82_FR_10742 82 FR 10712 - Thiamethoxam; Pesticide Tolerance

82 FR 10712 - Thiamethoxam; Pesticide Tolerance

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 30 (February 15, 2017)

Page Range10712-10718
FR Document2017-03075

This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of thiamethoxam in or on bananas. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 30 (Wednesday, February 15, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 15, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10712-10718]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03075]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0705; FRL-9957-00]


Thiamethoxam; Pesticide Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a tolerance for residues of 
thiamethoxam in or on bananas. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC requested 
this tolerance under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective February 15, 2017. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before April 17, 2017, and 
must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR 
part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0705, 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.

[[Page 10713]]


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

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

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an 
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a 
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a 
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided 
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0705 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 
April 17, 2017. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections and 
hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the 
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of 
the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for 
inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential 
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without 
prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing 
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0705, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.

Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance

    In the Federal Register of November 23, 2015 (80 FR 72941) (FRL-
9936-73), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 
5E8401) by Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, P.O. Box 18300, Greensboro, 
NC 27409-8300. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended 
by establishing a tolerance for residues of the insecticide, 
thiamethoxam, in or on banana at 0.04 parts per million (ppm). That 
document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Syngenta, the 
registrant, which is available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. Comments were received on the notice of filing. 
EPA's response to these comments is discussed in Unit IV.C.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has 
modified the level at which the tolerance is being established. The 
reason for this change is explained in Unit IV.D.

III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a 
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a 
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure 
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary 
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable 
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in 
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure. 
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special 
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide 
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there 
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and 
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . . 
.''
    Tolerances for residues of thiamethoxam are listed in 40 CFR 
180.565 and are expressed in terms of the combined residues of the 
insecticide thiamethoxam and its metabolite CGA-322704. Metabolite CGA-
322704 is also the registered active ingredient clothianidin (tolerance 
listings in 40 CFR 180.586). Clothianidin (hereinafter referred to as 
CGA-322704) has a complete toxicological database and appears to have 
effects in mammals that are different from those of thiamethoxam. A 
separate risk assessment that addresses risks from CGA-322704 residues 
resulting from the direct application of CGA-322704 (clothianidin), as 
well as risks from residues of CGA-322704 coming from thiamethoxam uses 
has been conducted, and there are no risk estimates of concern as a 
result of the proposed tolerance for thiamethoxam residues in imported 
bananas. This risk assessment can be found at http:www.regulations.gov 
in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0705.
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available 
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this 
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a 
determination on aggregate exposure for thiamethoxam including exposure 
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with thiamethoxam follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children.

[[Page 10714]]

    In mammals, toxicological effects are seen primarily in the liver, 
kidney, testes, and blood cellular system. In addition, developmental 
neurological effects were observed in rats. These developmental effects 
are being used to assess risks associated with acute exposures to 
thiamethoxam, and the liver and testicular effects are the basis for 
assessing longer-term exposures.
    There is no indication of quantitative or qualitative 
susceptibility in the developmental toxicity studies. There is evidence 
of quantitative susceptibility in the developmental neurotoxicity study 
and both two-generation reproductive studies. However, clear no 
observed adverse effects levels (NOAELs) were identified for the 
susceptibility in the 2-generation reproduction and developmental 
neurotoxicity (DNT) studies and the endpoints and doses chosen for risk 
assessment are protective of the susceptibility observed in these 
studies.
    Thiamethoxam is classified as ``not likely to be carcinogenic to 
humans'' at levels below which certain amounts of metabolites are 
produced. The liver tumors that were observed in the mouse have been 
demonstrated to be a result of a non-genotoxic mode of action dependent 
on sufficient amounts of a hepatotoxic metabolite being produced. 
Although humans are qualitatively capable of producing the active 
metabolite, thiamethoxam is unlikely to pose a cancer risk to humans 
unless sufficient amounts of metabolites are persistently formed to 
drive a carcinogenic response. The chronic endpoint selected for 
regulating exposure to thiamethoxam is sufficiently protective of the 
key events (perturbation of liver metabolism, hepatotoxicity/
regenerative proliferation) in the animal mode of action. At those 
levels, the Agency does not expect sufficient generation of the 
necessary metabolites to elicit a carcinogenic response; therefore, 
separate quantification of carcinogenic potential is not required.
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by thiamethoxam as well as the NOAEL and the 
lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies 
can be found at http:www.regulations.gov in the document titled 
``Thiamethoxam. Human Health Risk Assessment for Tolerances on Imported 
Bananas'' on page 33 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0705.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

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

 Table 1--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Thiamethoxam for Use in Human Health Risk Assessment
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                                    Point of departure
        Exposure/scenario            and uncertainty/      RfD, PAD, LOC for    Study and toxicological effects
                                      safety  factors       risk assessment
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Acute dietary (All populations     NOAEL = 34.5 mg/kg/   Acute RfD = 0.35 mg/  Rat Developmental Neurotoxicity
 including infants and children).   day UFA = 10x.        kg/day.               study.
                                   UFH = 10x...........  aPAD = 0.35 mg/kg/    LOAEL = 298.7 mg/kg/day based on
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........   day.                  decreased body weight and
                                                                                reduced brain morphometric
                                                                                measurements.
Chronic dietary (All populations)  NOAEL= 1.2 mg/kg/day  Chronic RfD = 0.012   2-Generation reproduction study.
                                    UFA = 10x.            mg/kg/day.           LOAEL = 1.8 mg/kg/day based on
                                   UFH = 10x...........  cPAD = 0.012 mg/kg/    increased incidence and severity
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........   day.                  of tubular atrophy in testes of
                                                                                F1 generation males.
                                                                               2-Generation reproduction study,
                                                                               LOAEL = 156 mg/kg/day (males),
                                                                                not determined (females) based
                                                                                on sperm abnormalities and germ
                                                                                cell loss in F1 males.
Incidental oral short-term         NOAEL= 31.6 mg/kg/    LOC for MOE = 100...  28-day Dog study.
 infants/children <6 years old (1   day UFA = 10x.                             LOAEL = 47.7/43.0 (M/F) mg/kg/day
 to 30 days).                      UFH = 10x...........                         based on body weight loss;
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........                         leukopenia and increased
                                                                                hematocrit, hemoglobin and
                                                                                erythrocyte count; increased
                                                                                plasma urea and creatinine;
                                                                                reduced thymus weight in males
                                                                                and females, increased thyroid
                                                                                weight in males and reduced
                                                                                brain weight in females; and,
                                                                                histopathological changes in
                                                                                liver, thymus and spleen.

[[Page 10715]]

 
Dermal short-term adults (1 to 30  Oral study NOAEL =    LOC for MOE = 100...  2-Generation reproduction study;
 days).                             1.2 mg/kg/day                               1998.
                                    (dermal absorption                         LOAEL = 1.8 mg/kg/day based on
                                    rate = 5%.                                  increased incidence and severity
                                   UFA = 10x...........                         of tubular atrophy in testes of
                                   UFH = 10x...........                         F1 generation males.
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........                        2-Generation reproduction study;
                                                                                2004.
                                                                               LOAEL = 156 mg/kg/day (males),
                                                                                not determined (females) based
                                                                                on sperm abnormalities and germ
                                                                                cell loss in F1 males.
Dermal short-term infants/         Dermal study NOAEL=   LOC for MOE = 100...  Rat 28-Day Dermal Toxicity Study.
 children <6 years old (1 to 30     60 mg/kg/day.                              LOAEL = 250 (females) mg/kg/day
 days).                            UFA = 10x...........                         based on increased plasma
                                   UFH = 10x...........                         glucose, triglyceride levels,
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........                         and alkaline phosphatase
                                                                                activity and inflammatory cell
                                                                                infiltration in the liver and
                                                                                necrosis of single hepatocytes
                                                                                in females.
Inhalation short-term adults (1    Oral study NOAEL=     LOC for MOE = 100...  2-Generation reproduction study.
 to 30 days).                       1.2 mg/kg/day.                             LOAEL = 1.8 mg/kg/day based on
                                   UFA = 10x...........                         increased incidence and severity
                                   UFH = 10x...........                         of tubular atrophy in testes of
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........                         F1 generation males.
                                                                               2-Generation reproduction study.
                                                                               LOAEL = 156 mg/kg/day (males),
                                                                                not determined (females) based
                                                                                on sperm abnormalities and germ
                                                                                cell loss in F1 males.
Inhalation short-term infants/     Inhalation (or oral   LOC for MOE = 100...  28-day Dog study.
 children <6 years old (1 to 30     study NOAEL = 31.6                         LOAEL = 47.7/43.0 (M/F) mg/kg/day
 days).                             mg/kg/day                                   based on body weight loss;
                                    (inhalation                                 leukopenia and increased
                                    toxicity = oral                             hematocrit, hemoglobin and
                                    toxicity).                                  erythrocyte count; increased
                                   UFA = 10x...........                         plasma urea and creatinine;
                                   UFH = 10x...........                         reduced thymus weight in males
                                   FQPA SF = 1x........                         and females, increased thyroid
                                                                                weight in males and reduced
                                                                                brain weight in females; and,
                                                                                histopathological changes in
                                                                                liver, thymus and spleen.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhalation)  ``Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans'' based on convincing evidence that
                                       a non-genotoxic mode of action for liver tumors was established in the
                                                mouse. Quantification of cancer risk is not required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. LOC = level
  of concern. mg/kg/day = milligram/kilogram/day. MOE = margin of exposure. NOAEL = no-observed-adverse-effect-
  level. PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. UF = uncertainty factor.
  UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies). UFH = potential variation in sensitivity among
  members of the human population (intraspecies).

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to thiamethoxam, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances as well as all existing thiamethoxam tolerances in 40 
CFR 180.565. EPA assessed dietary exposures from thiamethoxam in food 
as follows:
    i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk 
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological 
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring 
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure.
    Such effects were identified for thiamethoxam. In estimating acute 
dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption information from the United 
States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Health and Nutrition 
Examination Survey, What We Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). As to 
residue levels in food, EPA assumed tolerance level residues and 100 
percent crop treated (PCT).
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from USDA's NHANES/WWEIA. 
As to residue levels in food, the chronic analysis is based on 
tolerance levels and anticipated residues calculated from field trial 
data for selected commodities and 100 PCT.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has 
concluded that thiamethoxam does not pose a cancer risk to humans. 
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing 
cancer risk is unnecessary.
    iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. Section 408(b)(2)(E) 
of FFDCA authorizes EPA to use available data and information on the 
anticipated residue levels of pesticide residues in food and the actual 
levels of pesticide residues that have been measured in food. If EPA 
relies on such information, EPA must require pursuant to FFDCA section 
408(f)(1) that data be provided 5 years after the tolerance is 
established, modified, or left in effect, demonstrating that the levels 
in food are not above the levels anticipated. For the present action, 
EPA will issue such data call-ins as are required by FFDCA section 
408(b)(2)(E) and authorized under FFDCA section 408(f)(1). Data will be 
required to be submitted no later than 5 years from the date of 
issuance of these tolerances.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening 
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for thiamethoxam in drinking water. These simulation models 
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport 
characteristics of thiamethoxam. Further information regarding EPA 
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be 
found at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.

[[Page 10716]]

    Based on the Tier 1 Rice Model and Screening Concentration in 
Ground Water (SCI-GROW) models, the estimated drinking water 
concentrations (EDWCs) of thiamethoxam for acute exposures are 
estimated to be 131.77 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 
4.66 ppb for ground water and for chronic exposures are estimated to be 
11.31 ppb for surface water and 4.66 ppb for ground water.
    Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly 
entered into the dietary exposure model. For the acute dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration value of 131.77 ppb was used to 
assess the contribution to drinking water. For the chronic dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration of value 11.31 ppb was used to 
assess the contribution to drinking water.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control, 
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets).
    Thiamethoxam is currently registered for the following uses that 
could result in residential exposures: Turf and indoor environments 
(crack-and-crevice uses). EPA assessed residential exposure using the 
following assumptions: For residential handlers, short-term dermal and 
inhalation exposure is anticipated from both the lawn/turf and indoor 
crack-and-crevice uses. In terms of post application exposure, short-
term dermal and incidental oral exposures are anticipated from both the 
lawn/turf and the crack-and-crevice uses. These exposures are expected 
from activities on turf such as playing, mowing, golfing, hand-to-
mouth, object-to-mouth, incidental soil ingestion, and from contacting 
treated carpets. Post application inhalation exposure is also 
anticipated from indoor crack-and-crevice applications. The Agency 
selected only the most conservative, or worst case, residential adult 
and child scenarios to be included in the aggregate estimates, based on 
the lowest overall MOE (i.e., highest risk estimates). The worst case 
residential exposures for adults and children 1 to 2 years old were 
associated with post-application exposure to treated turf. Further 
information regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic inputs for 
residential exposures may be found at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/standard-operating-procedures-residential-pesticide.
    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.''
    Thiamethoxam is a member of the neonicotinoid class of pesticides 
and produces, as a metabolite, another neonicotinoid, CGA-322704. 
Structural similarities or common effects do not constitute a common 
mechanism of toxicity. Evidence is needed to establish that the 
chemicals operate by the same, or essentially the same, sequence of 
major biochemical events (EPA, 2002). Although CGA-322704 and 
thiamethoxam bind selectively to insect nicotinic acetylcholine 
receptors (nAChR), the specific binding site(s)/receptor(s) for CGA-
322704, thiamethoxam and the other neonicotinoids are unknown at this 
time. Additionally, the commonality of the binding activity itself is 
uncertain, as preliminary evidence suggests that CGA-322704 operates by 
direct competitive inhibition, while thiamethoxam is a non-competitive 
inhibitor. Furthermore, even if future research shows that 
neonicotinoids share a common binding activity to a specific site on 
insect nAChRs, there is not necessarily a relationship between this 
pesticidal action and a mechanism of toxicity in mammals. Structural 
variations between the insect and mammalian nAChRs produce quantitative 
differences in the binding affinity of the neonicotinoids towards these 
receptors which, in turn, confers the notably greater selective 
toxicity of this class towards insects, including aphids and 
leafhoppers, compared to mammals. While the insecticidal action of the 
neonicotinoids is neurotoxic, the most sensitive regulatory endpoint 
for CGA-322704 is based on unrelated effects in mammals, including 
changes in body and thymus weights, delays in sexual maturation, and 
still births. Additionally, the most sensitive toxicological effect in 
mammals differs across the neonicotinoids (such as testicular tubular 
atrophy with thiamethoxam, and mineralized particles in thyroid colloid 
with imidacloprid). Therefore, unlike other pesticides for which EPA 
has followed a cumulative risk approach based on a common mechanism of 
toxicity, EPA has not made a common mechanism of toxicity finding as to 
thiamethoxam and any other substances and thiamethoxam does not appear 
to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the 
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has not assumed that 
thiamethoxam has 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 the policy statements concerning common 
mechanism determinations, and procedures for cumulating effects from 
substances found to have a common mechanism, released by OPP on EPA's 
Web site at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/cumulative-assessment-risk-pesticides.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA 
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants 
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal 
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity 
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a 
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This 
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the Food Quality 
Protection Act (FQPA) Safety Factor (SF). In applying this provision, 
EPA either retains the default value of 10X, or uses a different 
additional safety factor when reliable data available to EPA support 
the choice of a different factor.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. In the developmental 
studies, there was no evidence of increased quantitative or qualitative 
susceptibility of rat or rabbit fetuses to in utero exposure to 
thiamethoxam. Effects in the young were seen in the presence of 
maternal toxicity. There was evidence of quantitative susceptibility in 
the developmental neurotoxicity study and both two-generation 
reproductive studies. Although there was evidence of increased 
quantitative susceptibility, there are no residual uncertainties with 
regard to pre- and/or postnatal toxicity following in utero exposure to 
rats or rabbits and pre and/or post-natal exposures to rats. 
Considering the overall toxicity profile and the doses and endpoints 
selected for risk assessment, the degree of concern for the effects 
observed in the studies is low because the developmental/offspring 
effects observed in the studies are well characterized and clear 
NOAELs/LOAELs have been identified in the studies for the effects of 
concern. Additionally, the Agency is confident that the endpoints and 
PODs selected

[[Page 10717]]

for risk assessment are protective of potential developmental/
reproductive effects.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the 
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the 
FQPA SF were reduced to 1x. That decision is based on the following 
findings:
    i. The toxicity database for thiamethoxam is complete.
    ii. Evidence of neurotoxicity was seen in the acute and 
developmental neurotoxicity studies. However, there is a low degree of 
concern for the potential neurotoxic effects of thiamethoxam since 
clear NOAELs were identified for the neurotoxic effects, the neurotoxic 
effects were not the most sensitive endpoint in the toxicity database 
and the endpoints chosen for risk assessment are protective of any 
potential neurotoxicity.
    iii. There is no evidence that thiamethoxam results in increased 
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal 
developmental studies. There was evidence of quantitative 
susceptibility in the developmental neurotoxicity study and both two-
generation reproductive studies, however, for the reasons cited above 
in section III.D.2., the Agency is confident that the endpoints and 
PODs selected for risk assessment are protective of potential 
developmental/reproductive effects.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The dietary exposure assessments are based on high-end 
residue levels and processing factors, both of which account for parent 
and metabolites of concern, and the assumption of 100 PCT for all 
registered crops. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the 
ground and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to 
thiamethoxam in drinking water. EPA used similarly conservative 
assumptions to assess post-application exposure of children as well as 
incidental oral exposure of toddlers. These assessments will not 
underestimate the exposure and risks posed by thiamethoxam.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide 
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the 
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA 
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the 
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term 
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water, 
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an 
adequate MOE exists.
    1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this 
unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water 
to thiamethoxam will occupy 9.5% of the aPAD for children 1-2 years 
old, the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
thiamethoxam from food and water will utilize 45% of the cPAD for 
children 1-2 years old the population group receiving the greatest 
exposure. Based on the explanation in Unit III.C.3., regarding 
residential use patterns, chronic residential exposure to residues of 
thiamethoxam is not expected.
    3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into 
account short-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food 
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
    Thiamethoxam is currently registered for uses that could result in 
short-term residential exposure, and the Agency has determined that it 
is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and water 
with short-term residential exposures to thiamethoxam.
    Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water, 
and residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 500 for adults 
and 580 for children 1<2 years old. Because EPA's level of concern for 
thiamethoxam is a MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are not of concern.
    4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure 
takes into account intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic 
exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure 
level).
    An intermediate-term adverse effect was identified; however, 
thiamethoxam is not registered for any use patterns that would result 
in intermediate-term residential exposure. Intermediate-term risk is 
assessed based on intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic 
dietary exposure. Because there is no intermediate-term residential 
exposure and chronic dietary exposure has already been assessed under 
the appropriately protective cPAD (which is at least as protective as 
the POD used to assess intermediate-term risk), no further assessment 
of intermediate-term risk is necessary, and EPA relies on the chronic 
dietary risk assessment for evaluating intermediate-term risk for 
thiamethoxam.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. As discussed in Unit 
III.A. and based on the lack of chronic risk discussed in Unit 
III.E.2., thiamethoxam is not expected to pose a cancer risk to humans.
    6. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
to the general population, or to infants and children from aggregate 
exposure to thiamethoxam residues.

IV. Other Considerations

 A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

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

B. International Residue Limits

    In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S. 
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent 
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA 
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA 
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations 
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food 
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety 
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United 
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from 
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain 
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
    Codex has established an MRL for thiamethoxam in bananas at 0.02 
mg/kg which is different than the U.S. tolerance of 0.3 ppm. At this 
time, the Codex and EPA residue definitions are different (Codex's MRL 
is for the parent compound, thiamethoxam only, while EPA's is 
thiamethoxam plus metabolite CGA-322704); therefore, it is not possible 
to harmonize with the Codex MRL.

C. Response to Comments

    Three comments were received in response to the Notice of Filing. 
One

[[Page 10718]]

simply said ``Good.'' The other two comments noted general concerns 
about approving ``more herbicides and pesticides from Dow, Bayer, and 
Monsanto'' and the toxicity of this chemical, stating, in part, that 
``food should not be contaminated with these chemicals.'' The Agency 
recognizes that some individuals believe that pesticides should be 
banned on agricultural crops; however, the existing legal framework 
provided by section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act 
(FFDCA) states that tolerances may be set when persons seeking such 
tolerances or exemptions have demonstrated that the pesticide meets the 
safety standard imposed by that statute. EPA has assessed the effects 
of this chemical on human health and determined that aggregate exposure 
to it will be safe. These comments provide no information to support a 
different conclusion.

D. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances

    The submitted banana field trial data support a tolerance of 0.03 
ppm, instead of the petitioned-for tolerance of 0.04 ppm, in whole 
bananas. The petitioner used a combined limit of quantitation (LOQ) 
different from that used by the Agency for the input dataset of the 
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) tolerance 
calculation procedure. The combined LOQ used by EPA resulted in a 
recommended tolerance of 0.03 ppm.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, a tolerance is established for residues of thiamethoxam, 
including its metabolites and degradates, in or on banana at 0.03 ppm.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

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

VII. Congressional Review Act

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

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

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

    Dated: January 13, 2017.
Michael Goodis,
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.  180.565, add alphabetically the commodity ``Banana'' to the 
table in paragraph (a) and revise footnote 1 to read as follows:


Sec.  180.565  Thiamethoxam; tolerances for residues.

    (a) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts per
                        Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Banana \1\..............................................            0.03
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ There are no U.S. registrations for these commodities as of February
  15, 2017.

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2017-03075 Filed 2-14-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                10712            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR)                         CSAPR NOX Annual, SO2 Group 1, and                    does or does not apply to the unit. EPA
                                                federal implementation plans (FIPs).                     SO2 Group 2 NUSAs for a given state                   also notes that NUSA allocations of
                                                EPA has completed final calculations                     and control period after the second                   CSAPR NOX Annual, SO2 Group 1, and
                                                for the second round of NUSA                             round of NUSA allocations to new units                SO2 Group 2 allowances are subject to
                                                allowance allocations for the 2016                       is completed are to be allocated to the               potential correction if a unit to which
                                                compliance year of the CSAPR NOX                         existing units in the state according to              NUSA allowances have been allocated
                                                Annual, SO2 Group 1, and SO2 Group 2                     the procedures set forth in 40 CFR                    for a given compliance year is not
                                                Trading Programs. EPA has posted                         97.412(a)(10) and (12), 97.612(a)(10) and             actually an affected unit as of January 1
                                                spreadsheets showing the second-round                    (12), and 97.712(a)(10) and (12). EPA                 of the compliance year.1
                                                2016 NUSA allocations of CSAPR NOX                       has determined that CSAPR NOX                           Authority: 40 CFR 97.411(b), 97.611(b),
                                                Annual, SO2 Group 1, and SO2 Group 2                     Annual, SO2 Group 1, and SO2 Group 2                  and 97.711(b).
                                                allowances to new units as well as the                   allowances do remain in the NUSAs for
                                                                                                         a number of states following completion                 January 27, 2017.
                                                allocations to existing units of the
                                                remaining CSAPR NOX Annual, SO2                          of second-round 2016 NUSA                             Richard Haeuber,
                                                Group 1, and SO2 Group 2 allowances                      allocations; accordingly, EPA is                      Acting Director, Clean Air Markets Division,
                                                not allocated to new units in either                     allocating these allowances to existing               Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of
                                                                                                         units. The NUSA allowances are                        Air and Radiation.
                                                round of the 2016 NUSA allocation
                                                                                                         generally allocated to the existing units             [FR Doc. 2017–03069 Filed 2–14–17; 8:45 am]
                                                process. EPA will record the allocated
                                                CSAPR NOX Annual, SO2 Group 1, and                       in proportion to the allocations                      BILLING CODE 6560–50–P

                                                SO2 Group 2 allowances in sources’                       previously made to the existing units
                                                Allowance Management System (AMS)                        under 40 CFR 97.411(a)(1), 97.611(a)(1),
                                                                                                         and 97.711(a)(1), adjusted for rounding.              ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                accounts by February 15, 2017.
                                                                                                            Under 40 CFR 97.412(b)(10),                        AGENCY
                                                DATES: February 15, 2017.
                                                                                                         97.612(b)(10), and 97.712(b)(10), any
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                                                               40 CFR Part 180
                                                                                                         allowances remaining in the CSAPR
                                                Questions concerning this action should                  NOX Annual, SO2 Group 1, and SO2                      [EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0705; FRL–9957–00]
                                                be addressed to Robert Miller at (202)                   Group 2 Indian country NUSAs for a
                                                343–9077 or miller.robertl@epa.gov or to                 given state and control period after the              Thiamethoxam; Pesticide Tolerance
                                                Kenon Smith at (202) 343–9164 or                         second round of Indian country NUSA
                                                smith.kenon@epa.gov.                                                                                           AGENCY:  Environmental Protection
                                                                                                         allocations to new units are added to the
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the                                                                           Agency (EPA).
                                                                                                         NUSA for that state or are made
                                                CSAPR FIPs, a portion of each state                      available for allocation by the state                 ACTION: Final rule.
                                                budget for each of the CSAPR trading                     pursuant to an approved SIP revision.
                                                programs is reserved as a NUSA from                                                                            SUMMARY:   This regulation establishes a
                                                                                                         No new units eligible for allocations of              tolerance for residues of thiamethoxam
                                                which allowances are allocated to                        CSAPR NOX Annual, SO2 Group 1, and
                                                eligible units through an annual one- or                                                                       in or on bananas. Syngenta Crop
                                                                                                         SO2 Group 2 allowances from any 2016                  Protection, LLC requested this tolerance
                                                two-round process. EPA has described                     Indian country NUSA have been
                                                the CSAPR NUSA allocation process in                                                                           under the Federal Food, Drug, and
                                                                                                         identified, and no state has an approved              Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
                                                five NODAs previously published in the                   SIP revision governing allocation of
                                                Federal Register: 81 FR 33636 (May 27,                                                                         DATES: This regulation is effective
                                                                                                         2016 CSAPR NUSA allowances. The
                                                2016); 81 FR 50630 (August 2, 2016); 81                  Indian country NUSA allowances are                    February 15, 2017. Objections and
                                                FR 63156 (September 14, 2016); 81 FR                     therefore being added to the NUSAs for                requests for hearings must be received
                                                80593 (November 16, 2016) and 81 FR                      the respective states and are included in             on or before April 17, 2017, and must
                                                89035 (December 9, 2016). In the most                    the pools of allowances that are being                be filed in accordance with the
                                                recent of these previous NODAs, EPA                      allocated to existing units under 40 CFR              instructions provided in 40 CFR part
                                                provided notice of preliminary lists of                  97.412(b)(10) and (12), 97.612(b)(10)                 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the
                                                new units eligible for second-round                      and (12), and 97.712(b)(10) and (12).                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
                                                2016 NUSA allocations of CSAPR NOX                          The final unit-by-unit data and                    ADDRESSES: The docket for this action,
                                                Annual, SO2 Group 1, and SO2 Group 2                     allowance allocation calculations are set             identified by docket identification (ID)
                                                allowances and provided an                               forth in Excel spreadsheets titled                    number EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0705, is
                                                opportunity for the public to submit                     ‘‘CSAPR_NUSA_2016_NOx_Annual_                         available at http://www.regulations.gov
                                                objections.                                              2nd_Round_Final_Data_New_Units’’,                     or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
                                                   EPA received no objections to the                     ‘‘CSAPR_NUSA_2016_SO2_2nd_                            Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)
                                                preliminary lists of new units eligible                  Round_Final_Data_New_Units’’,                         in the Environmental Protection Agency
                                                for second-round 2016 NUSA                               ‘‘CSAPR_NUSA_2016_NOx_Annual_                         Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
                                                allocations of CSAPR NOX Annual, SO2                     2nd_Round_Final_Data_Existing_                        Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
                                                Group 1, or SO2 Group 2 allowances                       Units’’, and ‘‘CSAPR_NUSA_2016_SO2_                   Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC
                                                whose availability was announced in                      2nd_Round_Final_Data_Existing_                        20460–0001. The Public Reading Room
                                                the December 9 NODA. EPA is therefore                    Units’’, available on EPA’s Web site at               is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
                                                making second-round 2016 NUSA                            https://www.epa.gov/csapr/csapr-                      Monday through Friday, excluding legal
                                                allocations of CSAPR NOX Annual, SO2                     compliance-year-2016-nusa-nodas.                      holidays. The telephone number for the
                                                Group 1, and SO2 Group 2 allowances                         Pursuant to CSAPR’s allowance                      Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                to the new units identified on these lists               recordation timing requirements, the                  and the telephone number for the OPP
                                                in accordance with the procedures set                    allocated NUSA allowances will be                     Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
                                                forth in 40 CFR 97.412(a)(9) and (12),                   recorded in sources’ AMS accounts by                  the visitor instructions and additional
                                                97.612(a)(9) and (12), and 97.712(a)(9)                  February 15, 2017. EPA notes that an                  information about the docket available
                                                and (12).                                                allocation or lack of allocation of                   at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.
                                                   As described in the December 9                        allowances to a given unit does not
                                                NODA, any allowances remaining in the                    constitute a determination that CSAPR                   1 See   40 CFR 97.411(c), 97.611(c), and 97.711(c).



                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014    16:57 Feb 14, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00012   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\15FER1.SGM    15FER1


                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                       10713

                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                         Information not marked confidential                   result from aggregate exposure to the
                                                Michael Goodis, Registration Division                    pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be                      pesticide chemical residue, including
                                                (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,                   disclosed publicly by EPA without prior               all anticipated dietary exposures and all
                                                Environmental Protection Agency, 1200                    notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your               other exposures for which there is
                                                Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,                       objection or hearing request, identified              reliable information.’’ This includes
                                                DC 20460–0001; main telephone                            by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–                       exposure through drinking water and in
                                                number: (703) 305–7090; email address:                   2015–0705, by one of the following                    residential settings, but does not include
                                                RDFRNotices@epa.gov.                                     methods:                                              occupational exposure. Section
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://               408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to
                                                                                                         www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                give special consideration to exposure
                                                I. General Information                                   instructions for submitting comments.                 of infants and children to the pesticide
                                                A. Does this action apply to me?                         Do not submit electronically any                      chemical residue in establishing a
                                                                                                         information you consider to be CBI or                 tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a
                                                   You may be potentially affected by                    other information whose disclosure is                 reasonable certainty that no harm will
                                                this action if you are an agricultural                   restricted by statute.                                result to infants and children from
                                                producer, food manufacturer, or                            • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental                   aggregate exposure to the pesticide
                                                pesticide manufacturer. The following                    Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/                 chemical residue. . . .’’
                                                list of North American Industrial                        DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.                    Tolerances for residues of
                                                Classification System (NAICS) codes is                   NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.                       thiamethoxam are listed in 40 CFR
                                                not intended to be exhaustive, but rather                  • Hand Delivery: To make special                    180.565 and are expressed in terms of
                                                provides a guide to help readers                         arrangements for hand delivery or                     the combined residues of the insecticide
                                                determine whether this document                          delivery of boxed information, please                 thiamethoxam and its metabolite CGA–
                                                applies to them. Potentially affected                    follow the instructions at http://                    322704. Metabolite CGA–322704 is also
                                                entities may include:                                    www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.                    the registered active ingredient
                                                   • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                   Additional instructions on commenting                 clothianidin (tolerance listings in 40
                                                   • Animal production (NAICS code                       or visiting the docket, along with more               CFR 180.586). Clothianidin (hereinafter
                                                112).                                                    information about dockets generally, is               referred to as CGA–322704) has a
                                                   • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                      available at http://www.epa.gov/                      complete toxicological database and
                                                311).                                                    dockets.                                              appears to have effects in mammals that
                                                   • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS                                                                            are different from those of
                                                code 32532).                                             II. Summary of Petitioned-For
                                                                                                                                                               thiamethoxam. A separate risk
                                                                                                         Tolerance
                                                B. How can I get electronic access to                                                                          assessment that addresses risks from
                                                                                                            In the Federal Register of November                CGA–322704 residues resulting from the
                                                other related information?
                                                                                                         23, 2015 (80 FR 72941) (FRL–9936–73),                 direct application of CGA–322704
                                                   You may access a frequently updated                   EPA issued a document pursuant to                     (clothianidin), as well as risks from
                                                electronic version of EPA’s tolerance                    FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.                    residues of CGA–322704 coming from
                                                regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through                   346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a                thiamethoxam uses has been conducted,
                                                the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR                   pesticide petition (PP 5E8401) by                     and there are no risk estimates of
                                                site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-                Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, P.O.                   concern as a result of the proposed
                                                idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/                     Box 18300, Greensboro, NC 27409–                      tolerance for thiamethoxam residues in
                                                40tab_02.tpl.                                            8300. The petition requested that 40                  imported bananas. This risk assessment
                                                C. How can I file an objection or hearing                CFR part 180 be amended by                            can be found at
                                                request?                                                 establishing a tolerance for residues of              http:www.regulations.gov in docket ID
                                                                                                         the insecticide, thiamethoxam, in or on               number EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0705.
                                                  Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21                         banana at 0.04 parts per million (ppm).                  Consistent with FFDCA section
                                                U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an                      That document referenced a summary of                 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in
                                                objection to any aspect of this regulation               the petition prepared by Syngenta, the                FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has
                                                and may also request a hearing on those                  registrant, which is available in the                 reviewed the available scientific data
                                                objections. You must file your objection                 docket, http://www.regulations.gov.                   and other relevant information in
                                                or request a hearing on this regulation                  Comments were received on the notice                  support of this action. EPA has
                                                in accordance with the instructions                      of filing. EPA’s response to these                    sufficient data to assess the hazards of
                                                provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure                   comments is discussed in Unit IV.C.                   and to make a determination on
                                                proper receipt by EPA, you must                             Based upon review of the data                      aggregate exposure for thiamethoxam
                                                identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–                        supporting the petition, EPA has                      including exposure resulting from the
                                                OPP–2015–0705 in the subject line on                     modified the level at which the                       tolerances established by this action.
                                                the first page of your submission. All                   tolerance is being established. The                   EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks
                                                objections and requests for a hearing                    reason for this change is explained in                associated with thiamethoxam follows.
                                                must be in writing, and must be                          Unit IV.D.
                                                received by the Hearing Clerk on or                                                                            A. Toxicological Profile
                                                before April 17, 2017. Addresses for                     III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and                      EPA has evaluated the available
                                                mail and hand delivery of objections                     Determination of Safety                               toxicity data and considered its validity,
                                                and hearing requests are provided in 40                     Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA                   completeness, and reliability as well as
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                CFR 178.25(b).                                           allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the              the relationship of the results of the
                                                  In addition to filing an objection or                  legal limit for a pesticide chemical                  studies to human risk. EPA has also
                                                hearing request with the Hearing Clerk                   residue in or on a food) only if EPA                  considered available information
                                                as described in 40 CFR part 178, please                  determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’            concerning the variability of the
                                                submit a copy of the filing (excluding                   Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA                     sensitivities of major identifiable
                                                any Confidential Business Information                    defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a            subgroups of consumers, including
                                                (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.               reasonable certainty that no harm will                infants and children.


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                                                10714            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                   In mammals, toxicological effects are                 metabolite, thiamethoxam is unlikely to                evaluating the risk posed by human
                                                seen primarily in the liver, kidney,                     pose a cancer risk to humans unless                    exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
                                                testes, and blood cellular system. In                    sufficient amounts of metabolites are                  that have a threshold below which there
                                                addition, developmental neurological                     persistently formed to drive a                         is no appreciable risk, the toxicological
                                                effects were observed in rats. These                     carcinogenic response. The chronic                     POD is used as the basis for derivation
                                                developmental effects are being used to                  endpoint selected for regulating                       of reference values for risk assessment.
                                                assess risks associated with acute                       exposure to thiamethoxam is                            PODs are developed based on a careful
                                                exposures to thiamethoxam, and the                       sufficiently protective of the key events              analysis of the doses in each
                                                liver and testicular effects are the basis               (perturbation of liver metabolism,                     toxicological study to determine the
                                                for assessing longer-term exposures.                     hepatotoxicity/regenerative                            dose at which no adverse effects are
                                                   There is no indication of quantitative                proliferation) in the animal mode of                   observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest
                                                or qualitative susceptibility in the                     action. At those levels, the Agency does               dose at which adverse effects of concern
                                                developmental toxicity studies. There is                 not expect sufficient generation of the                are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/
                                                evidence of quantitative susceptibility                  necessary metabolites to elicit a                      safety factors are used in conjunction
                                                in the developmental neurotoxicity                       carcinogenic response; therefore,                      with the POD to calculate a safe
                                                study and both two-generation                            separate quantification of carcinogenic                exposure level—generally referred to as
                                                reproductive studies. However, clear no                  potential is not required.                             a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a
                                                observed adverse effects levels                             Specific information on the studies                 reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin
                                                (NOAELs) were identified for the                         received and the nature of the adverse                 of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold
                                                susceptibility in the 2-generation                       effects caused by thiamethoxam as well                 risks, the Agency assumes that any
                                                reproduction and developmental                           as the NOAEL and the lowest-observed-                  amount of exposure will lead to some
                                                neurotoxicity (DNT) studies and the                      adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the                  degree of risk. Thus, the Agency
                                                endpoints and doses chosen for risk                      toxicity studies can be found at                       estimates risk in terms of the probability
                                                assessment are protective of the                         http:www.regulations.gov in the                        of an occurrence of the adverse effect
                                                susceptibility observed in these studies.                document titled ‘‘Thiamethoxam.                        expected in a lifetime. For more
                                                   Thiamethoxam is classified as ‘‘not                   Human Health Risk Assessment for                       information on the general principles
                                                likely to be carcinogenic to humans’’ at                 Tolerances on Imported Bananas’’ on                    EPA uses in risk characterization and a
                                                levels below which certain amounts of                    page 33 in docket ID number EPA–HQ–                    complete description of the risk
                                                metabolites are produced. The liver                      OPP–2015–0705.                                         assessment process, see http://
                                                tumors that were observed in the mouse                                                                          www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-
                                                                                                         B. Toxicological Points of Departure/                  assessing-pesticide-risks/assessing-
                                                have been demonstrated to be a result of
                                                                                                         Levels of Concern                                      human-health-risk-pesticides.
                                                a non-genotoxic mode of action
                                                dependent on sufficient amounts of a                       Once a pesticide’s toxicological                        A summary of the toxicological
                                                hepatotoxic metabolite being produced.                   profile is determined, EPA identifies                  endpoints for thiamethoxam used for
                                                Although humans are qualitatively                        toxicological points of departure (POD)                human risk assessment is shown in
                                                capable of producing the active                          and levels of concern to use in                        Table 1 of this unit.

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

                                                Acute dietary (All populations     NOAEL = 34.5 mg/kg/               Acute RfD = 0.35             Rat Developmental Neurotoxicity study.
                                                  including infants and children).  day UFA = 10x.                     mg/kg/day.                 LOAEL = 298.7 mg/kg/day based on decreased body weight
                                                                                   UFH = 10x                         aPAD = 0.35 mg/kg/             and reduced brain morphometric measurements.
                                                                                   FQPA SF = 1x                        day.
                                                Chronic dietary (All populations) NOAEL= 1.2 mg/kg/                  Chronic RfD = 0.012          2-Generation reproduction study.
                                                                                    day UFA = 10x.                     mg/kg/day.                 LOAEL = 1.8 mg/kg/day based on increased incidence and
                                                                                   UFH = 10x                         cPAD = 0.012 mg/               severity of tubular atrophy in testes of F1 generation
                                                                                   FQPA SF = 1x                        kg/day.                      males.
                                                                                                                                                  2-Generation reproduction study,
                                                                                                                                                  LOAEL = 156 mg/kg/day (males), not determined (females)
                                                                                                                                                    based on sperm abnormalities and germ cell loss in F1
                                                                                                                                                    males.
                                                Incidental oral short-term in-          NOAEL= 31.6 mg/kg/           LOC for MOE = 100            28-day Dog study.
                                                  fants/children <6 years old (1         day UFA = 10x.                                           LOAEL = 47.7/43.0 (M/F) mg/kg/day based on body weight
                                                  to 30 days).                          UFH = 10x                                                   loss; leukopenia and increased hematocrit, hemoglobin
                                                                                        FQPA SF = 1x                                                and erythrocyte count; increased plasma urea and creati-
                                                                                                                                                    nine; reduced thymus weight in males and females, in-
                                                                                                                                                    creased thyroid weight in males and reduced brain weight
                                                                                                                                                    in females; and, histopathological changes in liver, thymus
                                                                                                                                                    and spleen.
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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                                10715

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

                                                Dermal short-term adults (1 to          Oral study NOAEL =           LOC for MOE = 100            2-Generation reproduction study; 1998.
                                                  30 days).                               1.2 mg/kg/day (der-                                     LOAEL = 1.8 mg/kg/day based on increased incidence and
                                                                                          mal absorption rate                                       severity of tubular atrophy in testes of F1 generation
                                                                                          = 5%.                                                     males.
                                                                                        UFA = 10x                                                 2-Generation reproduction study; 2004.
                                                                                        UFH = 10x                                                 LOAEL = 156 mg/kg/day (males), not determined (females)
                                                                                        FQPA SF = 1x                                                based on sperm abnormalities and germ cell loss in F1
                                                                                                                                                    males.
                                                Dermal short-term infants/chil-         Dermal study NOAEL=          LOC for MOE = 100            Rat 28-Day Dermal Toxicity Study.
                                                  dren <6 years old (1 to 30              60 mg/kg/day.                                           LOAEL = 250 (females) mg/kg/day based on increased plas-
                                                  days).                                UFA = 10x                                                   ma glucose, triglyceride levels, and alkaline phosphatase
                                                                                        UFH = 10x                                                   activity and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver and ne-
                                                                                        FQPA SF = 1x                                                crosis of single hepatocytes in females.
                                                Inhalation short-term adults (1         Oral study NOAEL=            LOC for MOE = 100            2-Generation reproduction study.
                                                  to 30 days).                            1.2 mg/kg/day.                                          LOAEL = 1.8 mg/kg/day based on increased incidence and
                                                                                        UFA = 10x                                                   severity of tubular atrophy in testes of F1 generation
                                                                                        UFH = 10x                                                   males.
                                                                                        FQPA SF = 1x                                              2-Generation reproduction study.
                                                                                                                                                  LOAEL = 156 mg/kg/day (males), not determined (females)
                                                                                                                                                    based on sperm abnormalities and germ cell loss in F1
                                                                                                                                                    males.
                                                Inhalation short-term infants/          Inhalation (or oral          LOC for MOE = 100            28-day Dog study.
                                                  children <6 years old (1 to 30          study NOAEL = 31.6                                      LOAEL = 47.7/43.0 (M/F) mg/kg/day based on body weight
                                                  days).                                  mg/kg/day (inhala-                                        loss; leukopenia and increased hematocrit, hemoglobin
                                                                                          tion toxicity = oral                                      and erythrocyte count; increased plasma urea and creati-
                                                                                          toxicity).                                                nine; reduced thymus weight in males and females, in-
                                                                                        UFA = 10x                                                   creased thyroid weight in males and reduced brain weight
                                                                                        UFH = 10x                                                   in females; and, histopathological changes in liver, thymus
                                                                                        FQPA SF = 1x                                                and spleen.

                                                Cancer (Oral, dermal, inhala-           ‘‘Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans’’ based on convincing evidence that a non-genotoxic mode of action
                                                  tion).                                           for liver tumors was established in the mouse. Quantification of cancer risk is not required.
                                                  FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. LOC = level of concern. mg/kg/day =
                                                milligram/kilogram/day. MOE = margin of exposure. NOAEL = no-observed-adverse-effect-level. PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c =
                                                chronic). RfD = reference dose. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies). UFH = potential variation in
                                                sensitivity among members of the human population (intraspecies).


                                                C. Exposure Assessment                                   EPA assumed tolerance level residues                    section 408(f)(1) that data be provided 5
                                                                                                         and 100 percent crop treated (PCT).                     years after the tolerance is established,
                                                   1. Dietary exposure from food and                        ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting                  modified, or left in effect, demonstrating
                                                feed uses. In evaluating dietary                         the chronic dietary exposure assessment                 that the levels in food are not above the
                                                exposure to thiamethoxam, EPA                            EPA used the food consumption data                      levels anticipated. For the present
                                                considered exposure under the                            from USDA’s NHANES/WWEIA. As to                         action, EPA will issue such data call-ins
                                                petitioned-for tolerances as well as all                 residue levels in food, the chronic                     as are required by FFDCA section
                                                existing thiamethoxam tolerances in 40                   analysis is based on tolerance levels and               408(b)(2)(E) and authorized under
                                                CFR 180.565. EPA assessed dietary                        anticipated residues calculated from                    FFDCA section 408(f)(1). Data will be
                                                exposures from thiamethoxam in food                      field trial data for selected commodities               required to be submitted no later than
                                                as follows:                                              and 100 PCT.                                            5 years from the date of issuance of
                                                   i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute                    iii. Cancer. Based on the data                       these tolerances.
                                                dietary exposure and risk assessments                    summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has                        2. Dietary exposure from drinking
                                                are performed for a food-use pesticide,                  concluded that thiamethoxam does not                    water. The Agency used screening level
                                                if a toxicological study has indicated the               pose a cancer risk to humans. Therefore,                water exposure models in the dietary
                                                possibility of an effect of concern                      a dietary exposure assessment for the                   exposure analysis and risk assessment
                                                occurring as a result of a 1-day or single               purpose of assessing cancer risk is                     for thiamethoxam in drinking water.
                                                exposure.                                                unnecessary.                                            These simulation models take into
                                                   Such effects were identified for                         iv. Anticipated residue and PCT                      account data on the physical, chemical,
                                                thiamethoxam. In estimating acute                        information. Section 408(b)(2)(E) of                    and fate/transport characteristics of
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                                                dietary exposure, EPA used food                          FFDCA authorizes EPA to use available                   thiamethoxam. Further information
                                                consumption information from the                         data and information on the anticipated                 regarding EPA drinking water models
                                                United States Department of                              residue levels of pesticide residues in                 used in pesticide exposure assessment
                                                Agriculture’s (USDA) National Health                     food and the actual levels of pesticide                 can be found at http://www2.epa.gov/
                                                and Nutrition Examination Survey,                        residues that have been measured in                     pesticide-science-and-assessing-
                                                What We Eat in America (NHANES/                          food. If EPA relies on such information,                pesticide-risks/about-water-exposure-
                                                WWEIA). As to residue levels in food,                    EPA must require pursuant to FFDCA                      models-used-pesticide.


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                                                10716            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                   Based on the Tier 1 Rice Model and                    requires that, when considering whether               substances. For the purposes of this
                                                Screening Concentration in Ground                        to establish, modify, or revoke a                     tolerance action, therefore, EPA has not
                                                Water (SCI–GROW) models, the                             tolerance, the Agency consider                        assumed that thiamethoxam has a
                                                estimated drinking water concentrations                  ‘‘available information’’ concerning the              common mechanism of toxicity with
                                                (EDWCs) of thiamethoxam for acute                        cumulative effects of a particular                    other substances. For information
                                                exposures are estimated to be 131.77                     pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other                      regarding EPA’s efforts to determine
                                                parts per billion (ppb) for surface water                substances that have a common                         which chemicals have a common
                                                and 4.66 ppb for ground water and for                    mechanism of toxicity.’’                              mechanism of toxicity, and to evaluate
                                                chronic exposures are estimated to be                       Thiamethoxam is a member of the                    the cumulative effects of such
                                                11.31 ppb for surface water and 4.66                     neonicotinoid class of pesticides and                 chemicals, see the policy statements
                                                ppb for ground water.                                    produces, as a metabolite, another                    concerning common mechanism
                                                   Modeled estimates of drinking water                   neonicotinoid, CGA–322704. Structural                 determinations, and procedures for
                                                concentrations were directly entered                     similarities or common effects do not                 cumulating effects from substances
                                                into the dietary exposure model. For the                 constitute a common mechanism of                      found to have a common mechanism,
                                                acute dietary risk assessment, the water                 toxicity. Evidence is needed to establish             released by OPP on EPA’s Web site at
                                                concentration value of 131.77 ppb was                    that the chemicals operate by the same,               http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-
                                                used to assess the contribution to                       or essentially the same, sequence of                  and-assessing-pesticide-risks/
                                                drinking water. For the chronic dietary                  major biochemical events (EPA, 2002).                 cumulative-assessment-risk-pesticides.
                                                risk assessment, the water concentration                 Although CGA–322704 and
                                                of value 11.31 ppb was used to assess                                                                          D. Safety Factor for Infants and
                                                                                                         thiamethoxam bind selectively to insect               Children
                                                the contribution to drinking water.
                                                                                                         nicotinic acetylcholine receptors                        1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of
                                                   3. From non-dietary exposure. The
                                                term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in                 (nAChR), the specific binding site(s)/                FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply
                                                this document to refer to non-                           receptor(s) for CGA–322704,                           an additional tenfold (10X) margin of
                                                occupational, non-dietary exposure                       thiamethoxam and the other                            safety for infants and children in the
                                                (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control,                 neonicotinoids are unknown at this                    case of threshold effects to account for
                                                indoor pest control, termiticides, and                   time. Additionally, the commonality of                prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the
                                                flea and tick control on pets).                          the binding activity itself is uncertain,             completeness of the database on toxicity
                                                   Thiamethoxam is currently registered                  as preliminary evidence suggests that                 and exposure unless EPA determines
                                                for the following uses that could result                 CGA–322704 operates by direct                         based on reliable data that a different
                                                in residential exposures: Turf and                       competitive inhibition, while                         margin of safety will be safe for infants
                                                indoor environments (crack-and-crevice                   thiamethoxam is a non-competitive                     and children. This additional margin of
                                                uses). EPA assessed residential exposure                 inhibitor. Furthermore, even if future                safety is commonly referred to as the
                                                using the following assumptions: For                     research shows that neonicotinoids                    Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA)
                                                residential handlers, short-term dermal                  share a common binding activity to a                  Safety Factor (SF). In applying this
                                                and inhalation exposure is anticipated                   specific site on insect nAChRs, there is              provision, EPA either retains the default
                                                from both the lawn/turf and indoor                       not necessarily a relationship between                value of 10X, or uses a different
                                                crack-and-crevice uses. In terms of post                 this pesticidal action and a mechanism                additional safety factor when reliable
                                                application exposure, short-term dermal                  of toxicity in mammals. Structural                    data available to EPA support the choice
                                                and incidental oral exposures are                        variations between the insect and                     of a different factor.
                                                anticipated from both the lawn/turf and                  mammalian nAChRs produce                                 2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
                                                the crack-and-crevice uses. These                        quantitative differences in the binding               In the developmental studies, there was
                                                exposures are expected from activities                   affinity of the neonicotinoids towards                no evidence of increased quantitative or
                                                on turf such as playing, mowing,                         these receptors which, in turn, confers               qualitative susceptibility of rat or rabbit
                                                golfing, hand-to-mouth, object-to-                       the notably greater selective toxicity of             fetuses to in utero exposure to
                                                mouth, incidental soil ingestion, and                    this class towards insects, including                 thiamethoxam. Effects in the young
                                                from contacting treated carpets. Post                    aphids and leafhoppers, compared to                   were seen in the presence of maternal
                                                application inhalation exposure is also                  mammals. While the insecticidal action                toxicity. There was evidence of
                                                anticipated from indoor crack-and-                       of the neonicotinoids is neurotoxic, the              quantitative susceptibility in the
                                                crevice applications. The Agency                         most sensitive regulatory endpoint for                developmental neurotoxicity study and
                                                selected only the most conservative, or                  CGA–322704 is based on unrelated                      both two-generation reproductive
                                                worst case, residential adult and child                  effects in mammals, including changes                 studies. Although there was evidence of
                                                scenarios to be included in the aggregate                in body and thymus weights, delays in                 increased quantitative susceptibility,
                                                estimates, based on the lowest overall                   sexual maturation, and still births.                  there are no residual uncertainties with
                                                MOE (i.e., highest risk estimates). The                  Additionally, the most sensitive                      regard to pre- and/or postnatal toxicity
                                                worst case residential exposures for                     toxicological effect in mammals differs               following in utero exposure to rats or
                                                adults and children 1 to 2 years old                     across the neonicotinoids (such as                    rabbits and pre and/or post-natal
                                                were associated with post-application                    testicular tubular atrophy with                       exposures to rats. Considering the
                                                exposure to treated turf. Further                        thiamethoxam, and mineralized                         overall toxicity profile and the doses
                                                information regarding EPA standard                       particles in thyroid colloid with                     and endpoints selected for risk
                                                assumptions and generic inputs for                       imidacloprid). Therefore, unlike other                assessment, the degree of concern for
                                                residential exposures may be found at                    pesticides for which EPA has followed                 the effects observed in the studies is low
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                                                http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-                   a cumulative risk approach based on a                 because the developmental/offspring
                                                and-assessing-pesticide-risks/standard-                  common mechanism of toxicity, EPA                     effects observed in the studies are well
                                                operating-procedures-residential-                        has not made a common mechanism of                    characterized and clear NOAELs/
                                                pesticide.                                               toxicity finding as to thiamethoxam and               LOAELs have been identified in the
                                                   4. Cumulative effects from substances                 any other substances and thiamethoxam                 studies for the effects of concern.
                                                with a common mechanism of toxicity.                     does not appear to produce a toxic                    Additionally, the Agency is confident
                                                Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA                         metabolite produced by other                          that the endpoints and PODs selected


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                      10717

                                                for risk assessment are protective of                    residential exposure to the appropriate               evaluating intermediate-term risk for
                                                potential developmental/reproductive                     PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE                   thiamethoxam.
                                                effects.                                                 exists.                                                  5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
                                                   3. Conclusion. EPA has determined                        1. Acute risk. Using the exposure                  population. As discussed in Unit III.A.
                                                that reliable data show the safety of                    assumptions discussed in this unit for                and based on the lack of chronic risk
                                                infants and children would be                            acute exposure, the acute dietary                     discussed in Unit III.E.2., thiamethoxam
                                                adequately protected if the FQPA SF                      exposure from food and water to                       is not expected to pose a cancer risk to
                                                were reduced to 1x. That decision is                     thiamethoxam will occupy 9.5% of the                  humans.
                                                based on the following findings:                         aPAD for children 1–2 years old, the                     6. Determination of safety. Based on
                                                   i. The toxicity database for                          population group receiving the greatest               these risk assessments, EPA concludes
                                                thiamethoxam is complete.                                exposure.                                             that there is a reasonable certainty that
                                                   ii. Evidence of neurotoxicity was seen                   2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure                no harm will result to the general
                                                in the acute and developmental                           assumptions described in this unit for                population, or to infants and children
                                                neurotoxicity studies. However, there is                 chronic exposure, EPA has concluded                   from aggregate exposure to
                                                a low degree of concern for the potential                that chronic exposure to thiamethoxam                 thiamethoxam residues.
                                                neurotoxic effects of thiamethoxam                       from food and water will utilize 45% of
                                                since clear NOAELs were identified for                                                                         IV. Other Considerations
                                                                                                         the cPAD for children 1–2 years old the
                                                the neurotoxic effects, the neurotoxic                   population group receiving the greatest               A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
                                                effects were not the most sensitive                      exposure. Based on the explanation in                    Adequate enforcement methodology
                                                endpoint in the toxicity database and                    Unit III.C.3., regarding residential use              (high-performance liquid
                                                the endpoints chosen for risk                            patterns, chronic residential exposure to             chromatography (HPLC)) is available to
                                                assessment are protective of any                         residues of thiamethoxam is not                       enforce the tolerance expression.
                                                potential neurotoxicity.                                 expected.                                                The method may be requested from:
                                                   iii. There is no evidence that                           3. Short-term risk. Short-term                     Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch,
                                                thiamethoxam results in increased                        aggregate exposure takes into account                 Environmental Science Center, 701
                                                susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits               short-term residential exposure plus                  Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350;
                                                in the prenatal developmental studies.                   chronic exposure to food and water                    telephone number: (410) 305–2905;
                                                There was evidence of quantitative                       (considered to be a background                        email address: residuemethods@
                                                susceptibility in the developmental                      exposure level).                                      epa.gov.
                                                neurotoxicity study and both two-                           Thiamethoxam is currently registered
                                                generation reproductive studies,                         for uses that could result in short-term              B. International Residue Limits
                                                however, for the reasons cited above in                  residential exposure, and the Agency                     In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
                                                section III.D.2., the Agency is confident                has determined that it is appropriate to              seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
                                                that the endpoints and PODs selected                     aggregate chronic exposure through food               international standards whenever
                                                for risk assessment are protective of                    and water with short-term residential                 possible, consistent with U.S. food
                                                potential developmental/reproductive                     exposures to thiamethoxam.                            safety standards and agricultural
                                                effects.                                                    Using the exposure assumptions                     practices. EPA considers the
                                                   iv. There are no residual uncertainties               described in this unit for short-term                 international maximum residue limits
                                                identified in the exposure databases.                    exposures, EPA has concluded the                      (MRLs) established by the Codex
                                                The dietary exposure assessments are                     combined short-term food, water, and                  Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
                                                based on high-end residue levels and                     residential exposures result in aggregate             required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
                                                processing factors, both of which                        MOEs of 500 for adults and 580 for                    The Codex Alimentarius is a joint
                                                account for parent and metabolites of                    children 1<2 years old. Because EPA’s                 United Nations Food and Agriculture
                                                concern, and the assumption of 100 PCT                   level of concern for thiamethoxam is a                Organization/World Health
                                                for all registered crops. EPA made                       MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are                   Organization food standards program,
                                                conservative (protective) assumptions in                 not of concern.                                       and it is recognized as an international
                                                the ground and surface water modeling                       4. Intermediate-term risk.                         food safety standards-setting
                                                used to assess exposure to                               Intermediate-term aggregate exposure                  organization in trade agreements to
                                                thiamethoxam in drinking water. EPA                      takes into account intermediate-term                  which the United States is a party. EPA
                                                used similarly conservative assumptions                  residential exposure plus chronic                     may establish a tolerance that is
                                                to assess post-application exposure of                   exposure to food and water (considered                different from a Codex MRL; however,
                                                children as well as incidental oral                      to be a background exposure level).                   FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
                                                exposure of toddlers. These assessments                     An intermediate-term adverse effect                EPA explain the reasons for departing
                                                will not underestimate the exposure and                  was identified; however, thiamethoxam                 from the Codex level.
                                                risks posed by thiamethoxam.                             is not registered for any use patterns                   Codex has established an MRL for
                                                                                                         that would result in intermediate-term                thiamethoxam in bananas at 0.02 mg/kg
                                                E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of                  residential exposure. Intermediate-term               which is different than the U.S.
                                                Safety                                                   risk is assessed based on intermediate-               tolerance of 0.3 ppm. At this time, the
                                                   EPA determines whether acute and                      term residential exposure plus chronic                Codex and EPA residue definitions are
                                                chronic dietary pesticide exposures are                  dietary exposure. Because there is no                 different (Codex’s MRL is for the parent
                                                safe by comparing aggregate exposure                     intermediate-term residential exposure                compound, thiamethoxam only, while
                                                estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and                    and chronic dietary exposure has                      EPA’s is thiamethoxam plus metabolite
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                                                chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer                    already been assessed under the                       CGA–322704); therefore, it is not
                                                risks, EPA calculates the lifetime                       appropriately protective cPAD (which is               possible to harmonize with the Codex
                                                probability of acquiring cancer given the                at least as protective as the POD used to             MRL.
                                                estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,                    assess intermediate-term risk), no
                                                intermediate-, and chronic-term risks                    further assessment of intermediate-term               C. Response to Comments
                                                are evaluated by comparing the                           risk is necessary, and EPA relies on the                Three comments were received in
                                                estimated aggregate food, water, and                     chronic dietary risk assessment for                   response to the Notice of Filing. One


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                                                10718            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 30 / Wednesday, February 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                simply said ‘‘Good.’’ The other two                      subject to OMB approval under the                     List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
                                                comments noted general concerns about                    Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44                       Environmental protection,
                                                approving ‘‘more herbicides and                          U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require             Administrative practice and procedure,
                                                pesticides from Dow, Bayer, and                          any special considerations under                      Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
                                                Monsanto’’ and the toxicity of this                      Executive Order 12898, entitled                       and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                                chemical, stating, in part, that ‘‘food                  ‘‘Federal Actions to Address                          requirements.
                                                should not be contaminated with these                    Environmental Justice in Minority
                                                chemicals.’’ The Agency recognizes that                  Populations and Low-Income                               Dated: January 13, 2017.
                                                some individuals believe that pesticides                 Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,               Michael Goodis,
                                                should be banned on agricultural crops;                  1994).                                                Acting Director, Registration Division, Office
                                                however, the existing legal framework                                                                          of Pesticide Programs.
                                                                                                            Since tolerances and exemptions that
                                                provided by section 408 of the Federal                   are established on the basis of a petition              Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
                                                Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA)                      under FFDCA section 408(d), such as                   amended as follows:
                                                states that tolerances may be set when                   the tolerance in this final rule, do not
                                                persons seeking such tolerances or                                                                             PART 180—[AMENDED]
                                                                                                         require the issuance of a proposed rule,
                                                exemptions have demonstrated that the
                                                                                                         the requirements of the Regulatory                    ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180
                                                pesticide meets the safety standard
                                                                                                         Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et                continues to read as follows:
                                                imposed by that statute. EPA has
                                                                                                         seq.), do not apply.
                                                assessed the effects of this chemical on                                                                           Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
                                                human health and determined that                            This action directly regulates growers,
                                                aggregate exposure to it will be safe.                   food processors, food handlers, and food              ■ 2. In § 180.565, add alphabetically the
                                                These comments provide no                                retailers, not States or tribes, nor does             commodity ‘‘Banana’’ to the table in
                                                information to support a different                       this action alter the relationships or                paragraph (a) and revise footnote 1 to
                                                conclusion.                                              distribution of power and                             read as follows:
                                                                                                         responsibilities established by Congress              § 180.565 Thiamethoxam; tolerances for
                                                D. Revisions to Petitioned-For                           in the preemption provisions of FFDCA
                                                Tolerances                                                                                                     residues.
                                                                                                         section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency
                                                                                                                                                                   (a) * * *
                                                  The submitted banana field trial data                  has determined that this action will not
                                                support a tolerance of 0.03 ppm, instead                 have a substantial direct effect on States                                                           Parts per
                                                of the petitioned-for tolerance of 0.04                  or tribal governments, on the                                      Commodity                          million
                                                ppm, in whole bananas. The petitioner                    relationship between the national
                                                used a combined limit of quantitation                    government and the States or tribal
                                                (LOQ) different from that used by the                    governments, or on the distribution of                  *           *              *             *          *
                                                Agency for the input dataset of the                      power and responsibilities among the                  Banana 1 ...............................              0.03
                                                Organization for Economic Cooperation                    various levels of government or between
                                                                                                                                                                    *           *             *           *          *
                                                and Development (OECD) tolerance                         the Federal Government and Indian
                                                calculation procedure. The combined                      tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined                   1 There
                                                                                                                                                                        are no U.S. registrations for these
                                                LOQ used by EPA resulted in a                            that Executive Order 13132, entitled                  commodities as of February 15, 2017.
                                                recommended tolerance of 0.03 ppm.                       ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,               *        *       *       *         *
                                                V. Conclusion                                            1999) and Executive Order 13175,                      [FR Doc. 2017–03075 Filed 2–14–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                         entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination              BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                   Therefore, a tolerance is established                 with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR
                                                for residues of thiamethoxam, including                  67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply
                                                its metabolites and degradates, in or on                 to this action. In addition, this action
                                                banana at 0.03 ppm.                                                                                            DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                                                                         does not impose any enforceable duty or               HUMAN SERVICES
                                                VI. Statutory and Executive Order                        contain any unfunded mandate as
                                                Reviews                                                  described under Title II of the Unfunded              [Docket No. CDC–2016–0068]
                                                                                                         Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.
                                                  This action establishes a tolerance                    1501 et seq.).                                        42 CFR Parts 70 and 71
                                                under FFDCA section 408(d) in
                                                response to a petition submitted to the                     This action does not involve any                   RIN 0920–AA63
                                                Agency. The Office of Management and                     technical standards that would require
                                                                                                         Agency consideration of voluntary                     Control of Communicable Diseases;
                                                Budget (OMB) has exempted these types                                                                          Delay of Effective Date
                                                of actions from review under Executive                   consensus standards pursuant to section
                                                Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory                       12(d) of the National Technology                      AGENCY:  Centers for Disease Control and
                                                Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,                      Transfer and Advancement Act                          Prevention (CDC), Department of Health
                                                October 4, 1993). Because this action                    (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).                         and Human Services (HHS).
                                                has been exempted from review under                      VII. Congressional Review Act                         ACTION: Final rule; delay of effective
                                                Executive Order 12866, this action is                                                                          date.
                                                not subject to Executive Order 13211,                      Pursuant to the Congressional Review
                                                entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning                            Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will                  SUMMARY:   The Centers for Disease
                                                Regulations That Significantly Affect                    submit a report containing this rule and              Control and Prevention (CDC) in the
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66                other required information to the U.S.                Department of Health and Human
                                                FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive                     Senate, the U.S. House of                             Services (HHS) announces a change in
                                                Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of                    Representatives, and the Comptroller                  the effective date of the final rule titled
                                                Children from Environmental Health                       General of the United States prior to                 ‘‘Control of Communicable Diseases’’
                                                Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,                   publication of the rule in the Federal                that was published on January 19, 2017.
                                                April 23, 1997). This action does not                    Register. This action is not a ‘‘major                This action is undertaken in accordance
                                                contain any information collections                      rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                 with the memorandum of January 20,


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Document Created: 2017-02-15 00:55:22
Document Modified: 2017-02-15 00:55:22
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 February 15, 2017. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before April 17, 2017, 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 Citation82 FR 10712 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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