80_FR_73890 80 FR 73663 - Saflufenacil; Pesticide Tolerances

80 FR 73663 - Saflufenacil; Pesticide Tolerances

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 227 (November 25, 2015)

Page Range73663-73667
FR Document2015-29889

This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of saflufenacil in or on pomegranate. BASF Corporation requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 227 (Wednesday, November 25, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 227 (Wednesday, November 25, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73663-73667]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-29889]



[[Page 73663]]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0640; FRL-9936-71]


Saflufenacil; Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of 
saflufenacil in or on pomegranate. BASF Corporation requested these 
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective November 25, 2015. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before January 25, 2016, 
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) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0640, 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: Susan Lewis, Director, Registration 
Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; main telephone number: (703) 305-7090; 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 EPA's 
tolerance regulations at 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 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-2014-0640 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 
January 25, 2016. 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-2014-0640, 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. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance

    In the Federal Register of February 11, 2015, (80 FR 7559) (FRL-
9921-94), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP) 
4F8305 by BASF Corporation, 26 Davis Drive, P.O. Box 13528, Research 
Triangle Park, NC 27709-3528. The petition requested that 40 CFR 
180.649 be amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the 
herbicide, saflufenacil (2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-
(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-pyrimidinyl]-4-fluoro-N-[[methyl(1-methylethyl) 
amino]sulfonyl]benzamide) and its metabolites, in or on pomegranate at 
0.03 parts per million (ppm). That document referenced a summary of the 
petition prepared by BASF Corporation, the registrant, which is 
available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. Comments were 
received on the notice of filing. EPA's response to these comments is 
discussed in Unit IV.C.

III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a 
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a 
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) 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. 
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA 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. . . 
.''
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available 
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this 
action. EPA has

[[Page 73664]]

sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a determination on 
aggregate exposure for saflufenacil, including exposure resulting from 
the tolerances established by this action. EPA's assessment of 
exposures and risks associated with saflufenacil follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children.
    The effects observed following repeated oral exposures to 
saflufenacil are consistent with the proposed mode of toxicity 
involving inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) in mammals, 
resulting in disruption of heme biosynthesis. Toxicological effects 
from subchronic and chronic toxicity studies in rats, mice and dogs 
consisted of decreased hematological parameters (RBC, Ht, MCV, MCH, and 
MCHC) at approximately the same dose level (13-39 mg/kg/day), except in 
the case of the dog, where the effects were seen at a slightly higher 
dose (50-100 mg/kg/day). In line with the absorption, distribution, 
metabolism, and excretion (ADME) findings suggesting that male rats 
achieve a greater systemic exposure than females, males were the most 
sensitive sex in mice and rats, with LOAELs approximately 3-4X lower 
than their female counterparts. The hematological effects resulting 
from oral exposures to saflufenacil occurred around the same dose level 
from short- through long-term exposures without increasing in severity. 
Toxic effects were also seen in the liver (increased organ weight, 
centrilobular fatty change, lymphoid infiltrate) in mice, the spleen 
(increased organ weight and extramedullary hematopoiesis) in rats, and 
in both of these organs (increased iron storage in the liver and 
extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen) in dogs. These effects also 
occurred around the same dose level from short- through long-term 
exposures without a progression in severity.
    Evidence for increased pre- and/or postnatal susceptibility was 
noted from the developmental toxicity studies in the rat and rabbit and 
in the 2-generation reproduction study in the rat. Decreased fetal body 
weights and increased skeletal variations occurred at doses (20 mg/kg/
day) that were not maternally toxic in the developmental study in rats. 
Similarly, in rabbits, increased liver porphyrins in fetuses were 
observed at doses (200 mg/kg/day) that were not maternally toxic. In 
the 2-generation reproductive toxicity study in rats, there was 
evidence of increased qualitative susceptibility based on an increased 
number of stillborn pups, decreased pup viability and lactation 
indices, decreased pre-weaning body-weight and/or body-weight gain, and 
changes in hematological parameters at the same dose level as less 
severe maternal effects consisting of decrements in food intake, body-
weight, body-weight gain, and changes in organ weights and 
hematological parameters indicative of anemia.
    In an acute neurotoxicity (ACN) study in rats, a decrease in motor 
activity was observed on the day of dosing at the limit dose (2,000 mg/
kg/day) in males only. However, the finding was not accompanied by any 
neuropathological changes and was considered a reflection of a mild and 
transient general systemic toxicity and not a substance-specific 
neurotoxic effect. In the subchronic neurotoxicity (SCN) study, 
systemic toxicity (anemia) was seen at 1,000 ppm (66.2 mg/kg/day) and 
1,350 ppm (101 mg/kg/day) in males and females, respectively. There was 
no evidence of neurotoxicity or neuropathology in either the acute or 
subchronic neurotoxicity study.
    In a 28-day dermal toxicity study in rats, saflufenacil did not 
induce any type of dermal or systemic toxicity up to the limit dose of 
1,000 mg/kg bw/day.
    Based on the results of acute toxicity studies, saflufenacil was 
ranked low for acute toxicity via the oral, dermal, and inhalation 
route of exposure. It was not classified as a dermal irritant or dermal 
sensitizer.
    In a 28-day immunotoxicity study in mice, saflufenacil failed to 
induce toxicity specific to the immune system at the highest dose 
tested (i.e., 52 mg/kg bw/day).
    Saflufenacil was weakly clastogenic in the in vitro chromosomal 
aberration assay in V79 cells in the presence of S9 activation; 
however, the response was not evident in the absence of S9 activation. 
It was neither mutagenic in bacterial cells nor clastogenic in rodents 
in vivo. Carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice showed no evidence of 
increased incidence of tumors at the tested doses. Saflufenacil is 
classified as ``not likely carcinogenic to humans.''
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by saflufenacil as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in document Saflufenacil. ``Human Health Risk 
Assessment in Support of Tolerances for Residues in/on Pomegranate'' 
pgs. 26-30 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0640.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA 
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of 
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the 
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for 
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed 
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to 
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) 
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified 
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with 
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a 
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe 
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes 
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the 
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of 
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the 
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete 
description of the risk assessment process, see http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/assessing-human-health-risk-pesticides.
    A summary of the toxicological endpoints for saflufenacil used for 
human risk assessment is shown in Table 1 of this unit.

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 Table 1--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Saflufenacil for Use in Human Health Risk Assessment
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                                      Point of departure
         Exposure/scenario            and  uncertainty/      RfD, PAD, LOC for risk     Study and toxicological
                                        safety factors             assessment                   effects
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute dietary (General population   NOAEL = 500 mg/kg bw.  Acute RfD = 5 mg/kg.......  Acute Neurotoxicity Study
 including infants and children).   UFA = 10x............  aPAD = 5 mg/kg............   (rat). LOAEL = 2,000 mg/
                                    UFH = 10x............                               kg bw based on decreased
                                    FQPA SF = 1x.........                               motor activity
                                                                                        representing mild and
                                                                                        transient systemic
                                                                                        toxicity in males.
Chronic dietary (All populations).  NOAEL = 4.6 mg/kg/day  Chronic RfD = 0.046mg/kg/   Chronic/Carcinogenicity
                                    UFA =10x.............   day.                        (mouse). LOAEL = 13.8 mg/
                                    UFH = 10x............  cPAD = 0.046 mg/kg/day....   kg bw/day based on
                                    FQPA SF = 1x.........                               decreased red blood
                                                                                        cells, hemoglobin,
                                                                                        hematocrit, and
                                                                                        porphyria observed in
                                                                                        the satellite group.
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FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. LOC = level
  of concern. mg/kg/day = milligram/kilogram/day. NOAEL = no-observed-adverse-effect-level. PAD = population
  adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation
  from animal to human (interspecies). UFH = potential variation in sensitivity among members of the human
  population (intraspecies).

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to saflufenacil, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances as well as all existing saflufenacil tolerances in 40 
CFR 180.649. EPA assessed dietary exposures from saflufenacil in food 
as follows:
    i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk 
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological 
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring 
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure.
    Such effects were identified for saflufenacil. In estimating acute 
dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption information from the United 
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Health and Nutrition 
Examination Survey, What We Eat in America, (NHANES/WWEIA; 2003-2008). 
As to residue levels in food, EPA used an unrefined approach by 
assuming that 100% of the crop is treated and that residues are present 
at the tolerance-level or at tolerance-levels adjusted to account for 
the residues of concern for risk assessment for all foods. EPA also 
used default processing factors using the Dietary Exposure Evaluation 
Model (DEEM) 7.8.
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used the same conservative assumptions that were used 
for the acute dietary assessment noted above.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has 
concluded that saflufenacil does not pose a cancer risk to humans. 
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing 
cancer risk is unnecessary.
    iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information. 
EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the 
dietary assessment for saflufenacil. Tolerance-level residues and/or 
100% CT were assumed for all food commodities.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening-
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for saflufenacil in drinking water. These simulation models 
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport 
characteristics of saflufenacil. Further information regarding EPA 
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be 
found at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
    Based on the Tier 1 Rice Model and Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground 
Water (PRZM GW), the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of 
saflufenacil for acute exposures are estimated to be 133 parts per 
billion (ppb) for surface water and 69.2 ppb for ground water.
    The EDWCs for chronic exposures for non-cancer assessments are 
estimated to be 120 ppb for surface water and 51.5 ppb for ground 
water.
    Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly 
entered into the dietary exposure model. For acute dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration value of 133 ppb was used to assess 
the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration of value 120 ppb was used to assess 
the contribution to drinking water.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control, 
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets).
    Saflufenacil is not registered for any specific use patterns that 
would result in residential exposure.
    4. 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 saflufenacil to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and saflufenacil does not appear to 
produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the 
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
saflufenacil 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://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/cumulative-assessment-risk-pesticides.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA 
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants 
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal 
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity 
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a 
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This 
additional margin of

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safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA Safety Factor (SF). In 
applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X, 
or uses a different additional safety factor when reliable data 
available to EPA support the choice of a different factor.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. As discussed in III.A., 
there is evidence of increased pre- and/or postnatal susceptibility in 
the developmental toxicity studies in the rat and rabbit and in the 2-
generation reproduction study in the rat. The concern for increased 
susceptibility following prenatal or postnatal exposure is low because 
clear NOAELs/LOAELs were established for the developmental effects seen 
in rats and rabbits as well as for the offspring effects seen in the 2-
generation reproductive toxicity study. Further, the dose-response 
relationship for the effects of concern are also well characterized and 
being used for assessing risks. The point of departure for risk 
assessments would be protective of the developmental and offspring 
effects.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the 
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the 
FQPA SF were reduced to 1X. That decision is based on the following 
findings:
    i. The toxicity database for saflufenacil is complete.
    ii. There was no evidence of neurotoxicity or neuropathology in the 
acute and subchronic neurotoxicity study. The decrease in motor 
activity observed in the acute neurotoxicity study on the day of dosing 
at the limit dose (2,000 mg/kg/day) in males is considered a reflection 
of a mild and transient general systemic toxicity and not a substance-
specific neurotoxic effect. No neurotoxic effects were seen in the sub-
chronic neurotoxicity study.
    iii. The concern for increased susceptibility following prenatal or 
postnatal exposure is low because clear NOAELs/LOAELs were established 
for the developmental effects seen in rats and rabbits as well as for 
the offspring effects seen in the 2-generation reproductive toxicity 
study. Further, the dose-response relationship for the effects of 
concern are also well characterized and being used for assessing risks. 
The POD for risk assessments would be protective of the developmental 
and offspring effects.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based 
on 100% CT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative 
(protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used 
to assess exposure to saflufenacil in drinking water. These assessments 
will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by saflufenacil.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide 
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the 
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA 
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the 
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term 
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water, 
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an 
adequate MOE exists.
    1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this 
unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water 
to saflufenacil will occupy less than 1% of the aPAD for all infants 
(<1-year old), the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
saflufenacil from food and water will utilize 20% of the cPAD for all 
infants (<1-year old) the population group receiving the greatest 
exposure. There are no residential uses for saflufenacil.
    3. Short-term and intermediate-term risk. Short-term aggregate 
exposure takes into account short-term residential exposure plus 
chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a background 
exposure level). Intermediate-term aggregate exposure takes into 
account intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to 
food and water. Since there are no registered or proposed residential 
uses for saflufenacil that would result in short or intermediate-term 
residential exposures, and chronic dietary exposure has already been 
assessed under the appropriately protective cPAD (which is at least as 
protective as the POD used to assess short-term risk), no further 
assessment of short or intermediate-term risk is necessary, and EPA 
relies on the chronic dietary risk assessment for evaluating short and 
intermediate-term risk for saflufenacil.
    4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of 
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity 
studies, saflufenacil is not expected to pose a cancer risk to humans.
    5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate 
exposure to saflufenacil residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate enforcement methodology (liquid chromatography/mass 
spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS/MS) Method D0603/02) is available 
to enforce the tolerance expression. The method may be requested from: 
Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 
Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; 
email address: [email protected].

B. International Residue Limits

    In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S. 
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent 
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA 
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA 
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations 
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food 
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety 
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United 
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from 
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain 
the reasons for departing from the Codex level. The Codex has not 
established a MRL for saflufenacil on pomegranate. Therefore, 
harmonization of MRLs and U.S. tolerances is not an issue at this time.

C. Response to Comments

    EPA received two comments to the docket, EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0640; 
however, only one of these public submissions was in response to the 
Notice of Filing for PP# 4F8305, while the remaining comment pertained 
to an unrelated petition in the Federal Register notice. For PP# 
4F8305, the commenter stated that they are in support of actions to set 
tolerance levels for pesticides on the food we eat and that we are 
taking a step in the right direction by making it safer for human 
consumption by placing more regulations on pesticide chemicals.
    EPA agrees with the commenter and will continue to regulate 
pesticides

[[Page 73667]]

under the legal framework provided by the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and Section 408 of the Federal Food, 
Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), which allows EPA to assess the risk of 
pesticides and set tolerance levels for those pesticides on food 
commodities as deemed necessary to protect human health while still 
providing tools for growers so that they can meet the ever-growing food 
demands of this country and others.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of saflufenacil, 
(2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-
pyrimidinyl]-4-fluoro-N-[[methyl(1-
methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]benzamide) and its metabolites, in or on 
pomegranate at 0.03 ppm.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes 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 tolerance in this 
final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.), do not apply.
    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).

VII. 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.

    Dated: November 17, 2015.
Susan Lewis,
Director, Registration 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. In Sec.  180.649, add alphabetically the entry to the table in 
paragraph (a)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  180.649  Saflufenacil; tolerances for residues.

    (a) * * * (1) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Parts per
                       Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Pomegranate............................................            0.03
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-29889 Filed 11-24-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 227 / Wednesday, November 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                         73663

                                                ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                applies to them. Potentially affected                 follow the instructions at http://
                                                AGENCY                                                  entities may include:                                 www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
                                                                                                          • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                 Additional instructions on commenting
                                                40 CFR Part 180                                           • Animal production (NAICS code                     or visiting the docket, along with more
                                                                                                        112).                                                 information about dockets generally, is
                                                [EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0640; FRL–9936–71]                       • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                    available at http://www.epa.gov/
                                                                                                        311).                                                 dockets.
                                                Saflufenacil; Pesticide Tolerances
                                                                                                          • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
                                                                                                        code 32532).                                          II. Summary of Petitioned-For
                                                AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                                                                                                                                              Tolerance
                                                Agency (EPA).                                           B. How can I get electronic access to
                                                ACTION: Final rule.                                                                                              In the Federal Register of February
                                                                                                        other related information?
                                                                                                                                                              11, 2015, (80 FR 7559) (FRL–9921–94),
                                                SUMMARY:  This regulation establishes                      You may access a frequently updated                EPA issued a document pursuant to
                                                tolerances for residues of saflufenacil in              electronic version of EPA’s tolerance                 FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.
                                                or on pomegranate. BASF Corporation                     regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through                346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a
                                                requested these tolerances under the                    the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR                pesticide petition (PP) 4F8305 by BASF
                                                Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act                    site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-             Corporation, 26 Davis Drive, P.O. Box
                                                (FFDCA).                                                idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/                  13528, Research Triangle Park, NC
                                                                                                        40tab_02.tpl.                                         27709–3528. The petition requested that
                                                DATES:  This regulation is effective                                                                          40 CFR 180.649 be amended by
                                                November 25, 2015. Objections and                       C. How can I file an objection or hearing
                                                                                                                                                              establishing tolerances for residues of
                                                requests for hearings must be received                  request?
                                                                                                                                                              the herbicide, saflufenacil (2-chloro-5-
                                                on or before January 25, 2016, and must                   Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21                      [3,6-dihydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-
                                                be filed in accordance with the                         U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an                   (trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-pyrimidinyl]-4-
                                                instructions provided in 40 CFR part                    objection to any aspect of this regulation            fluoro-N-[[methyl(1-methylethyl)
                                                178 (see also Unit I.C. of the                          and may also request a hearing on those               amino]sulfonyl]benzamide) and its
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).                             objections. You must file your objection              metabolites, in or on pomegranate at
                                                ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,                  or request a hearing on this regulation               0.03 parts per million (ppm). That
                                                identified by docket identification (ID)                in accordance with the instructions                   document referenced a summary of the
                                                number EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0640, is                         provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure                petition prepared by BASF Corporation,
                                                available at http://www.regulations.gov                 proper receipt by EPA, you must                       the registrant, which is available in the
                                                or at the Office of Pesticide Programs                  identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–                     docket, http://www.regulations.gov.
                                                Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)                   OPP–2014–0640 in the subject line on                  Comments were received on the notice
                                                in the Environmental Protection Agency                  the first page of your submission. All                of filing. EPA’s response to these
                                                Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William                    objections and requests for a hearing                 comments is discussed in Unit IV.C.
                                                Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301                 must be in writing, and must be
                                                Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC                                                                         III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
                                                                                                        received by the Hearing Clerk on or
                                                20460–0001. The Public Reading Room                                                                           Determination of Safety
                                                                                                        before January 25, 2016. Addresses for
                                                is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,                    mail and hand delivery of objections                     Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
                                                Monday through Friday, excluding legal                  and hearing requests are provided in 40               allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the
                                                holidays. The telephone number for the                  CFR 178.25(b).                                        legal limit for a pesticide chemical
                                                Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,                    In addition to filing an objection or               residue in or on a food) only if EPA
                                                and the telephone number for the OPP                    hearing request with the Hearing Clerk                determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’
                                                Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review                 as described in 40 CFR part 178, please               Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
                                                the visitor instructions and additional                 submit a copy of the filing (excluding                defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
                                                information about the docket available                  any Confidential Business Information                 reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                                at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.                          (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.            result from aggregate exposure to the
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        Information not marked confidential                   pesticide chemical residue, including
                                                Susan Lewis, Director, Registration                     pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be                      all anticipated dietary exposures and all
                                                Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide                   disclosed publicly by EPA without prior               other exposures for which there is
                                                Programs, Environmental Protection                      notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your               reliable information.’’ This includes
                                                Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,                     objection or hearing request, identified              exposure through drinking water and in
                                                Washington, DC 20460–0001; main                         by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–                       residential settings, but does not include
                                                telephone number: (703) 305–7090;                       2014–0640, by one of the following                    occupational exposure. Section
                                                email address: RDFRNotices@epa.gov.                     methods:                                              408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
                                                                                                          • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://               give special consideration to exposure
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                        www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                of infants and children to the pesticide
                                                I. General Information                                  instructions for submitting comments.                 chemical residue in establishing a
                                                                                                        Do not submit electronically any                      tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
                                                A. Does this action apply to me?
                                                                                                        information you consider to be CBI or                 reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                                   You may be potentially affected by                   other information whose disclosure is                 result to infants and children from
                                                this action if you are an agricultural                  restricted by statute.                                aggregate exposure to the pesticide
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                producer, food manufacturer, or                           • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental                   chemical residue. . . .’’
                                                pesticide manufacturer. The following                   Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/                    Consistent with FFDCA section
                                                list of North American Industrial                       DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.                 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in
                                                Classification System (NAICS) codes is                  NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.                       FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has
                                                not intended to be exhaustive, but rather                 • Hand Delivery: To make special                    reviewed the available scientific data
                                                provides a guide to help readers                        arrangements for hand delivery or                     and other relevant information in
                                                determine whether this document                         delivery of boxed information, please                 support of this action. EPA has


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                                                73664        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 227 / Wednesday, November 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                sufficient data to assess the hazards of                generation reproduction study in the rat.             in vivo. Carcinogenicity studies in rats
                                                and to make a determination on                          Decreased fetal body weights and                      and mice showed no evidence of
                                                aggregate exposure for saflufenacil,                    increased skeletal variations occurred at             increased incidence of tumors at the
                                                including exposure resulting from the                   doses (20 mg/kg/day) that were not                    tested doses. Saflufenacil is classified as
                                                tolerances established by this action.                  maternally toxic in the developmental                 ‘‘not likely carcinogenic to humans.’’
                                                EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks                 study in rats. Similarly, in rabbits,                    Specific information on the studies
                                                associated with saflufenacil follows.                   increased liver porphyrins in fetuses                 received and the nature of the adverse
                                                                                                        were observed at doses (200 mg/kg/day)                effects caused by saflufenacil as well as
                                                A. Toxicological Profile
                                                                                                        that were not maternally toxic. In the 2-
                                                   EPA has evaluated the available                                                                            the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
                                                                                                        generation reproductive toxicity study
                                                toxicity data and considered its validity,                                                                    (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-
                                                                                                        in rats, there was evidence of increased
                                                completeness, and reliability as well as                                                                      adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
                                                                                                        qualitative susceptibility based on an
                                                the relationship of the results of the                                                                        toxicity studies can be found at http://
                                                                                                        increased number of stillborn pups,
                                                studies to human risk. EPA has also                     decreased pup viability and lactation                 www.regulations.gov in document
                                                considered available information                        indices, decreased pre-weaning body-                  Saflufenacil. ‘‘Human Health Risk
                                                concerning the variability of the                       weight and/or body-weight gain, and                   Assessment in Support of Tolerances for
                                                sensitivities of major identifiable                     changes in hematological parameters at                Residues in/on Pomegranate’’ pgs. 26–
                                                subgroups of consumers, including                       the same dose level as less severe                    30 in docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
                                                infants and children.                                   maternal effects consisting of                        2014–0640.
                                                   The effects observed following                       decrements in food intake, body-weight,               B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
                                                repeated oral exposures to saflufenacil                 body-weight gain, and changes in organ                Levels of Concern
                                                are consistent with the proposed mode                   weights and hematological parameters
                                                of toxicity involving inhibition of                     indicative of anemia.                                    Once a pesticide’s toxicological
                                                protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) in                        In an acute neurotoxicity (ACN) study              profile is determined, EPA identifies
                                                mammals, resulting in disruption of                     in rats, a decrease in motor activity was             toxicological points of departure (POD)
                                                heme biosynthesis. Toxicological effects                observed on the day of dosing at the                  and levels of concern to use in
                                                from subchronic and chronic toxicity                    limit dose (2,000 mg/kg/day) in males                 evaluating the risk posed by human
                                                studies in rats, mice and dogs consisted                only. However, the finding was not                    exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
                                                of decreased hematological parameters                   accompanied by any neuropathological                  that have a threshold below which there
                                                (RBC, Ht, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) at                        changes and was considered a reflection               is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
                                                approximately the same dose level (13–                  of a mild and transient general systemic              POD is used as the basis for derivation
                                                39 mg/kg/day), except in the case of the                toxicity and not a substance-specific                 of reference values for risk assessment.
                                                dog, where the effects were seen at a                   neurotoxic effect. In the subchronic                  PODs are developed based on a careful
                                                slightly higher dose (50–100 mg/kg/                     neurotoxicity (SCN) study, systemic                   analysis of the doses in each
                                                day). In line with the absorption,                      toxicity (anemia) was seen at 1,000 ppm               toxicological study to determine the
                                                distribution, metabolism, and excretion                 (66.2 mg/kg/day) and 1,350 ppm (101                   dose at which no adverse effects are
                                                (ADME) findings suggesting that male                    mg/kg/day) in males and females,                      observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
                                                rats achieve a greater systemic exposure                respectively. There was no evidence of                dose at which adverse effects of concern
                                                than females, males were the most                       neurotoxicity or neuropathology in
                                                sensitive sex in mice and rats, with                                                                          are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
                                                                                                        either the acute or subchronic                        safety factors are used in conjunction
                                                LOAELs approximately 3–4X lower than                    neurotoxicity study.
                                                their female counterparts. The                                                                                with the POD to calculate a safe
                                                                                                           In a 28-day dermal toxicity study in               exposure level—generally referred to as
                                                hematological effects resulting from oral               rats, saflufenacil did not induce any
                                                exposures to saflufenacil occurred                                                                            a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
                                                                                                        type of dermal or systemic toxicity up                reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
                                                around the same dose level from short-                  to the limit dose of 1,000 mg/kg bw/day.
                                                through long-term exposures without                                                                           of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
                                                                                                           Based on the results of acute toxicity
                                                increasing in severity. Toxic effects                                                                         risks, the Agency assumes that any
                                                                                                        studies, saflufenacil was ranked low for
                                                were also seen in the liver (increased                                                                        amount of exposure will lead to some
                                                                                                        acute toxicity via the oral, dermal, and
                                                organ weight, centrilobular fatty change,                                                                     degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
                                                                                                        inhalation route of exposure. It was not
                                                lymphoid infiltrate) in mice, the spleen                                                                      estimates risk in terms of the probability
                                                                                                        classified as a dermal irritant or dermal
                                                (increased organ weight and                                                                                   of an occurrence of the adverse effect
                                                                                                        sensitizer.
                                                extramedullary hematopoiesis) in rats,                     In a 28-day immunotoxicity study in                expected in a lifetime. For more
                                                and in both of these organs (increased                  mice, saflufenacil failed to induce                   information on the general principles
                                                iron storage in the liver and                           toxicity specific to the immune system                EPA uses in risk characterization and a
                                                extramedullary hematopoiesis in the                     at the highest dose tested (i.e., 52 mg/              complete description of the risk
                                                spleen) in dogs. These effects also                     kg bw/day).                                           assessment process, see http://
                                                occurred around the same dose level                        Saflufenacil was weakly clastogenic                www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-
                                                from short- through long-term exposures                 in the in vitro chromosomal aberration                assessing-pesticide-risks/assessing-
                                                without a progression in severity.                      assay in V79 cells in the presence of S9              human-health-risk-pesticides.
                                                   Evidence for increased pre- and/or                   activation; however, the response was                    A summary of the toxicological
                                                postnatal susceptibility was noted from                 not evident in the absence of S9                      endpoints for saflufenacil used for
                                                the developmental toxicity studies in                   activation. It was neither mutagenic in               human risk assessment is shown in
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                                                the rat and rabbit and in the 2-                        bacterial cells nor clastogenic in rodents            Table 1 of this unit.




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                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 227 / Wednesday, November 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                                    73665

                                                  TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGICAL DOSES AND ENDPOINTS FOR SAFLUFENACIL FOR USE IN HUMAN HEALTH RISK
                                                                                            ASSESSMENT
                                                                                         Point of departure and
                                                       Exposure/scenario                                                   RfD, PAD, LOC for risk assessment                    Study and toxicological effects
                                                                                        uncertainty/safety factors

                                                Acute dietary (General popu-          NOAEL = 500 mg/kg bw ......         Acute RfD = 5 mg/kg ...........................   Acute Neurotoxicity Study (rat). LOAEL
                                                  lation including infants and        UFA = 10x                           aPAD = 5 mg/kg                                      = 2,000 mg/kg bw based on de-
                                                  children).                          UFH = 10x                                                                               creased motor activity representing
                                                                                      FQPA SF = 1x                                                                            mild and transient systemic toxicity
                                                                                                                                                                              in males.
                                                Chronic dietary (All popu-            NOAEL = 4.6 mg/kg/day ......        Chronic RfD = 0.046mg/kg/day ............         Chronic/Carcinogenicity         (mouse).
                                                  lations).                           UFA =10x                            cPAD = 0.046 mg/kg/day                              LOAEL = 13.8 mg/kg bw/day based
                                                                                      UFH = 10x                                                                               on decreased red blood cells, hemo-
                                                                                      FQPA SF = 1x                                                                            globin, hematocrit, and porphyria ob-
                                                                                                                                                                              served in the satellite group.
                                                  FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. LOC = level of concern. mg/kg/day =
                                                milligram/kilogram/day. NOAEL = no-observed-adverse-effect-level. PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference
                                                dose. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies). UFH = potential variation in sensitivity among members
                                                of the human population (intraspecies).


                                                C. Exposure Assessment                                     iv. Anticipated residue and percent                    indoor pest control, termiticides, and
                                                                                                        crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did                   flea and tick control on pets).
                                                   1. Dietary exposure from food and
                                                                                                        not use anticipated residue and/or PCT                       Saflufenacil is not registered for any
                                                feed uses. In evaluating dietary
                                                                                                        information in the dietary assessment                     specific use patterns that would result
                                                exposure to saflufenacil, EPA
                                                                                                        for saflufenacil. Tolerance-level residues                in residential exposure.
                                                considered exposure under the
                                                                                                        and/or 100% CT were assumed for all                          4. Cumulative effects from substances
                                                petitioned-for tolerances as well as all
                                                                                                        food commodities.                                         with a common mechanism of toxicity.
                                                existing saflufenacil tolerances in 40
                                                                                                           2. Dietary exposure from drinking                      Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
                                                CFR 180.649. EPA assessed dietary
                                                                                                        water. The Agency used screening-level                    requires that, when considering whether
                                                exposures from saflufenacil in food as
                                                                                                        water exposure models in the dietary                      to establish, modify, or revoke a
                                                follows:
                                                                                                        exposure analysis and risk assessment                     tolerance, the Agency consider
                                                   i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute                for saflufenacil in drinking water. These                 ‘‘available information’’ concerning the
                                                dietary exposure and risk assessments                   simulation models take into account                       cumulative effects of a particular
                                                are performed for a food-use pesticide,                 data on the physical, chemical, and fate/                 pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
                                                if a toxicological study has indicated the              transport characteristics of saflufenacil.                substances that have a common
                                                possibility of an effect of concern                     Further information regarding EPA                         mechanism of toxicity.’’
                                                occurring as a result of a 1-day or single              drinking water models used in pesticide                      EPA has not found saflufenacil to
                                                exposure.                                               exposure assessment can be found at                       share a common mechanism of toxicity
                                                   Such effects were identified for                     http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-                    with any other substances, and
                                                saflufenacil. In estimating acute dietary               and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-                      saflufenacil does not appear to produce
                                                exposure, EPA used food consumption                     water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.                     a toxic metabolite produced by other
                                                information from the United States                         Based on the Tier 1 Rice Model and                     substances. For the purposes of this
                                                Department of Agriculture (USDA)                        Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground                          tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
                                                National Health and Nutrition                           Water (PRZM GW), the estimated                            assumed that saflufenacil does not have
                                                Examination Survey, What We Eat in                      drinking water concentrations (EDWCs)                     a common mechanism of toxicity with
                                                America, (NHANES/WWEIA; 2003–                           of saflufenacil for acute exposures are                   other substances. For information
                                                2008). As to residue levels in food, EPA                estimated to be 133 parts per billion                     regarding EPA’s efforts to determine
                                                used an unrefined approach by                           (ppb) for surface water and 69.2 ppb for                  which chemicals have a common
                                                assuming that 100% of the crop is                       ground water.                                             mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate
                                                treated and that residues are present at                   The EDWCs for chronic exposures for                    the cumulative effects of such
                                                the tolerance-level or at tolerance-levels              non-cancer assessments are estimated to                   chemicals, see EPA’s Web site at http://
                                                adjusted to account for the residues of                 be 120 ppb for surface water and 51.5                     www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-
                                                concern for risk assessment for all foods.              ppb for ground water.                                     assessing-pesticide-risks/cumulative-
                                                EPA also used default processing factors                   Modeled estimates of drinking water                    assessment-risk-pesticides.
                                                using the Dietary Exposure Evaluation                   concentrations were directly entered
                                                Model (DEEM) 7.8.                                       into the dietary exposure model. For                      D. Safety Factor for Infants and
                                                   ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting                  acute dietary risk assessment, the water                  Children
                                                the chronic dietary exposure assessment                 concentration value of 133 ppb was                          1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
                                                EPA used the same conservative                          used to assess the contribution to                        FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
                                                assumptions that were used for the                      drinking water. For chronic dietary risk                  an additional tenfold (10X) margin of
                                                acute dietary assessment noted above.                   assessment, the water concentration of                    safety for infants and children in the
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                                                   iii. Cancer. Based on the data                       value 120 ppb was used to assess the                      case of threshold effects to account for
                                                summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has                      contribution to drinking water.                           prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
                                                concluded that saflufenacil does not                       3. From non-dietary exposure. The                      completeness of the database on toxicity
                                                pose a cancer risk to humans. Therefore,                term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in                  and exposure unless EPA determines
                                                a dietary exposure assessment for the                   this document to refer to non-                            based on reliable data that a different
                                                purpose of assessing cancer risk is                     occupational, non-dietary exposure                        margin of safety will be safe for infants
                                                unnecessary.                                            (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control,                  and children. This additional margin of


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                                                73666        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 227 / Wednesday, November 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                safety is commonly referred to as the                   used to assess exposure to saflufenacil               that there is a reasonable certainty that
                                                FQPA Safety Factor (SF). In applying                    in drinking water. These assessments                  no harm will result to the general
                                                this provision, EPA either retains the                  will not underestimate the exposure and               population, or to infants and children
                                                default value of 10X, or uses a different               risks posed by saflufenacil.                          from aggregate exposure to saflufenacil
                                                additional safety factor when reliable                                                                        residues.
                                                                                                        E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
                                                data available to EPA support the choice
                                                                                                        Safety                                                IV. Other Considerations
                                                of a different factor.
                                                   2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.                  EPA determines whether acute and                   A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
                                                As discussed in III.A., there is evidence               chronic dietary pesticide exposures are
                                                of increased pre- and/or postnatal                      safe by comparing aggregate exposure                     Adequate enforcement methodology
                                                susceptibility in the developmental                     estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and                 (liquid chromatography/mass
                                                toxicity studies in the rat and rabbit and              chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer                 spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy (LC/
                                                in the 2-generation reproduction study                  risks, EPA calculates the lifetime                    MS/MS) Method D0603/02) is available
                                                in the rat. The concern for increased                   probability of acquiring cancer given the             to enforce the tolerance expression. The
                                                susceptibility following prenatal or                    estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,                 method may be requested from: Chief,
                                                postnatal exposure is low because clear                 intermediate-, and chronic-term risks                 Analytical Chemistry Branch,
                                                NOAELs/LOAELs were established for                      are evaluated by comparing the                        Environmental Science Center, 701
                                                the developmental effects seen in rats                  estimated aggregate food, water, and                  Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350;
                                                and rabbits as well as for the offspring                residential exposure to the appropriate               telephone number: (410) 305–2905;
                                                effects seen in the 2-generation                        PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE                   email address: residuemethods@
                                                reproductive toxicity study. Further, the               exists.                                               epa.gov.
                                                dose-response relationship for the                         1. Acute risk. Using the exposure                  B. International Residue Limits
                                                effects of concern are also well                        assumptions discussed in this unit for
                                                characterized and being used for                        acute exposure, the acute dietary                        In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
                                                assessing risks. The point of departure                 exposure from food and water to                       seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
                                                for risk assessments would be protective                saflufenacil will occupy less than 1% of              international standards whenever
                                                of the developmental and offspring                      the aPAD for all infants (<1-year old),               possible, consistent with U.S. food
                                                effects.                                                the population group receiving the                    safety standards and agricultural
                                                   3. Conclusion. EPA has determined                    greatest exposure.                                    practices. EPA considers the
                                                that reliable data show the safety of                      2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure                international maximum residue limits
                                                infants and children would be                           assumptions described in this unit for                (MRLs) established by the Codex
                                                adequately protected if the FQPA SF                     chronic exposure, EPA has concluded                   Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
                                                were reduced to 1X. That decision is                    that chronic exposure to saflufenacil                 required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
                                                based on the following findings:                        from food and water will utilize 20% of               The Codex Alimentarius is a joint
                                                   i. The toxicity database for                         the cPAD for all infants (<1-year old) the            United Nations Food and Agriculture
                                                saflufenacil is complete.                               population group receiving the greatest               Organization/World Health
                                                   ii. There was no evidence of                         exposure. There are no residential uses               Organization food standards program,
                                                neurotoxicity or neuropathology in the                  for saflufenacil.                                     and it is recognized as an international
                                                acute and subchronic neurotoxicity                         3. Short-term and intermediate-term                food safety standards-setting
                                                study. The decrease in motor activity                   risk. Short-term aggregate exposure                   organization in trade agreements to
                                                observed in the acute neurotoxicity                     takes into account short-term residential             which the United States is a party. EPA
                                                study on the day of dosing at the limit                 exposure plus chronic exposure to food                may establish a tolerance that is
                                                dose (2,000 mg/kg/day) in males is                      and water (considered to be a                         different from a Codex MRL; however,
                                                considered a reflection of a mild and                   background exposure level).                           FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
                                                transient general systemic toxicity and                 Intermediate-term aggregate exposure                  EPA explain the reasons for departing
                                                not a substance-specific neurotoxic                     takes into account intermediate-term                  from the Codex level. The Codex has not
                                                effect. No neurotoxic effects were seen                 residential exposure plus chronic                     established a MRL for saflufenacil on
                                                in the sub-chronic neurotoxicity study.                 exposure to food and water. Since there               pomegranate. Therefore, harmonization
                                                   iii. The concern for increased                       are no registered or proposed residential             of MRLs and U.S. tolerances is not an
                                                susceptibility following prenatal or                    uses for saflufenacil that would result in            issue at this time.
                                                postnatal exposure is low because clear                 short or intermediate-term residential                C. Response to Comments
                                                NOAELs/LOAELs were established for                      exposures, and chronic dietary exposure
                                                the developmental effects seen in rats                  has already been assessed under the                     EPA received two comments to the
                                                and rabbits as well as for the offspring                appropriately protective cPAD (which is               docket, EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0640;
                                                effects seen in the 2-generation                        at least as protective as the POD used to             however, only one of these public
                                                reproductive toxicity study. Further, the               assess short-term risk), no further                   submissions was in response to the
                                                dose-response relationship for the                      assessment of short or intermediate-term              Notice of Filing for PP# 4F8305, while
                                                effects of concern are also well                        risk is necessary, and EPA relies on the              the remaining comment pertained to an
                                                characterized and being used for                        chronic dietary risk assessment for                   unrelated petition in the Federal
                                                assessing risks. The POD for risk                       evaluating short and intermediate-term                Register notice. For PP# 4F8305, the
                                                assessments would be protective of the                  risk for saflufenacil.                                commenter stated that they are in
                                                developmental and offspring effects.                       4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.                  support of actions to set tolerance levels
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                                                   iv. There are no residual uncertainties              population. Based on the lack of                      for pesticides on the food we eat and
                                                identified in the exposure databases.                   evidence of carcinogenicity in two                    that we are taking a step in the right
                                                The dietary food exposure assessments                   adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,              direction by making it safer for human
                                                were performed based on 100% CT and                     saflufenacil is not expected to pose a                consumption by placing more
                                                tolerance-level residues. EPA made                      cancer risk to humans.                                regulations on pesticide chemicals.
                                                conservative (protective) assumptions in                   5. Determination of safety. Based on                 EPA agrees with the commenter and
                                                the ground and surface water modeling                   these risk assessments, EPA concludes                 will continue to regulate pesticides


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                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 227 / Wednesday, November 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                                     73667

                                                under the legal framework provided by                   responsibilities established by Congress              § 180.649 Saflufenacil; tolerances for
                                                the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,                     in the preemption provisions of FFDCA                 residues.
                                                Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and Section                     section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency                    (a) * * * (1) * * *
                                                408 of the Federal Food, Drug and                       has determined that this action will not
                                                Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), which allows                      have a substantial direct effect on States                          Commodity                    Parts per
                                                EPA to assess the risk of pesticides and                or tribal governments, on the                                                                     million
                                                set tolerance levels for those pesticides               relationship between the national
                                                on food commodities as deemed                           government and the States or tribal                     *        *             *             *            *
                                                necessary to protect human health while                 governments, or on the distribution of                Pomegranate ........................         0.03
                                                still providing tools for growers so that               power and responsibilities among the
                                                they can meet the ever-growing food                     various levels of government or between                   *            *         *           *            *
                                                demands of this country and others.                     the Federal Government and Indian
                                                V. Conclusion                                           tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined               *        *       *     *       *
                                                                                                        that Executive Order 13132, entitled                  [FR Doc. 2015–29889 Filed 11–24–15; 8:45 am]
                                                   Therefore, tolerances are established                ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,               BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                for residues of saflufenacil, (2-chloro-5-              1999) and Executive Order 13175,
                                                [3,6-dihydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-                      entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination
                                                (trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-pyrimidinyl]-4-                 with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR
                                                fluoro-N-[[methyl(1-                                    67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply                 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]benzamide)                   to this action. In addition, this action              HUMAN SERVICES
                                                and its metabolites, in or on                           does not impose any enforceable duty or
                                                pomegranate at 0.03 ppm.                                                                                      42 CFR Part 80
                                                                                                        contain any unfunded mandate as
                                                VI. Statutory and Executive Order                       described under Title II of the Unfunded              [Docket No. CDC–2015–0062; NIOSH–286]
                                                Reviews                                                 Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.
                                                   This action establishes a tolerance                  1501 et seq.).                                        RIN 0920–AA55
                                                under FFDCA section 408(d) in                              This action does not involve any
                                                response to a petition submitted to the                 technical standards that would require                Occupational Safety and Health
                                                Agency. The Office of Management and                    Agency consideration of voluntary                     Research and Related Activities:
                                                Budget (OMB) has exempted these types                   consensus standards pursuant to section               Removal of Regulations Regarding
                                                of actions from review under Executive                  12(d) of the National Technology                      Administrative Functions, Practices,
                                                Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory                      Transfer and Advancement Act                          and Procedures
                                                Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,                     (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
                                                                                                                                                              AGENCY:  Centers for Disease Control and
                                                October 4, 1993). Because this action                   VII. Congressional Review Act                         Prevention, HHS.
                                                has been exempted from review under
                                                                                                                                                              ACTION: Final rule.
                                                Executive Order 12866, this action is                     Pursuant to the Congressional Review
                                                not subject to Executive Order 13211,                   Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will                  SUMMARY:    With this action, the
                                                entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning                           submit a report containing this rule and              Department of Health and Human
                                                Regulations That Significantly Affect                   other required information to the U.S.                Services (HHS) removes its regulations
                                                Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66               Senate, the U.S. House of                             pertaining to fees for direct training in
                                                FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive                    Representatives, and the Comptroller                  occupational safety and health
                                                Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of                   General of the United States prior to                 conducted by the National Institute for
                                                Children from Environmental Health                      publication of the rule in the Federal                Occupational Safety and Health
                                                Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,                  Register. This action is not a ‘‘major                (NIOSH) in the Centers for Disease
                                                April 23, 1997). This action does not                   rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                 Control and Prevention (CDC). As a part
                                                contain any information collections                                                                           of the retrospective review conducted
                                                                                                        List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
                                                subject to OMB approval under the                                                                             by all Federal agencies, HHS has
                                                Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44                         Environmental protection,                           determined that these regulations are no
                                                U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require               Administrative practice and procedure,                longer in use by NIOSH and should be
                                                any special considerations under                        Agricultural commodities, Pesticides                  removed.
                                                Executive Order 12898, entitled                         and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping                DATES: This rule is effective on
                                                ‘‘Federal Actions to Address                            requirements.                                         November 25, 2015.
                                                Environmental Justice in Minority                         Dated: November 17, 2015.
                                                Populations and Low-Income                                                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                        Susan Lewis,                                          Rachel Weiss, Program Analyst, 1090
                                                Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,
                                                1994).                                                  Director, Registration Division, Office of            Tusculum Ave., MS: C–46, Cincinnati,
                                                                                                        Pesticide Programs.                                   OH 45226; telephone (855)818–1629
                                                   Since tolerances and exemptions that
                                                are established on the basis of a petition                Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is                      (this is a toll-free number); email
                                                under FFDCA section 408(d), such as                     amended as follows:                                   NIOSHregs@cdc.gov.
                                                the tolerance in this final rule, do not                                                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                require the issuance of a proposed rule,                PART 180—[AMENDED]
                                                                                                                                                              I. Public Participation
                                                the requirements of the Regulatory
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                                                Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et                  ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180                In a notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                seq.), do not apply.                                    continues to read as follows:                         published on August 13, 2015 (80 FR
                                                   This action directly regulates growers,                  Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
                                                                                                                                                              48473), HHS invited interested persons
                                                food processors, food handlers, and food                                                                      or organizations to submit written
                                                retailers, not States or tribes, nor does               ■ 2. In § 180.649, add alphabetically the             views, recommendations, and data
                                                this action alter the relationships or                  entry to the table in paragraph (a)(1) to             regarding the removal of part 80. We
                                                distribution of power and                               read as follows:                                      received no comments on this rule.


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Document Created: 2018-03-01 11:16:12
Document Modified: 2018-03-01 11:16:12
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 November 25, 2015. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before January 25, 2016, and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ContactSusan Lewis, Director, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-
FR Citation80 FR 73663 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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