81_FR_1899 81 FR 1890 - Aspergillus flavus AF36; Time Limited Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

81 FR 1890 - Aspergillus flavus AF36; Time Limited Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 9 (January 14, 2016)

Page Range1890-1894
FR Document2016-00665

This regulation establishes a time-limited exemption from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) section 408(a) requirement of a tolerance for residues of the pesticide Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on dried figs resulting from use in accordance with the terms of an emergency exemption issued under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This action is in response to the issuance of a crisis emergency exemption under FIFRA section 18 authorizing use of the pesticide on dried figs. The time-limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance expires on December 31, 2017.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 9 (Thursday, January 14, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 9 (Thursday, January 14, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1890-1894]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00665]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0538; FRL-9939-53]


Aspergillus flavus AF36; Time Limited Exemption From the 
Requirement of a Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a time-limited exemption from the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) section 408(a) requirement 
of a tolerance for residues of the pesticide Aspergillus flavus AF36 in 
or on dried figs resulting from use in accordance

[[Page 1891]]

with the terms of an emergency exemption issued under section 18 of the 
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This 
action is in response to the issuance of a crisis emergency exemption 
under FIFRA section 18 authorizing use of the pesticide on dried figs. 
The time-limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance expires 
on December 31, 2017.

DATES: This regulation is effective January 14, 2016. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before March 14, 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-2015-0538, 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 T. Lewis, 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: RDFRNotices@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

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

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

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

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

    Under section 408(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
(FFDCA), 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-
2015-0538 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 March 14, 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-2015-0538, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    EPA, on its own initiative, in accordance with FFDCA sections 
408(e) and 408(l)(6), 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) and 346a(1)(6), is establishing 
a time-limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for 
residues of Aspergillus flavus AF36, in or on dried figs. This time-
limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance expires on 
December 31, 2017.
    Section 408(l)(6) of FFDCA requires EPA to establish a time-limited 
tolerance or exemption from the requirement for a tolerance for 
pesticide chemical residues in food that will result from the use of a 
pesticide under an emergency exemption granted by EPA under FIFRA 
section 18. Such tolerances or exemptions from the requirement of a 
tolerance must be consistent with the safety standard in 408(b)(2) and 
(c)(2), respectively, and can be established without providing notice 
or period for public comment. EPA does not intend for its actions on 
FIFRA section 18 related time-limited tolerances or exemptions from the 
requirement of a tolerance to set binding precedents for the 
application of FFDCA section 408 and the safety standard to other 
tolerances and exemptions. Section 408(e) of FFDCA allows EPA to 
establish a tolerance or an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance on its own initiative, i.e., without having received any 
petition from an outside party.
    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines 
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, 
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for 
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through 
drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include 
occupational exposure. In evaluating the safety of an exemption, 
section 408(c)(2)(B) requires EPA to take into account the 
considerations set forth in 408(b)(2)(C) and (D). 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. . . .''

[[Page 1892]]

    Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes EPA to exempt any Federal or State 
agency from any provision of FIFRA, if EPA determines that ``emergency 
conditions exist which require such exemption.'' EPA has established 
regulations governing such emergency exemptions in 40 CFR part 166.

III. Emergency Exemption for Aspergillus flavus AF36 on Dried Figs and 
FFDCA Tolerances

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation asserted that an 
emergency condition, brought on by an ongoing drought in California, 
existed in accordance with the criteria for approval of an emergency 
exemption, and utilized a crisis exemption under FIFRA section 18 to 
allow the use of Aspergillus flavus AF36 to reduce aflatoxin-producing 
fungi on dried figs in California. The California Department of 
Pesticide Regulation invoked the crisis exemption provision on June 15, 
2015. After having reviewed the crisis exemption, EPA concurred on the 
emergency action in order to meet the emergency needs of fig growers in 
California. The crisis exemption program expired on July 31, 2015.
    As part of its evaluation of the emergency exemption application, 
EPA assessed the potential risks presented by residues of Aspergillus 
flavus AF36 in or on dried figs. In doing so, EPA considered the safety 
standard in FFDCA section 408(c)(2), and EPA decided that the necessary 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA section 
408(l)(6) would be consistent with the safety standard and with FIFRA 
section 18. Consistent with the need to move quickly on the crisis 
exemption in order to address an urgent, non-routine situation and to 
ensure that the resulting food is safe and lawful, EPA is issuing this 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance without notice and 
opportunity for public comment as provided in FFDCA section 408(l)(6). 
This time-limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance expires 
on December 31, 2017. EPA will take action to revoke the time-limited 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance earlier if any experience 
with scientific data, or other relevant information on this pesticide 
indicates that the residues are not safe.
    Because this time-limited exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance is being approved under emergency conditions, EPA has not 
made any decisions about whether Aspergillus flavus AF36 meets FIFRA's 
registration requirements for use on dried figs or whether permanent 
tolerances or exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for this 
use would be appropriate. Under these circumstances, EPA does not 
believe that this time-limited exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance serves as a basis for registration of Aspergillus flavus AF36 
by a State for special local needs under FIFRA section 24(c). Nor does 
this exemption from the requirement of a tolerance by itself serve as 
the authority for persons in any State other than California to use 
this pesticide on the applicable crop under FIFRA section 18 absent the 
issuance of an emergency exemption applicable within that State. For 
additional information regarding the crisis exemption for Aspergillus 
flavus AF36, contact the Agency's Registration Division at the address 
provided under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

IV. Toxicological Profile

    Consistent with the FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), the EPA reviewed 
the available scientific data and other relevant information for 
Aspergillus flavus AF36, and considered its validity, completeness, and 
reliability, as well as the relationship of this information to human 
risk. The EPA also considered available information concerning the 
variability of the sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of 
consumers, including infants and children.
    Aspergillus flavus refers to a diverse group of saprophytic soil 
fungi strains, which are ubiquitously distributed throughout the United 
States. This fungal group includes strains that produce aflatoxin 
(i.e., toxigenic strains) and strains that do not produce aflatoxins 
(i.e., atoxigenic strains). The toxigenic strains can cause aflatoxin 
contamination in seed, nut, and grain crops pre- and postharvest. In 
addition, toxigenic strains of several Aspergillus spp. can cause 
aspergillosis disease in humans (Ref. 1, 2).
    Aspergillus flavus AF36 is an atoxigenic strain registered as a 
microbial pesticide for use on cotton, corn, and pistachios. The AF36 
strain is a soil colonizing fungus and displaces toxigenic strains 
through competition, thereby reducing aflatoxin levels on crops 
contaminated with toxigenic strains of Aspergillus spp. (Ref. 3).
    The toxicological profile of Aspergillus flavus were previously 
described in the Federal Register July 14, 2003 (68 FR 41535) (FRL-
7311-6) and the data were used to establish the tolerance exemption for 
Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on cotton (see the Federal Register of 
July 14, 2003), corn (see the Federal Register of March 23, 2011 (76 FR 
16297) (FRL-8868-7)), and pistachio (see the Federal Register of March 
9, 2012 (77 FR 14287) (FRL-9341-5). The studies used to establish the 
tolerance exemptions in or on cotton, corn, and pistachio tested the 
toxicity/pathogenicity of Aspergillus flavus AF36 to rats through acute 
oral and pulmonary exposures and did not find any evidence of toxicity 
or infection (Ref. 1). Further, when exposed through intratracheal 
dosing, rats cleared Aspergillus flavus AF36 from their systems within 
8 days. Moreover, rats exposed to Aspergillus flavus AF36 cleared the 
fungus from their body without compromising their immune system. After 
more than a decade of agricultural use in cotton and several years of 
use in corn and pistachio, there have not been any reports of 
hypersensitivity or other problems from workers exposed to Aspergillus 
flavus AF36. Therefore, based on the atoxigenic profile of Aspergillus 
flavus AF36, and previous toxicological evaluations to establish 
tolerance exemptions in or on cotton (see the Federal Register of July 
14, 2003), corn (see the Federal Register of March 23, 2011), and 
pistachio (see the Federal Register of March 9, 2012), EPA concludes 
that there are no toxicological endpoints of concern for Aspergillus 
flavus AF36 and that there are no hazards associated with this 
particular isolate; therefore, any expected residues on food would be 
safe to consume.

V. Aggregate Exposure

    In examining aggregate exposure, FFDCA section 408 directs the EPA 
to consider available information concerning exposures from the 
pesticide residue in food and all other non-occupational exposures, 
including drinking water from ground water or surface water and 
exposure through pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or buildings 
(residential and other indoor uses).
    Food exposure: Aspergillus flavus AF36 will be applied as a single 
broadcast application to soil in California fig orchards from mid-June 
to mid-July 2015. The proposed method of application is by grain seed 
(wheat-infested Aspergillus flavus AF36 inoculum) applied to the 
orchard floor by ground. Grain seed inoculum is directed under the fig 
tree canopy where soil is wetted before and after the application. 
After application, Aspergillus flavus AF36 germinates using a grain 
carrier as a nutrient source and displaces aflatoxin-producing strains 
of Aspergillus flavus. Thus, the use of Aspergillus flavus AF36 in fig 
orchards should not increase the total Aspergillus flavus population in 
the environment (Ref. 1). Although, total Aspergillus flavus 
populations may

[[Page 1893]]

increase immediately after applying Aspergillus flavus AF36, 
populations of Aspergillus flavus AF36 decline by spring of the year 
after application and there is no evidence of long term increases in 
populations of Aspergillus flavus resulting from application of 
Aspergillus flavus AF36. In addition, levels of natural Aspergillus 
flavus populations can fluctuate greatly over the course of a year 
(Ref. 1). Therefore, a temporary increase in Aspergillus flavus 
populations resulting from an application of Aspergillus flavus AF36 
are not expected to produce effects that do not already occur from 
exposure to natural Aspergillus flavus populations.
    Drinking water exposure: Similar to previous drinking water 
exposures for cotton and corn uses (see Federal Register of July 14, 
2003 and March 23, 2011) exposure to residues of Aspergillus flavus 
AF36 ensuing from application in fig orchards is possible as a result 
of consuming drinking water, but it is not likely to be greater than 
existing exposures to naturally occurring strains of Aspergillus flavus 
AF36. This time-limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance 
will only allow for applications in California in an area where the 
climate is arid, which minimizes the potential for contamination of 
surface or ground water that may serve as a source of drinking water. 
Further, because Aspergillus flavus AF36 will only be applied as a 
granular formulation to terrestrial sites, offsite movement into water 
is not anticipated. If Aspergillus flavus AF36 residues should be 
present in drinking water, the results of a study assessing acute oral 
toxicity and pathogenicity found that no toxicity, pathogenicity, and/
or infectivity is likely to occur from exposure to any level of 
Aspergillus flavus AF36 resulting from an application of Aspergillus 
flavus AF36 made in accordance with good agricultural practice.
    Other non-occupational exposure: Non-occupational dermal and 
inhalation exposure is expected to be minimal to non-existent for the 
use of Aspergillus flavus AF36 on figs. As previously described in the 
Federal Register of July 14, 2003, March 23, 2011, and March 9, 2012; 
Aspergillus flavus AF36 will be applied to agricultural sites and not 
in the proximity of schools, residential areas, nursing homes, or 
daycare facilities. Moreover, Aspergillus flavus AF36 will be applied 
in a granular form which will minimize drift and exposure.

VI. 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 EPA consider 
``available information concerning the cumulative effects of a 
particular pesticide's . . . residues and other substances that have a 
common mechanism of toxicity.''
    The EPA has not found Aspergillus flavus AF36 to share a common 
mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and Aspergillus flavus 
AF36 does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other 
substances. For the purposes of this exemption from the requirement of 
a tolerance action, therefore, the EPA has assumed that Aspergillus 
flavus AF36 does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with other 
substances since there is no indication of mammalian toxicity or 
pathogenicity resulting from exposure to Aspergillus flavus AF36. For 
information regarding the EPA's efforts to determine chemicals that 
have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the cumulative 
effects of such chemicals, see the EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

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

    In considering the establishment of a time-limited exemption from 
the requirement of a tolerance for a pesticide chemical residue, FFDCA 
section 408(b)(2)(C) requires that EPA assess the available information 
about consumption patterns among infants and children, special 
susceptibility of infants and children to pesticide chemical residues, 
and the cumulative effects on infants and children of the residues and 
other substances with a common mechanism of toxicity. In addition, 
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that EPA shall apply an additional 
tenfold (10X) margin of exposure (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 that a different margin of exposure (safety) will 
be safe for infants and children. This additional margin of exposure 
(safety) is commonly referred to as the Food Quality Protection Act 
Safety Factor. 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.
    In this instance, based on all the available information, EPA 
concludes that there are no effects of concern to infants, children, or 
adults when Aspergillus flavus AF36 is used in accordance with the 
crisis exemption. As a result, EPA concludes that no additional margin 
of exposure (safety) is necessary to protect infants and children.
    Moreover, based on the data and EPA analysis presented in this 
document, the Agency is able to conclude that there is a reasonable 
certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population, including 
infants and children, from aggregate exposure to the residues of 
Aspergillus flavus AF36 when it is used as an antifungal agent in 
accordance with the crisis exemption. Such exposure includes all 
anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which there 
is reliable information. As discussed previously, there is reasonable 
certainty of no harm via dietary exposure from this fungus when used as 
an antifungal agent because the microorganism is non-toxic and non-
pathogenic to animals and humans. EPA arrived at this conclusion based 
on the very low levels of mammalian toxicity for acute oral and 
pulmonary effects with no toxicity or infectivity at the doses tested 
(see Unit IV. of this document).

VIII. Other Considerations

Analytical Enforcement Methodology

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

 IX. Conclusion

    The EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
will result to the U.S. population, including infants and children, 
from aggregate exposure to residues of Aspergillus flavus AF36. 
Therefore, a time-limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance 
is established for residues of Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on dried 
figs when used in accordance with the crisis exemption. This time-
limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 
Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on dried figs will expire and is revoked 
on December 31, 2017.

X. References

1. U.S. EPA. 2015. Human Health and Environmental Assessment for the 
California Section 18 (Emergency Exemption) request for the use of 
AF36, an end use formulation containing the active ingredient, 
Aspergillus flavus

[[Page 1894]]

Strain AF36. Memorandum from G. Tomimatsu, Ph.D. and M. Djurickovic, 
M.S. to S. Borges.
2. Jensen, A.B., K. Aronstein, J.M. Flores, S. Vojvodic, M.A. 
Palacio and M. Spivak. 2013. Standard methods for fungal brood 
disease research. J. Apic. Res. 52 (1).
3. Ehrlich, K.C. 2014. Non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus to 
prevent aflatoxin contamination in crops: Advantages and 
limitations. Front. Micro. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2014.00050.

XI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance under FFDCA sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6). 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 in accordance 
with FFDCA sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6), such as the exemption in this 
final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.) do not apply.
    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).

XII. 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: December 18, 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.  180.1206, add a new paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  180.1206  Aspergillus flavus AF36; exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance.

* * * * *
    (d) Section 18 emergency exemptions. A time-limited exemption from 
the requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of 
Aspergillus flavus AF36, in or on dried figs, resulting from use of the 
pesticide pursuant to a FIFRA section 18 emergency exemption. This 
time-limited exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues 
of Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on dried figs will expire and is 
revoked on December 31, 2017.

[FR Doc. 2016-00665 Filed 1-13-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                1890               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                Subpart AA—Missouri                                      § 52.1320     Identification of plan.
                                                                                                         *       *    *          *        *
                                                ■ 2. Section 52.1320(e) is amended by
                                                adding new entry (68) at the end of the                      (e) * * *
                                                table to read as follows:

                                                                                          EPA-APPROVED MISSOURI NONREGULATORY SIP PROVISIONS
                                                    Name of nonregulatory SIP         Applicable geographic or non-           State submittal             EPA approval date                    Explanation
                                                            provision                        attainment area                       date


                                                         *                   *                         *                                *                       *                 *              *
                                                (68) Missouri Early Progress   St. Louis .................................               8/26/13     1/14/16 [Insert Federal Reg- [EPA–R07–OAR–2015–0587;
                                                  Plan.                                                                                                ister citation].             FRL–9941–01–Region 7].



                                                [FR Doc. 2016–00428 Filed 1–13–16; 8:45 am]              paragraph (f) ‘‘The Kansas Department                      § 52.870    [Amended]
                                                BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                   of Health and Environment submitted                        ■  2. In § 52.870, paragraph(c) is
                                                                                                         revisions to Kansas Administrative                         amended by removing the table entry
                                                                                                         Record (KAR) 28–19–202 and 28–19–                          ‘‘K.A.R. 28–19–202.’’
                                                ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                 517 on April 15, 2011; approval of
                                                AGENCY                                                   section (c) effective March 28, 2014.’’                    PART 70—STATE OPERATING PERMIT
                                                                                                            This technical amendment removes                        PROGRAMS
                                                40 CFR Parts 52 and 70
                                                                                                         the erroneous part 52 approval of KAR                      ■ 3. The authority citation for part 70
                                                [EPA–R07–OAR–2013–0765; FRL–9940–97–                     28–19–202 ‘‘Annual Emissions Fees’’
                                                Region 7]                                                                                                           continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                         and recodifies the table. This action also
                                                                                                                                                                        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
                                                Approval and Promulgation of                             revises paragraph (f) to read as follows:
                                                Implementation Plans; State of                           (f) ‘‘The Kansas Department of Health                      ■ 4. Appendix A is amended by revising
                                                Kansas; Annual Emissions Fee and                         and Environment submitted revisions to                     paragraph (f) under Kansas to read as
                                                Annual Emissions Inventory                               Kansas Administrative Record (KAR)                         follows:
                                                                                                         28–19–202 and 28–19–517 on April 15,                       Appendix A to Part 70—Approval
                                                AGENCY: Environmental Protection                         2011; effective March 28, 2014.’’                          Status of State and Local Operating
                                                Agency (EPA).
                                                                                                         List of Subjects                                           Permits Programs
                                                ACTION: Direct final rule; technical
                                                amendment.                                                                                                          *       *     *     *     *
                                                                                                         40 CFR Part 52
                                                                                                                                                                    Kansas
                                                SUMMARY:    The Environmental Protection                   Environmental protection, Air
                                                Agency (EPA) inadvertently approved                                                                                 *       *     *     *     *
                                                                                                         pollution control, Carbon monoxide,                          (f) The Kansas Department of Health and
                                                and codified this action under both part                 Incorporation by reference,                                Environment submitted revisions to Kansas
                                                52 (Approval and Promulgation of                         Intergovernmental relations, Lead,                         Administrative Record (KAR) 28–19–202 and
                                                Implementation Plans) and part 70                        Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate                       28–19–517 on April 15, 2011; effective March
                                                (State Operating Permit Programs). This                  matter, Reporting and recordkeeping                        28, 2014.
                                                technical amendment removes the part                     requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile                      *       *     *     *     *
                                                52 approval and codification and makes                   organic compounds.                                         [FR Doc. 2016–00573 Filed 1–13–16; 8:45 am]
                                                a clarification to part 70.                                                                                         BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                DATES: This action is effective January                  40 CFR Part 70
                                                14, 2016.                                                  Administrative practice and
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                                                                    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                                                                         procedure, Air pollution control,
                                                Lachala Kemp at (913) 551–7214, or by                                                                               AGENCY
                                                                                                         Intergovernmental relations, Operating
                                                email at kemp.lachala@epa.gov.                           permits, Reporting and recordkeeping                       40 CFR Part 180
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On                            requirements.
                                                January 27, 2014 (79 FR 4274), EPA                                                                                  [EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0538; FRL–9939–53]
                                                                                                           Dated: December 23, 2015.
                                                published a direct final rule approving
                                                                                                         Becky Weber,                                               Aspergillus flavus AF36; Time Limited
                                                a SIP revision for Kansas that included
                                                                                                         Acting Regional Administrator, Region 7.                   Exemption From the Requirement of a
                                                revisions to K.A.R. 28–19–202 ‘‘Annual
                                                                                                                                                                    Tolerance
                                                Emission Fees.’’ The rule revision
                                                                                                           Chapter I, title 40 of the Code of
                                                amended KAR 28–19–202 ‘‘Annual                                                                                      AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                                                                                         Federal Regulations is amended as
                                                Emissions Fees’’ to align the state’s                                                                               Agency (EPA).
                                                reporting requirements with EPA’s                        follows:
                                                                                                                                                                    ACTION: Final rule.
                                                reporting requirements, and was                          PART 52—APPROVAL AND
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                                                incorrectly approved and codified under                                                                             SUMMARY:    This regulation establishes a
                                                                                                         PROMULGATION OF
                                                part 52 and part 70.                                                                                                time-limited exemption from the
                                                                                                         IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
                                                  This rule also included revisions to                                                                              Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
                                                the operating permits program, K.A.R                                                                                (FFDCA) section 408(a) requirement of a
                                                28–19–517 ‘‘Class I Operating Permits;                   ■ 1. The authority citation for part 52                    tolerance for residues of the pesticide
                                                Annual Emissions Inventory.’’ This part                  continues to read as follows:                              Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on dried
                                                70 appendix A revision added new                             Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.                      figs resulting from use in accordance


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                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          1891

                                                with the terms of an emergency                          B. How can I get electronic access to                  II. Background and Statutory Findings
                                                exemption issued under section 18 of                    other related information?                                EPA, on its own initiative, in
                                                the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and                                                                        accordance with FFDCA sections 408(e)
                                                Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This action is                   You may access a frequently updated
                                                                                                        electronic version of 40 CFR part 180                  and 408(l)(6), 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) and
                                                in response to the issuance of a crisis                                                                        346a(1)(6), is establishing a time-limited
                                                emergency exemption under FIFRA                         through the Government Printing
                                                                                                        Office’s e-CFR site at http://www.ecfr.                exemption from the requirement of a
                                                section 18 authorizing use of the                                                                              tolerance for residues of Aspergillus
                                                pesticide on dried figs. The time-limited               gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/
                                                                                                        ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.                       flavus AF36, in or on dried figs. This
                                                exemption from the requirement of a                                                                            time-limited exemption from the
                                                tolerance expires on December 31, 2017.                 C. How can I file an objection or hearing              requirement of a tolerance expires on
                                                DATES: This regulation is effective                     request?                                               December 31, 2017.
                                                January 14, 2016. Objections and                                                                                  Section 408(l)(6) of FFDCA requires
                                                requests for hearings must be received                    Under section 408(g) of the Federal                  EPA to establish a time-limited
                                                on or before March 14, 2016, and must                   Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA),                  tolerance or exemption from the
                                                be filed in accordance with the                         21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an                 requirement for a tolerance for pesticide
                                                instructions provided in 40 CFR part                    objection to any aspect of this regulation             chemical residues in food that will
                                                178 (see also Unit I.C. of the                          and may also request a hearing on those                result from the use of a pesticide under
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).                             objections. You must file your objection               an emergency exemption granted by
                                                ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,                  or request a hearing on this regulation                EPA under FIFRA section 18. Such
                                                identified by docket identification (ID)                in accordance with the instructions                    tolerances or exemptions from the
                                                number EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0538, is                         provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure                 requirement of a tolerance must be
                                                available at http://www.regulations.gov                 proper receipt by EPA, you must                        consistent with the safety standard in
                                                or at the Office of Pesticide Programs                  identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–                      408(b)(2) and (c)(2), respectively, and
                                                Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)                   OPP–2015–0538 in the subject line on                   can be established without providing
                                                in the Environmental Protection Agency                  the first page of your submission. All                 notice or period for public comment.
                                                Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William                    objections and requests for a hearing                  EPA does not intend for its actions on
                                                Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301                 must be in writing, and must be                        FIFRA section 18 related time-limited
                                                Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC                   received by the Hearing Clerk on or                    tolerances or exemptions from the
                                                20460–0001. The Public Reading Room                     before March 14, 2016. Addresses for                   requirement of a tolerance to set binding
                                                is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,                    mail and hand delivery of objections                   precedents for the application of FFDCA
                                                Monday through Friday, excluding legal                  and hearing requests are provided in 40                section 408 and the safety standard to
                                                holidays. The telephone number for the                  CFR 178.25(b).                                         other tolerances and exemptions.
                                                Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,                    In addition to filing an objection or                Section 408(e) of FFDCA allows EPA to
                                                and the telephone number for the OPP                    hearing request with the Hearing Clerk                 establish a tolerance or an exemption
                                                Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review                 as described in 40 CFR part 178, please                from the requirement of a tolerance on
                                                the visitor instructions and additional                 submit a copy of the filing (excluding                 its own initiative, i.e., without having
                                                information about the docket available                  any Confidential Business Information                  received any petition from an outside
                                                at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.                          (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.             party.
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        Information not marked confidential                       Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
                                                Susan T. Lewis, Registration Division                   pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be                       allows EPA to establish an exemption
                                                (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,                  disclosed publicly by EPA without prior                from the requirement of a tolerance (the
                                                Environmental Protection Agency, 1200                   notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your                legal limit for a pesticide chemical
                                                Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,                      objection or hearing request, identified               residue in or on a food) only if EPA
                                                DC 20460–0001; main telephone                           by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–                        determines that the exemption is ‘‘safe.’’
                                                number: (703) 305–7090; email address:                  2015–0538, by one of the following                     Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
                                                RDFRNotices@epa.gov.                                    methods:                                               defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://                reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                                                                                        www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                 result from aggregate exposure to the
                                                I. General Information
                                                                                                        instructions for submitting comments.                  pesticide chemical residue, including
                                                A. Does this action apply to me?                        Do not submit electronically any                       all anticipated dietary exposures and all
                                                   You may be potentially affected by                   information you consider to be CBI or                  other exposures for which there is
                                                this action if you are an agricultural                  other information whose disclosure is                  reliable information.’’ This includes
                                                producer, food manufacturer, or                         restricted by statute.                                 exposure through drinking water and in
                                                                                                                                                               residential settings, but does not include
                                                pesticide manufacturer. The following                     • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
                                                list of North American Industrial                                                                              occupational exposure. In evaluating the
                                                                                                        Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
                                                Classification System (NAICS) codes is                                                                         safety of an exemption, section
                                                                                                        DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
                                                not intended to be exhaustive, but rather                                                                      408(c)(2)(B) requires EPA to take into
                                                                                                        NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
                                                provides a guide to help readers                                                                               account the considerations set forth in
                                                                                                          • Hand Delivery: To make special                     408(b)(2)(C) and (D). Section
                                                determine whether this document                         arrangements for hand delivery or
                                                applies to them. Potentially affected                                                                          408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
                                                                                                        delivery of boxed information, please                  give special consideration to exposure
                                                entities may include:
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                                                                                                        follow the instructions at http://www.                 of infants and children to the pesticide
                                                   • Crop production (NAICS code 111).
                                                   • Animal production (NAICS code                      epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.                         chemical residue in establishing a
                                                112).                                                     Additional instructions on                           tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
                                                   • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                     commenting or visiting the docket,                     reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                                311).                                                   along with more information about                      result to infants and children from
                                                   • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS                     dockets generally, is available at                     aggregate exposure to the pesticide
                                                code 32532).                                            http://www.epa.gov/dockets.                            chemical residue. . . .’’


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                                                1892              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                   Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes EPA                   tolerance for this use would be                        9341–5). The studies used to establish
                                                to exempt any Federal or State agency                   appropriate. Under these circumstances,                the tolerance exemptions in or on
                                                from any provision of FIFRA, if EPA                     EPA does not believe that this time-                   cotton, corn, and pistachio tested the
                                                determines that ‘‘emergency conditions                  limited exemption from the requirement                 toxicity/pathogenicity of Aspergillus
                                                exist which require such exemption.’’                   of a tolerance serves as a basis for                   flavus AF36 to rats through acute oral
                                                EPA has established regulations                         registration of Aspergillus flavus AF36                and pulmonary exposures and did not
                                                governing such emergency exemptions                     by a State for special local needs under               find any evidence of toxicity or
                                                in 40 CFR part 166.                                     FIFRA section 24(c). Nor does this                     infection (Ref. 1). Further, when
                                                                                                        exemption from the requirement of a                    exposed through intratracheal dosing,
                                                III. Emergency Exemption for
                                                                                                        tolerance by itself serve as the authority             rats cleared Aspergillus flavus AF36
                                                Aspergillus flavus AF36 on Dried Figs
                                                                                                        for persons in any State other than                    from their systems within 8 days.
                                                and FFDCA Tolerances
                                                                                                        California to use this pesticide on the                Moreover, rats exposed to Aspergillus
                                                   The California Department of                         applicable crop under FIFRA section 18                 flavus AF36 cleared the fungus from
                                                Pesticide Regulation asserted that an                   absent the issuance of an emergency                    their body without compromising their
                                                emergency condition, brought on by an                   exemption applicable within that State.                immune system. After more than a
                                                ongoing drought in California, existed in               For additional information regarding the               decade of agricultural use in cotton and
                                                accordance with the criteria for                        crisis exemption for Aspergillus flavus                several years of use in corn and
                                                approval of an emergency exemption,                     AF36, contact the Agency’s Registration                pistachio, there have not been any
                                                and utilized a crisis exemption under                   Division at the address provided under                 reports of hypersensitivity or other
                                                FIFRA section 18 to allow the use of                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.                       problems from workers exposed to
                                                Aspergillus flavus AF36 to reduce                                                                              Aspergillus flavus AF36. Therefore,
                                                aflatoxin-producing fungi on dried figs                 IV. Toxicological Profile
                                                                                                                                                               based on the atoxigenic profile of
                                                in California. The California Department                   Consistent with the FFDCA section                   Aspergillus flavus AF36, and previous
                                                of Pesticide Regulation invoked the                     408(b)(2)(D), the EPA reviewed the                     toxicological evaluations to establish
                                                crisis exemption provision on June 15,                  available scientific data and other                    tolerance exemptions in or on cotton
                                                2015. After having reviewed the crisis                  relevant information for Aspergillus                   (see the Federal Register of July 14,
                                                exemption, EPA concurred on the                         flavus AF36, and considered its validity,              2003), corn (see the Federal Register of
                                                emergency action in order to meet the                   completeness, and reliability, as well as              March 23, 2011), and pistachio (see the
                                                emergency needs of fig growers in                       the relationship of this information to                Federal Register of March 9, 2012), EPA
                                                California. The crisis exemption                        human risk. The EPA also considered                    concludes that there are no toxicological
                                                program expired on July 31, 2015.                       available information concerning the                   endpoints of concern for Aspergillus
                                                   As part of its evaluation of the                     variability of the sensitivities of major              flavus AF36 and that there are no
                                                emergency exemption application, EPA                    identifiable subgroups of consumers,                   hazards associated with this particular
                                                assessed the potential risks presented by               including infants and children.                        isolate; therefore, any expected residues
                                                residues of Aspergillus flavus AF36 in                     Aspergillus flavus refers to a diverse              on food would be safe to consume.
                                                or on dried figs. In doing so, EPA                      group of saprophytic soil fungi strains,
                                                considered the safety standard in                       which are ubiquitously distributed                     V. Aggregate Exposure
                                                FFDCA section 408(c)(2), and EPA                        throughout the United States. This                        In examining aggregate exposure,
                                                decided that the necessary exemption                    fungal group includes strains that                     FFDCA section 408 directs the EPA to
                                                from the requirement of a tolerance                     produce aflatoxin (i.e., toxigenic strains)            consider available information
                                                under FFDCA section 408(l)(6) would be                  and strains that do not produce                        concerning exposures from the pesticide
                                                consistent with the safety standard and                 aflatoxins (i.e., atoxigenic strains). The             residue in food and all other non-
                                                with FIFRA section 18. Consistent with                  toxigenic strains can cause aflatoxin                  occupational exposures, including
                                                the need to move quickly on the crisis                  contamination in seed, nut, and grain                  drinking water from ground water or
                                                exemption in order to address an urgent,                crops pre- and postharvest. In addition,               surface water and exposure through
                                                non-routine situation and to ensure that                toxigenic strains of several Aspergillus               pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or
                                                the resulting food is safe and lawful,                  spp. can cause aspergillosis disease in                buildings (residential and other indoor
                                                EPA is issuing this exemption from the                  humans (Ref. 1, 2).                                    uses).
                                                requirement of a tolerance without                         Aspergillus flavus AF36 is an                          Food exposure: Aspergillus flavus
                                                notice and opportunity for public                       atoxigenic strain registered as a                      AF36 will be applied as a single
                                                comment as provided in FFDCA section                    microbial pesticide for use on cotton,                 broadcast application to soil in
                                                408(l)(6). This time-limited exemption                  corn, and pistachios. The AF36 strain is               California fig orchards from mid-June to
                                                from the requirement of a tolerance                     a soil colonizing fungus and displaces                 mid-July 2015. The proposed method of
                                                expires on December 31, 2017. EPA will                  toxigenic strains through competition,                 application is by grain seed (wheat-
                                                take action to revoke the time-limited                  thereby reducing aflatoxin levels on                   infested Aspergillus flavus AF36
                                                exemption from the requirement of a                     crops contaminated with toxigenic                      inoculum) applied to the orchard floor
                                                tolerance earlier if any experience with                strains of Aspergillus spp. (Ref. 3).                  by ground. Grain seed inoculum is
                                                scientific data, or other relevant                         The toxicological profile of                        directed under the fig tree canopy where
                                                information on this pesticide indicates                 Aspergillus flavus were previously                     soil is wetted before and after the
                                                that the residues are not safe.                         described in the Federal Register July                 application. After application,
                                                   Because this time-limited exemption                  14, 2003 (68 FR 41535) (FRL–7311–6)                    Aspergillus flavus AF36 germinates
                                                from the requirement of a tolerance is                  and the data were used to establish the                using a grain carrier as a nutrient source
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                                                being approved under emergency                          tolerance exemption for Aspergillus                    and displaces aflatoxin-producing
                                                conditions, EPA has not made any                        flavus AF36 in or on cotton (see the                   strains of Aspergillus flavus. Thus, the
                                                decisions about whether Aspergillus                     Federal Register of July 14, 2003), corn               use of Aspergillus flavus AF36 in fig
                                                flavus AF36 meets FIFRA’s registration                  (see the Federal Register of March 23,                 orchards should not increase the total
                                                requirements for use on dried figs or                   2011 (76 FR 16297) (FRL–8868–7)), and                  Aspergillus flavus population in the
                                                whether permanent tolerances or                         pistachio (see the Federal Register of                 environment (Ref. 1). Although, total
                                                exemption from the requirement of a                     March 9, 2012 (77 FR 14287) (FRL–                      Aspergillus flavus populations may


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                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                             1893

                                                increase immediately after applying                     VI. Cumulative Effects From Substances                    In this instance, based on all the
                                                Aspergillus flavus AF36, populations of                 With a Common Mechanism of Toxicity                    available information, EPA concludes
                                                Aspergillus flavus AF36 decline by                                                                             that there are no effects of concern to
                                                spring of the year after application and                   Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA                    infants, children, or adults when
                                                there is no evidence of long term                       requires that, when considering whether                Aspergillus flavus AF36 is used in
                                                                                                        to establish, modify, or revoke a                      accordance with the crisis exemption.
                                                increases in populations of Aspergillus
                                                                                                        tolerance, the EPA consider ‘‘available                As a result, EPA concludes that no
                                                flavus resulting from application of
                                                                                                        information concerning the cumulative                  additional margin of exposure (safety) is
                                                Aspergillus flavus AF36. In addition,
                                                                                                        effects of a particular pesticide’s . . .              necessary to protect infants and
                                                levels of natural Aspergillus flavus                    residues and other substances that have
                                                populations can fluctuate greatly over                                                                         children.
                                                                                                        a common mechanism of toxicity.’’                         Moreover, based on the data and EPA
                                                the course of a year (Ref. 1). Therefore,
                                                                                                           The EPA has not found Aspergillus                   analysis presented in this document, the
                                                a temporary increase in Aspergillus
                                                                                                        flavus AF36 to share a common                          Agency is able to conclude that there is
                                                flavus populations resulting from an
                                                                                                        mechanism of toxicity with any other                   a reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                                application of Aspergillus flavus AF36                                                                         result to the U.S. population, including
                                                are not expected to produce effects that                substances, and Aspergillus flavus AF36
                                                                                                        does not appear to produce a toxic                     infants and children, from aggregate
                                                do not already occur from exposure to                                                                          exposure to the residues of Aspergillus
                                                                                                        metabolite produced by other
                                                natural Aspergillus flavus populations.                                                                        flavus AF36 when it is used as an
                                                                                                        substances. For the purposes of this
                                                   Drinking water exposure: Similar to                  exemption from the requirement of a                    antifungal agent in accordance with the
                                                previous drinking water exposures for                   tolerance action, therefore, the EPA has               crisis exemption. Such exposure
                                                cotton and corn uses (see Federal                       assumed that Aspergillus flavus AF36                   includes all anticipated dietary
                                                Register of July 14, 2003 and March 23,                 does not have a common mechanism of                    exposures and all other exposures for
                                                2011) exposure to residues of                           toxicity with other substances since                   which there is reliable information. As
                                                Aspergillus flavus AF36 ensuing from                    there is no indication of mammalian                    discussed previously, there is
                                                application in fig orchards is possible as              toxicity or pathogenicity resulting from               reasonable certainty of no harm via
                                                a result of consuming drinking water,                   exposure to Aspergillus flavus AF36.                   dietary exposure from this fungus when
                                                but it is not likely to be greater than                 For information regarding the EPA’s                    used as an antifungal agent because the
                                                existing exposures to naturally                         efforts to determine chemicals that have               microorganism is non-toxic and non-
                                                occurring strains of Aspergillus flavus                 a common mechanism of toxicity and to                  pathogenic to animals and humans. EPA
                                                AF36. This time-limited exemption                       evaluate the cumulative effects of such                arrived at this conclusion based on the
                                                from the requirement of a tolerance will                chemicals, see the EPA’s Web site at                   very low levels of mammalian toxicity
                                                only allow for applications in California               http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/                         for acute oral and pulmonary effects
                                                in an area where the climate is arid,                   cumulative.                                            with no toxicity or infectivity at the
                                                which minimizes the potential for                                                                              doses tested (see Unit IV. of this
                                                                                                        VII. Determination of Safety for the U.S.              document).
                                                contamination of surface or ground                      Population, Infants and Children
                                                water that may serve as a source of                                                                            VIII. Other Considerations
                                                drinking water. Further, because                           In considering the establishment of a
                                                                                                        time-limited exemption from the                        Analytical Enforcement Methodology
                                                Aspergillus flavus AF36 will only be
                                                applied as a granular formulation to                    requirement of a tolerance for a                          An analytical method is not required
                                                terrestrial sites, offsite movement into                pesticide chemical residue, FFDCA                      for enforcement purposes since the
                                                water is not anticipated. If Aspergillus                section 408(b)(2)(C) requires that EPA                 Agency is establishing an exemption
                                                flavus AF36 residues should be present                  assess the available information about                 from the requirement of a tolerance
                                                in drinking water, the results of a study               consumption patterns among infants                     without any numerical limitation.
                                                assessing acute oral toxicity and                       and children, special susceptibility of                IX. Conclusion
                                                pathogenicity found that no toxicity,                   infants and children to pesticide
                                                                                                        chemical residues, and the cumulative                     The EPA concludes that there is a
                                                pathogenicity, and/or infectivity is                                                                           reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                                likely to occur from exposure to any                    effects on infants and children of the
                                                                                                        residues and other substances with a                   result to the U.S. population, including
                                                level of Aspergillus flavus AF36                                                                               infants and children, from aggregate
                                                resulting from an application of                        common mechanism of toxicity. In
                                                                                                        addition, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C)                   exposure to residues of Aspergillus
                                                Aspergillus flavus AF36 made in                                                                                flavus AF36. Therefore, a time-limited
                                                accordance with good agricultural                       provides that EPA shall apply an
                                                                                                        additional tenfold (10X) margin of                     exemption from the requirement of a
                                                practice.                                                                                                      tolerance is established for residues of
                                                                                                        exposure (safety) for infants and
                                                   Other non-occupational exposure:                     children in the case of threshold effects              Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on dried
                                                Non-occupational dermal and                             to account for prenatal and postnatal                  figs when used in accordance with the
                                                inhalation exposure is expected to be                   toxicity and the completeness of the                   crisis exemption. This time-limited
                                                minimal to non-existent for the use of                  database on toxicity and exposure                      exemption from the requirement of a
                                                Aspergillus flavus AF36 on figs. As                     unless EPA determines that a different                 tolerance for residues of Aspergillus
                                                previously described in the Federal                     margin of exposure (safety) will be safe               flavus AF36 in or on dried figs will
                                                Register of July 14, 2003, March 23,                    for infants and children. This additional              expire and is revoked on December 31,
                                                2011, and March 9, 2012; Aspergillus                    margin of exposure (safety) is commonly                2017.
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                                                flavus AF36 will be applied to                          referred to as the Food Quality                        X. References
                                                agricultural sites and not in the                       Protection Act Safety Factor. In
                                                proximity of schools, residential areas,                applying this provision, EPA either                    1. U.S. EPA. 2015. Human Health and
                                                                                                                                                                   Environmental Assessment for the
                                                nursing homes, or daycare facilities.                   retains the default value of 10X or uses                   California Section 18 (Emergency
                                                Moreover, Aspergillus flavus AF36 will                  a different additional safety factor when                  Exemption) request for the use of AF36,
                                                be applied in a granular form which will                reliable data available to EPA support                     an end use formulation containing the
                                                minimize drift and exposure.                            the choice of a different factor.                          active ingredient, Aspergillus flavus



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                                                1894              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                     Strain AF36. Memorandum from G.                    the Federal Government and Indian                      of Aspergillus flavus AF36 in or on
                                                     Tomimatsu, Ph.D. and M. Djurickovic,               tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined                dried figs will expire and is revoked on
                                                     M.S. to S. Borges.                                 that Executive Order 13132, entitled                   December 31, 2017.
                                                2. Jensen, A.B., K. Aronstein, J.M. Flores, S.
                                                     Vojvodic, M.A. Palacio and M. Spivak.
                                                                                                        ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,                [FR Doc. 2016–00665 Filed 1–13–16; 8:45 am]
                                                     2013. Standard methods for fungal brood            1999) and Executive Order 13175,                       BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                     disease research. J. Apic. Res. 52 (1).            entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination
                                                3. Ehrlich, K.C. 2014. Non-aflatoxigenic                with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR
                                                     Aspergillus flavus to prevent aflatoxin            67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply                  DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
                                                     contamination in crops: Advantages and             to this action. In addition, this action
                                                     limitations. Front. Micro. http://dx.doi.                                                                 SECURITY
                                                                                                        does not impose any enforceable duty or
                                                     org/10.3389/fmicb.2014.00050.
                                                                                                        contain any unfunded mandate as                        Federal Emergency Management
                                                XI. Statutory and Executive Order                       described under Title II of the Unfunded               Agency
                                                Reviews                                                 Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.
                                                   This action establishes an exemption                 1501 et seq.).                                         44 CFR Part 64
                                                from the requirement of a tolerance                        This action does not involve any
                                                                                                        technical standards that would require                 [Docket ID FEMA–2015–0001; Internal
                                                under FFDCA sections 408(e) and                                                                                Agency Docket No. FEMA–8417]
                                                408(l)(6). The Office of Management and                 Agency consideration of voluntary
                                                Budget (OMB) has exempted these types                   consensus standards pursuant to section                Suspension of Community Eligibility
                                                of actions from review under Executive                  12(d) of the National Technology
                                                                                                        Transfer and Advancement Act                           AGENCY:  Federal Emergency
                                                Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory
                                                                                                        (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).                          Management Agency, DHS.
                                                Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,
                                                October 4, 1993). Because this action                                                                          ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                        XII. Congressional Review Act
                                                has been exempted from review under                       Pursuant to the Congressional Review                 SUMMARY:    This rule identifies
                                                Executive Order 12866, this action is                   Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will                   communities where the sale of flood
                                                not subject to Executive Order 13211,                   submit a report containing this rule and               insurance has been authorized under
                                                entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning                           other required information to the U.S.                 the National Flood Insurance Program
                                                Regulations That Significantly Affect                   Senate, the U.S. House of                              (NFIP) that are scheduled for
                                                Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66               Representatives, and the Comptroller                   suspension on the effective dates listed
                                                FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive                    General of the United States prior to                  within this rule because of
                                                Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of                   publication of the rule in the Federal                 noncompliance with the floodplain
                                                Children from Environmental Health                      Register. This action is not a ‘‘major                 management requirements of the
                                                Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,                  rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                  program. If the Federal Emergency
                                                April 23, 1997). This action does not                                                                          Management Agency (FEMA) receives
                                                contain any information collections                     List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180                    documentation that the community has
                                                subject to OMB approval under the                         Environmental protection,                            adopted the required floodplain
                                                Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44                       Administrative practice and procedure,                 management measures prior to the
                                                U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it require                Agricultural commodities, Pesticides                   effective suspension date given in this
                                                any special considerations under                        and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping                 rule, the suspension will not occur and
                                                Executive Order 12898, entitled                         requirements.                                          a notice of this will be provided by
                                                ‘‘Federal Actions to Address                                                                                   publication in the Federal Register on a
                                                                                                          Dated: December 18, 2015.
                                                Environmental Justice in Minority                                                                              subsequent date. Also, information
                                                Populations and Low-Income                              Susan Lewis,
                                                                                                        Director, Registration Division, Office of
                                                                                                                                                               identifying the current participation
                                                Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,                                                                        status of a community can be obtained
                                                1994).                                                  Pesticide Programs.
                                                                                                                                                               from FEMA’s Community Status Book
                                                   Since tolerances and exemptions that                   Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
                                                                                                                                                               (CSB). The CSB is available at http://
                                                are established in accordance with                      amended as follows:
                                                                                                                                                               www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm.
                                                FFDCA sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6),
                                                                                                        PART 180—[AMENDED]                                     DATES: The effective date of each
                                                such as the exemption in this final rule,
                                                do not require the issuance of a                                                                               community’s scheduled suspension is
                                                                                                        ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180               the third date (‘‘Susp.’’) listed in the
                                                proposed rule, the requirements of the
                                                                                                        continues to read as follows:                          third column of the following tables.
                                                Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5
                                                U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply.                           Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
                                                   This action directly regulates growers,                                                                     you want to determine whether a
                                                                                                        ■ 2. In § 180.1206, add a new paragraph                particular community was suspended
                                                food processors, food handlers, and food
                                                                                                        (d) to read as follows:                                on the suspension date or for further
                                                retailers, not States or tribes, nor does
                                                this action alter the relationships or                  § 180.1206 Aspergillus flavus AF36;                    information, contact Patricia Suber,
                                                distribution of power and                               exemption from the requirement of a                    Federal Insurance and Mitigation
                                                responsibilities established by Congress                tolerance.                                             Administration, Federal Emergency
                                                in the preemption provisions of FFDCA                   *     *     *     *     *                              Management Agency, 500 C Street SW.,
                                                section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency                    (d) Section 18 emergency exemptions.                 Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–4149.
                                                has determined that this action will not                A time-limited exemption from the                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NFIP
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                have a substantial direct effect on States              requirement of a tolerance is established              enables property owners to purchase
                                                or tribal governments, on the                           for residues of Aspergillus flavus AF36,               Federal flood insurance that is not
                                                relationship between the national                       in or on dried figs, resulting from use of             otherwise generally available from
                                                government and the States or tribal                     the pesticide pursuant to a FIFRA                      private insurers. In return, communities
                                                governments, or on the distribution of                  section 18 emergency exemption. This                   agree to adopt and administer local
                                                power and responsibilities among the                    time-limited exemption from the                        floodplain management measures aimed
                                                various levels of government or between                 requirement of a tolerance for residues                at protecting lives and new construction


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Document Created: 2016-01-14 02:50:20
Document Modified: 2016-01-14 02:50:20
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 January 14, 2016. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before March 14, 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 T. Lewis, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone
FR Citation81 FR 1890 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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