinking="" water.="" no="" health="" advisory="" levels="" for="" myclobutanil="" in="" drinking="" water="" have="" been="" established.="" the="" ``pesticides="" in="" groundwater="" database''="" (epa="" 734-12-92-001,="" september="" 1992)="" has="" no="" information="" concerning="" myclobutanil.="" epa="" has="" estimated="" ground="" and="" surface="" water="" concentrations="" for="" myclobutanil="" based="" on="" the="" label="" rate="" of="" 0.65="" lbs="" active="" ingredient="" (a.i.)/acre="" and="" assuming="" 15="" applications="" per="" season.="" (the="" water="" numbers="" were="" based="" on="" turf.)="" the="" surface="" water="" numbers="" are="" based="" on="" the="" results="" of="" geneec="" model="" run.="" the="" ground="" water="" numbers="" are="" based="" on="" a="" screening="" tool,="" sci-grow,="" which="" tends="" to="" overestimate="" the="" true="" concentrations="" in="" the="" environment.="" surface="" water="" eec="" based="" on="" the="" results="" of="" a="" geneec="" model="" run="" acute="145.96" ppb="" (0.14596="" ppm="" or="" mg/l)(maximum="" initial="" concentration)="" chronic="118.6" ppb="" (0.1186="" ppm="" or="" mg/l)(average="" 56-day="" concentration)="" epa="" divides="" the="" 90/56-day="" geneec="" value="" by="" 3="" to="" obtain="" a="" value="" for="" chronic="" risk="" assessment="" calculations.="" therefore,="" the="" surface="" water="" value="" for="" use="" in="" the="" chronic="" risk="" assessment="" would="" be="" 0.04="" ppm="" or="" mg/l.="" ground="" water="" eec="" (sci-grow="" estimate)="" 3.6="" ppb="" (0.0036="" ppm="" or="" mg/l)="" (use="" for="" both="" acute="" and="" chronic)="" chronic="" exposure="" from="" surface="" water="" is="" calculated="" below.="" chronic="" exposure="" from="" ground="" water="" is="" lower.="" epa="" has="" calculated="" drinking="" water="" levels="" of="" concern="" (dwlocs)="" for="" chronic="" (non-cancer)="" exposure="" to="" be="" 0.7="" ppm="" for="" u.s.="" population,="" 0.6="" ppm="" for="" hispanics,="" and="" 0.06="" ppm="" for="" non-nursing="" infants=""><1 year="" old="" ).="" to="" calculate="" the="" dwloc="" for="" chronic="" (non-cancer)="" exposure="" relative="" to="" a="" chronic="" toxicity="" endpoint,="" the="" chronic="" dietary="" food="" exposure="" (from="" dres)="" was="" subtracted="" from="" the="" rfd="" to="" obtain="" the="" acceptable="" chronic="" (non-cancer)="" exposure="" to="" myclobutanil="" in="" drinking="" water.="" the="" estimated="" average="" concentration="" of="" myclobutanil="" in="" surface="" water="" is="" 0.04="" ppm.="" chronic="" concentrations="" in="" ground="" water="" are="" not="" expected="" to="" be="" higher="" than="" the="" acute="" concentrations.="" the="" estimated="" average="" concentrations="" of="" myclobutanil="" in="" surface="" water="" are="" less="" than="" epa's="" levels="" of="" concern="" for="" myclobutanil="" in="" drinking="" water="" as="" a="" contribution="" to="" chronic="" aggregate="" exposure.="" therefore,="" taking="" into="" account="" the="" present="" uses="" and="" uses="" proposed="" in="" this="" action,="" epa="" concludes="" with="" reasonable="" certainty="" that="" residues="" of="" myclobutanil="" in="" drinking="" water="" (when="" considered="" along="" with="" other="" sources="" of="" exposure="" for="" which="" epa="" has="" reliable="" data)="" would="" not="" result="" in="" unacceptable="" levels="" of="" aggregate="" human="" health="" risk="" at="" this="" time.="" epa="" bases="" this="" determination="" on="" a="" comparison="" of="" estimated="" concentrations="" of="" myclobutanil="" in="" surface="" waters="" and="" ground="" waters="" to="" back-calculated="" ``levels="" of="" concern''="" for="" myclobutanil="" in="" drinking="" water.="" these="" levels="" of="" concern="" in="" drinking="" water="" were="" determined="" after="" epa="" has="" considered="" all="" other="" non-occupational="" human="" exposures="" for="" which="" it="" has="" reliable="" data,="" including="" all="" current="" uses,="" and="" uses="" considered="" in="" this="" action.="" the="" estimates="" of="" myclobutanil="" in="" surface="" waters="" are="" derived="" from="" water="" quality="" models="" that="" use="" conservative="" assumptions="" (health-protective)="" regarding="" the="" pesticide="" transport="" from="" the="" point="" of="" application="" to="" surface="" and="" ground="" water.="" because="" epa="" considers="" the="" aggregate="" risk="" resulting="" from="" multiple="" exposure="" pathways="" associated="" with="" a="" pesticide's="" uses,="" levels="" of="" concern="" in="" drinking="" water="" may="" vary="" as="" those="" uses="" change.="" if="" new="" uses="" are="" added="" in="" the="" future,="" epa="" will="" reassess="" the="" potential="" impacts="" of="" myclobutanil="" on="" drinking="" water="" as="" a="" part="" of="" the="" aggregate="" risk="" assessment="" process.="" 3.="" from="" non-dietary="" exposure.="" myclobutanil="" is="" currently="" registered="" for="" outdoor="" residential="" and="" greenhouse="" use="" on="" annuals="" and="" perennials,="" turf,="" shrubs,="" trees,="" and="" flowers.="" epa="" has="" determined="" that="" these="" uses="" do="" not="" constitute="" a="" chronic="" exposure="" scenario,="" but="" may="" constitute="" a="" short-="" to="" intermediate-term="" exposure="" scenario="" (note:="" the="" intermediate-term="" potential="" exposure="" would="" come="" from="" post-application="" (dermal="" for="" adult;="" and="" dermal="" +="" ingestion="" of="" soil="" only,="" due="" to="" the="" persistence="" of="" the="" pesticide="" in="" soil,="" for="" toddlers).="" other="" intermediate-term="" exposure="" scenarios="" are="" unlikely="" as="" dissipation="" is="" strongly="" influenced="" by="" the="" growth="" of="" the="" grass="" which="" needs="" weekly="" mowing="" (more="" frequently="" in="" spring)="" and="" most="" dissipation="" studies="" on="" lawns="" show="" considerable="" tailing="" off="" of="" residues="" by="" day="" 3="" or="" 4;="" thus,="" the="" expectation="" of="" significant="" residues="" is="" very="" unlikely.="" 4.="" homeowner-use="" products.="" end-use="" products="" containing="" the="" active="" ingredient,="" myclobutanil,="" are="" marketed="" for="" homeowner="" use.="" the="" homeowner="" use="" with="" the="" greatest="" potential="" for="" exposure="" takes="" the="" form="" of="" small="" scale="" lawn="" application="" (other="" additional="" [[page="" 49476]]="" application="" uses="" are="" on="" roses,="" flowers,="" ornamental="" shrubs="" and="" trees)="" of="" a="" soluble="" concentrate="" with="" a="" hose-end,="" backpack,="" or="" trigger="" bottle="" sprayer.="" application="" of="" these="" products="" is="" recommended="" at="" two="" week="" intervals.="" short-term="" (and="" not="" intermediate-term="" exposures,="" because="" of="" the="" amount="" of="" time="" it="" takes="" to="" mix,="" load,="" and="" apply="" this="" product)="" exposure="" is="" considered="" only.="" short-term="" exposure,="" pre-="" and="" during="" application,="" will="" be="" considered="" an="" aggregate="" potential="" exposure:="" a="" summation="" of="" this="" exposure="" will="" include="" exposure="" levels="" for:="" the="" mixer="" +="" loader="" +="" applicator="" +="" post-application="" on="" day="" zero="" (day="" of="" application).="" short-="" and="" intermediate-term="" exposure="" will="" be="" considered="" during="" post-application="" (note:="" intermediate-term="" exposure="" is="" addressed="" only="" during="" post-application="" scenarios).="" 5.="" 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="" myclobutanil="" 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,="" myclobutanil="" 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="" myclobutanil="" has="" a="" common="" mechanism="" of="" toxicity="" with="" other="" substances.="" c.="" aggregate="" risks="" and="" determination="" of="" safety="" for="" u.s.="" population="" 1.="" chronic="" aggregate="" exposure="" and="" risk.="" using="" the="" partially="" refined="" exposure="" assumptions="" described="" above,="" epa="" has="" concluded="" that="" aggregate="" exposure="" (food,="" water,="" and="" residential)="" to="" myclobutanil="" will="" not="" exceed="" epa's="" level="" of="" concern.="" for="" the="" u.s.="" population,="" 17%="" of="" the="" rfd="" is="" occupied="" by="" dietary="" (food)="" exposure.="" the="" estimated="" average="" concentrations="" of="" myclobutanil="" in="" surface="" and="" ground="" water="" are="" less="" than="" epa's="" levels="" of="" concern="" for="" myclobutanil="" in="" drinking="" water="" as="" a="" contribution="" to="" chronic="" aggregate="" exposure.="" therefore,="" epa="" concludes="" with="" reasonable="" certainty="" that="" residues="" of="" myclobutanil="" in="" drinking="" water="" do="" not="" contribute="" significantly="" to="" the="" aggregate="" chronic="" human="" health="" risk="" at="" the="" present="" time="" considering="" the="" present="" uses="" and="" uses="" proposed="" in="" this="" action.="" epa="" has="" determined="" that="" the="" outdoor="" registered="" uses="" of="" myclobutanil="" would="" not="" fall="" under="" a="" chronic="" exposure="" scenario.="" epa="" concludes="" that="" there="" is="" a="" reasonable="" certainty="" that="" no="" harm="" will="" result="" from="" aggregate="" chronic="" exposure="" to="" myclobutanil="" residues.="" 2.="" short-="" and="" intermediate-term="" risk.="" the="" short-term="" noel="" for="" dermal="" exposure="" is="" based="" on="" a="" dermal="" exposure="" toxicity="" study.="" since="" the="" noel="" is="" based="" on="" a="" dermal="" study,="" oral="" exposures="" generally="" cannot="" be="" used="" directly="" to="" calculate="" a="" short-term="" aggregate="" exposure.="" however,="" because="" epa="" determined="" that="" a="" dermal="" absorption="" factor="" of="" 100%="" should="" be="" used="" for="" risk="" assessment,="" oral="" exposures="" need="" not="" be="" multiplied="" by="" a="" modifying="" factor="" (converted="" to="" dermal="" equivalents)="" so="" that="" they="" can="" be="" compared="" to="" the="" dermal="" endpoint.="" the="" chronic="" dietary="" exposure="" and="" calculated="" dietary="" moe="" for="" the="" u.s.="" population="" is="" as="" follows:="" moe="23,000," based="" on="" arc="" of="" 0.004283="" mg/kg/day.="" the="" intermediate-term="" exposure="" scenarios="" and="" calculated="" moe="" for="" the="" u.s.population="" is="" as="" follows:="" moe="2,300," based="" on="" arc="" of="" 0.004283="" mg/="" kg/day.="" there="" is="" a="" potential="" for="" short-term="" exposure="" from="" drinking="" water.="" however,="" as="" estimated="" average="" concentrations="" of="" myclobutanil="" in="" surface="" and="" ground="" water="" are="" less="" than="" epa's="" levels="" of="" concern="" for="" drinking="" water="" as="" a="" contribution="" to="" chronic="" aggregate="" and="" acute="" aggregate="" exposures,="" contribution="" to="" short-term="" exposure="" should="" not="" exceed="" epa's="" levels="" of="" concern="" either.="" epa="" concludes="" that="" short-term="" aggregate="" moes="" for="" adults="" are="" acceptable="" considering="" the="" default="" assumptions="" used="" in="" the="" derivation="" of="" exposure="" estimates="" and="" the="" fact="" that="" a="" loel="" was="" not="" identified="" in="" the="" 28-day="" rat="" dermal="" toxicity="" study="" the="" highest="" dose="" tested="" (hdt)="" was="" the="" noel="" in="" this="" study="" used="" to="" determine="" the="" moe.="" chemical-specific="" dissipation="" data="" and="" residential="" use/usage="" information="" are="" required="" to="" further="" refine="" these="" post-application="" exposure="" estimates.="" d.="" aggregate="" cancer="" risk="" for="" u.s.="" population="" myclobutanil="" was="" classified="" by="" the="" agency="" as="" a="" group="" e="" chemical="" (no="" evidence="" of="" carcinogenicity="" for="" humans).="" thus,="" a="" cancer="" risk="" assessment="" was="" not="" conducted.="" e.="" endocrine="" disruptor="" 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="" [[page="" 49477]]="" that="" time,="" epa="" may="" require="" further="" testing="" of="" this="" active="" ingredient="" and="" end="" use="" products="" for="" endocrine="" disrupter="" effects.="" based="" on="" the="" adverse="" testicular="" findings,="" and="" increase="" in="" the="" number="" of="" stillborns,="" and="" a="" decrease="" in="" pup="" weight="" gain="" during="" lactation,="" in="" the="" chronic="" toxicity="" and="" reproduction="" studies="" in="" rats,="" myclobutanil="" should="" be="" considered="" as="" a="" candidate="" for="" evaluation="" as="" an="" endocrine="" disruptor.="" f.="" 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="" myclobutanil,="" 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.="" 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.="" 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.="" ii.="" developmental="" toxicity="" studies.="" in="" the="" developmental="" study="" in="" rats,="" the="" maternal="" (systemic)="" noel="" was="" 93.8="" mg/kg/day,="" based="" on="" rough="" hair="" coat,="" and="" salivation="" at="" the="" loel="" of="" 312.6="" mg/kg/day.="" the="" developmental="" (fetal)="" noel="" was="" 93.8="" mg/kg/day="" based="" on="" incidences="" of="" 14th="" rudimentary="" and="" 7th="" cervical="" ribs="" at="" the="" loel="" of="" 312.6="" mg/kg/day.="" in="" the="" developmental="" toxicity="" study="" in="" rabbits,="" the="" maternal="" (systemic)="" noel="" was="" 60="" mg/kg/day,="" based="" on="" reduced="" weight="" gain,="" clinical="" signs="" of="" toxicity="" and="" abortions="" at="" the="" loel="" of="" 200="" mg/kg/day.="" the="" developmental="" (fetal)="" noel="" was="" 60="" mg/kg/day,="" based="" on="" increases="" in="" number="" of="" resorptions,="" decreases="" in="" litter="" size,="" and="" a="" decrease="" in="" the="" viability="" index="" at="" the="" loel="" of="" 200="" mg/kg/day.="" iii.="" reproductive="" toxicity="" study.="" in="" the="" 2-generation="" reproductive="" toxicity="" study="" in="" rats,="" the="" parental="" (systemic)="" noel="" was="" 2.5="" mg/kg/day,="" based="" on="" increased="" liver="" weights="" and="" liver="" cell="" hypertrophy="" at="" the="" loel="" of="" 10="" mg/kg/day.="" the="" developmental="" (pup)="" noel="" was="" 10="" mg/kg/day,="" based="" on="" decreased="" pup="" body="" weight="" during="" lactation="" at="" the="" loel="" of="" 50="" mg/kg/="" day.="" the="" reproductive="" (pup)="" noel="" was="" 10="" mg/kg/day,="" based="" on="" the="" increased="" incidence="" of="" stillborns,="" and="" atrophy="" of="" the="" testes,="" epididymides,="" and="" prostate="" at="" the="" lel="" of="" 50="" mg/kg/day.="" iv.="" pre-="" and="" post-natal="" sensitivity.="" the="" pre-="" and="" post-natal="" toxicology="" data="" base="" for="" myclobutanil="" is="" complete="" with="" respect="" to="" current="" toxicological="" data="" requirements.="" based="" on="" the="" developmental="" and="" reproductive="" toxicity="" studies="" discussed="" above,="" for="" myclobutanil="" there="" does="" not="" appear="" to="" be="" an="" extra="" sensitivity="" for="" pre-="" or="" post-natal="" effects.="" v.="" conclusion.="" based="" on="" the="" above,="" epa="" concludes="" that="" reliable="" data="" support="" use="" of="" the="" standard="" 100-fold="" uncertainty="" factor="" and="" that="" an="" factor="" is="" not="" needed="" to="" protect="" the="" safety="" of="" infants="" and="" children.="" 2.="" chronic="" risk.="" using="" the="" partially-refined="" exposure="" assumptions="" described="" above,="" epa="" has="" concluded="" that="" aggregate="" exposure="" to="" myclobutanil="" from="" food="" ranges="" from="" 25%="" of="" the="" rfd="" for="" nursing="" infants=""><1 year="" old),="" up="" to="" 75%="" for="" non-nursing="" infants=""><1 year="" old).="" 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="" myclobutanil="" 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="" myclobutanil="" residues.="" 3.="" short-="" or="" intermediate-term="" risk.="" the="" short-term="" noel="" for="" dermal="" exposure="" is="" based="" on="" a="" dermal="" exposure="" toxicity="" study.="" since="" the="" noel="" is="" based="" on="" a="" dermal="" study,="" oral="" exposures="" generally="" cannot="" be="" used="" directly="" to="" calculate="" a="" short-term="" aggregate="" exposure.="" however,="" because="" epa="" determined="" that="" a="" dermal="" absorption="" factor="" of="" 100%="" should="" be="" used="" for="" risk="" assessment,="" oral="" exposures="" need="" not="" be="" multiplied="" by="" a="" modifying="" factor="" (converted="" to="" dermal="" equivalents)="" so="" that="" they="" can="" be="" compared="" to="" the="" dermal="" endpoint.="" the="" chronic="" dietary="" exposure="" and="" calculated="" dietary="" moe="" for="" infants="" (non-nursing,="">< 1="" year="" old)="" is="" 5,300,="" based="" on="" arc="" of="" 0.018836="" mg/kg/="" day.="" the="" dermal="" residential="" exposure="" is="" 0.85="" mg/kg/day="" (reentry).="" the="" calculated="" dietary="" moe="" for="" non-nursing="" infants=""><1 year="" old)="" is="" 5,300.="" for="" the="" short-term="" aggregate="" risk="" of="" the="" most="" highly="" exposed="" subgroup="" (non-nursing="" infants=""><1 year="" old)),="" the="" calculated="" moe="" is="" 120.="" there="" is="" a="" potential="" for="" short-term="" exposure="" from="" drinking="" water.="" however,="" as="" estimated="" average="" concentrations="" of="" myclobutanil="" in="" surface="" and="" ground="" water="" are="" less="" than="" epa's="" levels="" of="" concern="" for="" drinking="" water="" as="" a="" contribution="" to="" chronic="" aggregate="" and="" acute="" aggregate="" exposures,="" contribution="" to="" short-term="" exposure="" should="" not="" exceed="" epa's="" levels="" of="" concern="" either.="" epa="" concludes="" that="" short-term="" aggregate="" moes="" for="" non-nursing="" infants=""><1 year="" old)="" are="" acceptable.="" v.="" other="" considerations="" a.="" metabolism="" in="" plants="" and="" animals="" the="" nature="" of="" the="" residue="" in="" plants="" is="" adequately="" understood.="" the="" residue="" of="" concern="" is="" myclobutanil="" plus="" its="" alcohol="" metabolite="" (free="" and="" bound),="" as="" specified="" in="" 40="" cfr="" 180.443(a).="" b.="" analytical="" enforcement="" methodology="" an="" adequate="" enforcement="" method="" is="" available="" to="" enforce="" the="" established="" tolerances.="" quantitation="" is="" by="" gas="" liquid="" chromatography="" (glc)="" using="" an="" nitrogen/phosphorus="" detector="" for="" myclobu-tanil="" and="" an="" electron="" capture="" detector="">63) for residues measured as 
    the alcohol metabolite.
    
    C. Magnitude of Residues
    
        Residues of myclobutanil and its alcohol metabolite are not 
    expected to exceed 1.0 ppm in/on artichoke, 0.02 ppm in/on asparagus, 
    and 1.0 ppm in/on peppers (bell and non-bell), as a result of these 
    section 18 uses. Secondary residues are not expected in animal 
    commodities as no feedstuffs are associated with these section 18 uses. 
    Meat/ milk/poultry/ egg tolerances have been established as a result of 
    other myclobutanil uses.
    
    [[Page 49478]]
    
    D. International Residue Limits
    
        There are no Codex, Canadian or Mexican residue limits established 
    for myclobutanil and its metabolites on the commodities included in 
    these section 18 requests. Thus, harmonization is not an issue for 
    these section 18 actions.
    
    E. Rotational Crop Restrictions.
    
        Information concerning the likelihood of residues in rotational 
    crops is not currently available for myclobutanil, although such data 
    is expected to be submitted to EPA shortly. Until EPA has reviewed and 
    approved such data, the Agency has required that the following 
    restriction should be added to the label for approved section 18 uses: 
    Rally treated fields can be rotated at any time to crops which are 
    included on the Rally label. For crops not listed on the registered 
    label, do not plant new crops on treated fields for these periods: 
    leafy vegetables, small grains -- 120 days root vegetables, all other 
    crops -- 210 days.
    
    VI. Conclusion
    
        Therefore, the tolerance is established for combined residues of 
    myclobutanil in artichoke at 1.0 ppm, asparagus at 0.02 ppm, and bell 
    and non-bell peppers at 1.0 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 November 16, 1998, file written objections to 
    any aspect of this regulation and may also request a hearing on those 
    objections. Objections and hearing requests must be filed with the 
    Hearing Clerk, at the address given above (40 CFR 178.20). A copy of 
    the objections and/or hearing requests filed with the Hearing Clerk 
    should be submitted to the OPP docket for this rulemaking. The 
    objections submitted must specify the provisions of the regulation 
    deemed objectionable and the grounds for the objections (40 CFR 
    178.25). Each objection must be accompanied by the fee prescribed by 40 
    CFR 180.33(i). If a hearing is requested, the objections must include a 
    statement of the factual issues on which a hearing is requested, the 
    requestor's contentions on such issues, and a summary of any evidence 
    relied upon by the requestor (40 CFR 178.27). A request for a hearing 
    will be granted if the Administrator determines that the 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 Record and Electronic Submissions
    
        EPA has established a record for this rulemaking under docket 
    control number [OPP-300705] (including any comments and data submitted 
    electronically). A public version of this record, including printed, 
    paper versions of electronic comments, which does not include any 
    information claimed as CBI, is available for inspection from 8:30 a.m. 
    to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The public 
    record is located in Rm. 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 Highway, Arlington, VA.
        Electronic comments may be sent directly to EPA at:
        opp-docket@epamail.epa.gov.
    
    
        Electronic comments must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the 
    use of special characters and any form of encryption.
        The official record for this rulemaking, as well as the public 
    version, as described above will be kept in paper form. Accordingly, 
    EPA will transfer any copies of objections and hearing requests 
    received electronically into printed, paper form as they are received 
    and will place the paper copies in the official rulemaking record which 
    will also include all comments submitted directly in writing. The 
    official rulemaking record is the paper record maintained at the 
    Virginia address in ``ADDRESSES'' at the beginning of this document.
    
    IX. Regulatory Assessment Requirements
    
    A. Certain Acts and Executive Orders
    
        This final rule establishes tolerances under FFDCA section 408(d) 
    in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of 
    Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from 
    review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and 
    Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). This final rule does not contain 
    any information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork 
    Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose any enforceable 
    duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the 
    Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Pub. L. 104-4). Nor does 
    it require any prior consultation as specified by Executive Order 
    12875, entitled Enhancing the Intergovernmental Partnership (58 FR 
    58093, October 28, 1993), or special considerations as required by 
    Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address 
    Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
    Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994), or require OMB review in 
    accordance with Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children 
    from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 
    23, 1997).
    
    B. Executive Order 12875
    
        Under Executive Order 12875, entitled Enhancing Intergovernmental 
    Partnerships (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 the Office of Management and Budget (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,
    
    [[Page 49479]]
    
    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 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 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.
        In addition, since these tolerances and exemptions that are 
    established on the basis of a petition under FFDCA section 408 (d), 
    such as the tolerances in this final rule, do not require the issuance 
    of a proposed rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
    (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply. Nevertheless, the Agency has 
    previously assessed whether establishing tolerances, exemptions from 
    tolerances, raising tolerance levels or expanding exemptions might 
    adversely impact small entities and concluded, as a generic matter, 
    that there is no adverse economic impact. The factual basis for the 
    Agency's generic certification for tolerance actions published on May 
    4, 1981 (46 FR 24950), and was provided to the Chief Counsel for 
    Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.
    
    X. 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 to the Comptroller General of the 
    United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other 
    required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
    Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
    to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. This rule is not a 
    ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
    
        Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
    Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
    recordkeeping requirements.
    
        Dated: August 26, 1998.
    
    James Jones,
    Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
    
        Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
    
    PART 180--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority : 21 U.S.C. 346a and 371.
    
        2. In section 180.443, by adding new entries for artichokes, 
    asparagus, and peppers (bell and non-bell) in alphabetical order to the 
    table in paragraph (b), to read as follows:
    
    Sec. 180.443  Myclobutanil; tolerances for residues.
    
    * * * * *
    
        (b) * * *
    
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Expiration/   
                Commodity              Parts per million    Revocation Date 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Artichoke.......................  1.0                 7/31/00           
    Asparagus.......................  0.02                7/31/00           
                                  *                *                        
                                            *                               
    Peppers (bell and non-bell).....  1.0                 7/31/00           
                                  *                *                        
                                            *                               
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    * * * * *
    
    [FR Doc. 98-24845 Filed 9-15-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-F
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
9/16/1998
Published:
09/16/1998
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
98-24845
Dates:
This regulation is effective September 16, 1998. Objections and requests for hearings must be received by EPA on or before November 16, 1998.
Pages:
49472-49479 (8 pages)
Docket Numbers:
OPP-300705, FRL-6025-1
RINs:
2070-AB78
PDF File:
98-24845.pdf
CFR: (1)
40 CFR 180.443