81_FR_53174 81 FR 53019 - Halauxifen-methyl; Pesticide Tolerances

81 FR 53019 - Halauxifen-methyl; Pesticide Tolerances

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 155 (August 11, 2016)

Page Range53019-53025
FR Document2016-19118

This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of halauxifen-methyl and its metabolite, XDE-729 acid, in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Dow AgroSciences LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 155 (Thursday, August 11, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 155 (Thursday, August 11, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53019-53025]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-19118]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0919; FRL-9946-30]


Halauxifen-methyl; Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of 
halauxifen-methyl and its metabolite, XDE-729 acid, in or on multiple 
commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. 
Dow AgroSciences LLC requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective August 11, 2016. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before October 11, 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-2012-0919, is available at http://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory 
Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency 
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 
1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public 
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public 
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP 
Docket is (703) 305-5805. Please review the visitor instructions and 
additional information about the docket available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Lewis, Registration Division 
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone 
number: (703) 305-7090; email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

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

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

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

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

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an 
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a 
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a 
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided 
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0919 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 
October 11, 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-2012-0919, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance

    In the Federal Register of February 15, 2013 (78 FR 11126) (FRL-
9378-4), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 
2F8086) by Dow AgroSciences, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 
46268. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended by 
establishing tolerances for residues of the herbicide, halauxifen-
methyl (methyl 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-
methoxyphenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylate) and its major metabolite, XDE-729 
acid, expressed as halauxifen-methyl (parent) equivalents, in or on 
barley, grain at 0.01 parts per million (ppm); barley, hay at 0.01 ppm; 
barley, straw at 0.01 ppm; cattle, fat at 0.01 ppm; cattle, meat at 
0.01 ppm; cattle, meat byproducts at 0.01 ppm; goat, fat at 0.01 ppm; 
goat, meat at 0.01 ppm; goat, meat byproducts at 0.01 ppm; horse, fat 
at 0.01 ppm; horse, meat at 0.01 ppm; horse, meat byproducts at 0.01 
ppm; milk at 0.01 ppm; sheep, fat at 0.01 ppm; sheep, meat at 0.01 ppm; 
sheep, meat byproducts at 0.01 ppm; wheat, forage at 0.5 ppm; wheat, 
grain at 0.01 ppm; wheat, hay at 0.04 ppm; and wheat, straw at 0.015 
ppm. That document referenced a summary of the petition

[[Page 53020]]

prepared by Dow AgroSciences LLC, the registrant, which is available in 
the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received 
in response to the notice of filing.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has 
determined that livestock commodity tolerances are not required for the 
proposed uses. In addition, the proposed ``wheat, hay'' tolerance level 
of 0.04 ppm will be set at a reduced tolerance level of 0.03 ppm. The 
reason for these changes are explained in Unit IV.C.

III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a 
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a 
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure 
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary 
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable 
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in 
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure. 
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special 
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide 
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there 
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and 
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . . 
.''
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available 
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this 
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a 
determination on aggregate exposure for halauxifen-methyl and its acid 
metabolite, including exposure resulting from the tolerances 
established by this action. EPA's assessment of exposures and risks 
associated with halauxifen-methyl and its major metabolite, XDE-729 
acid, follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children.
    The toxicology database for halauxifen-methyl is considered 
adequate at this time. Following oral exposure and absorption, the 
liver is exposed pre-systemically to halauxifen-methyl, where it is 
hydrolyzed to its major metabolite, XDE-729 acid, before entering the 
systemic circulation. Therefore, systemic exposure to organs and 
tissues other than the liver is to XDE-729 acid, whereas the liver is 
also exposed to the parent prior to its metabolism. The guideline 
studies were conducted on XDE-729 acid and identified the kidney as the 
main target organ. Bridging studies on halauxifen-methyl identified the 
liver as the target organ, but the data could not bridge to the acid 
metabolite because liver toxicity from exposure to halauxifen-methyl 
occurred at lower doses than the kidney toxicity resulting from 
exposure to XDE-729 acid. In lieu of conducting long-term oral studies 
on halauxifen-methyl, mechanistic studies were performed to 
characterize the mode of action (MOA) for liver toxicity. These studies 
identified activation of the liver aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as 
the MOA, and the molecular initiating event (MIE), for liver toxicity, 
for which increased liver Cyp1a1 gene expression serves as a biomarker. 
In the absence of this MIE, liver toxicity from parent halauxifen-
methyl, including induction of hepatocellular proliferation, will not 
be observed. A point of departure (POD) of 3 mg/kg/day for increased 
Cyp1a1 expression (observed at 10 mg/kg/day, the study NOAEL) was 
identified in the rat 90-day dietary study on halauxifen-methyl and was 
selected for chronic dietary risk assessment, since it protects for the 
initial step in liver toxicity, regardless of exposure duration. 
Therefore, the bridging and mechanistic studies were considered along 
with the guideline studies in selection of the dose and endpoint for 
halauxifen-methyl. Based on the abundance of guideline and mechanistic 
data available, a MOA approach was used for the identification and 
characterization of hazard. Due to the distinct toxicities of the two 
compounds and the unique MOA for liver toxicity of halauxifen-methyl, 
risk from the two compounds was assessed separately.
    There is no evidence of neurotoxicity or immunotoxicity for either 
compound. Inhalation studies (including the acute LD50 
study) were waived because MOEs for inhalation exposure, calculated 
using a highly conservative endpoint from oral data, were high 
(>=2,500), and the available oral and dermal studies did not indicate 
the potential for portal of entry effects. In addition, halauxifen-
methyl has a low vapor pressure and adequate particle sizes for test 
atmospheres could not be generated. Guideline rat or rabbit dermal 
toxicity, rat two-generation reproductive toxicity, dog chronic 
toxicity, rat chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity, mouse carcinogenicity, 
rat acute and subchronic neurotoxicity studies on halauxifen-methyl 
were also waived. The waivers were granted because adequate data were 
available for XDE-729 acid, to which systemic exposure would occur. The 
available data, when combined with the bridging and MOE data on 
halauxifen-methyl, allowed identification of a protective POD for AhR-
mediated liver toxicity. Therefore, an additional database uncertainty 
factor (UFDB) is not required for either compound. Both are 
mild eye irritants (Category III) but not dermal irritants or 
sensitizers. XDE-729 acid is classified as ``not likely to be 
carcinogenic to humans.'' Halauxifen-methyl is classified as ``not 
likely to be carcinogenic to humans at doses that do not induce Cyp1a1 
expression,'' based on the premise that AhR activation and subsequent 
promotion of hepatocellular tumors (via a prolonged increase in 
hepatocellular proliferation), a well-known non-genotoxic mechanism of 
liver carcinogenesis that has been previously described for other 
chemicals, depend upon this molecular initiating event (MIE). Moreover, 
based on its rapid metabolism to XDE-729 acid, halauxifen-methyl is not 
expected to persist in the body; therefore, progression of liver 
toxicity (including carcinogenic potential) from sustained AhR 
activation is not expected. Neither compound showed evidence of 
genotoxicity.
    There is no evidence of increased prenatal susceptibility to either 
compound in developmental toxicity studies in two species. No 
developmental toxicity was observed in the presence of maternal 
toxicity for rats exposed to halauxifen-methyl or rabbits exposed to 
XDE-729 acid. In rats exposed to XDE-729 acid, mild fetal effects 
(decreased body weight and delayed ossification of the thoracic centra) 
were observed in the presence of more significant maternal toxicity 
(moribund sacrifice due to excessively decreased body weight and food 
consumption, along with increased relative kidney weight). In rabbits 
exposed to halauxifen-methyl, the fetal effects (decreased body weight, 
increases in delayed ossification of the pubis) were observed in the 
presence of maternal liver histopathology and

[[Page 53021]]

increased liver weight, at a dose greater than the maternal LOAEL, and 
were therefore not considered indicative of greater sensitivity. In a 
rat two-generation reproductive toxicity study on XDE-729 acid, there 
was no evidence of increased postnatal susceptibility. Parental 
toxicity in the rat two-generation reproductive toxicity study was 
observed at 443 mg/kg/day (NOAEL 103 mg/kg/day), but no offspring or 
reproductive toxicity was reported. A reproductive toxicity study was 
not conducted on halauxifen-methyl. Residual concerns for postnatal 
susceptibility to halauxifen-methyl in the absence of this study are 
low, due to selection of a highly conservative endpoint and assumptions 
for dietary exposure, as well as the low level of exposure expected 
from proposed use patterns.
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by halauxifen-methyl and its metabolite, XDE-729 
acid, as well as the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the 
lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies 
can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in document Halauxifen-
methyl--New Active Ingredient Human Health Risk Assessment for Proposed 
Uses on Cereal Grains (Barley, Wheat, and Triticale) at page 42 in 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0919.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA 
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of 
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the 
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for 
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed 
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to 
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) 
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified 
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with 
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a 
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe 
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes 
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the 
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of 
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the 
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete 
description of the risk assessment process, see http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
    A summary of the toxicological endpoints for halauxifen-methyl used 
in the Agency's human health risk assessment is shown in Table 1(a) of 
this unit. No hazard from a single exposure was identified in the 
available database; therefore, no risk is expected from acute dietary 
exposure to halauxifen-methyl. For chronic dietary exposure, the rat 
90-day oral study was selected. Although long-term oral toxicity 
studies are not available for halauxifen-methyl, a dose and an endpoint 
protective of long-term toxicity could be identified using the 
subchronic data together with the MOA data. The rat 90-day study NOAEL 
of 10.3 mg/kg/day was based on increased liver weight, hypertrophy and 
vacuolization consistent with fatty change at the LOAEL of 53.4 mg/kg/
day. Liver effects at the LOAEL were of low severity but were 
considered treatment-related. A marked increase (1,500-fold above 
controls) in Cyp1a1 expression was also observed at the LOAEL. As 
previously noted, mechanistic studies on halauxifen-methyl identified 
activation of liver AhR as the MOA for liver toxicity, for which 
increased expression of Cyp1a1 in the liver is a biomarker for AhR 
activation, the MIE. In the absence of AhR activation, liver toxicity 
will not occur. Although there were no liver effects observed at the 
study NOAEL, a 52-fold increase in Cyp1a1 expression was observed. This 
increase is well below the increase that was associated which mild 
liver toxicity. Long-term effects on the liver from this lower level 
increase are not known in the absence of chronic data, but the lowest 
dose in the study, 3 mg/kg/day, showed essentially no Cyp1a1 
activation. Cyp1a1 expression at 3 mg/kg/day was comparable to controls 
in both the 28- and 90-day studies (1.2- and 3.6-fold higher than 
controls, respectively), indicating that there is not expected to be 
significant activation of the AhR receptor at this dose level over 
time. Therefore, in order to be protective of potential adverse effects 
on the liver following long-term exposure, the point of departure (POD) 
of 3 mg/kg/day was selected, based on increased expression of liver 
Cyp1a1 (52-fold) at 10 mg/kg/day. The selected dose and endpoint are 
considered conservative, since the dose is below the study NOAEL, but 
protective of residual uncertainty due to the lack of chronic data 
because liver toxicity may not occur in the absence of the MIE, 
regardless of exposure duration. They are also protective of chronic 
effects from XDE-729 acid, which are observed at higher doses. A UF of 
100 is based on the combined interspecies (10x) and intraspecies (10x) 
UFs. An additional 10x UF for lack of chronic data was not applied for 
the following reasons: (1) Progression of toxicity was not observed in 
the 28- and 90-day dietary studies in the rat: the NOAELs and LOAELs 
for both studies were the same, and the severity of the findings was 
minimal at both exposure durations; (2) evaluation of Cyp1a1 expression 
in the rat 28- and 90-day studies indicated that at the selected POD of 
3 mg/kg/day, which is below the NOAELs for these studies, there is no 
expectation of significant AhR activation that could lead to liver 
toxicity. Observable liver toxicity in these studies was only 
associated with significantly greater levels of Cyp1a1; (3) halauxifen-
methyl is rapidly metabolized to the acid, and neither bioaccumulate; 
and (4) based on comparative in vitro studies, humans are not 
anticipated to be more sensitive to liver effects of halauxifen-methyl 
than rats.
    Carcinogenicity studies on halauxifen-methyl were not conducted. 
Systemic exposure from halauxifen-methyl is primarily to XDE-729 acid, 
which showed no evidence of carcinogenicity. However, pre-systemic 
exposure of the liver to halauxifen-methyl was shown to activate the 
AhR receptor, an effect that induces an increase in hepatocellular 
proliferation and, subsequently, may promote an increased incidence of 
liver tumors with long-term exposure. The molecular marker for AhR 
activation, the MIE for liver toxicity, is increased expression of 
hepatic Cyp1a1, which was observed at a dose below the LOAEL for 
observable adverse effects of any type. The chronic dietary endpoint 
for halauxifen-methyl is based on the point of departure (POD) from the 
rat subchronic study for Cyp1a1 induction, as described above. The 
selected POD is considered very conservative because it is below the 
study NOAEL (the LOAEL was based on mild liver effects). Since Cyp1a1 
induction is one of the early key events in the MOA leading to 
hepatotoxicity and promotion of hepatocellular proliferation, a dose 
that is protective of this event will be protective of the potential 
risk for liver cancer with chronic exposure, based on the rapid onset 
of AhR activation following initiation of exposure, and the lack of 
evidence of temporal progression of

[[Page 53022]]

liver toxicity in the available studies (28- and 90-day). The MOA is 
considered relevant to human health risk assessment, but in vitro data 
suggest that humans are unlikely to be more sensitive than the rat. 
Based on a weight-of-the-evidence consideration, halauxifen-methyl is 
classified as ``not likely to be carcinogenic to humans'' at doses that 
do not induce liver Cyp1a1 expression.

   Table 1(a)--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Halauxifen-methyl for Use in Human Health Risk
                                                   Assessment
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                                    Point of departure
        Exposure/Scenario            and uncertainty/     RfD, PAD, LOC for     Study and toxicological effects
                                      safety factors       risk assessment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute dietary (General population  No hazard from a single exposure was identified in the available database;
 including infants and children     therefore, no risk is expected from this exposure scenario.
 and females age 13-49).
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Chronic dietary (All populations)  POD = 3.0 mg/kg/day.  Chronic RfD = 0.03   90-day oral toxicity in the rat
                                   UFA = 10x...........   mg/kg/day.           (halauxifen-methyl).
                                   UFH = 10x...........  cPAD = 0.03 mg/kg/   NOAEL = 10 mg/kg/day.
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........   day.                At the NOAEL, increased Cyp1a1
                                                                               expression was observed (endpoint
                                                                               selected for risk assessment).
                                                                               The lowest dose of 3.0 mg/kg/day
                                                                               was selected to be protective of
                                                                               potential long-term effects from
                                                                               increased AhR expression in the
                                                                               liver.\1\
                                                                              LOAEL = 52 mg/kg/day based on mild
                                                                               liver enlargement and pathology.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation)  Classification: Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans at dose levels that
                                    do not induce Cyp1a1 expression. The cRfD is considered protective of
                                    potential cancer effects because it protects for the MIE for hepatocellular
                                    proliferation (AhR activation) that, over time, may result in promotion of
                                    liver tumors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point of Departure (POD) = A data point or an estimated point that is derived from observed dose-response data
  and used to mark the beginning of extrapolation to determine risk associated with lower environmentally
  relevant human exposures. NOAEL = no observed adverse effect level. LOAEL = lowest observed adverse effect
  level. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies). UFH = potential
  variation in sensitivity among members of the human population (intraspecies). FQPA SF = FQPA Safety Factor.
  PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. MIE = molecular initiating
  event.
1. The POD selected for risk assessment was based on a non-adverse finding, increased liver Cyp1a1 expression in
  a rat 90-day dietary study, which was observed below the study NOAEL of 10 mg/kg/day for liver toxicity. This
  effect is a biomarker for activation of AhR, which causes liver toxicity and hepatocellular proliferation. The
  POD was selected to be protective of potential liver effects resulting from chronic dietary exposure to
  halauxifen-methyl. Other tissues and organs will not be exposed to halauxifen-methyl due to rapid conversion
  to XDE-729 acid. The POD is protective of effects from exposure to XDE-729 acid.

    A summary of the toxicological endpoints for XDE-729 acid used for 
human risk assessment is shown in Table 1(b) of this unit. No hazard 
from a single exposure was identified in the available database; 
therefore, no risk is expected from acute dietary exposure to XDE-729 
acid. The chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study using the rat was 
chosen to assess chronic dietary risk to XDE-729 acid. A NOAEL of 20.3 
was chosen based on hyperplasia of the renal pelvic epithelium in 
females observed at 101 mg/kg/day. This NOAEL is protective of 
developmental effects, observed in the rat at 526 mg/kg/day (NOAEL = 
140 mg/kg/day), and of maternal toxicity in both the rat (LOAEL = 526 
mg/kg/day) and rabbit (LOAEL 1094 mg/kg/day).
    There was no evidence of carcinogenicity in rat and mouse cancer 
studies on XDE-729 acid, which is classified as ``not likely to be 
carcinogenic to humans.''

     Table 1(b)--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for XDE-729 Acid for Use in Human Health Risk
                                                   Assessment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Point of departure
        Exposure/Scenario            and uncertainty/     RfD, PAD, LOC for     Study and toxicological effects
                                      safety factors       risk assessment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute dietary (General population  No hazard from a single exposure was identified in the available database;
 including infants and children     therefore, no risk is expected from this exposure scenario.
 and females age 13-49).
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chronic dietary (All populations)  NOAEL = 20.3 mg/kg/   Chronic RfD = 0.20   Rat two-year dietary chronic
                                    day (females).        mg/kg/day.           toxicity/carcinogenicity study
                                                                              NOAEL = 101/20.3 mg/kg/day [M/F].
                                   UFA = 10x...........  cPAD = 0.20 mg/kg/   LOAEL = 404/101 mg/kg/day [M/F]
                                   UFH = 10x...........   day.                 based on increased mortality,
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........                        altered urinalysis parameters,
                                                                               decreased body weight, increased
                                                                               kidney weights, adrenal zone
                                                                               glomerulosa hypertrophy,
                                                                               increased degeneration and
                                                                               regeneration of renal tubules and
                                                                               kidney stones, and bladder
                                                                               pathology in males; in females,
                                                                               hyperplasia of pelvic epithelium
                                                                               of the kidney.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 53023]]

 
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation)  Classification: Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point of Departure (POD) = A data point or an estimated point that is derived from observed dose-response data
  and used to mark the beginning of extrapolation to determine risk associated with lower environmentally
  relevant human exposures. NOAEL = no observed adverse effect level. LOAEL = lowest observed adverse effect
  level. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies). UFH = potential
  variation in sensitivity among members of the human population (intraspecies). FQPA SF = FQPA Safety Factor.
  PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. MOE = margin of exposure.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to halauxifen-methyl and the XDE-729 acid metabolite, EPA 
considered exposure under the petitioned-for tolerances. EPA assessed 
dietary exposures to these compounds in food as follows:
    i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk 
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological 
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring 
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure. No such effects were 
identified in the toxicological studies for halauxifen-methyl or XDE-
729 acid; therefore, quantitative acute dietary exposure assessments 
were determined unnecessary.
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting individual chronic dietary 
exposure assessments for these two compounds, EPA used the food 
consumption data collected between 2003 and 2008 for USDA's National 
Health and Nutrition Survey/What We Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). As 
to residue levels in food, EPA used tolerance-level residues and 
assumed 100 percent of all wheat, barley and triticale acres are 
treated. No processing factors were used due to the lack of residue 
concentration in processed commodities. Residue chemistry data indicate 
that halauxifen-methyl (parent compound) converts to the XDE-729 acid 
metabolite so quickly in the environment that dietary exposure to 
halauxifen-methyl is expected to be minimal.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has 
concluded that halauxifen-methyl does not pose a cancer risk to humans 
at dose levels that do not induce liver toxicity or Cypla1 expression. 
EPA has also concluded that its XDE-729 acid metabolite does not pose a 
cancer risk to humans. Therefore, separate dietary exposure assessments 
for the purpose of assessing cancer risk are determined to be 
unnecessary.
    iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information. 
EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the 
dietary assessment for halauxifen-methyl. Tolerance-level residues and 
100% CT were assumed for all food commodities.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening-
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for halauxifen-methyl and its metabolites (primarily XDE-729 
acid) in drinking water. These simulation models take into account data 
on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport characteristics of 
halauxifen-methyl and its metabolites. Further information regarding 
EPA drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be 
found at http://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/water/index.htm.
    Based on the Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling 
System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM 
GW), the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of halauxifen-
methyl were estimated for chronic exposure in a non-cancer assessment. 
Based on the Screening Concentration in Groundwater (SCI-GROW) model, 
the EDWCs of the XDE-729 acid metabolite were estimated for chronic 
exposure in a non-cancer assessment. Modeled estimates of drinking 
water concentrations were directly entered into the dietary exposure 
model. For chronic dietary risk assessment of halauxifen-methyl only, 
the water concentration value of 0.007 ppb was used to assess the 
contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk assessment of 
XDE-729 acid, a drinking water concentration value of 19.5 ppb was used 
to assess the contribution to drinking water.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control, 
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets). Halauxifen-methyl is 
not used, nor is it being proposed for use in any specific use patterns 
that would result in residential exposure.
    4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of 
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when 
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the 
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative 
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances 
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.'' EPA has not found 
halauxifen-methyl or XDE-729 acid to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, nor do they appear to produce any 
toxic metabolites produced by other substances. For the purposes of 
this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that neither of these 
compounds have a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances. 
For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which chemicals 
have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the cumulative 
effects of such chemicals, see EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA 
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants 
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal 
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity 
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a 
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This 
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA Safety 
Factor (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default 
value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when 
reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different 
factor.

[[Page 53024]]

    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There was no evidence of 
increased prenatal susceptibility to either compound and no evidence of 
postnatal susceptibility to XDE-729 acid. Residual concerns for 
postnatal susceptibility to halauxifen-methyl in the absence of 
reproductive toxicity data are low, due to selection of a conservative 
endpoint and assumptions for dietary exposure, as well as the low level 
of exposure expected from proposed use patterns.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the 
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the 
FQPA SF were reduced to 1x. That decision is based on the following 
findings:
    i. The toxicity database for halauxifen-methyl and XDE-729 acid are 
complete.
    ii. There is no indication that halauxifen-methyl or XDE-729 acid 
are neurotoxic chemicals and there is no need for developmental 
neurotoxicity studies or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
    iii. There is no evidence to suggest that exposure to halauxifen-
methyl or XDE-729 acid results in increased in utero susceptibility in 
rats or rabbits in the prenatal developmental studies or in young rats 
in the 2-generation reproduction study.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The chronic dietary food exposure assessment was based on 
100 PCT and tolerance-level residues. EPA also made conservative 
assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used to assess 
exposure to halauxifen-methyl and XDE-729 acid in drinking water. These 
assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by 
these compounds.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide 
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the 
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA 
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the 
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term 
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water, 
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an 
adequate MOE exists.
    1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into 
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and 
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure 
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore, 
neither halauxifen-methyl, nor XDE-729 acid are expected to pose an 
acute risk.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
halauxifen-methyl from food and water will utilize < 1% of the cPAD for 
all infants, the population group receiving the greatest exposure. In 
addition, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to XDE-729 acid from 
drinking water will also utilize < 1% of the cPAD for all infants. XDE-
729 is not a residue of concern in food; therefore, the chronic 
assessment was based on drinking water only for this acid metabolite. 
There are no residential uses for halauxifen-methyl being proposed at 
this time; therefore chronic aggregate risk reflects only dietary 
exposure to potential residues in food and drinking water.
    3. Short-term risk. Short-term risk is assessed based on short-term 
residential exposure plus chronic dietary exposure. Because there is no 
short-term residential exposure and chronic dietary exposure has 
already been assessed under the appropriately protective cPAD (which is 
at least as protective as the POD used to assess short-term risk), no 
further assessment of short-term risk is necessary.
    4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term risk is assessed based 
on intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic dietary 
exposure. Because there is no intermediate-term residential exposure 
and chronic dietary exposure has already been assessed under the 
appropriately protective cPAD, no further assessment of intermediate-
term risk is necessary.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Long-term dietary 
studies conducted with XDE-729 acid in the rat and the mouse showed no 
evidence of carcinogenicity. Based on the MOA and bridging data on 
halauxifen-methyl, which allowed identification of a POD for liver 
cancer, halauxifen-methyl is not expected to pose a cancer risk to 
humans at dose levels below those that induce liver Cyp1a1 expression. 
Genotoxicity studies were negative for both compounds.
    6. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate 
exposure to halauxifen-methyl and XDE-729 acid residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate enforcement methodology (LC-MS/MS) with a limit of 
quantitation of 0.01 ppm is available to enforce the tolerance 
expression. The multi-residue method, QuEChERS, is adequate for the 
determination of both residues of halauxifen-methyl and XDE-729 acid in 
crop commodities. The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical 
Chemistry Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. 
Meade, MD 20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; email address: 
[email protected].

B. International Residue Limits

    In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S. 
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent 
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA 
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA 
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations 
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food 
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety 
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United 
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from 
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain 
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
    No MRLs have been established by Codex for halauxifen-methyl on the 
commodities affected by this action.

C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances

    As noted in Unit II, the petitioned-for livestock commodity 
tolerances (milk; fat, meat, meat byproducts of cattle, goat, horse, 
and sheep) are not being established due to the lack of quantifiable 
residues in livestock commodities associated with the proposed uses in 
wheat, barley and triticale. In addition, although the petitioner 
proposed a tolerance of 0.04 ppm for wheat, hay, EPA has determined 
that a tolerance of 0.03 ppm is appropriate. When the petitioner 
determined the proposed tolerances, the metabolite XDE-729 acid was 
included as a residue of concern. EPA has subsequently determined that 
this metabolite is not a residue of concern for tolerance enforcement. 
Residues of metabolite XDE-729 acid were not

[[Page 53025]]

quantifiable in any of the residue field trials. Therefore, the values 
for measuring compliance with these tolerances only include residues of 
halauxifen-methyl. With the exception of wheat, hay, this revision to 
the residues of concern for tolerance enforcement had no impact on the 
plant commodity tolerances.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of halauxifen-
methyl, (methyl 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl) 
pyridine-2-carboxylate) and its major metabolite, XDE-729 acid, 
expressed as halauxifen-methyl (parent) equivalents, in or on barley, 
(grain, hay, straw) and wheat, grain at 0.01 ppm; wheat, forage at 0.50 
ppm; wheat, hay at 0.03 ppm; and wheat, straw at 0.015 ppm.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes tolerances under FFDCA section 408(d) in 
response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from 
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this action has been 
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action is not 
subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning 
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or 
Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled 
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not contain any 
information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any 
special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal 
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and 
Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis 
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerances in 
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.), do not apply.
    This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this 
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that 
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or 
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government 
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has 
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled 
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In addition, this 
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded 
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would 
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant 
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

VII. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required 
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and 
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of 
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' 
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: July 28, 2016.
Jack E. Housenger,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

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

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


0
2. Add Sec.  180.691 to subpart C to read as follows:


Sec.  [emsp14]180.691  Halauxifen-methyl; tolerances for residues.

    (a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of the 
herbicide, halauxifen-methyl, including its metabolites and degradates, 
in or on the commodities in the table below. Compliance with the 
tolerance levels specified below is to be determined by measuring only 
halauxifen-methyl (methyl (4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-
methoxyphenyl)-2-pyridine carboxylate).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Parts per
                       Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barley, grain.........................................              0.01
Barley, hay...........................................              0.01
Barley, straw.........................................              0.01
Wheat, forage.........................................              0.50
Wheat, grain..........................................              0.01
Wheat, hay............................................              0.03
Wheat, straw..........................................             0.015
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved]
    (c) Tolerances with regional registrations. [Reserved]
    (d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. [Reserved]

[FR Doc. 2016-19118 Filed 8-10-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 155 / Thursday, August 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                           53019

                                                         Commodity                       Parts per million      Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review              as described in 40 CFR part 178, please
                                                                                                                the visitor instructions and additional              submit a copy of the filing (excluding
                                              Goat, meat byproducts 1 ...                                0.30   information about the docket available               any Confidential Business Information
                                              Horse, fat 1 ........................                      0.05   at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.                       (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.
                                              Horse, meat 1 ....................                         0.01                                                        Information not marked confidential
                                                                                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                              Horse, meat byproducts 1                                   0.30                                                        pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be
                                              Milk 1 .................................                   0.01   Susan Lewis, Registration Division
                                                                                                                (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,               disclosed publicly by EPA without prior
                                              Sheep, fat 1 .......................                       0.05
                                              Sheep, meat 1 ...................                          0.01   Environmental Protection Agency, 1200                notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your
                                              Sheep, meat byproducts 1                                   0.30   Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,                   objection or hearing request, identified
                                                                                                                DC 20460–0001; main telephone                        by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
                                                1 There are no U.S. registrations as of Au-
                                                                                                                number: (703) 305–7090; email address:               2012–0919, by one of the following
                                              gust 11, 2016.                                                                                                         methods:
                                                                                                                RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
                                                (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions.                                                                                   • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                                                                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                              [Reserved]                                                                                                             www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
                                                (c) Tolerances with regional                                    I. General Information                               instructions for submitting comments.
                                              registrations. [Reserved]                                                                                              Do not submit electronically any
                                                                                                                A. Does this action apply to me?                     information you consider to be CBI or
                                                (d) Indirect or inadvertent residues.
                                              [Reserved]                                                           You may be potentially affected by                other information whose disclosure is
                                              [FR Doc. 2016–19117 Filed 8–10–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                this action if you are an agricultural               restricted by statute.
                                                                                                                producer, food manufacturer, or                        • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
                                              BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                                                                                pesticide manufacturer. The following                Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
                                                                                                                list of North American Industrial                    DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
                                              ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                          Classification System (NAICS) codes is               NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
                                                                                                                not intended to be exhaustive, but rather              • Hand Delivery: To make special
                                              AGENCY
                                                                                                                provides a guide to help readers                     arrangements for hand delivery or
                                              40 CFR Part 180                                                   determine whether this document                      delivery of boxed information, please
                                                                                                                applies to them. Potentially affected                follow the instructions at http://
                                              [EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0919; FRL–9946–30]                               entities may include:                                www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
                                                                                                                   • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                 Additional instructions on
                                              Halauxifen-methyl; Pesticide                                         • Animal production (NAICS code                   commenting or visiting the docket,
                                              Tolerances                                                        112).                                                along with more information about
                                              AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                                    • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                  dockets generally, is available at http://
                                              Agency (EPA).                                                     311).                                                www.epa.gov/dockets.
                                                                                                                   • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS                  II. Summary of Petitioned-For
                                              ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                                code 32532).                                         Tolerance
                                              SUMMARY:   This regulation establishes                            B. How can I get electronic access to                   In the Federal Register of February
                                              tolerances for residues of halauxifen-                            other related information?                           15, 2013 (78 FR 11126) (FRL–9378–4),
                                              methyl and its metabolite, XDE–729                                                                                     EPA issued a document pursuant to
                                              acid, in or on multiple commodities                                  You may access a frequently updated
                                                                                                                electronic version of EPA’s tolerance                FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.
                                              which are identified and discussed later                                                                               346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a
                                              in this document. Dow AgroSciences                                regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through
                                                                                                                the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR               pesticide petition (PP 2F8086) by Dow
                                              LLC requested these tolerances under                                                                                   AgroSciences, 9330 Zionsville Road,
                                              the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic                              site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-
                                                                                                                idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/                 Indianapolis, IN 46268. The petition
                                              Act (FFDCA).                                                                                                           requested that 40 CFR part 180 be
                                                                                                                40tab_02.tpl.
                                              DATES: This regulation is effective                                                                                    amended by establishing tolerances for
                                              August 11, 2016. Objections and                                   C. How can I file an objection or hearing            residues of the herbicide, halauxifen-
                                              requests for hearings must be received                            request?                                             methyl (methyl 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-
                                              on or before October 11, 2016, and must                             Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21                     chloro-2-fluoro-3-
                                              be filed in accordance with the                                   U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an                  methoxyphenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylate)
                                              instructions provided in 40 CFR part                              objection to any aspect of this regulation           and its major metabolite, XDE–729 acid,
                                              178 (see also Unit I.C. of the                                    and may also request a hearing on those              expressed as halauxifen-methyl (parent)
                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).                                       objections. You must file your objection             equivalents, in or on barley, grain at
                                              ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,                            or request a hearing on this regulation              0.01 parts per million (ppm); barley, hay
                                              identified by docket identification (ID)                          in accordance with the instructions                  at 0.01 ppm; barley, straw at 0.01 ppm;
                                              number EPA–HQ–OPP–2012–0919, is                                   provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure               cattle, fat at 0.01 ppm; cattle, meat at
                                              available at http://www.regulations.gov                           proper receipt by EPA, you must                      0.01 ppm; cattle, meat byproducts at
                                              or at the Office of Pesticide Programs                            identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–                    0.01 ppm; goat, fat at 0.01 ppm; goat,
                                              Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)                             OPP–2012–0919 in the subject line on                 meat at 0.01 ppm; goat, meat byproducts
                                              in the Environmental Protection Agency                            the first page of your submission. All               at 0.01 ppm; horse, fat at 0.01 ppm;
                                              Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William                              objections and requests for a hearing                horse, meat at 0.01 ppm; horse, meat
                                              Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301                           must be in writing, and must be                      byproducts at 0.01 ppm; milk at 0.01
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                              Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC                             received by the Hearing Clerk on or                  ppm; sheep, fat at 0.01 ppm; sheep,
                                              20460–0001. The Public Reading Room                               before October 11, 2016. Addresses for               meat at 0.01 ppm; sheep, meat
                                              is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,                              mail and hand delivery of objections                 byproducts at 0.01 ppm; wheat, forage at
                                              Monday through Friday, excluding legal                            and hearing requests are provided in 40              0.5 ppm; wheat, grain at 0.01 ppm;
                                              holidays. The telephone number for the                            CFR 178.25(b).                                       wheat, hay at 0.04 ppm; and wheat,
                                              Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,                              In addition to filing an objection or              straw at 0.015 ppm. That document
                                              and the telephone number for the OPP                              hearing request with the Hearing Clerk               referenced a summary of the petition


                                         VerDate Sep<11>2014        15:58 Aug 10, 2016      Jkt 238001    PO 00000   Frm 00051   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\11AUR1.SGM   11AUR1


                                              53020            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 155 / Thursday, August 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              prepared by Dow AgroSciences LLC, the                   subgroups of consumers, including                     of entry effects. In addition, halauxifen-
                                              registrant, which is available in the                   infants and children.                                 methyl has a low vapor pressure and
                                              docket, http://www.regulations.gov.                       The toxicology database for                         adequate particle sizes for test
                                              There were no comments received in                      halauxifen-methyl is considered                       atmospheres could not be generated.
                                              response to the notice of filing.                       adequate at this time. Following oral                 Guideline rat or rabbit dermal toxicity,
                                                Based upon review of the data                         exposure and absorption, the liver is                 rat two-generation reproductive toxicity,
                                              supporting the petition, EPA has                        exposed pre-systemically to halauxifen-               dog chronic toxicity, rat chronic
                                              determined that livestock commodity                     methyl, where it is hydrolyzed to its                 toxicity/carcinogenicity, mouse
                                              tolerances are not required for the                     major metabolite, XDE–729 acid, before                carcinogenicity, rat acute and
                                              proposed uses. In addition, the                         entering the systemic circulation.                    subchronic neurotoxicity studies on
                                              proposed ‘‘wheat, hay’’ tolerance level                 Therefore, systemic exposure to organs                halauxifen-methyl were also waived.
                                              of 0.04 ppm will be set at a reduced                    and tissues other than the liver is to                The waivers were granted because
                                              tolerance level of 0.03 ppm. The reason                 XDE–729 acid, whereas the liver is also               adequate data were available for XDE–
                                              for these changes are explained in Unit                 exposed to the parent prior to its                    729 acid, to which systemic exposure
                                              IV.C.                                                   metabolism. The guideline studies were                would occur. The available data, when
                                                                                                      conducted on XDE–729 acid and                         combined with the bridging and MOE
                                              III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
                                                                                                      identified the kidney as the main target              data on halauxifen-methyl, allowed
                                              Determination of Safety
                                                                                                      organ. Bridging studies on halauxifen-                identification of a protective POD for
                                                 Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA                     methyl identified the liver as the target             AhR-mediated liver toxicity. Therefore,
                                              allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the                organ, but the data could not bridge to               an additional database uncertainty
                                              legal limit for a pesticide chemical                    the acid metabolite because liver                     factor (UFDB) is not required for either
                                              residue in or on a food) only if EPA                    toxicity from exposure to halauxifen-                 compound. Both are mild eye irritants
                                              determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’              methyl occurred at lower doses than the               (Category III) but not dermal irritants or
                                              Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA                       kidney toxicity resulting from exposure               sensitizers. XDE–729 acid is classified
                                              defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a              to XDE–729 acid. In lieu of conducting                as ‘‘not likely to be carcinogenic to
                                              reasonable certainty that no harm will                  long-term oral studies on halauxifen-                 humans.’’ Halauxifen-methyl is
                                              result from aggregate exposure to the                   methyl, mechanistic studies were                      classified as ‘‘not likely to be
                                              pesticide chemical residue, including                   performed to characterize the mode of                 carcinogenic to humans at doses that do
                                              all anticipated dietary exposures and all               action (MOA) for liver toxicity. These                not induce Cyp1a1 expression,’’ based
                                              other exposures for which there is                      studies identified activation of the liver            on the premise that AhR activation and
                                              reliable information.’’ This includes                   aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as the                subsequent promotion of hepatocellular
                                              exposure through drinking water and in                  MOA, and the molecular initiating event               tumors (via a prolonged increase in
                                              residential settings, but does not include              (MIE), for liver toxicity, for which                  hepatocellular proliferation), a well-
                                              occupational exposure. Section                          increased liver Cyp1a1 gene expression                known non-genotoxic mechanism of
                                              408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to                   serves as a biomarker. In the absence of              liver carcinogenesis that has been
                                              give special consideration to exposure                  this MIE, liver toxicity from parent                  previously described for other
                                              of infants and children to the pesticide                halauxifen-methyl, including induction                chemicals, depend upon this molecular
                                              chemical residue in establishing a                      of hepatocellular proliferation, will not             initiating event (MIE). Moreover, based
                                              tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a               be observed. A point of departure (POD)
                                                                                                                                                            on its rapid metabolism to XDE–729
                                              reasonable certainty that no harm will                  of 3 mg/kg/day for increased Cyp1a1
                                                                                                                                                            acid, halauxifen-methyl is not expected
                                              result to infants and children from                     expression (observed at 10 mg/kg/day,
                                                                                                                                                            to persist in the body; therefore,
                                              aggregate exposure to the pesticide                     the study NOAEL) was identified in the
                                                                                                                                                            progression of liver toxicity (including
                                              chemical residue. . . .’’                               rat 90-day dietary study on halauxifen-
                                                 Consistent with FFDCA section                                                                              carcinogenic potential) from sustained
                                                                                                      methyl and was selected for chronic
                                              408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in                                                                    AhR activation is not expected. Neither
                                                                                                      dietary risk assessment, since it protects
                                              FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has                                                                           compound showed evidence of
                                                                                                      for the initial step in liver toxicity,
                                              reviewed the available scientific data                                                                        genotoxicity.
                                                                                                      regardless of exposure duration.
                                              and other relevant information in                       Therefore, the bridging and mechanistic                  There is no evidence of increased
                                              support of this action. EPA has                         studies were considered along with the                prenatal susceptibility to either
                                              sufficient data to assess the hazards of                guideline studies in selection of the                 compound in developmental toxicity
                                              and to make a determination on                          dose and endpoint for halauxifen-                     studies in two species. No
                                              aggregate exposure for halauxifen-                      methyl. Based on the abundance of                     developmental toxicity was observed in
                                              methyl and its acid metabolite,                         guideline and mechanistic data                        the presence of maternal toxicity for rats
                                              including exposure resulting from the                   available, a MOA approach was used for                exposed to halauxifen-methyl or rabbits
                                              tolerances established by this action.                  the identification and characterization               exposed to XDE–729 acid. In rats
                                              EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks                 of hazard. Due to the distinct toxicities             exposed to XDE–729 acid, mild fetal
                                              associated with halauxifen-methyl and                   of the two compounds and the unique                   effects (decreased body weight and
                                              its major metabolite, XDE–729 acid,                     MOA for liver toxicity of halauxifen-                 delayed ossification of the thoracic
                                              follows.                                                methyl, risk from the two compounds                   centra) were observed in the presence of
                                                                                                      was assessed separately.                              more significant maternal toxicity
                                              A. Toxicological Profile                                  There is no evidence of neurotoxicity               (moribund sacrifice due to excessively
                                                EPA has evaluated the available                       or immunotoxicity for either compound.                decreased body weight and food
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                                              toxicity data and considered its validity,              Inhalation studies (including the acute               consumption, along with increased
                                              completeness, and reliability as well as                LD50 study) were waived because MOEs                  relative kidney weight). In rabbits
                                              the relationship of the results of the                  for inhalation exposure, calculated                   exposed to halauxifen-methyl, the fetal
                                              studies to human risk. EPA has also                     using a highly conservative endpoint                  effects (decreased body weight,
                                              considered available information                        from oral data, were high (≥2,500), and               increases in delayed ossification of the
                                              concerning the variability of the                       the available oral and dermal studies                 pubis) were observed in the presence of
                                              sensitivities of major identifiable                     did not indicate the potential for portal             maternal liver histopathology and


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 155 / Thursday, August 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                         53021

                                              increased liver weight, at a dose greater               information on the general principles                 toxicity may not occur in the absence of
                                              than the maternal LOAEL, and were                       EPA uses in risk characterization and a               the MIE, regardless of exposure
                                              therefore not considered indicative of                  complete description of the risk                      duration. They are also protective of
                                              greater sensitivity. In a rat two-                      assessment process, see http://                       chronic effects from XDE–729 acid,
                                              generation reproductive toxicity study                  www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/                    which are observed at higher doses. A
                                              on XDE–729 acid, there was no                           riskassess.htm.                                       UF of 100 is based on the combined
                                              evidence of increased postnatal                            A summary of the toxicological                     interspecies (10x) and intraspecies (10x)
                                              susceptibility. Parental toxicity in the                endpoints for halauxifen-methyl used in               UFs. An additional 10x UF for lack of
                                              rat two-generation reproductive toxicity                the Agency’s human health risk                        chronic data was not applied for the
                                              study was observed at 443 mg/kg/day                     assessment is shown in Table 1(a) of                  following reasons: (1) Progression of
                                              (NOAEL 103 mg/kg/day), but no                           this unit. No hazard from a single                    toxicity was not observed in the 28- and
                                              offspring or reproductive toxicity was                  exposure was identified in the available              90-day dietary studies in the rat: the
                                              reported. A reproductive toxicity study                 database; therefore, no risk is expected              NOAELs and LOAELs for both studies
                                              was not conducted on halauxifen-                        from acute dietary exposure to                        were the same, and the severity of the
                                              methyl. Residual concerns for postnatal                 halauxifen-methyl. For chronic dietary                findings was minimal at both exposure
                                              susceptibility to halauxifen-methyl in                  exposure, the rat 90-day oral study was               durations; (2) evaluation of Cyp1a1
                                              the absence of this study are low, due                  selected. Although long-term oral                     expression in the rat 28- and 90-day
                                              to selection of a highly conservative                   toxicity studies are not available for                studies indicated that at the selected
                                              endpoint and assumptions for dietary                    halauxifen-methyl, a dose and an                      POD of 3 mg/kg/day, which is below the
                                              exposure, as well as the low level of                   endpoint protective of long-term                      NOAELs for these studies, there is no
                                              exposure expected from proposed use                     toxicity could be identified using the                expectation of significant AhR
                                              patterns.                                               subchronic data together with the MOA                 activation that could lead to liver
                                                 Specific information on the studies                                                                        toxicity. Observable liver toxicity in
                                                                                                      data. The rat 90-day study NOAEL of
                                              received and the nature of the adverse                                                                        these studies was only associated with
                                                                                                      10.3 mg/kg/day was based on increased
                                              effects caused by halauxifen-methyl and                                                                       significantly greater levels of Cyp1a1;
                                                                                                      liver weight, hypertrophy and
                                              its metabolite, XDE–729 acid, as well as                                                                      (3) halauxifen-methyl is rapidly
                                                                                                      vacuolization consistent with fatty
                                              the no-observed-adverse-effect-level                                                                          metabolized to the acid, and neither
                                                                                                      change at the LOAEL of 53.4 mg/kg/day.
                                              (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-                                                                              bioaccumulate; and (4) based on
                                                                                                      Liver effects at the LOAEL were of low
                                              adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the                                                                         comparative in vitro studies, humans
                                              toxicity studies can be found at http://                severity but were considered treatment-
                                                                                                      related. A marked increase (1,500-fold                are not anticipated to be more sensitive
                                              www.regulations.gov in document                                                                               to liver effects of halauxifen-methyl
                                              Halauxifen-methyl—New Active                            above controls) in Cyp1a1 expression
                                                                                                      was also observed at the LOAEL. As                    than rats.
                                              Ingredient Human Health Risk
                                              Assessment for Proposed Uses on Cereal                  previously noted, mechanistic studies                    Carcinogenicity studies on
                                              Grains (Barley, Wheat, and Triticale) at                on halauxifen-methyl identified                       halauxifen-methyl were not conducted.
                                              page 42 in docket ID number EPA–HQ–                     activation of liver AhR as the MOA for                Systemic exposure from halauxifen-
                                              OPP–2012–0919.                                          liver toxicity, for which increased                   methyl is primarily to XDE–729 acid,
                                                                                                      expression of Cyp1a1 in the liver is a                which showed no evidence of
                                              B. Toxicological Points of Departure/                   biomarker for AhR activation, the MIE.                carcinogenicity. However, pre-systemic
                                              Levels of Concern                                       In the absence of AhR activation, liver               exposure of the liver to halauxifen-
                                                 Once a pesticide’s toxicological                     toxicity will not occur. Although there               methyl was shown to activate the AhR
                                              profile is determined, EPA identifies                   were no liver effects observed at the                 receptor, an effect that induces an
                                              toxicological points of departure (POD)                 study NOAEL, a 52-fold increase in                    increase in hepatocellular proliferation
                                              and levels of concern to use in                         Cyp1a1 expression was observed. This                  and, subsequently, may promote an
                                              evaluating the risk posed by human                      increase is well below the increase that              increased incidence of liver tumors with
                                              exposure to the pesticide. For hazards                  was associated which mild liver                       long-term exposure. The molecular
                                              that have a threshold below which there                 toxicity. Long-term effects on the liver              marker for AhR activation, the MIE for
                                              is no appreciable risk, the toxicological               from this lower level increase are not                liver toxicity, is increased expression of
                                              POD is used as the basis for derivation                 known in the absence of chronic data,                 hepatic Cyp1a1, which was observed at
                                              of reference values for risk assessment.                but the lowest dose in the study, 3 mg/               a dose below the LOAEL for observable
                                              PODs are developed based on a careful                   kg/day, showed essentially no Cyp1a1                  adverse effects of any type. The chronic
                                              analysis of the doses in each                           activation. Cyp1a1 expression at 3 mg/                dietary endpoint for halauxifen-methyl
                                              toxicological study to determine the                    kg/day was comparable to controls in                  is based on the point of departure (POD)
                                              dose at which no adverse effects are                    both the 28- and 90-day studies (1.2-                 from the rat subchronic study for
                                              observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest                     and 3.6-fold higher than controls,                    Cyp1a1 induction, as described above.
                                              dose at which adverse effects of concern                respectively), indicating that there is not           The selected POD is considered very
                                              are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/                expected to be significant activation of              conservative because it is below the
                                              safety factors are used in conjunction                  the AhR receptor at this dose level over              study NOAEL (the LOAEL was based on
                                              with the POD to calculate a safe                        time. Therefore, in order to be protective            mild liver effects). Since Cyp1a1
                                              exposure level—generally referred to as                 of potential adverse effects on the liver             induction is one of the early key events
                                              a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a                   following long-term exposure, the point               in the MOA leading to hepatotoxicity
                                              reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin                  of departure (POD) of 3 mg/kg/day was                 and promotion of hepatocellular
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                                              of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold                    selected, based on increased expression               proliferation, a dose that is protective of
                                              risks, the Agency assumes that any                      of liver Cyp1a1 (52-fold) at 10 mg/kg/                this event will be protective of the
                                              amount of exposure will lead to some                    day. The selected dose and endpoint are               potential risk for liver cancer with
                                              degree of risk. Thus, the Agency                        considered conservative, since the dose               chronic exposure, based on the rapid
                                              estimates risk in terms of the probability              is below the study NOAEL, but                         onset of AhR activation following
                                              of an occurrence of the adverse effect                  protective of residual uncertainty due to             initiation of exposure, and the lack of
                                              expected in a lifetime. For more                        the lack of chronic data because liver                evidence of temporal progression of


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                                              53022            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 155 / Thursday, August 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              liver toxicity in the available studies                 that humans are unlikely to be more                   likely to be carcinogenic to humans’’ at
                                              (28- and 90-day). The MOA is                            sensitive than the rat. Based on a                    doses that do not induce liver Cyp1a1
                                              considered relevant to human health                     weight-of-the-evidence consideration,                 expression.
                                              risk assessment, but in vitro data suggest              halauxifen-methyl is classified as ‘‘not

                                                   TABLE 1(a)—SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGICAL DOSES AND ENDPOINTS FOR HALAUXIFEN-METHYL FOR USE IN HUMAN
                                                                                      HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT
                                                                                           Point of
                                                                                        departure and            RfD, PAD, LOC for
                                                     Exposure/Scenario                                                                                      Study and toxicological effects
                                                                                       uncertainty/safety         risk assessment
                                                                                            factors

                                              Acute dietary (General popu-           No hazard from a single exposure was identified in the available database; therefore, no risk is expected from
                                                lation including infants and         this exposure scenario.
                                                children and females age 13–
                                                49).

                                              Chronic dietary (All populations)      POD = 3.0 mg/kg/           Chronic RfD = 0.03         90-day oral toxicity in the rat (halauxifen-methyl).
                                                                                      day.                        mg/kg/day.               NOAEL = 10 mg/kg/day.
                                                                                     UFA = 10x                  cPAD = 0.03 mg/kg/         At the NOAEL, increased Cyp1a1 expression was observed
                                                                                     UFH = 10x                    day                        (endpoint selected for risk assessment). The lowest dose of
                                                                                     FQPA SF = 1x                                            3.0 mg/kg/day was selected to be protective of potential
                                                                                                                                             long-term effects from increased AhR expression in the
                                                                                                                                             liver.1
                                                                                                                                           LOAEL = 52 mg/kg/day based on mild liver enlargement and
                                                                                                                                             pathology.

                                              Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhala-          Classification: Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans at dose levels that do not induce Cyp1a1 expression.
                                                tion).                               The cRfD is considered protective of potential cancer effects because it protects for the MIE for hepatocellular
                                                                                     proliferation (AhR activation) that, over time, may result in promotion of liver tumors.
                                                Point of Departure (POD) = A data point or an estimated point that is derived from observed dose-response data and used to mark the begin-
                                              ning of extrapolation to determine risk associated with lower environmentally relevant human exposures. NOAEL = no observed adverse effect
                                              level. LOAEL = lowest observed adverse effect level. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies). UFH =
                                              potential variation in sensitivity among members of the human population (intraspecies). FQPA SF = FQPA Safety Factor. PAD = population ad-
                                              justed dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. MIE = molecular initiating event.
                                                1. The POD selected for risk assessment was based on a non-adverse finding, increased liver Cyp1a1 expression in a rat 90-day dietary
                                              study, which was observed below the study NOAEL of 10 mg/kg/day for liver toxicity. This effect is a biomarker for activation of AhR, which
                                              causes liver toxicity and hepatocellular proliferation. The POD was selected to be protective of potential liver effects resulting from chronic dietary
                                              exposure to halauxifen-methyl. Other tissues and organs will not be exposed to halauxifen-methyl due to rapid conversion to XDE–729 acid. The
                                              POD is protective of effects from exposure to XDE–729 acid.


                                                 A summary of the toxicological                       chosen to assess chronic dietary risk to              = 526 mg/kg/day) and rabbit (LOAEL
                                              endpoints for XDE–729 acid used for                     XDE–729 acid. A NOAEL of 20.3 was                     1094 mg/kg/day).
                                              human risk assessment is shown in                       chosen based on hyperplasia of the                      There was no evidence of
                                              Table 1(b) of this unit. No hazard from                 renal pelvic epithelium in females                    carcinogenicity in rat and mouse cancer
                                              a single exposure was identified in the                 observed at 101 mg/kg/day. This                       studies on XDE–729 acid, which is
                                              available database; therefore, no risk is               NOAEL is protective of developmental
                                                                                                                                                            classified as ‘‘not likely to be
                                              expected from acute dietary exposure to                 effects, observed in the rat at 526 mg/kg/
                                                                                                                                                            carcinogenic to humans.’’
                                              XDE–729 acid. The chronic toxicity/                     day (NOAEL = 140 mg/kg/day), and of
                                              carcinogenicity study using the rat was                 maternal toxicity in both the rat (LOAEL

                                                 TABLE 1(b)—SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGICAL DOSES AND ENDPOINTS FOR XDE–729 ACID FOR USE IN HUMAN HEALTH
                                                                                         RISK ASSESSMENT
                                                                                           Point of
                                                                                        departure and            RfD, PAD, LOC for
                                                     Exposure/Scenario                                                                                      Study and toxicological effects
                                                                                       uncertainty/safety         risk assessment
                                                                                            factors

                                              Acute dietary (General popu-           No hazard from a single exposure was identified in the available database; therefore, no risk is expected from
                                                lation including infants and         this exposure scenario.
                                                children and females age 13–
                                                49).

                                              Chronic dietary (All populations)      NOAEL = 20.3 mg/           Chronic RfD = 0.20         Rat two-year dietary chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity study
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                                                                                      kg/day (females).           mg/kg/day.               NOAEL = 101/20.3 mg/kg/day [M/F].
                                                                                     UFA = 10x                  cPAD = 0.20 mg/kg/         LOAEL = 404/101 mg/kg/day [M/F] based on increased mor-
                                                                                     UFH = 10x                    day.                       tality, altered urinalysis parameters, decreased body weight,
                                                                                     FQPA SF = 1x                                            increased kidney weights, adrenal zone glomerulosa hyper-
                                                                                                                                             trophy, increased degeneration and regeneration of renal tu-
                                                                                                                                             bules and kidney stones, and bladder pathology in males; in
                                                                                                                                             females, hyperplasia of pelvic epithelium of the kidney.




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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 155 / Thursday, August 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        53023

                                                 TABLE 1(b)—SUMMARY OF TOXICOLOGICAL DOSES AND ENDPOINTS FOR XDE–729 ACID FOR USE IN HUMAN HEALTH
                                                                                    RISK ASSESSMENT—Continued
                                                                                           Point of
                                                                                        departure and            RfD, PAD, LOC for
                                                     Exposure/Scenario                                                                                      Study and toxicological effects
                                                                                       uncertainty/safety         risk assessment
                                                                                            factors

                                              Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhala-          Classification: Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.
                                                tion).
                                                Point of Departure (POD) = A data point or an estimated point that is derived from observed dose-response data and used to mark the begin-
                                              ning of extrapolation to determine risk associated with lower environmentally relevant human exposures. NOAEL = no observed adverse effect
                                              level. LOAEL = lowest observed adverse effect level. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies). UFH =
                                              potential variation in sensitivity among members of the human population (intraspecies). FQPA SF = FQPA Safety Factor. PAD = population ad-
                                              justed dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. MOE = margin of exposure.


                                              C. Exposure Assessment                                     iv. Anticipated residue and percent                flea and tick control on pets).
                                                 1. Dietary exposure from food and                    crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did               Halauxifen-methyl is not used, nor is it
                                              feed uses. In evaluating dietary                        not use anticipated residue and/or PCT                being proposed for use in any specific
                                              exposure to halauxifen-methyl and the                   information in the dietary assessment                 use patterns that would result in
                                              XDE–729 acid metabolite, EPA                            for halauxifen-methyl. Tolerance-level                residential exposure.
                                              considered exposure under the                           residues and 100% CT were assumed                        4. Cumulative effects from substances
                                              petitioned-for tolerances. EPA assessed                 for all food commodities.                             with a common mechanism of toxicity.
                                              dietary exposures to these compounds                       2. Dietary exposure from drinking                  Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
                                              in food as follows:                                     water. The Agency used screening-level                requires that, when considering whether
                                                 i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute                water exposure models in the dietary                  to establish, modify, or revoke a
                                              dietary exposure and risk assessments                   exposure analysis and risk assessment                 tolerance, the Agency consider
                                              are performed for a food-use pesticide,                 for halauxifen-methyl and its                         ‘‘available information’’ concerning the
                                              if a toxicological study has indicated the              metabolites (primarily XDE–729 acid) in               cumulative effects of a particular
                                              possibility of an effect of concern                     drinking water. These simulation                      pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
                                              occurring as a result of a 1-day or single              models take into account data on the                  substances that have a common
                                              exposure. No such effects were                          physical, chemical, and fate/transport                mechanism of toxicity.’’ EPA has not
                                              identified in the toxicological studies                 characteristics of halauxifen-methyl and              found halauxifen-methyl or XDE–729
                                              for halauxifen-methyl or XDE–729 acid;                  its metabolites. Further information                  acid to share a common mechanism of
                                              therefore, quantitative acute dietary                   regarding EPA drinking water models                   toxicity with any other substances, nor
                                              exposure assessments were determined                    used in pesticide exposure assessment                 do they appear to produce any toxic
                                              unnecessary.                                            can be found at http://www.epa.gov/                   metabolites produced by other
                                                 ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting                  oppefed1/models/water/index.htm.                      substances. For the purposes of this
                                              individual chronic dietary exposure                        Based on the Pesticide Root Zone                   tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
                                              assessments for these two compounds,                    Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling                      assumed that neither of these
                                              EPA used the food consumption data                      System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Pesticide                     compounds have a common mechanism
                                              collected between 2003 and 2008 for                     Root Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM                    of toxicity with other substances. For
                                              USDA’s National Health and Nutrition                    GW), the estimated drinking water                     information regarding EPA’s efforts to
                                              Survey/What We Eat in America                           concentrations (EDWCs) of halauxifen-                 determine which chemicals have a
                                              (NHANES/WWEIA). As to residue levels                    methyl were estimated for chronic                     common mechanism of toxicity and to
                                              in food, EPA used tolerance-level                       exposure in a non-cancer assessment.                  evaluate the cumulative effects of such
                                              residues and assumed 100 percent of all                 Based on the Screening Concentration                  chemicals, see EPA’s Web site at http://
                                              wheat, barley and triticale acres are                   in Groundwater (SCI–GROW) model,                      www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
                                              treated. No processing factors were used                the EDWCs of the XDE–729 acid
                                                                                                      metabolite were estimated for chronic                 D. Safety Factor for Infants and
                                              due to the lack of residue concentration
                                                                                                      exposure in a non-cancer assessment.                  Children
                                              in processed commodities. Residue
                                              chemistry data indicate that halauxifen-                Modeled estimates of drinking water                     1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
                                              methyl (parent compound) converts to                    concentrations were directly entered                  FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
                                              the XDE–729 acid metabolite so quickly                  into the dietary exposure model. For                  an additional tenfold (10X) margin of
                                              in the environment that dietary                         chronic dietary risk assessment of                    safety for infants and children in the
                                              exposure to halauxifen-methyl is                        halauxifen-methyl only, the water                     case of threshold effects to account for
                                              expected to be minimal.                                 concentration value of 0.007 ppb was                  prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
                                                 iii. Cancer. Based on the data                       used to assess the contribution to                    completeness of the database on toxicity
                                              summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has                      drinking water. For chronic dietary risk              and exposure unless EPA determines
                                              concluded that halauxifen-methyl does                   assessment of XDE–729 acid, a drinking                based on reliable data that a different
                                              not pose a cancer risk to humans at dose                water concentration value of 19.5 ppb                 margin of safety will be safe for infants
                                              levels that do not induce liver toxicity                was used to assess the contribution to                and children. This additional margin of
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                                              or Cypla1 expression. EPA has also                      drinking water.                                       safety is commonly referred to as the
                                              concluded that its XDE–729 acid                            3. From non-dietary exposure. The                  FQPA Safety Factor (SF). In applying
                                              metabolite does not pose a cancer risk                  term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in              this provision, EPA either retains the
                                              to humans. Therefore, separate dietary                  this document to refer to non-                        default value of 10X, or uses a different
                                              exposure assessments for the purpose of                 occupational, non-dietary exposure                    additional safety factor when reliable
                                              assessing cancer risk are determined to                 (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control,              data available to EPA support the choice
                                              be unnecessary.                                         indoor pest control, termiticides, and                of a different factor.


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                                              53024            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 155 / Thursday, August 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.                a single oral exposure was identified                 IV. Other Considerations
                                              There was no evidence of increased                      and no acute dietary endpoint was
                                                                                                                                                            A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
                                              prenatal susceptibility to either                       selected. Therefore, neither halauxifen-
                                              compound and no evidence of postnatal                   methyl, nor XDE–729 acid are expected                    Adequate enforcement methodology
                                              susceptibility to XDE–729 acid.                         to pose an acute risk.                                (LC–MS/MS) with a limit of
                                              Residual concerns for postnatal                                                                               quantitation of 0.01 ppm is available to
                                                                                                         2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure                enforce the tolerance expression. The
                                              susceptibility to halauxifen-methyl in                  assumptions described in this unit for
                                              the absence of reproductive toxicity data                                                                     multi-residue method, QuEChERS, is
                                                                                                      chronic exposure, EPA has concluded                   adequate for the determination of both
                                              are low, due to selection of a
                                                                                                      that chronic exposure to halauxifen-                  residues of halauxifen-methyl and XDE–
                                              conservative endpoint and assumptions
                                                                                                      methyl from food and water will utilize               729 acid in crop commodities. The
                                              for dietary exposure, as well as the low
                                                                                                      < 1% of the cPAD for all infants, the                 method may be requested from: Chief,
                                              level of exposure expected from
                                                                                                      population group receiving the greatest               Analytical Chemistry Branch,
                                              proposed use patterns.
                                                3. Conclusion. EPA has determined                     exposure. In addition, EPA has                        Environmental Science Center, 701
                                              that reliable data show the safety of                   concluded that chronic exposure to                    Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350;
                                              infants and children would be                           XDE–729 acid from drinking water will                 telephone number: (410) 305–2905;
                                              adequately protected if the FQPA SF                     also utilize < 1% of the cPAD for all                 email address:
                                              were reduced to 1x. That decision is                    infants. XDE–729 is not a residue of                  residuemethods@epa.gov.
                                              based on the following findings:                        concern in food; therefore, the chronic
                                                                                                      assessment was based on drinking water                B. International Residue Limits
                                                i. The toxicity database for
                                              halauxifen-methyl and XDE–729 acid                      only for this acid metabolite. There are                 In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
                                              are complete.                                           no residential uses for halauxifen-                   seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
                                                ii. There is no indication that                       methyl being proposed at this time;                   international standards whenever
                                              halauxifen-methyl or XDE–729 acid are                   therefore chronic aggregate risk reflects             possible, consistent with U.S. food
                                              neurotoxic chemicals and there is no                    only dietary exposure to potential                    safety standards and agricultural
                                              need for developmental neurotoxicity                    residues in food and drinking water.                  practices. EPA considers the
                                              studies or additional UFs to account for                   3. Short-term risk. Short-term risk is             international maximum residue limits
                                              neurotoxicity.                                          assessed based on short-term residential              (MRLs) established by the Codex
                                                iii. There is no evidence to suggest                  exposure plus chronic dietary exposure.               Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
                                              that exposure to halauxifen-methyl or                   Because there is no short-term                        required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
                                              XDE–729 acid results in increased in                    residential exposure and chronic dietary              The Codex Alimentarius is a joint
                                              utero susceptibility in rats or rabbits in              exposure has already been assessed                    United Nations Food and Agriculture
                                              the prenatal developmental studies or in                                                                      Organization/World Health
                                                                                                      under the appropriately protective
                                              young rats in the 2-generation                                                                                Organization food standards program,
                                                                                                      cPAD (which is at least as protective as
                                              reproduction study.                                                                                           and it is recognized as an international
                                                                                                      the POD used to assess short-term risk),
                                                iv. There are no residual uncertainties                                                                     food safety standards-setting
                                                                                                      no further assessment of short-term risk
                                              identified in the exposure databases.                                                                         organization in trade agreements to
                                                                                                      is necessary.
                                              The chronic dietary food exposure                                                                             which the United States is a party. EPA
                                              assessment was based on 100 PCT and                        4. Intermediate-term risk.                         may establish a tolerance that is
                                              tolerance-level residues. EPA also made                 Intermediate-term risk is assessed based              different from a Codex MRL; however,
                                              conservative assumptions in the ground                  on intermediate-term residential                      FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
                                              and surface water modeling used to                      exposure plus chronic dietary exposure.               EPA explain the reasons for departing
                                              assess exposure to halauxifen-methyl                    Because there is no intermediate-term                 from the Codex level.
                                              and XDE–729 acid in drinking water.                     residential exposure and chronic dietary                 No MRLs have been established by
                                              These assessments will not                              exposure has already been assessed                    Codex for halauxifen-methyl on the
                                              underestimate the exposure and risks                    under the appropriately protective                    commodities affected by this action.
                                              posed by these compounds.                               cPAD, no further assessment of
                                                                                                                                                            C. Revisions to Petitioned-For
                                                                                                      intermediate-term risk is necessary.
                                              E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of                                                                       Tolerances
                                              Safety                                                     5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
                                                                                                                                                               As noted in Unit II, the petitioned-for
                                                                                                      population. Long-term dietary studies
                                                 EPA determines whether acute and                                                                           livestock commodity tolerances (milk;
                                                                                                      conducted with XDE–729 acid in the rat
                                              chronic dietary pesticide exposures are                                                                       fat, meat, meat byproducts of cattle,
                                                                                                      and the mouse showed no evidence of
                                              safe by comparing aggregate exposure                                                                          goat, horse, and sheep) are not being
                                                                                                      carcinogenicity. Based on the MOA and
                                              estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and                                                                         established due to the lack of
                                                                                                      bridging data on halauxifen-methyl,                   quantifiable residues in livestock
                                              chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer
                                                                                                      which allowed identification of a POD                 commodities associated with the
                                              risks, EPA calculates the lifetime
                                                                                                      for liver cancer, halauxifen-methyl is                proposed uses in wheat, barley and
                                              probability of acquiring cancer given the
                                                                                                      not expected to pose a cancer risk to                 triticale. In addition, although the
                                              estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,
                                                                                                      humans at dose levels below those that                petitioner proposed a tolerance of 0.04
                                              intermediate-, and chronic-term risks
                                                                                                      induce liver Cyp1a1 expression.                       ppm for wheat, hay, EPA has
                                              are evaluated by comparing the
                                                                                                      Genotoxicity studies were negative for                determined that a tolerance of 0.03 ppm
                                              estimated aggregate food, water, and
                                                                                                      both compounds.                                       is appropriate. When the petitioner
                                              residential exposure to the appropriate
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                                              PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE                        6. Determination of safety. Based on               determined the proposed tolerances, the
                                              exists.                                                 these risk assessments, EPA concludes                 metabolite XDE–729 acid was included
                                                 1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk               that there is a reasonable certainty that             as a residue of concern. EPA has
                                              assessment takes into account acute                     no harm will result to the general                    subsequently determined that this
                                              exposure estimates from dietary                         population, or to infants and children                metabolite is not a residue of concern
                                              consumption of food and drinking                        from aggregate exposure to halauxifen-                for tolerance enforcement. Residues of
                                              water. No adverse effect resulting from                 methyl and XDE–729 acid residues.                     metabolite XDE–729 acid were not


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 155 / Thursday, August 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                                     53025

                                              quantifiable in any of the residue field                responsibilities established by Congress              halauxifen-methyl, including its
                                              trials. Therefore, the values for                       in the preemption provisions of FFDCA                 metabolites and degradates, in or on the
                                              measuring compliance with these                         section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency                commodities in the table below.
                                              tolerances only include residues of                     has determined that this action will not              Compliance with the tolerance levels
                                              halauxifen-methyl. With the exception                   have a substantial direct effect on States            specified below is to be determined by
                                              of wheat, hay, this revision to the                     or tribal governments, on the                         measuring only halauxifen-methyl
                                              residues of concern for tolerance                       relationship between the national                     (methyl (4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-
                                              enforcement had no impact on the plant                  government and the States or tribal                   2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-pyridine
                                              commodity tolerances.                                   governments, or on the distribution of                carboxylate).
                                                                                                      power and responsibilities among the
                                              V. Conclusion
                                                                                                      various levels of government or between                         Commodity                    Parts per million
                                                 Therefore, tolerances are established                the Federal Government and Indian
                                              for residues of halauxifen-methyl,                      tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined               Barley, grain .....................                0.01
                                              (methyl 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-                 that Executive Order 13132, entitled                  Barley, hay ........................               0.01
                                              fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl) pyridine-2-                                                                           Barley, straw .....................                0.01
                                                                                                      ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,
                                              carboxylate) and its major metabolite,                                                                        Wheat, forage ...................                  0.50
                                                                                                      1999) and Executive Order 13175,                      Wheat, grain .....................                 0.01
                                              XDE–729 acid, expressed as halauxifen-                  entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination              Wheat, hay .......................                 0.03
                                              methyl (parent) equivalents, in or on                   with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR               Wheat, straw .....................                0.015
                                              barley, (grain, hay, straw) and wheat,                  67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply
                                              grain at 0.01 ppm; wheat, forage at 0.50                to this action. In addition, this action                (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions.
                                              ppm; wheat, hay at 0.03 ppm; and                        does not impose any enforceable duty or               [Reserved]
                                              wheat, straw at 0.015 ppm.                              contain any unfunded mandate as                         (c) Tolerances with regional
                                              VI. Statutory and Executive Order                       described under Title II of the Unfunded              registrations. [Reserved]
                                              Reviews                                                 Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.                    (d) Indirect or inadvertent residues.
                                                                                                      1501 et seq.).                                        [Reserved]
                                                 This action establishes tolerances                      This action does not involve any                   [FR Doc. 2016–19118 Filed 8–10–16; 8:45 am]
                                              under FFDCA section 408(d) in                           technical standards that would require                BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                              response to a petition submitted to the                 Agency consideration of voluntary
                                              Agency. The Office of Management and                    consensus standards pursuant to section
                                              Budget (OMB) has exempted these types                   12(d) of the National Technology                      ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                              of actions from review under Executive                  Transfer and Advancement Act                          AGENCY
                                              Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory                      (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
                                              Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,                                                                           40 CFR Part 271
                                              October 4, 1993). Because this action                   VII. Congressional Review Act
                                              has been exempted from review under                       Pursuant to the Congressional Review                [EPA–R06–RCRA–2016–0176; FRL–9950–
                                              Executive Order 12866, this action is                   Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will                  13–Region 6]
                                              not subject to Executive Order 13211,                   submit a report containing this rule and              Arkansas: Final Authorization of State
                                              entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning                           other required information to the U.S.
                                                                                                                                                            Hazardous Waste Management
                                              Regulations That Significantly Affect                   Senate, the U.S. House of
                                                                                                                                                            Program Revision
                                              Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66               Representatives, and the Comptroller
                                              FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive                    General of the United States prior to                 AGENCY: Environmental Protection
                                              Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of                   publication of the rule in the Federal                Agency (EPA).
                                              Children from Environmental Health                      Register. This action is not a ‘‘major                ACTION: Direct final rule.
                                              Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,                  rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
                                              April 23, 1997). This action does not                                                                         SUMMARY:    The State of Arkansas has
                                                                                                      List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180                   applied to the United States
                                              contain any information collections
                                              subject to OMB approval under the                         Environmental protection,                           Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
                                              Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44                       Administrative practice and procedure,                for final authorization of the changes to
                                              U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require               Agricultural commodities, Pesticides                  its hazardous waste program under the
                                              any special considerations under                        and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping                Resource Conservation and Recovery
                                              Executive Order 12898, entitled                         requirements.                                         Act (RCRA). EPA has determined that
                                              ‘‘Federal Actions to Address                              Dated: July 28, 2016.                               these changes satisfy all requirements
                                              Environmental Justice in Minority                       Jack E. Housenger,                                    needed to qualify for final authorization,
                                              Populations and Low-Income                              Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.               and is authorizing the State’s changes
                                              Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,                   Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is                      through this direct final rule. In the
                                              1994).                                                  amended as follows:                                   ‘‘Proposed Rules’’ section of this
                                                 Since tolerances and exemptions that                                                                       Federal Register, EPA is also publishing
                                              are established on the basis of a petition              PART 180—[AMENDED]                                    a separate document that serves as the
                                              under FFDCA section 408(d), such as                                                                           proposal to authorize these changes.
                                              the tolerances in this final rule, do not               ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180              EPA believes this action is not
                                              require the issuance of a proposed rule,                continues to read as follows:                         controversial and does not expect
                                              the requirements of the Regulatory                          Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.        comments that oppose it. Unless EPA
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                                              Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et                                                                        receives written comments which
                                                                                                      ■ 2. Add § 180.691 to subpart C to read
                                              seq.), do not apply.                                                                                          oppose this authorization during the
                                                                                                      as follows:
                                                 This action directly regulates growers,                                                                    comment period, the decision to
                                              food processors, food handlers, and food                § 180.691 Halauxifen-methyl; tolerances               authorize Arkansas’ changes to its
                                              retailers, not States or tribes, nor does               for residues.                                         hazardous waste program will take
                                              this action alter the relationships or                    (a) General. Tolerances are                         effect. If EPA receives comments that
                                              distribution of power and                               established for residues of the herbicide,            oppose this action, EPA will publish a


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Document Created: 2018-02-09 11:27:38
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 11:27:38
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 August 11, 2016. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before October 11, 2016, and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ContactSusan Lewis, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone
FR Citation81 FR 53019 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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