81_FR_63890 81 FR 63710 - Ammonium Persulfate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

81 FR 63710 - Ammonium Persulfate; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 180 (September 16, 2016)

Page Range63710-63714
FR Document2016-22366

This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of ammonium persulfate (CAS Reg. No.7727- 54-0) when used as an inert ingredient (preservative) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest, etc.) at a concentration not to exceed 0.05% by weight. Exponent, Inc., on behalf of Becker Underwood, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of ammonium persulfate under the approved conditions.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 180 (Friday, September 16, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 180 (Friday, September 16, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63710-63714]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22366]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0237; FRL-9951-08]


Ammonium Persulfate; Exemption From the Requirement of a 
Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance for residues of ammonium persulfate (CAS Reg. No.7727-
54-0) when used as an inert ingredient (preservative) in pesticide 
formulations applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities 
after harvest, etc.) at a concentration not to exceed 0.05% by weight. 
Exponent, Inc., on behalf of Becker Underwood, Inc. submitted a 
petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 
requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum 
permissible level for residues of ammonium persulfate under the 
approved conditions.

DATES: This regulation is effective September 16, 2016. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before November 15, 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-2013-0237, 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: Michael Goodis, 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 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-2013-0237 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 
November 15, 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-2013-0237, 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. Petition for Exemption

    In the Federal Register of June 5, 2013 (78 FR 33785) (FRL-9386-2), 
EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C. 346a, 
announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 2E8096) by Exponent, 
Inc., 1150 Connecticut Ave., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036, on 
behalf of Becker Underwood, Inc., 801 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. 
The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.910 be amended by establishing 
an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 
ammonium persulfate (CAS Reg. No. 7727-54-0) when used as an inert 
ingredient (preservative) in pesticide formulations applied to growing 
crops or raw agricultural commodities after harvest at a concentration 
not to exceed 0.05% by weight in pesticide formulations. That document 
referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Exponent, Inc., the

[[Page 63711]]

petitioner, which is available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the 
notice of filing.

III. Inert Ingredient Definition

    Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active 
ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not 
limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a 
pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and 
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty 
acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as 
carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing 
agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents; 
and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply 
nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active. 
Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a 
tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert 
ingredients.

IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the 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 . . . .''
    EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only 
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from 
aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably 
foreseeable circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human 
health. In order to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to 
pesticide inert ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the 
inert in conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert 
ingredient through food, drinking water, and through other exposures 
that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA 
is able to determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure 
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from 
aggregate exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance may be established.
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(A), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), 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 ammonium persulfate including 
exposure resulting from the exemption established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with ammonium persulfate 
follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered their 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children. Specific information on the studies received and the nature 
of the adverse effects caused by ammonium persulfate as well as the no-
observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-
effect-level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies
    The acute oral and dermal rat lethal dose (LD)50s are 
495 milligram/kilogram body weight (mg/kg bw) and >2,000 mg/kg bw, 
respectively. The inhalation lethal concentration (LC)50 for 
ammonium persulfate in rats is >2,950 mg/cubic meter (m\3\). It is 
irritating to the eyes but not the skin. It is not a dermal sensitizer.
    Several subchronic studies were available for review for the 
sodium, potassium and ammonium salts of persulfate. In a 28 day oral 
(diet) toxicity study in rats, toxicity was manifested as decreased 
relative adrenal weight at 600 parts per million (ppm) (82 mg/kg/day). 
The NOAEL was 300 ppm; equal to 41 mg/kg/day. In a 3 months oral (diet) 
toxicity study in dogs, toxicity was not observed at doses up to 333 
mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested. In a toxicity study in rats, 
ammonium persulfate was administered via inhalation for 13 weeks then 
allowed a 6-week recovery period. Toxicity was manifested as rales, 
increased respiratory rate, inflammation of the trachea and bronchi/
bronchioles, decreased body weight, and increased lung weight at 25 mg/
m\3\. The NOAEL was 10.3 mg/m\3\.
    The reproductive and developmental toxicity of ammonium persulfate 
has been tested in rats. Parental, offspring and reproduction toxicity 
was not observed at doses up to 250 mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested.
    Available mutagenicity and genotoxicity studies included the Ames 
test, gene mutation and chromosomal aberration assays. Ammonium 
persulfate produced negative results in all of these studies.
    Oral and inhalation studies of the carcinogenic and promoting 
potential of ammonium persulfate do not exist; however, the 
carcinogenic and promoting potential of ammonium persulfate was tested 
in a non-guideline study via the dermal route of exposure. In a tumor 
promotion study, mice were treated dermally with ammonium persulfate 
biweekly for 51 weeks. In another study, mice were treated topically 
with a solution of 200 mg/milliliter (mL) ammonium persulfate for 51 
weeks. The incidence of tumors did not increase in either study.
    Neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity studies were not available for 
review. However, evidence of neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity of 
ammonium persulfate was not observed in the submitted studies.

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

[[Page 63712]]

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.
    There was no hazard attributable to a single exposure seen in the 
toxicity database for ammonium persulfate. Therefore, ammonium 
persulfate is not expected to pose an acute risk.
    The NOAEL for ammonium persulfate was established at 300 ppm; equal 
to 41 mg/kg/day based on the 28-day repeat dose oral toxicity study in 
rats based on decreased relative adrenal weight at 600 ppm (82 mg/kg/
day). The chronic risk assessment for ammonium persulfate is based on 
this endpoint and the chronic reference dose (cRfD) is 0.41 mg/kg/day. 
The additional Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) uncertainty factor of 
3X is applied for use of short-term study for a long-term risk 
assessment. EPA concluded that the uncertainty factor of 3X is adequate 
because the end point selected for the risk assessment is very 
conservative since no effects on absolute adrenal weight was observed; 
relative weight could be due to slight decrease in body weight; no 
other systemic toxicity was seen at this dose level and there were no 
systemic toxicity observed in a 90-day toxicity study in dogs which 
considered as long term study. Since the FQPA safety factor (SF) has 
been reduced to 3X, the cPAD is 0.14 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL for 
inhalation exposure has been established as 10.3 mg/m\3\ (3 mg/kg/day) 
based on reversible rales and respiratory rate increases in rats. For 
dermal exposures, the NOAEL for ammonium persulfate is based on the 
chronic oral NOAEL with an assumption of 100% dermal adsorption.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to ammonium persulfate, EPA considered exposure under the 
proposed exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. EPA assessed 
dietary exposures from ammonium persulfate in food as follows:
    An acute dietary risk assessment was not conducted because no 
endpoint of concern following a single exposure was identified in the 
available studies. A chronic dietary exposure assessment was completed 
and performed using the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model DEEM-
FCID\TM\, Version 3.16.which includes food consumption information from 
the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Health and Nutrition 
Examination Survey, ``What We Eat In America'', (NHANES/WWEIA). This 
dietary survey was conducted from 2003 to 2008. In the absence of 
actual residue data, the inert ingredient evaluation is based on a 
highly conservative model that assumes that the residue level of the 
inert ingredient would be no higher than the highest established 
tolerance for an active ingredient on a given commodity. Implicit in 
this assumption is that there would be similar rates of degradation 
between the active and inert ingredient (if any) and that the 
concentration of inert ingredient in the scenarios leading to these 
highest of tolerances would be no higher than the concentration of the 
active ingredient. The model assumes 100 percent crop treated (PCT) for 
all crops and that every food eaten by a person each day has tolerance-
level residues. A complete description of the general approach taken to 
assess inert ingredient risks in the absence of residue data is 
contained in the memorandum entitled ``Alkyl Amines Polyalkoxylates 
(Cluster 4): Acute and Chronic Aggregate (Food and Drinking Water) 
Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessments for the Inerts'' (D361707, S. 
Piper, 2/25/09) and can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0738.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. For the purpose of the 
screening level dietary risk assessment to support this request for an 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for ammonium persulfate, 
a conservative drinking water concentration value of 100 parts per 
billion (ppb) based on screening level modeling was used to assess the 
contribution to drinking water for the chronic dietary risk assessments 
for parent compound. These values were directly entered into the 
dietary exposure model.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers), carpets, swimming 
pools, and hard surface disinfection on walls, floors, tables).
    While there are no current or proposed residential uses for 
ammonium persulfate, it is possible that ammonium persulfate may be 
used as an inert ingredient in pesticide products for which short-term 
and intermediate-term residential exposures may result. In the absence 
of specific residential exposure scenarios, risk estimates for 
residential exposures to ammonium persulfate can be modeled based on 
occupational exposure assessments. Occupational exposure assessments 
for ammonium persulfate for occupational mixer/loader/applicator 
exposure and occupational post-application exposure for comparable use 
scenarios (e.g., low pressure handwand turf application) with only 
baseline personal protective equipment result in MOEs of 10,000 or 
greater (i.e., exposures are not of concern). Given the larger 
treatment areas and higher concentrations used in these occupational 
use pesticide products than would be seen in residential uses, MOEs for 
residential use scenarios would exceed 1,000 or more and therefore 
there are no concerns for residential exposures to ammonium sulfate.
    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 ammonium persulfate to share a common mechanism 
of toxicity with any other substances, and ammonium persulfate does not 
appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For 
the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
ammonium persulfate does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with 
other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine 
which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the 
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

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 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 63713]]

    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There is no evidence of 
increased susceptibility of infants and children following exposure to 
ammonium persulfate. In the reproductive and developmental toxicity 
study of ammonium persulfate in rats, parental, offspring and 
reproduction toxicity was not observed at doses up to 250 mg/kg/day, 
the highest dose tested.
    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 3X. That decision is based on the following 
findings:
    i. The toxicity database for ammonium persulfate is partially 
complete. The additional uncertainty FQPA factor of 3X is applied for 
use of short-term study for long term risk assessment.
    ii. There is no indication that ammonium persulfate is a neurotoxic 
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study 
or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
    iii. There is no evidence that ammonium persulfate results in 
increased susceptibility in rats in utero or in young in the 
reproductive and developmental screening study.
    iv. There is no evidence of any triggers for immunotoxicity in the 
available database, therefore there is no need for an immunotoxicity 
study at this time or an additional UF factor to account for lack of an 
immunotoxicity study.
    v. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based 
on 100% CT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative 
(protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used 
to assess exposure to ammonium persulfate in drinking water. EPA used 
similarly conservative assumptions to assess postapplication exposure 
of children as well as incidental oral exposure of toddlers. These 
assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by 
ammonium persulfate.

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, 
ammonium persulfate is not 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 
ammonium persulfate from food and water will utilize <1% of the cPAD 
for children 1-2 years old, the population group receiving the greatest 
exposure.
    3. Short- and Intermediate-term risk. A short- & intermediate-term 
adverse effect was identified for ammonium persulfate. Short- and 
intermediate-term risk is assessed based on short- and intermediate-
term residential exposure plus chronic dietary exposure. While there 
are no current or proposed residential uses for ammonium persulfate, it 
is possible that ammonium persulfate may be used as an inert ingredient 
in pesticide products for which short- and intermediate-term 
residential exposures may result. Margins of exposure (MOEs) for short- 
and intermediate-term residential use scenarios have been calculated 
and exceed 10,000 or more and therefore, since the level of concern is 
for MOEs of 300 or less, there are no concerns for residential 
exposures to ammonium persulfate.
    4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of 
evidence of mutagenicity and lack of evidence of tumors in the tumor 
promoting studies via dermal route, and lack of carcinogenicity for 
sulfates and ammonia (break down products), ammonium persulfate is not 
expected to pose a cancer risk to humans.
    5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate 
exposure to ammonium persulfate residues.

V. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Although EPA is establishing a limitation on the amount of ammonium 
persulfate that may be used in pesticide formulations, an analytical 
enforcement methodology is not necessary for this exemption from the 
requirement of tolerance. The limitation will be enforced through the 
pesticide registration process under the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. EPA will 
not register any pesticide for sale or distribution for use on growing 
crops with concentrations of ammonium persulfate exceeding 0.05% by 
weight of the formulation.

B. International Residue Limits

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

VI. Conclusions

    Therefore, an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is 
established under 40 CFR 180.910 for ammonium persulfate (CAS Reg. No. 
7727-54-0) when used as an inert ingredient (preservative) in pesticide 
formulations applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities 
after harvest at a concentration not to exceed 0.05% by weight.

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes a tolerance under FFDCA section 408(d) in 
response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from 
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this action has been 
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action is not 
subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning 
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or 
Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled 
``Protection of

[[Page 63714]]

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

VIII. 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: September 1, 2016.
Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

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

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

0
2. In Sec.  180.910, add alphabetically the following inert ingredient 
to the table to read as follows:


Sec.  180.910  Inert ingredients used pre- and post-harvest; exemptions 
from the requirement of a tolerance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Inert ingredients              Limits              Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Ammonium persulfate (CAS Reg.No.             0.05%  Preservative
 7727-54-0).
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2016-22366 Filed 9-15-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                           63710            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 180 / Friday, September 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           ■ 2. Add § 180.1338 to subpart D to read                Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)                 OPP–2013–0237 in the subject line on
                                           as follows:                                             in the Environmental Protection Agency                the first page of your submission. All
                                                                                                   Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William                  objections and requests for a hearing
                                           § 180.1338 Aspergillus flavus strains                   Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301               must be in writing, and must be
                                           TC16F, TC35C, TC38B, and TC46G;
                                           temporary exemptions from the
                                                                                                   Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC                 received by the Hearing Clerk on or
                                           requirement of a tolerance.                             20460–0001. The Public Reading Room                   before November 15, 2016. Addresses
                                                                                                   is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,                  for mail and hand delivery of objections
                                              Temporary exemptions from the
                                                                                                   Monday through Friday, excluding legal                and hearing requests are provided in 40
                                           requirement of a tolerance are
                                                                                                   holidays. The telephone number for the                CFR 178.25(b).
                                           established for residues of Aspergillus                                                                         In addition to filing an objection or
                                           flavus strains TC16F, TC35C, TC38B,                     Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
                                                                                                   and the telephone number for the OPP                  hearing request with the Hearing Clerk
                                           and TC46G in or on the food and feed                                                                          as described in 40 CFR part 178, please
                                           commodities of corn, field; corn, pop;                  Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
                                                                                                   the visitor instructions and additional               submit a copy of the filing (excluding
                                           and corn, sweet when used in                                                                                  any Confidential Business Information
                                           accordance with the terms of                            information about the docket available
                                                                                                   at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.                        (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.
                                           Experimental Use Permit No. 91163–                                                                            Information not marked confidential
                                           EUP–1. These temporary exemptions                       FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                   Michael Goodis, Registration Division                 pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be
                                           from the requirement of a tolerance                                                                           disclosed publicly by EPA without prior
                                           expire on June 30, 2020.                                (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
                                                                                                   Environmental Protection Agency, 1200                 notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your
                                           [FR Doc. 2016–22357 Filed 9–15–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                   Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,                    objection or hearing request, identified
                                           BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                                                                   DC 20460–0001; main telephone                         by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
                                                                                                   number: (703) 305–7090; email address:                2013–0237, by one of the following
                                                                                                   RDFRNotices@epa.gov.                                  methods:
                                           ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                                                                        • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                           AGENCY                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
                                                                                                   I. General Information                                instructions for submitting comments.
                                           40 CFR Part 180                                                                                               Do not submit electronically any
                                                                                                   A. Does this action apply to me?                      information you consider to be CBI or
                                           [EPA–HQ–OPP–2013–0237; FRL–9951–08]
                                                                                                      You may be potentially affected by                 other information whose disclosure is
                                           Ammonium Persulfate; Exemption                          this action if you are an agricultural                restricted by statute.
                                           From the Requirement of a Tolerance                     producer, food manufacturer, or                         • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
                                                                                                   pesticide manufacturer. The following                 Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/
                                           AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                                                                             DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
                                                                                                   list of North American Industrial
                                           Agency (EPA).                                                                                                 NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
                                                                                                   Classification System (NAICS) codes is
                                           ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                   not intended to be exhaustive, but rather               • Hand Delivery: To make special
                                                                                                   provides a guide to help readers                      arrangements for hand delivery or
                                           SUMMARY:    This regulation establishes an                                                                    delivery of boxed information, please
                                           exemption from the requirement of a                     determine whether this document
                                                                                                   applies to them. Potentially affected                 follow the instructions at http://
                                           tolerance for residues of ammonium                                                                            www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
                                           persulfate (CAS Reg. No.7727–54–0)                      entities may include:
                                           when used as an inert ingredient                           • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                Additional instructions on commenting
                                           (preservative) in pesticide formulations                   • Animal production (NAICS code                    or visiting the docket, along with more
                                                                                                   112).                                                 information about dockets generally, is
                                           applied to growing crops and raw
                                           agricultural commodities after harvest,                    • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                   available at http://www.epa.gov/
                                                                                                   311).                                                 dockets.
                                           etc.) at a concentration not to exceed
                                           0.05% by weight. Exponent, Inc., on                        • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS                   II. Petition for Exemption
                                           behalf of Becker Underwood, Inc.                        code 32532).
                                                                                                                                                            In the Federal Register of June 5, 2013
                                           submitted a petition to EPA under the                   B. How can I get electronic access to                 (78 FR 33785) (FRL–9386–2), EPA
                                           Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act                    other related information?                            issued a document pursuant to FFDCA
                                           (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an                   You may access a frequently updated                 section 408, 21 U.S.C. 346a, announcing
                                           exemption from the requirement of a                     electronic version of 40 CFR part 180                 the filing of a pesticide petition (PP
                                           tolerance. This regulation eliminates the               through the Government Printing                       2E8096) by Exponent, Inc., 1150
                                           need to establish a maximum                             Office’s e-CFR site at http://                        Connecticut Ave., Suite 1100,
                                           permissible level for residues of                       www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-                            Washington, DC 20036, on behalf of
                                           ammonium persulfate under the                           idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/                  Becker Underwood, Inc., 801 Dayton
                                           approved conditions.                                    40tab_02.tpl.                                         Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. The petition
                                           DATES: This regulation is effective                                                                           requested that 40 CFR 180.910 be
                                           September 16, 2016. Objections and                      C. How can I file an objection or hearing             amended by establishing an exemption
                                           requests for hearings must be received                  request?                                              from the requirement of a tolerance for
                                           on or before November 15, 2016, and                       Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21                      residues of ammonium persulfate (CAS
                                           must be filed in accordance with the                    U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an                   Reg. No. 7727–54–0) when used as an
                                           instructions provided in 40 CFR part                    objection to any aspect of this regulation            inert ingredient (preservative) in
                                           178 (see also Unit I.C. of the                          and may also request a hearing on those               pesticide formulations applied to
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                                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).                             objections. You must file your objection              growing crops or raw agricultural
                                           ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,                  or request a hearing on this regulation               commodities after harvest at a
                                           identified by docket identification (ID)                in accordance with the instructions                   concentration not to exceed 0.05% by
                                           number EPA–HQ–OPP–2013–0237, is                         provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure                weight in pesticide formulations. That
                                           available at http://www.regulations.gov                 proper receipt by EPA, you must                       document referenced a summary of the
                                           or at the Office of Pesticide Programs                  identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–                     petition prepared by Exponent, Inc., the


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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 180 / Friday, September 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                      63711

                                           petitioner, which is available in the                   toxicity of the inert in conjunction with             via inhalation for 13 weeks then
                                           docket, http://www.regulations.gov.                     possible exposure to residues of the                  allowed a 6-week recovery period.
                                           There were no comments received in                      inert ingredient through food, drinking               Toxicity was manifested as rales,
                                           response to the notice of filing.                       water, and through other exposures that               increased respiratory rate, inflammation
                                                                                                   occur as a result of pesticide use in                 of the trachea and bronchi/bronchioles,
                                           III. Inert Ingredient Definition
                                                                                                   residential settings. If EPA is able to               decreased body weight, and increased
                                              Inert ingredients are all ingredients                determine that a finite tolerance is not              lung weight at 25 mg/m3. The NOAEL
                                           that are not active ingredients as defined              necessary to ensure that there is a                   was 10.3 mg/m3.
                                           in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are                  reasonable certainty that no harm will                   The reproductive and developmental
                                           not limited to, the following types of                  result from aggregate exposure to the                 toxicity of ammonium persulfate has
                                           ingredients (except when they have a                    inert ingredient, an exemption from the               been tested in rats. Parental, offspring
                                           pesticidal efficacy of their own):                      requirement of a tolerance may be                     and reproduction toxicity was not
                                           Solvents such as alcohols and                           established.                                          observed at doses up to 250 mg/kg/day,
                                           hydrocarbons; surfactants such as                         Consistent with FFDCA section                       the highest dose tested.
                                           polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty                      408(c)(2)(A), and the factors specified in               Available mutagenicity and
                                           acids; carriers such as clay and                        FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has                   genotoxicity studies included the Ames
                                           diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as                  reviewed the available scientific data                test, gene mutation and chromosomal
                                           carrageenan and modified cellulose;                     and other relevant information in                     aberration assays. Ammonium
                                           wetting, spreading, and dispersing                      support of this action. EPA has                       persulfate produced negative results in
                                           agents; propellants in aerosol                          sufficient data to assess the hazards of              all of these studies.
                                           dispensers; microencapsulating agents;                  and to make a determination on                           Oral and inhalation studies of the
                                           and emulsifiers. The term ‘‘inert’’ is not              aggregate exposure for ammonium                       carcinogenic and promoting potential of
                                           intended to imply nontoxicity; the                      persulfate including exposure resulting               ammonium persulfate do not exist;
                                           ingredient may or may not be                            from the exemption established by this                however, the carcinogenic and
                                           chemically active. Generally, EPA has                   action. EPA’s assessment of exposures                 promoting potential of ammonium
                                           exempted inert ingredients from the                     and risks associated with ammonium                    persulfate was tested in a non-guideline
                                           requirement of a tolerance based on the                 persulfate follows.                                   study via the dermal route of exposure.
                                           low toxicity of the individual inert                                                                          In a tumor promotion study, mice were
                                           ingredients.                                            A. Toxicological Profile                              treated dermally with ammonium
                                                                                                      EPA has evaluated the available                    persulfate biweekly for 51 weeks. In
                                           IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and                       toxicity data and considered their                    another study, mice were treated
                                           Determination of Safety                                 validity, completeness, and reliability as            topically with a solution of 200 mg/
                                              Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA                     well as the relationship of the results of            milliliter (mL) ammonium persulfate for
                                           allows EPA to establish an exemption                    the studies to human risk. EPA has also               51 weeks. The incidence of tumors did
                                           from the requirement for a tolerance (the               considered available information                      not increase in either study.
                                           legal limit for a pesticide chemical                    concerning the variability of the                        Neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity
                                           residue in or on a food) only if EPA                    sensitivities of major identifiable                   studies were not available for review.
                                           determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’              subgroups of consumers, including                     However, evidence of neurotoxicity and
                                           Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA                       infants and children. Specific                        immunotoxicity of ammonium
                                           defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a              information on the studies received and               persulfate was not observed in the
                                           reasonable certainty that no harm will                  the nature of the adverse effects caused              submitted studies.
                                           result from aggregate exposure to the                   by ammonium persulfate as well as the
                                           pesticide chemical residue, including                                                                         B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
                                                                                                   no-observed-adverse-effect-level
                                           all anticipated dietary exposures and all                                                                     Levels of Concern
                                                                                                   (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-
                                           other exposures for which there is                      adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the                    Once a pesticide’s toxicological
                                           reliable information.’’ This includes                   toxicity studies                                      profile is determined, EPA identifies
                                           exposure through drinking water and in                     The acute oral and dermal rat lethal               toxicological points of departure (POD)
                                           residential settings, but does not include              dose (LD)50s are 495 milligram/kilogram               and levels of concern to use in
                                           occupational exposure. Section                          body weight (mg/kg bw) and >2,000 mg/                 evaluating the risk posed by human
                                           408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to                   kg bw, respectively. The inhalation                   exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
                                           give special consideration to exposure                  lethal concentration (LC)50 for                       that have a threshold below which there
                                           of infants and children to the pesticide                ammonium persulfate in rats is >2,950                 is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
                                           chemical residue in establishing a                      mg/cubic meter (m3). It is irritating to              POD is used as the basis for derivation
                                           tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a               the eyes but not the skin. It is not a                of reference values for risk assessment.
                                           reasonable certainty that no harm will                  dermal sensitizer.                                    PODs are developed based on a careful
                                           result to infants and children from                        Several subchronic studies were                    analysis of the doses in each
                                           aggregate exposure to the pesticide                     available for review for the sodium,                  toxicological study to determine the
                                           chemical residue . . . .’’                              potassium and ammonium salts of                       dose at which no adverse effects are
                                              EPA establishes exemptions from the                  persulfate. In a 28 day oral (diet)                   observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
                                           requirement of a tolerance only in those                toxicity study in rats, toxicity was                  dose at which adverse effects of concern
                                           cases where it can be clearly                           manifested as decreased relative adrenal              are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
                                           demonstrated that the risks from                        weight at 600 parts per million (ppm)                 safety factors are used in conjunction
                                           aggregate exposure to pesticide                         (82 mg/kg/day). The NOAEL was 300                     with the POD to calculate a safe
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                                           chemical residues under reasonably                      ppm; equal to 41 mg/kg/day. In a 3                    exposure level—generally referred to as
                                           foreseeable circumstances will pose no                  months oral (diet) toxicity study in                  a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
                                           appreciable risks to human health. In                   dogs, toxicity was not observed at doses              reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
                                           order to determine the risks from                       up to 333 mg/kg/day, the highest dose                 of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
                                           aggregate exposure to pesticide inert                   tested. In a toxicity study in rats,                  risks, the Agency assumes that any
                                           ingredients, the Agency considers the                   ammonium persulfate was administered                  amount of exposure will lead to some


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                                           63712            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 180 / Friday, September 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           degree of risk. Thus, the Agency                        includes food consumption information                 persulfate can be modeled based on
                                           estimates risk in terms of the probability              from the U.S. Department of                           occupational exposure assessments.
                                           of an occurrence of the adverse effect                  Agriculture’s National Health and                     Occupational exposure assessments for
                                           expected in a lifetime. For more                        Nutrition Examination Survey, ‘‘What                  ammonium persulfate for occupational
                                           information on the general principles                   We Eat In America’’, (NHANES/                         mixer/loader/applicator exposure and
                                           EPA uses in risk characterization and a                 WWEIA). This dietary survey was                       occupational post-application exposure
                                           complete description of the risk                        conducted from 2003 to 2008. In the                   for comparable use scenarios (e.g., low
                                           assessment process, see http://                         absence of actual residue data, the inert             pressure handwand turf application)
                                           www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/                      ingredient evaluation is based on a                   with only baseline personal protective
                                           riskassess.htm.                                         highly conservative model that assumes                equipment result in MOEs of 10,000 or
                                              There was no hazard attributable to a                that the residue level of the inert                   greater (i.e., exposures are not of
                                           single exposure seen in the toxicity                    ingredient would be no higher than the                concern). Given the larger treatment
                                           database for ammonium persulfate.                       highest established tolerance for an                  areas and higher concentrations used in
                                           Therefore, ammonium persulfate is not                   active ingredient on a given commodity.               these occupational use pesticide
                                           expected to pose an acute risk.                         Implicit in this assumption is that there             products than would be seen in
                                              The NOAEL for ammonium persulfate                    would be similar rates of degradation                 residential uses, MOEs for residential
                                           was established at 300 ppm; equal to 41                 between the active and inert ingredient               use scenarios would exceed 1,000 or
                                           mg/kg/day based on the 28-day repeat                    (if any) and that the concentration of                more and therefore there are no
                                           dose oral toxicity study in rats based on               inert ingredient in the scenarios leading             concerns for residential exposures to
                                           decreased relative adrenal weight at 600                to these highest of tolerances would be               ammonium sulfate.
                                           ppm (82 mg/kg/day). The chronic risk                    no higher than the concentration of the                  4. Cumulative effects from substances
                                           assessment for ammonium persulfate is                   active ingredient. The model assumes                  with a common mechanism of toxicity.
                                           based on this endpoint and the chronic                  100 percent crop treated (PCT) for all                Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
                                           reference dose (cRfD) is 0.41 mg/kg/day.                crops and that every food eaten by a                  requires that, when considering whether
                                           The additional Food Quality Protection                  person each day has tolerance-level                   to establish, modify, or revoke a
                                           Act (FQPA) uncertainty factor of 3X is                  residues. A complete description of the               tolerance, the Agency consider
                                           applied for use of short-term study for                 general approach taken to assess inert                ‘‘available information’’ concerning the
                                           a long-term risk assessment. EPA                        ingredient risks in the absence of                    cumulative effects of a particular
                                           concluded that the uncertainty factor of                residue data is contained in the                      pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
                                           3X is adequate because the end point                    memorandum entitled ‘‘Alkyl Amines                    substances that have a common
                                           selected for the risk assessment is very                Polyalkoxylates (Cluster 4): Acute and                mechanism of toxicity.’’
                                           conservative since no effects on absolute               Chronic Aggregate (Food and Drinking                     EPA has not found ammonium
                                           adrenal weight was observed; relative                   Water) Dietary Exposure and Risk                      persulfate to share a common
                                           weight could be due to slight decrease                  Assessments for the Inerts’’ (D361707, S.             mechanism of toxicity with any other
                                           in body weight; no other systemic                       Piper, 2/25/09) and can be found at                   substances, and ammonium persulfate
                                           toxicity was seen at this dose level and                http://www.regulations.gov in docket ID               does not appear to produce a toxic
                                           there were no systemic toxicity                         number EPA–HQ–OPP–2008–0738.                          metabolite produced by other
                                           observed in a 90-day toxicity study in                     2. Dietary exposure from drinking                  substances. For the purposes of this
                                           dogs which considered as long term                      water. For the purpose of the screening               tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
                                           study. Since the FQPA safety factor (SF)                level dietary risk assessment to support              assumed that ammonium persulfate
                                           has been reduced to 3X, the cPAD is                     this request for an exemption from the                does not have a common mechanism of
                                           0.14 mg/kg/day. The NOAEL for                           requirement of a tolerance for                        toxicity with other substances. For
                                           inhalation exposure has been                            ammonium persulfate, a conservative                   information regarding EPA’s efforts to
                                           established as 10.3 mg/m3 (3 mg/kg/day)                 drinking water concentration value of                 determine which chemicals have a
                                           based on reversible rales and respiratory               100 parts per billion (ppb) based on                  common mechanism of toxicity and to
                                           rate increases in rats. For dermal                      screening level modeling was used to                  evaluate the cumulative effects of such
                                           exposures, the NOAEL for ammonium                       assess the contribution to drinking                   chemicals, see EPA’s Web site at http://
                                           persulfate is based on the chronic oral                 water for the chronic dietary risk                    www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
                                           NOAEL with an assumption of 100%                        assessments for parent compound.                      D. Safety Factor for Infants and
                                           dermal adsorption.                                      These values were directly entered into               Children
                                                                                                   the dietary exposure model.
                                           C. Exposure Assessment                                     3. From non-dietary exposure. The                    1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
                                             1. Dietary exposure from food and                     term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in              FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
                                           feed uses. In evaluating dietary                        this document to refer to non-                        an additional tenfold (10X) margin of
                                           exposure to ammonium persulfate, EPA                    occupational, non-dietary exposure                    safety for infants and children in the
                                           considered exposure under the                           (e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers),               case of threshold effects to account for
                                           proposed exemption from the                             carpets, swimming pools, and hard                     prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
                                           requirement of a tolerance. EPA                         surface disinfection on walls, floors,                completeness of the database on toxicity
                                           assessed dietary exposures from                         tables).                                              and exposure unless EPA determines
                                           ammonium persulfate in food as                             While there are no current or                      based on reliable data that a different
                                           follows:                                                proposed residential uses for                         margin of safety will be safe for infants
                                             An acute dietary risk assessment was                  ammonium persulfate, it is possible that              and children. This additional margin of
                                           not conducted because no endpoint of                    ammonium persulfate may be used as                    safety is commonly referred to as the
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                                           concern following a single exposure was                 an inert ingredient in pesticide products             FQPA SF. In applying this provision,
                                           identified in the available studies. A                  for which short-term and intermediate-                EPA either retains the default value of
                                           chronic dietary exposure assessment                     term residential exposures may result.                10X, or uses a different additional safety
                                           was completed and performed using the                   In the absence of specific residential                factor when reliable data available to
                                           Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model                       exposure scenarios, risk estimates for                EPA support the choice of a different
                                           DEEM–FCIDTM, Version 3.16.which                         residential exposures to ammonium                     factor.


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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 180 / Friday, September 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        63713

                                              2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.               residential exposure to the appropriate               tolerance. The limitation will be
                                           There is no evidence of increased                       PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE                   enforced through the pesticide
                                           susceptibility of infants and children                  exists.                                               registration process under the Federal
                                           following exposure to ammonium                             1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk             Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
                                           persulfate. In the reproductive and                     assessment takes into account acute                   Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. EPA
                                           developmental toxicity study of                         exposure estimates from dietary                       will not register any pesticide for sale or
                                           ammonium persulfate in rats, parental,                  consumption of food and drinking                      distribution for use on growing crops
                                           offspring and reproduction toxicity was                 water. No adverse effect resulting from               with concentrations of ammonium
                                           not observed at doses up to 250 mg/kg/                  a single oral exposure was identified                 persulfate exceeding 0.05% by weight of
                                           day, the highest dose tested.                           and no acute dietary endpoint was                     the formulation.
                                              3. Conclusion. EPA has determined                    selected. Therefore, ammonium
                                           that reliable data show the safety of                                                                         B. International Residue Limits
                                                                                                   persulfate is not expected to pose an
                                           infants and children would be                           acute risk.                                              In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
                                           adequately protected if the FQPA SF                        2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure                seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
                                           were reduced to 3X. That decision is                    assumptions described in this unit for                international standards whenever
                                           based on the following findings:                        chronic exposure, EPA has concluded                   possible, consistent with U.S. food
                                              i. The toxicity database for                         that chronic exposure to ammonium                     safety standards and agricultural
                                           ammonium persulfate is partially                        persulfate from food and water will                   practices. EPA considers the
                                           complete. The additional uncertainty                    utilize <1% of the cPAD for children 1–               international maximum residue limits
                                           FQPA factor of 3X is applied for use of                 2 years old, the population group                     (MRLs) established by the Codex
                                           short-term study for long term risk                     receiving the greatest exposure.                      Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
                                           assessment.                                                3. Short- and Intermediate-term risk.              required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
                                              ii. There is no indication that                      A short- & intermediate-term adverse                  The Codex Alimentarius is a joint
                                           ammonium persulfate is a neurotoxic                     effect was identified for ammonium                    United Nations Food and Agriculture
                                           chemical and there is no need for a                     persulfate. Short- and intermediate-term              Organization/World Health
                                           developmental neurotoxicity study or                    risk is assessed based on short- and                  Organization food standards program,
                                           additional UFs to account for                           intermediate-term residential exposure                and it is recognized as an international
                                           neurotoxicity.                                          plus chronic dietary exposure. While                  food safety standards-setting
                                              iii. There is no evidence that                       there are no current or proposed                      organization in trade agreements to
                                           ammonium persulfate results in                          residential uses for ammonium                         which the United States is a party. EPA
                                           increased susceptibility in rats in utero               persulfate, it is possible that ammonium              may establish a tolerance that is
                                           or in young in the reproductive and                     persulfate may be used as an inert                    different from a Codex MRL; however,
                                           developmental screening study.                          ingredient in pesticide products for                  FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
                                              iv. There is no evidence of any                      which short- and intermediate-term                    EPA explain the reasons for departing
                                           triggers for immunotoxicity in the                      residential exposures may result.                     from the Codex level.
                                           available database, therefore there is no               Margins of exposure (MOEs) for short-                    The Codex has not established a MRL
                                           need for an immunotoxicity study at                     and intermediate-term residential use                 for ammonium persulfate.
                                           this time or an additional UF factor to                 scenarios have been calculated and
                                           account for lack of an immunotoxicity                                                                         VI. Conclusions
                                                                                                   exceed 10,000 or more and therefore,
                                           study.                                                                                                          Therefore, an exemption from the
                                                                                                   since the level of concern is for MOEs
                                              v. There are no residual uncertainties                                                                     requirement of a tolerance is established
                                                                                                   of 300 or less, there are no concerns for
                                           identified in the exposure databases.                                                                         under 40 CFR 180.910 for ammonium
                                                                                                   residential exposures to ammonium
                                           The dietary food exposure assessments                                                                         persulfate (CAS Reg. No. 7727–54–0)
                                                                                                   persulfate.
                                           were performed based on 100% CT and                                                                           when used as an inert ingredient
                                                                                                      4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
                                           tolerance-level residues. EPA made                                                                            (preservative) in pesticide formulations
                                                                                                   population. Based on the lack of
                                           conservative (protective) assumptions in                                                                      applied to growing crops and raw
                                                                                                   evidence of mutagenicity and lack of
                                           the ground and surface water modeling                                                                         agricultural commodities after harvest at
                                                                                                   evidence of tumors in the tumor
                                           used to assess exposure to ammonium                                                                           a concentration not to exceed 0.05% by
                                                                                                   promoting studies via dermal route, and
                                           persulfate in drinking water. EPA used                                                                        weight.
                                                                                                   lack of carcinogenicity for sulfates and
                                           similarly conservative assumptions to
                                                                                                   ammonia (break down products),                        VII. Statutory and Executive Order
                                           assess postapplication exposure of
                                                                                                   ammonium persulfate is not expected to                Reviews
                                           children as well as incidental oral
                                                                                                   pose a cancer risk to humans.                           This action establishes a tolerance
                                           exposure of toddlers. These assessments                    5. Determination of safety. Based on
                                           will not underestimate the exposure and                                                                       under FFDCA section 408(d) in
                                                                                                   these risk assessments, EPA concludes                 response to a petition submitted to the
                                           risks posed by ammonium persulfate.                     that there is a reasonable certainty that             Agency. The Office of Management and
                                           E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of                 no harm will result to the general                    Budget (OMB) has exempted these types
                                           Safety                                                  population, or to infants and children                of actions from review under Executive
                                              EPA determines whether acute and                     from aggregate exposure to ammonium                   Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory
                                           chronic dietary pesticide exposures are                 persulfate residues.                                  Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,
                                           safe by comparing aggregate exposure                    V. Other Considerations                               October 4, 1993). Because this action
                                           estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and                                                                         has been exempted from review under
                                           chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer                   A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology                 Executive Order 12866, this action is
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                                           risks, EPA calculates the lifetime                        Although EPA is establishing a                      not subject to Executive Order 13211,
                                           probability of acquiring cancer given the               limitation on the amount of ammonium                  entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning
                                           estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,                   persulfate that may be used in pesticide              Regulations That Significantly Affect
                                           intermediate-, and chronic-term risks                   formulations, an analytical enforcement               Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
                                           are evaluated by comparing the                          methodology is not necessary for this                 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive
                                           estimated aggregate food, water, and                    exemption from the requirement of                     Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of


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                                           63714            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 180 / Friday, September 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           Children from Environmental Health                       or tribal governments, on the                              Senate, the U.S. House of
                                           Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,                   relationship between the national                          Representatives, and the Comptroller
                                           April 23, 1997). This action does not                    government and the States or tribal                        General of the United States prior to
                                           contain any information collections                      governments, or on the distribution of                     publication of the rule in the Federal
                                           subject to OMB approval under the                        power and responsibilities among the                       Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
                                           Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44                        various levels of government or between                    rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
                                           U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require                the Federal Government and Indian
                                                                                                    tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined                    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
                                           any special considerations under
                                           Executive Order 12898, entitled                          that Executive Order 13132, entitled                         Environmental protection,
                                           ‘‘Federal Actions to Address                             ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,                    Administrative practice and procedure,
                                           Environmental Justice in Minority                        1999) and Executive Order 13175,                           Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
                                           Populations and Low-Income                               entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination                   and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                           Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,                  with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR                    requirements.
                                           1994).                                                   67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply                         Dated: September 1, 2016.
                                              Since tolerances and exemptions that                  to this action. In addition, this action
                                                                                                                                                               Daniel J. Rosenblatt,
                                           are established on the basis of a petition               does not impose any enforceable duty or
                                                                                                    contain any unfunded mandate as                            Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
                                           under FFDCA section 408(d), such as                                                                                 of Pesticide Programs.
                                           the tolerance in this final rule, do not                 described under Title II of the Unfunded
                                                                                                    Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.                         Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
                                           require the issuance of a proposed rule,
                                                                                                    1501 et seq.).                                             amended as follows:
                                           the requirements of the Regulatory
                                                                                                       This action does not involve any
                                           Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
                                                                                                    technical standards that would require                     PART 180—[AMENDED]
                                           seq.), do not apply.
                                                                                                    Agency consideration of voluntary
                                              This action directly regulates growers,               consensus standards pursuant to section                    ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180
                                           food processors, food handlers, and food                 12(d) of the National Technology                           continues to read as follows:
                                           retailers, not States or tribes, nor does                Transfer and Advancement Act                                   Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
                                           this action alter the relationships or                   (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
                                           distribution of power and                                                                                           ■ 2. In § 180.910, add alphabetically the
                                           responsibilities established by Congress                 VIII. Congressional Review Act                             following inert ingredient to the table to
                                           in the preemption provisions of FFDCA                      Pursuant to the Congressional Review                     read as follows:
                                           section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency                   Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will                       § 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and
                                           has determined that this action will not                 submit a report containing this rule and                   post-harvest; exemptions from the
                                           have a substantial direct effect on States               other required information to the U.S.                     requirement of a tolerance.

                                                                                  Inert ingredients                                                   Limits                           Uses


                                                  *                  *                  *                                 *                             *                      *                    *
                                           Ammonium persulfate (CAS Reg.No. 7727–54–0) ......................................................               0.05%    Preservative

                                                     *                        *                       *                        *                        *                        *                  *



                                           [FR Doc. 2016–22366 Filed 9–15–16; 8:45 am]              provisions of the Middle Class Tax                         in the FCC Reference Information
                                           BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                   Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. We                    Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street SW.,
                                                                                                    provide a mechanism to facilitate the                      Room CY–A257, Washington, DC 20554.
                                                                                                    relocation of the public safety                            To request materials in accessible
                                                                                                    narrowband incumbents currently                            formats for people with disabilities
                                           FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
                                                                                                    operating on FirstNet’s spectrum. We                       (Braille, large print, electronic files,
                                           COMMISSION
                                                                                                    also affirmatively decline at this time to                 audio format), send an email to
                                           47 CFR Part 90                                           impose specific build-out requirements                     FCC504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer &
                                                                                                    on FirstNet as a condition of renewal of                   Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202–
                                           [PS Docket Nos. 12–94, 06–229, 06–150;                   its license.                                               418–0530 (voice), 202–418–0432 (TTY).
                                           FCC 16–117]                                              DATES: Effective October 17, 2016.                            1. In 2013, the Commission’s Notice
                                                                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                           of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) sought
                                           Implementing Public Safety Broadband
                                                                                                    Roberto Mussenden, Policy and                              comment on implementation of certain
                                           Provisions of the Middle Class Tax
                                                                                                    Licensing Division, Public Safety and                      provisions of the Public Safety
                                           Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012
                                                                                                    Homeland Security Bureau, (202) 418–                       Spectrum Act, including how to relocate
                                           AGENCY:  Federal Communications                          1428.                                                      narrowband incumbents operating on
                                           Commission.                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a                       the spectrum licensed to FirstNet, and
                                           ACTION: Final rule.                                      summary of the Commission’s Report                         how to address FirstNet’s renewal
                                                                                                    and Order in PS Docket No. 12–94, FCC                      expectations, including whether
                                           SUMMARY:  In this document, the Federal                  16–117, adopted on August 24, 2016                         FirstNet should be subject to
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                                           Communications Commission                                and released on August 25, 2016. The                       Commission-initiated build-out
                                           (Commission) addresses the 758–769/                      document is available for download at                      requirements.
                                           788–799 MHz band, which the                              http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/.                       2. In the Report and Order, the
                                           Commission licensed to the First                         The complete text of this document is                      Commission permits narrowband
                                           Responder Network Authority (FirstNet)                   also available for inspection and                          incumbents to remain on FirstNet’s
                                           on a nationwide basis pursuant to the                    copying during normal business hours                       licensed spectrum until August 31,


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Document Created: 2016-09-16 00:25:32
Document Modified: 2016-09-16 00:25:32
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 September 16, 2016. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before November 15, 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).
ContactMichael Goodis, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone
FR Citation81 FR 63710 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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