80_FR_37673 80 FR 37547 - Cuprous Oxide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

80 FR 37547 - Cuprous Oxide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 126 (July 1, 2015)

Page Range37547-37551
FR Document2015-16224

This regulation amends the tolerance exemption for copper in/ on meat, milk, poultry, eggs, fish, shellfish, and irrigated crops when it results from the use of cuprous oxide embedded in polymer emitter heads used in irrigation systems for root incursion prevention. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of copper resulting from this use of cuprous oxide.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 126 (Wednesday, July 1, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 1, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37547-37551]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-16224]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0865; FRL-9929-51]


Cuprous Oxide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation amends the tolerance exemption for copper in/
on meat, milk, poultry, eggs, fish, shellfish, and irrigated crops when 
it results from the use of cuprous oxide embedded in polymer emitter 
heads used in irrigation systems for root incursion prevention. This 
regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level 
for residues of copper resulting from this use of cuprous oxide.

DATES: This regulation is effective July 1, 2015. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before August 31, 2015, 
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket 
identification (ID)

[[Page 37548]]

number EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0865, is available at http://www.regulations.gov 
or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory Public Docket (OPP 
Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), 
West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. 
NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public Reading Room is open from 
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 
566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP Docket is (703) 305-
5805. Please review the visitor instructions and additional information 
about the docket available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer McLain, Antimicrobials 
Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; main telephone number: (703) 308-0293; email address: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an 
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. 
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System 
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. 
Potentially affected entities may include:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).

B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?

    You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR 
part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.

C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?

    Under Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) section 408(g), 
21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an objection to any aspect of this 
regulation and may also request a hearing on those objections. You must 
file your objection or request a hearing on this regulation in 
accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure 
proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-
2014-0865 in the subject line on the first page of your submission. All 
objections and requests for a hearing must be in writing, and must be 
received by the Hearing Clerk on or before August 31, 2015. Addresses 
for mail and hand delivery of objections and hearing requests are 
provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the 
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of 
the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for 
inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential 
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without 
prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing 
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0865, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of April 22, 2015 (80 FR 22466) (FRL-9925-
79), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance 
petition (PP 4F8324) by Cupron, Inc., 800 East Leigh St., Richmond, VA 
23219. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.1021 be amended by 
establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for 
residues of copper in/on meat, milk, poultry, eggs, fish, shellfish, 
and irrigated crops by including the use of cuprous oxide (also 
referred to as copper oxide) embedded in polymer emitter heads used in 
irrigation systems for agricultural crops or residential food 
commodities for algicidal or root incursion prevention. That document 
referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Cupron, Inc., which is 
available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no 
comments received in response to the notice of filing.
    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA 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. Pursuant to FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in 
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in 
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C), which 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. First, EPA determines the 
toxicity of pesticides. Second, EPA examines exposure to the pesticide 
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as 
a result of pesticide use in residential settings.

III. Toxicological Profile

    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the 
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of 
this action and considered its validity, completeness and reliability 
and the relationship of this information 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 cuprous 
oxide are discussed in this unit.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered their 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of

[[Page 37549]]

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. 
Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by cuprous oxide, as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed adverse effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies, are discussed in the final 
rule published in the Federal Register of August 11, 2006 (71 FR 46106) 
(FRL-8085-3). Copper is ubiquitous in nature and is a necessary 
nutritional element for both animals (including humans) and plants. 
Copper is found naturally in the food we eat including fruits, 
vegetables, meats, and seafood. It is found in the water we drink, the 
air we breathe and in our bodies themselves. Some of the environmental 
copper is due to direct modification of the environment by humans such 
as mining and smelting of the natural ore. It is one of the elements 
found essential to life. The copper ion is present in the adult human 
body with nearly two-thirds of the body copper content located in the 
skeleton and muscle. The liver is the primary organ for the maintenance 
of plasma copper concentrations.
    The 2006 Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Copper compounds 
reviewed and summarized all toxicity studies submitted for copper and 
has determined that the toxicological database is sufficient to assess 
the hazard from pesticides containing copper. Copper generally has 
moderate to low acute toxicity based on acute oral, dermal, and 
inhalation studies in animals. All effects resulting from acute 
exposure to copper containing pesticides are due to acute body 
responses to minimize excessive absorption or exposure to copper. 
Current available data in animals do not show any evidence of upper 
limit toxicity level that warrant determining acute toxicity end 
points.
    Based on available data summarized in the ``2006 Reregistration 
Eligibility Decision for Coppers'', there is no evidence of any 
dietary, oral, and dermal or inhalation adverse effects warranting 
quantitative assessment of sub-chronic or chronic risk. Available 
short-term feeding studies with rats and mice indicate decreased food 
and water intake with increasing oral concentrations of copper. 
Irritation of the stomach was seen at higher copper concentrations. 
Longer-term feeding studies indicate decreased feed intake with 
reductions in body weight gains, and increased copper concentration of 
the liver. Available reproductive and developmental studies by the oral 
route of exposure generally indicate that the main concern in animals 
for reproductive and teratogenic effects of copper has usually been 
associated with the deficiency rather than the excess of copper.
    Oral ingestion of excessive amounts of the copper ion from 
pesticidal uses including the proposed use is unlikely. Copper 
compounds are irritating to the gastric mucosa. Ingestion of large 
amounts of copper results in prompt emesis. This protective reflex 
reduces the amount of copper ion available for absorption into the 
human body. Additionally, at high levels humans are also sensitive to 
the taste of copper. Because of this organoleptic property, oral 
ingestion would also serve to limit high doses. Only a small percentage 
of ingested copper is absorbed, and most of the absorbed copper is 
excreted. The human body appears to have efficient mechanisms in place 
to regulate total body copper. The copper ion occurs naturally in food 
and the metabolism of copper is well understood.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    No endpoints of toxicological concern were identified for risk 
assessment purposes for copper oxide. Cuprous oxide readily hydrolyzes 
into the copper cation and oxygen anion. Copper is a required essential 
nutritional element for both plants and animals. Indeed, current 
available data and literature studies indicate that there is a greater 
risk from the deficiency of copper intake than from excess intake. 
Copper also occurs naturally in a number of food items including 
fruits, meats, seafood, and vegetables. In humans, as part of the 
utilization of copper as an essential nutrient, there is an effective 
homeostatic mechanism that is involved in the dietary intake of copper 
and that protects humans from excess body copper. Given that copper is 
ubiquitous, is an essential nutrient, and is routinely consumed as part 
of the daily diet, exposure to copper as a result of the use of copper 
oxide as a pesticide chemical would not be of toxicological concern.

IV. Aggregate Exposures

    In examining aggregate exposure, FFDCA section 408 directs EPA to 
consider available information concerning exposures from the pesticide 
residue in food and all other non-occupational exposures, including 
drinking water from ground water or surface water and exposure through 
pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or buildings (residential and other 
indoor uses).

A. Dietary Exposure

    Copper is ubiquitous in nature and is necessary nutritional element 
for both animals (including humans) and plants. It is one of several 
elements found essential to life. The human body must have copper to 
stay healthy. In fact, for a variety of biochemical processes in the 
body to operate normally, copper must be part of our daily diet. Copper 
is needed for certain critical enzymes to function in the body. 
Actually, too little copper in the body can actually lead to disease.
    1. Food. The main source of copper for infants, children, and 
adults, regardless of age, is the diet. Copper is typically present in 
mineral rich foods like vegetables (potato, legumes (beans and peas), 
nuts (peanuts and pecans), grains (wheat and rye), fruits (peaches and 
raisins), and chocolate in levels that range from 0.3 to 3.9 parts per 
million (ppm). A single day's diet may contain 10 milligram (mg) or 
more of copper. It is not likely that the approval of this petition 
would significantly increase exposure over that of existing levels of 
copper. In any event, given the lack of toxicity of copper, EPA does 
not expect any increased exposure resulting from approval of this 
petition to be unsafe.
    2. Drinking water exposure. Copper is a natural element found in 
the earth's crust. As a result, most of the world's surface water and 
ground water that is used for drinking purposes contains copper. The 
actual amount varies from region to region, depending on how much is 
present in the earth, but in almost all cases the amount of copper in 
water is extremely low. Naturally occurring copper in drinking water is 
safe for human consumption, even in rare instances where it is at 
levels high enough to impart a metallic taste to the water. Residues of 
copper in drinking water are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water 
Act. A Maximum Contaminant Level Goal of 1.3 ppm has been set by the 
Agency for copper. According to the National Research Council's 
Committee on Copper in Drinking Water, this level is ``set at a 
concentration at which no known or expected adverse health effects 
occur and for which there is an adequate margin of safety.'' The Agency 
believes that this level of protection would not cause any potential 
health problems, i.e. stomach and intestinal distress, liver, and 
kidney damage and anemia. It is not likely that the approval of this 
petition would significantly increase exposure over that of the 
existing levels of copper. In any event, given the lack of toxicity

[[Page 37550]]

of copper, EPA does not expect any increased exposure resulting from 
approval of this petition to be unsafe.

B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure

    Copper compounds have many uses on crops (food as well as non-food) 
and ornamentals as a fungicide.
    1. Dermal exposure. Given the prevalence of copper in the 
environment, no significant dermal exposure increase above current 
levels would be expected from this non-occupational use of cuprous 
oxide. In any event, given the lack of toxicity of copper, EPA does not 
expect any increased exposure resulting from approval of this petition 
to be unsafe.
    2. Inhalation exposure. Air concentrations of copper are relatively 
low. A study based on several thousand samples assembled by EPA's 
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory showed copper levels 
ranging from 0.003 to 7.32 micrograms per cubic meter. Other studies 
indicated that air levels of copper are much lower. The Agency does not 
expect the air concentrations of copper to be significantly affected by 
this use of cuprous oxide. In any event, given the lack of toxicity of 
copper, EPA does not expect any increased exposure resulting from 
approval of this petition to be unsafe.

V. Cumulative Effects From Substances With a Common Mechanism of 
Toxicity

    Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA 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.''
    EPA has not found cuprous oxide to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and cuprous oxide does not appear 
to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the 
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
cuprous oxide does not have 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 EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

VI. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, Infants and Children

    Cuprous oxide is considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by 
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). EPA has also exempted various 
copper compounds from the requirement of a tolerance when used as 
herbicide and algicide (40 CFR 180.1021), including cuprous oxide when 
contained in antifouling coatings on submerged concrete or other 
(irrigation) structures (40 CFR 180.1021(a)(4)). Copper compounds 
including cuprous oxide are also exempt from the requirements of a 
tolerance when applied to growing crops when used as a plant fungicide 
in accordance with good agricultural practices (40 CFR 180.1021(b)).
    1. U.S. population. Copper is a component of the human diet and an 
essential element. In addition, no acute or chronic dietary endpoints 
were selected because no endpoints of toxicological concern have been 
identified for risk assessment purposes. Use of cuprous oxide is not 
expected to increase the amount of copper in the diet as a result of 
its use on growing crops and post-harvest use.
    2. Infants and children. Copper is also component of the diet of 
infants and children as is also an essential element of their diet. 
Since no endpoints have been identified, EPA has not conducted a 
quantitative risk assessment for cuprous oxide. The Agency has also 
determined that the special Food Quality Protection Act safety factor 
(FQPA SF) to protect infants and children was not needed since there 
are no toxicity endpoints or uncertainty surrounding exposure.
    Based on the information in this preamble, EPA concludes that there 
is a reasonable certainty of no harm from aggregate exposure to 
residues. Accordingly, EPA finds that exempting residues of cuprous 
oxide from the requirement of a tolerance will be safe.

VII. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since 
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance without any numerical limitation.

B. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances

    The Agency is establishing an exemption for cuprous oxide that 
differs slightly from the exemption that was requested. First, the 
Agency has removed the phrase ``for agricultural crops or residential 
food commodities'' because the current structure of section 180.1021(a) 
makes that language duplicative and potentially confusing. With today's 
exemption, residues of copper on any irrigated crop that result from 
uses of cuprous oxide in polymer emitter heads for irrigation are 
exempt from the requirement of a tolerance; it is not necessary to 
further clarify where the irrigation heads are intended to be used. 
Also, the term algaecidal was deleted from the proposed tolerance 
exemption expression because the product is not intended to act as an 
algaecide.

VIII. Conclusion

    Based on the information contained in the document, EPA concludes 
that there is no reasonable certainty of harm from aggregate exposure 
to residues of cuprous oxide. Accordingly, EPA finds that the exemption 
for residues of copper in or on meat, milk, poultry, egg, fish, 
shellfish, and irrigated crops from use of cuprous oxide embedded in 
polymer emitter heads used in irrigation systems for root incursion 
prevention will be safe. Therefore, an exemption is established for 
residues of copper oxide embedded in polymer emitter heads used in 
irrigation systems for root incursion prevention.

IX. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance 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). Because this action has been exempted from review 
under Executive Order 12866, this action is not subject to Executive 
Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 
28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled ``Protection of 
Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not contain any information 
collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any special 
considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal Actions 
to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis 
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the exemption in this 
final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule,

[[Page 37551]]

the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 
et seq.), do not apply.
    This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this 
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that 
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or 
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government 
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has 
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled 
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In addition, this 
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded 
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would 
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant 
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

X. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
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 action 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, Cuprous oxide.

    Dated: June 18, 2015.
Jennifer L. McClain,
Acting Director, Antimicrobials Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.


0
2. Add paragraph (a)(5) to Sec.  180.1021 to read as follows:


Sec.  180.1021  Copper; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

    (a) * * *
    (5) Copper oxide embedded in polymer emitter heads used in 
irrigation systems for root incursion prevention.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-16224 Filed 6-30-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 126 / Wednesday, July 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                                37547

                                            Federal agencies to assess the effects of               complying with the National                            Port Charleston or a designated
                                            their discretionary regulatory actions. In              Environmental Policy Act of 1969                       representative.
                                            particular, the Act addresses actions                   (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f). Based                      (2) Persons and vessels desiring to
                                            that may result in the expenditure by a                 on our analysis, we concluded this                     enter, transit through, anchor in, or
                                            State, local, or tribal government, in the              action is one of a category of actions that            remain within the regulated area may
                                            aggregate, or by the private sector of                  do not individually or cumulatively                    contact the Captain of the Port
                                            $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or                have a significant effect on the human                 Charleston by telephone at 843–740–
                                            more in any one year. Though this rule                  environment. This rule involves safety                 7050, or a designated representative via
                                            will not result in such an expenditure,                 zones during Fourth of July Fireworks                  VHF radio on channel 16, to request
                                            we do discuss the effects of this rule                  displays near Murrells Inlet and North                 authorization. If authorization to enter,
                                            elsewhere in this preamble.                             Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This rule                transit through, anchor in, or remain
                                                                                                    is categorically excluded from further                 within the regulated area is granted by
                                            8. Taking of Private Property                                                                                  the Captain of the Port Charleston or a
                                                                                                    review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure
                                              This rule will not cause a taking of                  2–1 of the Commandant Instruction. We                  designated representative, all persons
                                            private property or otherwise have                      seek any comments or information that                  and vessels receiving such authorization
                                            taking implications under Executive                     may lead to the discovery of a                         must comply with the instructions of
                                            Order 12630, Governmental Actions and                   significant environmental impact from                  the Captain of the Port Charleston or a
                                            Interference with Constitutionally                      this rule.                                             designated representative.
                                            Protected Property Rights.                                                                                        (3) The Coast Guard will provide
                                                                                                    List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165                    notice of the regulated area by Local
                                            9. Civil Justice Reform                                   Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation                   Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to
                                              This rule meets applicable standards                  (water), Reporting and recordkeeping                   Mariners, and on-scene designated
                                            in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive               requirements, Security measures,                       representatives.
                                            Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to                   Waterways.                                                (d) Effective period. This rule will be
                                            minimize litigation, eliminate                            For the reasons discussed in the                     effective on July 4, 2015 and enforced
                                            ambiguity, and reduce burden.                           preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33                    from 9:30 p.m. until 9:50 p.m.
                                            10. Protection of Children                              CFR part 165 as follows:                                 Dated: June 17, 2015.
                                                                                                                                                           G.L. Tomasulo,
                                              We have analyzed this rule under                      PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION
                                            Executive Order 13045, Protection of                                                                           Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the
                                                                                                    AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS                         Port Charleston.
                                            Children from Environmental Health
                                                                                                    ■ 1. The authority citation for part 165               [FR Doc. 2015–15936 Filed 6–30–15; 8:45 am]
                                            Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not
                                            an economically significant rule and                    continues to read as follows:                          BILLING CODE 9110–04–P

                                            does not create an environmental risk to                  Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191;
                                            health or risk to safety that may                       33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5;
                                            disproportionately affect children.                     Department of Homeland Security Delegation             ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                                                                    No. 0170.1.                                            AGENCY
                                            11. Indian Tribal Governments
                                                                                                    ■ 2. Add a temporary § 165.T07–0529 to                 40 CFR Part 180
                                               This rule does not have tribal
                                                                                                    read as follows:
                                            implications under Executive Order                                                                             [EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0865; FRL–9929–51]
                                            13175, Consultation and Coordination                    § 165.T07–0529 Safety Zone; Fourth of
                                            with Indian Tribal Governments,                         July Fireworks Displays, in vicinity of Myrtle         Cuprous Oxide; Exemption From the
                                            because it does not have a substantial                  Beach, Myrtle Beach, SC.                               Requirement of a Tolerance
                                            direct effect on one or more Indian                        (a) Regulated Area. The following
                                                                                                                                                           AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                            tribes, on the relationship between the                 regulated areas are safety zones.
                                                                                                       (1) Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. All             Agency (EPA).
                                            Federal Government and Indian tribes,
                                                                                                    waters within a 500 yard radius around                 ACTION: Final rule.
                                            or on the distribution of power and
                                            responsibilities between the Federal                    Veterans Pier, from which the fireworks                SUMMARY:   This regulation amends the
                                            Government and Indian tribes.                           will be launched, located on the                       tolerance exemption for copper in/on
                                                                                                    Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.                        meat, milk, poultry, eggs, fish, shellfish,
                                            12. Energy Effects                                         (2) North Myrtle Beach, South                       and irrigated crops when it results from
                                              This action is not a ‘‘significant                    Carolina. All waters within a 500 yard                 the use of cuprous oxide embedded in
                                            energy action’’ under Executive Order                   radius around Cherry Grove Pier, from                  polymer emitter heads used in irrigation
                                            13211, Actions Concerning Regulations                   which the fireworks will be launched,                  systems for root incursion prevention.
                                            That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,                located on the Atlantic Ocean.                         This regulation eliminates the need to
                                            Distribution, or Use.                                      (b) Definition. The term ‘‘designated
                                                                                                                                                           establish a maximum permissible level
                                                                                                    representative’’ means Coast Guard
                                            13. Technical Standards                                                                                        for residues of copper resulting from
                                                                                                    Patrol Commanders, including Coast
                                                                                                                                                           this use of cuprous oxide.
                                              This rule does not use technical                      Guard coxswains, petty officers, and
                                                                                                                                                           DATES: This regulation is effective July
                                            standards. Therefore, we did not                        other officers operating Coast Guard
                                            consider the use of voluntary consensus                 vessels, and Federal, state, and local                 1, 2015. Objections and requests for
                                            standards.                                              officers designated by or assisting the                hearings must be received on or before
                                                                                                    Captain of the Port Charleston in the                  August 31, 2015, and must be filed in
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                                            14. Environment                                                                                                accordance with the instructions
                                                                                                    enforcement of the regulated area.
                                              We have analyzed this rule under                         (c) Regulations. (1) All persons and                provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also
                                            Department of Homeland Security                         vessels are prohibited from entering,                  Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
                                            Management Directive 023–01 and                         transiting through, anchoring in, or                   INFORMATION).
                                            Commandant Instruction M16475.lD,                       remaining within the regulated area                    ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,
                                            which guide the Coast Guard in                          unless authorized by the Captain of the                identified by docket identification (ID)


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                                            37548             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 126 / Wednesday, July 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                            number EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0865, is                         in accordance with the instructions                    incursion prevention. That document
                                            available at http://www.regulations.gov                 provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure                 referenced a summary of the petition
                                            or at the Office of Pesticide Programs                  proper receipt by EPA, you must                        prepared by Cupron, Inc., which is
                                            Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)                   identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–                      available in the docket, http://
                                            in the Environmental Protection Agency                  OPP–2014–0865 in the subject line on                   www.regulations.gov. There were no
                                            Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William                    the first page of your submission. All                 comments received in response to the
                                            Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301                 objections and requests for a hearing                  notice of filing.
                                            Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC                   must be in writing, and must be                           Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
                                            20460–0001. The Public Reading Room                     received by the Hearing Clerk on or                    allows EPA to establish an exemption
                                            is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,                    before August 31, 2015. Addresses for                  from the requirement for a tolerance (the
                                            Monday through Friday, excluding legal                  mail and hand delivery of objections                   legal limit for a pesticide chemical
                                            holidays. The telephone number for the                  and hearing requests are provided in 40                residue in or on a food) only if EPA
                                            Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,                  CFR 178.25(b).                                         determines that the exemption is ‘‘safe.’’
                                            and the telephone number for the OPP                      In addition to filing an objection or                Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
                                            Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review                 hearing request with the Hearing Clerk                 defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
                                            the visitor instructions and additional                 as described in 40 CFR part 178, please                reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                            information about the docket available                  submit a copy of the filing (excluding                 result from aggregate exposure to the
                                            at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.                          any Confidential Business Information                  pesticide chemical residue, including
                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                    (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.             all anticipated dietary exposures and all
                                            Jennifer McLain, Antimicrobials                         Information not marked confidential                    other exposures for which there is
                                            Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide                   pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be                       reliable information.’’ This includes
                                            Programs, Environmental Protection                      disclosed publicly by EPA without prior                exposure through drinking water and in
                                            Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,                     notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your                residential settings, but does not include
                                                                                                    objection or hearing request, identified               occupational exposure. Pursuant to
                                            Washington, DC 20460–0001; main
                                                                                                    by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–                        FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in
                                            telephone number: (703) 308–0293;
                                                                                                    2014–0865, by one of the following                     establishing or maintaining in effect an
                                            email address: mclain.jennifer@epa.gov.
                                                                                                    methods:                                               exemption from the requirement of a
                                            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://                tolerance, EPA must take into account
                                            I. General Information                                  www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                 the factors set forth in FFDCA section
                                                                                                    instructions for submitting comments.                  408(b)(2)(C), which requires EPA to give
                                            A. Does this action apply to me?                        Do not submit electronically any                       special consideration to exposure of
                                               You may be potentially affected by                   information you consider to be CBI or                  infants and children to the pesticide
                                            this action if you are an agricultural                  other information whose disclosure is                  chemical residue in establishing a
                                            producer, food manufacturer, or                         restricted by statute.                                 tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
                                            pesticide manufacturer. The following                     • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental                    reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                            list of North American Industrial                       Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/                  result to infants and children from
                                            Classification System (NAICS) codes is                  DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.                  aggregate exposure to the pesticide
                                            not intended to be exhaustive, but rather               NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.                        chemical residue. . . .’’
                                            provides a guide to help readers                          • Hand Delivery: To make special                        EPA performs a number of analyses to
                                            determine whether this document                         arrangements for hand delivery or                      determine the risks from aggregate
                                            applies to them. Potentially affected                   delivery of boxed information, please                  exposure to pesticide residues. First,
                                            entities may include:                                   follow the instructions at http://                     EPA determines the toxicity of
                                               • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                  www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.                     pesticides. Second, EPA examines
                                               • Animal production (NAICS code                        Additional instructions on                           exposure to the pesticide through food,
                                            112).                                                   commenting or visiting the docket,                     drinking water, and through other
                                               • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                     along with more information about                      exposures that occur as a result of
                                            311).                                                   dockets generally, is available at                     pesticide use in residential settings.
                                               • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS                     http://www.epa.gov/dockets.
                                            code 32532).                                                                                                   III. Toxicological Profile
                                                                                                    II. Background and Statutory Findings
                                                                                                                                                              Consistent with FFDCA section
                                            B. How can I get electronic access to                      In the Federal Register of April 22,                408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the
                                            other related information?                              2015 (80 FR 22466) (FRL–9925–79),                      available scientific data and other
                                              You may access a frequently updated                   EPA issued a document pursuant to                      relevant information in support of this
                                            electronic version of 40 CFR part 180                   FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.                     action and considered its validity,
                                            through the Government Printing                         346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a                 completeness and reliability and the
                                            Office’s e-CFR site at http://                          pesticide tolerance petition (PP 4F8324)               relationship of this information to
                                            www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-                              by Cupron, Inc., 800 East Leigh St.,                   human risk. EPA has also considered
                                            idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/                    Richmond, VA 23219. The petition                       available information concerning the
                                            40tab_02.tpl.                                           requested that 40 CFR 180.1021 be                      variability of the sensitivities of major
                                                                                                    amended by establishing an exemption                   identifiable subgroups of consumers,
                                            C. How can I file an objection or hearing               from the requirement of a tolerance for                including infants and children. The
                                            request?                                                residues of copper in/on meat, milk,                   nature of the toxic effects caused by
                                              Under Federal Food, Drug and                          poultry, eggs, fish, shellfish, and                    cuprous oxide are discussed in this unit.
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                                            Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) section 408(g),                    irrigated crops by including the use of
                                            21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an                  cuprous oxide (also referred to as                     A. Toxicological Profile
                                            objection to any aspect of this regulation              copper oxide) embedded in polymer                        EPA has evaluated the available
                                            and may also request a hearing on those                 emitter heads used in irrigation systems               toxicity data and considered their
                                            objections. You must file your objection                for agricultural crops or residential food             validity, completeness, and reliability as
                                            or request a hearing on this regulation                 commodities for algicidal or root                      well as the relationship of the results of


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                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 126 / Wednesday, July 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                           37549

                                            the studies to human risk. EPA has also                 the liver. Available reproductive and                  buildings (residential and other indoor
                                            considered available information                        developmental studies by the oral route                uses).
                                            concerning the variability of the                       of exposure generally indicate that the
                                                                                                                                                           A. Dietary Exposure
                                            sensitivities of major identifiable                     main concern in animals for
                                            subgroups of consumers, including                       reproductive and teratogenic effects of                   Copper is ubiquitous in nature and is
                                            infants and children. Specific                          copper has usually been associated with                necessary nutritional element for both
                                            information on the studies received and                 the deficiency rather than the excess of               animals (including humans) and plants.
                                            the nature of the adverse effects caused                copper.                                                It is one of several elements found
                                            by cuprous oxide, as well as the no-                      Oral ingestion of excessive amounts of               essential to life. The human body must
                                            observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL)                   the copper ion from pesticidal uses                    have copper to stay healthy. In fact, for
                                            and the lowest-observed adverse effect-                 including the proposed use is unlikely.                a variety of biochemical processes in the
                                            level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies,                Copper compounds are irritating to the                 body to operate normally, copper must
                                            are discussed in the final rule published               gastric mucosa. Ingestion of large                     be part of our daily diet. Copper is
                                            in the Federal Register of August 11,                   amounts of copper results in prompt                    needed for certain critical enzymes to
                                            2006 (71 FR 46106) (FRL–8085–3).                                                                               function in the body. Actually, too little
                                                                                                    emesis. This protective reflex reduces
                                            Copper is ubiquitous in nature and is a                                                                        copper in the body can actually lead to
                                                                                                    the amount of copper ion available for
                                            necessary nutritional element for both                                                                         disease.
                                                                                                    absorption into the human body.                           1. Food. The main source of copper
                                            animals (including humans) and plants.                  Additionally, at high levels humans are
                                            Copper is found naturally in the food                                                                          for infants, children, and adults,
                                                                                                    also sensitive to the taste of copper.                 regardless of age, is the diet. Copper is
                                            we eat including fruits, vegetables,                    Because of this organoleptic property,
                                            meats, and seafood. It is found in the                                                                         typically present in mineral rich foods
                                                                                                    oral ingestion would also serve to limit               like vegetables (potato, legumes (beans
                                            water we drink, the air we breathe and                  high doses. Only a small percentage of
                                            in our bodies themselves. Some of the                                                                          and peas), nuts (peanuts and pecans),
                                                                                                    ingested copper is absorbed, and most of               grains (wheat and rye), fruits (peaches
                                            environmental copper is due to direct                   the absorbed copper is excreted. The
                                            modification of the environment by                                                                             and raisins), and chocolate in levels that
                                                                                                    human body appears to have efficient                   range from 0.3 to 3.9 parts per million
                                            humans such as mining and smelting of                   mechanisms in place to regulate total
                                            the natural ore. It is one of the elements                                                                     (ppm). A single day’s diet may contain
                                                                                                    body copper. The copper ion occurs                     10 milligram (mg) or more of copper. It
                                            found essential to life. The copper ion                 naturally in food and the metabolism of
                                            is present in the adult human body with                                                                        is not likely that the approval of this
                                                                                                    copper is well understood.                             petition would significantly increase
                                            nearly two-thirds of the body copper
                                            content located in the skeleton and                     B. Toxicological Points of Departure/                  exposure over that of existing levels of
                                            muscle. The liver is the primary organ                  Levels of Concern                                      copper. In any event, given the lack of
                                            for the maintenance of plasma copper                                                                           toxicity of copper, EPA does not expect
                                                                                                       No endpoints of toxicological concern               any increased exposure resulting from
                                            concentrations.
                                               The 2006 Reregistration Eligibility                  were identified for risk assessment                    approval of this petition to be unsafe.
                                            Decision for Copper compounds                           purposes for copper oxide. Cuprous                        2. Drinking water exposure. Copper is
                                            reviewed and summarized all toxicity                    oxide readily hydrolyzes into the copper               a natural element found in the earth’s
                                            studies submitted for copper and has                    cation and oxygen anion. Copper is a                   crust. As a result, most of the world’s
                                            determined that the toxicological                       required essential nutritional element                 surface water and ground water that is
                                            database is sufficient to assess the                    for both plants and animals. Indeed,                   used for drinking purposes contains
                                            hazard from pesticides containing                       current available data and literature                  copper. The actual amount varies from
                                            copper. Copper generally has moderate                   studies indicate that there is a greater               region to region, depending on how
                                            to low acute toxicity based on acute                    risk from the deficiency of copper intake              much is present in the earth, but in
                                            oral, dermal, and inhalation studies in                 than from excess intake. Copper also                   almost all cases the amount of copper in
                                            animals. All effects resulting from acute               occurs naturally in a number of food                   water is extremely low. Naturally
                                            exposure to copper containing                           items including fruits, meats, seafood,                occurring copper in drinking water is
                                            pesticides are due to acute body                        and vegetables. In humans, as part of the              safe for human consumption, even in
                                            responses to minimize excessive                         utilization of copper as an essential                  rare instances where it is at levels high
                                            absorption or exposure to copper.                       nutrient, there is an effective                        enough to impart a metallic taste to the
                                            Current available data in animals do not                homeostatic mechanism that is involved                 water. Residues of copper in drinking
                                            show any evidence of upper limit                        in the dietary intake of copper and that               water are regulated under the Safe
                                            toxicity level that warrant determining                 protects humans from excess body                       Drinking Water Act. A Maximum
                                            acute toxicity end points.                              copper. Given that copper is ubiquitous,               Contaminant Level Goal of 1.3 ppm has
                                               Based on available data summarized                   is an essential nutrient, and is routinely             been set by the Agency for copper.
                                            in the ‘‘2006 Reregistration Eligibility                consumed as part of the daily diet,                    According to the National Research
                                            Decision for Coppers’’, there is no                     exposure to copper as a result of the use              Council’s Committee on Copper in
                                            evidence of any dietary, oral, and                      of copper oxide as a pesticide chemical                Drinking Water, this level is ‘‘set at a
                                            dermal or inhalation adverse effects                    would not be of toxicological concern.                 concentration at which no known or
                                            warranting quantitative assessment of                                                                          expected adverse health effects occur
                                                                                                    IV. Aggregate Exposures
                                            sub-chronic or chronic risk. Available                                                                         and for which there is an adequate
                                            short-term feeding studies with rats and                  In examining aggregate exposure,                     margin of safety.’’ The Agency believes
                                            mice indicate decreased food and water                  FFDCA section 408 directs EPA to                       that this level of protection would not
                                            intake with increasing oral                             consider available information                         cause any potential health problems, i.e.
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                                            concentrations of copper. Irritation of                 concerning exposures from the pesticide                stomach and intestinal distress, liver,
                                            the stomach was seen at higher copper                   residue in food and all other non-                     and kidney damage and anemia. It is not
                                            concentrations. Longer-term feeding                     occupational exposures, including                      likely that the approval of this petition
                                            studies indicate decreased feed intake                  drinking water from ground water or                    would significantly increase exposure
                                            with reductions in body weight gains,                   surface water and exposure through                     over that of the existing levels of copper.
                                            and increased copper concentration of                   pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or                    In any event, given the lack of toxicity


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                                            37550             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 126 / Wednesday, July 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                            of copper, EPA does not expect any                      the Food and Drug Administration                       copper on any irrigated crop that result
                                            increased exposure resulting from                       (FDA). EPA has also exempted various                   from uses of cuprous oxide in polymer
                                            approval of this petition to be unsafe.                 copper compounds from the                              emitter heads for irrigation are exempt
                                                                                                    requirement of a tolerance when used as                from the requirement of a tolerance; it
                                            B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure
                                                                                                    herbicide and algicide (40 CFR                         is not necessary to further clarify where
                                               Copper compounds have many uses                      180.1021), including cuprous oxide                     the irrigation heads are intended to be
                                            on crops (food as well as non-food) and                 when contained in antifouling coatings                 used. Also, the term algaecidal was
                                            ornamentals as a fungicide.                             on submerged concrete or other                         deleted from the proposed tolerance
                                               1. Dermal exposure. Given the                        (irrigation) structures (40 CFR                        exemption expression because the
                                            prevalence of copper in the                             180.1021(a)(4)). Copper compounds                      product is not intended to act as an
                                            environment, no significant dermal                      including cuprous oxide are also                       algaecide.
                                            exposure increase above current levels                  exempt from the requirements of a
                                            would be expected from this non-                                                                               VIII. Conclusion
                                                                                                    tolerance when applied to growing
                                            occupational use of cuprous oxide. In                   crops when used as a plant fungicide in                   Based on the information contained in
                                            any event, given the lack of toxicity of                accordance with good agricultural                      the document, EPA concludes that there
                                            copper, EPA does not expect any                         practices (40 CFR 180.1021(b)).                        is no reasonable certainty of harm from
                                            increased exposure resulting from                          1. U.S. population. Copper is a                     aggregate exposure to residues of
                                            approval of this petition to be unsafe.                 component of the human diet and an                     cuprous oxide. Accordingly, EPA finds
                                               2. Inhalation exposure. Air                          essential element. In addition, no acute               that the exemption for residues of
                                            concentrations of copper are relatively                 or chronic dietary endpoints were                      copper in or on meat, milk, poultry, egg,
                                            low. A study based on several thousand                  selected because no endpoints of                       fish, shellfish, and irrigated crops from
                                            samples assembled by EPA’s                              toxicological concern have been                        use of cuprous oxide embedded in
                                            Environmental Monitoring Systems                        identified for risk assessment purposes.               polymer emitter heads used in irrigation
                                            Laboratory showed copper levels                         Use of cuprous oxide is not expected to                systems for root incursion prevention
                                            ranging from 0.003 to 7.32 micrograms                   increase the amount of copper in the                   will be safe. Therefore, an exemption is
                                            per cubic meter. Other studies indicated                diet as a result of its use on growing                 established for residues of copper oxide
                                            that air levels of copper are much lower.               crops and post-harvest use.                            embedded in polymer emitter heads
                                            The Agency does not expect the air                         2. Infants and children. Copper is also             used in irrigation systems for root
                                            concentrations of copper to be                          component of the diet of infants and                   incursion prevention.
                                            significantly affected by this use of                   children as is also an essential element               IX. Statutory and Executive Order
                                            cuprous oxide. In any event, given the                  of their diet. Since no endpoints have                 Reviews
                                            lack of toxicity of copper, EPA does not                been identified, EPA has not conducted
                                            expect any increased exposure resulting                                                                           This action establishes an exemption
                                                                                                    a quantitative risk assessment for                     from the requirement of a tolerance
                                            from approval of this petition to be                    cuprous oxide. The Agency has also
                                            unsafe.                                                                                                        under FFDCA section 408(d) in
                                                                                                    determined that the special Food                       response to a petition submitted to the
                                            V. Cumulative Effects From Substances                   Quality Protection Act safety factor                   Agency. The Office of Management and
                                            With a Common Mechanism of Toxicity                     (FQPA SF) to protect infants and                       Budget (OMB) has exempted these types
                                                                                                    children was not needed since there are                of actions from review under Executive
                                               Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
                                                                                                    no toxicity endpoints or uncertainty                   Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory
                                            requires that, when considering whether
                                                                                                    surrounding exposure.                                  Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,
                                            to establish, modify, or revoke a
                                                                                                       Based on the information in this                    October 4, 1993). Because this action
                                            tolerance, the Agency consider
                                                                                                    preamble, EPA concludes that there is a                has been exempted from review under
                                            ‘‘available information’’ concerning the
                                                                                                    reasonable certainty of no harm from                   Executive Order 12866, this action is
                                            cumulative effects of a particular
                                                                                                    aggregate exposure to residues.                        not subject to Executive Order 13211,
                                            pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
                                                                                                    Accordingly, EPA finds that exempting                  entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning
                                            substances that have a common
                                                                                                    residues of cuprous oxide from the                     Regulations That Significantly Affect
                                            mechanism of toxicity.’’
                                               EPA has not found cuprous oxide to                   requirement of a tolerance will be safe.               Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
                                            share a common mechanism of toxicity                    VII. Other Considerations                              FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive
                                            with any other substances, and cuprous                                                                         Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of
                                            oxide does not appear to produce a toxic                A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology                  Children from Environmental Health
                                            metabolite produced by other                              An analytical method is not required                 Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
                                            substances. For the purposes of this                    for enforcement purposes since the                     April 23, 1997). This action does not
                                            tolerance action, therefore, EPA has                    Agency is establishing an exemption                    contain any information collections
                                            assumed that cuprous oxide does not                     from the requirement of a tolerance                    subject to OMB approval under the
                                            have a common mechanism of toxicity                     without any numerical limitation.                      Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44
                                            with other substances. For information                                                                         U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require
                                                                                                    B. Revisions to Petitioned-For
                                            regarding EPA’s efforts to determine                                                                           any special considerations under
                                                                                                    Tolerances
                                            which chemicals have a common                                                                                  Executive Order 12898, entitled
                                            mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate                      The Agency is establishing an                       ‘‘Federal Actions to Address
                                            the cumulative effects of such                          exemption for cuprous oxide that differs               Environmental Justice in Minority
                                            chemicals, see EPA’s Web site at                        slightly from the exemption that was                   Populations and Low-Income
                                            http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/                          requested. First, the Agency has                       Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,
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                                            cumulative.                                             removed the phrase ‘‘for agricultural                  1994).
                                                                                                    crops or residential food commodities’’                   Since tolerances and exemptions that
                                            VI. Determination of Safety for U.S.                    because the current structure of section               are established on the basis of a petition
                                            Population, Infants and Children                        180.1021(a) makes that language                        under FFDCA section 408(d), such as
                                              Cuprous oxide is considered                           duplicative and potentially confusing.                 the exemption in this final rule, do not
                                            Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by                  With today’s exemption, residues of                    require the issuance of a proposed rule,


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                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 126 / Wednesday, July 1, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                         37551

                                            the requirements of the Regulatory                      PART 180—[AMENDED]                                     Docket No. 13–49; FCC 15–61, adopted
                                            Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et                                                                         June 1, 2015, and released June 1, 2015.
                                            seq.), do not apply.                                    ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180               The full text of this document is
                                                                                                    continues to read as follows:                          available for inspection and copying
                                               This action directly regulates growers,
                                            food processors, food handlers, and food                    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.         during normal business hours in the
                                            retailers, not States or tribes, nor does                                                                      FCC Reference Center (Room CY–A257),
                                                                                                    ■ 2. Add paragraph (a)(5) to § 180.1021                445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC
                                            this action alter the relationships or                  to read as follows:                                    20554. The full text may also be
                                            distribution of power and
                                                                                                    § 180.1021 Copper; exemption from the                  downloaded at: www.fcc.gov.
                                            responsibilities established by Congress
                                            in the preemption provisions of FFDCA                   requirement of a tolerance.                            Summary of Order
                                            section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency                    (a) * * *                                               1. By this Order, the Commission
                                            has determined that this action will not                  (5) Copper oxide embedded in                         waives until December 2, 2015 the
                                            have a substantial direct effect on States              polymer emitter heads used in irrigation               requirement in § 15.37(h) of the
                                            or tribal governments, on the                           systems for root incursion prevention.                 Commission’s rules that certain
                                            relationship between the national                       *     *    *     *    *                                National Information Infrastructure (U–
                                            government and the States or tribal                     [FR Doc. 2015–16224 Filed 6–30–15; 8:45 am]            NII) devices must comply with its
                                            governments, or on the distribution of                  BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                 § 15.407 rules to be certified on and
                                            power and responsibilities among the                                                                           after June 2, 2015. This action is taken
                                            various levels of government or between                                                                        in response to a request by a group of
                                            the Federal Government and Indian                       FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS                                 interested parties (Joint Petitioners) to
                                            tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined                 COMMISSION                                             extend this compliance deadline as part
                                            that Executive Order 13132, entitled                                                                           of a larger review of the transition
                                            ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,                 47 CFR Part 15                                         provisions the Commission recently
                                            1999) and Executive Order 13175,                                                                               adopted for the U–NII–3 band.This
                                                                                                    [ET Docket No. 13–49; FCC 15–61]
                                            entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination                                                                       action is being taken without prejudice
                                            with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR                 Permit Unlicensed National                             relative to the merits of the Joint
                                            67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply                   Information Infrastructure (U–NII)                     Petitioners’ filings in the docket.
                                            to this action. In addition, this action                Devices in the 5 GHz Band                                 2. On April 1, 2014, the Commission
                                            does not impose any enforceable duty or                                                                        released a First Report and Order in the
                                            contain any unfunded mandate as                         AGENCY:  Federal Communications                        above-captioned proceeding. This First
                                            described under Title II of the Unfunded                Commission.                                            R&O increased the utility of the 5 GHz
                                            Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.                    ACTION: Final rule; request for waiver.                band where U–NII devices operate, and
                                            1501 et seq.).                                                                                                 modified certain U–NII rules and testing
                                                                                                    SUMMARY:    In this document, the                      procedures to ensure that U–NII devices
                                               This action does not involve any                     Commission has waived requirements of                  do not cause harmful interference to
                                            technical standards that would require                  certain rules that the National                        authorized users of the band. The First
                                            Agency consideration of voluntary                       Information Infrastructure (U–NII)                     R&O, inter alia, extended the upper
                                            consensus standards pursuant to section                 devices must comply with. This action                  edge of the 5.725–5.825 GHz U–NII–3
                                            12(d) of the National Technology                        is in response to a request by a group                 band to 5.85 GHz and consolidated the
                                            Transfer and Advancement Act                            of interested parties to extend this                   provisions applicable to digitally
                                            (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).                           compliance deadline as part of a larger                modulated devices from § 15.247 of the
                                            X. Congressional Review Act                             review of the transition provision                     rules with the U–NII–3 rules in § 15.407
                                                                                                    adopted for the U–NII–3 band. In order                 so that all the digitally modulated
                                              Pursuant to the Congressional Review                  to facilitate the new technical                        devices operating in the U–NII–3 band
                                            Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will                    requirements, without unduly impairing                 will operate under the same set of rules
                                            submit a report containing this rule and                the availability or cost of U–NII devices              and be subject to the new device
                                            other required information to the U.S.                  or imposing undue burdens on                           security requirement. Notably, the
                                            Senate, the U.S. House of                               manufacturers or the public the                        consolidated rules adopted require the
                                            Representatives, and the Comptroller                    Commission adopted transition                          more stringent out-of-band emissions
                                            General of the United States prior to                   provisions which are outlined in the                   limit formerly applicable only to U–NII–
                                            publication of the rule in the Federal                  Commission’s rules. Doing so will give                 3 devices in order to protect Terminal
                                            Register. This action is not a ‘‘major                  the Commission adequate time to                        Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR)
                                            rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                   consider the entire record, including the              facilities from inference.
                                                                                                    Joint Petitioners, as part of the                         3. To facilitate the transition to the
                                            List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180                     reconsideration proceeding.                            new technical requirements, without
                                                                                                    DATES: Effective date: This rule is
                                                                                                                                                           unduly impairing the availability or cost
                                              Environmental protection,                                                                                    of U–NII devices or imposing undue
                                            Administrative practice and procedure,                  effective July 1, 2015. Applicability
                                                                                                    date: Applicable June 1, 2015, the                     burdens on manufacturers, or the
                                            Agricultural commodities, Pesticides                                                                           public, the Commission adopted
                                            and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping                  requirements in § 15.37(h) are waived
                                                                                                    until December 2, 2015.                                transition provisions which are outlined
                                            requirements, Cuprous oxide.                                                                                   in § 15.37(h). These transition
                                                                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aole
                                              Dated: June 18, 2015.                                                                                        provisions require that the marketing,
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                    Wilkins, Office of Engineering and                     sale and importation into the United
                                            Jennifer L. McClain,
                                                                                                    Technology, (202) 418–2406, email:                     States of digitally modulated and hybrid
                                            Acting Director, Antimicrobials Division,               Aole.Wilkins@fcc.gov, TTY (202) 418–
                                            Office of Pesticide Programs.                                                                                  devices designed to operate in the U–
                                                                                                    2989.                                                  NII–3 band and certified under the old
                                              Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a                   § 15.247 rules must cease by June 2,
                                            amended as follows:                                     summary of the Commission’s Order, ET                  2016. As an intermediate measure, they


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Document Created: 2015-12-15 13:19:34
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 13:19:34
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis regulation is effective July 1, 2015. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before August 31, 2015, and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ContactJennifer McLain, Antimicrobials Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-
FR Citation80 FR 37547 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Cuprous Oxide

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