83_FR_13733 83 FR 13671 - N,N-Dimethyl 9-Decenamide; N,N-Dimethyldodecanamide; N,N-Dimethyltetradecanamide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

83 FR 13671 - N,N-Dimethyl 9-Decenamide; N,N-Dimethyldodecanamide; N,N-Dimethyltetradecanamide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 62 (March 30, 2018)

Page Range13671-13677
FR Document2018-06108

This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide (CAS Reg No. 1356964-77-6); N,N-dimethyldodecanamide (CAS Reg No. 3007-53-2); and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide (CAS Reg No. 3015-65-4) when used as inert ingredients (surfactant, solvent) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest, with a limitation that the concentration of the inert ingredient is at a concentration not to exceed 20% by weight in a pesticide formulation. Technology Sciences Group on behalf of Stepan Company submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide when used in accordance with the established limitations.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 62 (Friday, March 30, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 62 (Friday, March 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13671-13677]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06108]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0660, EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0720, EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0723; FRL-
9974-70]


N,N-Dimethyl 9-Decenamide; N,N-Dimethyldodecanamide; N,N-
Dimethyltetradecanamide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of 
a tolerance for residues of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide (CAS Reg No. 
1356964-77-6); N,N-dimethyldodecanamide (CAS Reg No. 3007-53-2); and 
N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide (CAS Reg No. 3015-65-4) when used as inert 
ingredients (surfactant, solvent) on growing crops and raw agricultural 
commodities after harvest, with a limitation that the concentration of 
the inert ingredient is at a concentration not

[[Page 13672]]

to exceed 20% by weight in a pesticide formulation. Technology Sciences 
Group on behalf of Stepan Company submitted a petition to EPA under the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment 
of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation 
eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for 
residues of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and 
N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide when used in accordance with the 
established limitations.

DATES: This regulation is effective March 30, 2018. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before May 29, 2018, 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-2015-0660, EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0720 
and EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0723 are available at http://www.regulations.gov or 
at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory Public Docket (OPP 
Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), 
West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. 
NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public Reading Room is open from 
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 
566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP Docket is (703) 305-
5805. Please review the visitor instructions and additional information 
about the docket available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Goodis, Registration Division 
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone 
number: (703) 305-7090; email address: RDFRNotices@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

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

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

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

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

    Under 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-2015-0660, EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0720 and EPA-HQ-
OPP-2015-0723 are 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 May 29, 
2018. 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-2015-0660, EPA-HQ-
OPP-2015-0720 and EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0723 are, by one of the following 
methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Petition for Exemption

    In the Federal Register of November 23, 2015 (80 FR 72941) (FRL-
9936-73), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21 
U.S.C. 346a, announcing the filing of pesticide petitions IN-10791, IN-
10805, and IN-10806 by Technology Sciences Group, (1150 18th Street NW, 
Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20036) on behalf of Stepan Company (22 West 
Frontage Road, Northfield, Illinois 60093). The petitions requested 
that 40 CFR 180.910 be amended by establishing exemptions from the 
requirement of a tolerance for residues of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide 
(CAS Reg No. 1356964-77-6) (IN-10791); N,N-dimethyldodecanamide (CAS 
Reg No. 3007-53-2) (IN-10806); and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide (CAS Reg 
No. 3015-65-4) (IN-10805) when used as inert ingredients (surfactant/
solvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and raw 
agricultural commodities after harvest. That document referenced 
summaries of the petitions prepared by Technology Sciences Group on 
behalf of Stepan Company, the petitioner, which are available in the 
corresponding dockets, http://www.regulations.gov. A comment was 
received on the notice of filing. EPA's response to this comment is 
discussed in Unit V.C.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petitions, EPA has 
limited the maximum concentration of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-
dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide to not more than 
20% by weight in pesticide formulations. The reason for this change is 
explained in Unit V.B. below.

III. Inert Ingredient Definition

    Inert ingredients are all ingredients that are not active 
ingredients as defined in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are not 
limited to, the following types of ingredients (except when they have a 
pesticidal efficacy of their own): Solvents such as alcohols and 
hydrocarbons; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty 
acids; carriers such as clay and diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as 
carrageenan and modified cellulose; wetting, spreading, and dispersing

[[Page 13673]]

agents; propellants in aerosol dispensers; microencapsulating agents; 
and emulsifiers. The term ``inert'' is not intended to imply 
nontoxicity; the ingredient may or may not be chemically active. 
Generally, EPA has exempted inert ingredients from the requirement of a 
tolerance based on the low toxicity of the individual inert 
ingredients.

IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines 
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm 
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, 
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for 
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through 
drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include 
occupational exposure. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to 
give special consideration to exposure of infants and children to the 
pesticide chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure 
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to 
infants and children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical 
residue. . . .''
    EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only 
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from 
aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably 
foreseeable circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human 
health. In order to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to 
pesticide inert ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the 
inert in conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert 
ingredient through food, drinking water, and through other exposures 
that occur as a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA 
is able to determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure 
that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from 
aggregate exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance may be established.
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(A), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has reviewed the available 
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this 
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a 
determination on aggregate exposure for N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-
dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide including 
exposure resulting from the exemption established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with N,N-dimethyl 9-
decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide 
follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered their 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children. Specific information on the studies received and the nature 
of the adverse effects caused by N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-
dimethyldodecanamide and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide as well as the no-
observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-
effect-level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies are discussed in this 
unit.
    N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide is very similar in structure to N,N-
dimethyldecanamide (differing only in the presence of a single double 
bond), and to N,N-dimethyloctanamide (differeing only in alkyl group 
carbon chain length and the presence of a terminal double bond). N,N-
dimethyldodecanamide is very similar in structure to N,N-
dimethyldecanamide and N,N-dimethyloctanamide, differing only in alkyl 
group carbon chain length. Similarly, N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide is 
very similar in structure to N,N-dimethyldecanamide and N,N-
dimethyloctanamide, differing only in alkyl group carbon chain length. 
Based upon these close structural similarities, N,N-dimethyldecanamide 
and N,N-dimethyloctanamide are considered suitable surrogates to 
characterize toxicity due to exposure to N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, 
N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide.
    N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide are not sensitizers. Based on the acute 
toxicity data on surrogate chemicals N,N-dimethyldecanamide and N,N-
dimethyloctanamide, they are expected to be of low oral acute toxicity; 
the lethal dose, (LD50) in rats is 1,770 milligrams/kilogram 
(mg/kg). The acute dermal LD50 is greater than 400 mg/kg and 
the acute inhalation lethal concentration, LC50 is greater 
than 3.55 milligrams/liter (mg/L). They are expected to be a severe 
irritant to the skin and corrosive to the eyes.
    Following subchronic exposure in the diet of the rat, toxicity is 
manifested as an increased incidence of basophilic regenerative tubules 
in the renal cortex as well as a slight increase in the amount of 
protein excreted in the urine at 10,000 parts per million (ppm) (787.6 
mg/kg/day). The no-observed-adverse effect level (NOAEL) is 2,000 ppm 
(136.8 mg/kg/day). In the 6-weeks toxicity study in dogs via gavage, 
decreased food consumption was seen at 1,000 mg/kg/day, the highest 
dose tested. The NOAEL was 500 mg/kg/day.
    No fetal susceptibility is observed in developmental studies in 
rats or rabbits. In rats, maternal and developmental toxicity are 
observed at 450 mg/kg/day. In rats, maternal toxicity is manifested as 
clinical signs, food consumption and increased post-implantation loss. 
Developmental toxicity is manifested as decreased fetal body weight and 
increased incidence of skeletal malformations/variations. In the 
rabbit, neither maternal nor developmental toxicity is observed at dose 
levels up to 1,000 mg/kg/day.
    In a 5-day repeat dose inhalation toxicity study in rats (nose 
only, 6-hour exposure per day), marginally reduced body weight gains 
and goblet cell hyperplasia in the nasal and paranasal cavities were 
seen at 521.2 mg/m\3\ (approximately 426.8 mg/kg/day), the highest dose 
tested. The NOAEL is 111.2 mg/m\3\).
    N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide are negative for gene mutations and 
clastogenicity in the Ames test and the micronucleus assay, 
respectively.
    A Derek Nexus structural alert analysis was conducted with N,N-
dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide and indicated no structural alerts for 
carcinogenicity or mutagenicity. Therefore, N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; 
N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide are not 
expected to be carcinogenic.
    No neurotoxicity or immunotoxicity studies are available for review 
with N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide. However, evidence of potential neurotoxicity 
or immunotoxicity was not observed in the submitted studies.

[[Page 13674]]

    Based on the chemical structure and known mammalian enzymatic 
activities, N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and 
N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide are expected to undergo carboxyamide 
hydrolysis by amidase enzymes that have broad substrate specificity, 
resulting in the corresponding carboxylic acid with a fatty acid 
structure.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA 
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of 
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the 
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for 
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed 
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to 
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) 
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified 
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with 
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a 
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe 
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes 
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the 
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of 
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the 
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete 
description of the risk assessment process, see http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
    The chronic reference dose (cRfD) as well as all dermal exposure 
scenarios, was based on the 90-day toxicity study in the rat. In this 
study, the LOAEL was 10,000 ppm (equivalent to 787.6 mg/kg/day) based 
on an increased incidence of basophilic regenerative tubules in the 
renal cortex as well as a slight increase in the amount of protein 
excreted in the urine. The NOAEL was 2,000 ppm (equivalent to 136.8 mg/
kg/day). This represents the lowest NOAEL in the most sensitive species 
in the toxicity database. The standard uncertainty factors were applied 
to account for interspecies (10x) and intraspecies (10x) variations. 
The additional uncertainty factor was reduced to 3x to account for 
extrapolation from subchronic to chronic exposures scenarios because 
the kidney effects were reversible and observed in male rats only. 
Additionally, in the dog following 6 weeks of oral exposure, no signs 
of toxicity were observed up to 500 mg/kg/day and the only sign of 
toxicity (decreased food consumption) was observed at the limit dose of 
1,000 mg/kg/day. The 5-day inhalation toxicity study in rats was not 
selected for inhalation exposure assessment because oral end point and 
inhalation end points yielded comparable NOAEL. In addition, the nasal 
effects seen in this study is primarily due to irritation and 
marginally decreased in reduced body weight would have observed in the 
oral study. A dermal absorption factor of 85% was applied based on a 
dermal penetration study in rats and an in vitro dermal absorption 
study with human skin. The default value of 100% absorption was used 
for the inhalation absorption factor. The resultant chronic population 
adjusted dose (cPAD) is 0.456 mg/kg/day. The MOEs for short-term and 
intermediate-term occupational and residential exposures are 100.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and 
N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide, EPA considered exposure under the proposed 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. EPA assessed dietary 
exposures from N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and 
N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide in food as follows:
    Dietary exposure (food and drinking water) to N,N-dimethyl 9-
decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide 
can occur following ingestion of foods with residues from treated 
crops. Because no adverse effects attributable to a single exposure of 
N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; or N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide are seen in the toxicity databases, an acute 
dietary risk assessment is not necessary. For the chronic dietary risk 
assessment, EPA used the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model software 
with the Food Commodity Intake Database (DEEM-FCIDTM, 
Version 3.16, and food consumption information from the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture's (USDA's) 2003-2008 National Health and Nutrition 
Examination Survey, What We Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). As to 
residue levels in food, no residue data were submitted for N,N-dimethyl 
9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; or N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide. 
In the absence of specific residue data, EPA has developed an approach 
which uses surrogate information to derive upper bound exposure 
estimates for the subject inert ingredient. Upper bound exposure 
estimates are based on the highest tolerance for a given commodity from 
a list of high use insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. One 
hundred percent crop treated was assumed, default processing factors, 
and tolerance-level residues for all foods and use limitations of not 
more than 20% in pesticide formulations. A complete description of the 
general approach taken to assess inert ingredient risks in the absence 
of residue data is contained in the memorandum entitled ``Alkyl Amines 
Polyalkoxylates (Cluster 4): Acute and Chronic Aggregate (Food and 
Drinking Water) Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessments for the Inerts,'' 
(D361707, S. Piper, 2/25/09) and can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0738.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. For the purpose of the 
screening level dietary risk assessment to support this request for an 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for N,N-dimethyl 9-
decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide, 
a conservative drinking water concentration value of 100 ppb based on 
screening level modeling was used to assess the contribution to 
drinking water for the chronic dietary risk assessments for parent 
compound. These values were directly entered into the dietary exposure 
model.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers), carpets, swimming 
pools, and hard surface disinfection on walls, floors, tables).
    N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide may be used as inert ingredients in products 
that are registered for specific uses that may result in residential 
exposure, such as pesticides used in and around the home. The Agency 
conducted a conservative assessment of potential residential exposure 
by assessing N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and 
N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide in pesticide formulations (outdoor 
scenarios) and in disinfectant-type uses (indoor scenarios). The 
Agency's assessment of

[[Page 13675]]

adult residential exposure combines high-end dermal and inhalation 
handler exposure from liquids/trigger sprayer/home garden and indoor 
hard surface, wiping with a high-end post application dermal exposure 
from contact with treated lawns. The Agency's assessment of children's 
residential exposure includes total post-application exposures 
associated with total exposures associated with contact with treated 
lawns and surfaces (dermal and hand-to-mouth exposures).
    4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of 
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when 
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the 
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative 
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances 
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
    EPA has not found N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-
dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide to share a common 
mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and N,N-dimethyl 9-
decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide 
do not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other 
substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA 
has assumed that N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; 
and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide do not have a common mechanism of 
toxicity with other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts 
to determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to 
evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's website at 
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA 
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants 
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal 
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity 
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a 
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This 
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the Food Quality 
Protection Act Safety Factor (FQPA SF). In applying this provision, EPA 
either retains the default value of 10X, or uses a different additional 
safety factor when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of 
a different factor.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. The toxicity database for 
N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide contains subchronic and developmental toxicity 
studies conducted with surrogate chemicals. Increased fetal 
susceptibility is not observed in either of the developmental toxicity 
studies in rats or rabbits. In rats, maternal (clinical signs, food 
consumption and increased post-implantation loss) and developmental 
(fetal body weight, increased incidence of skeletal malformations/
variations) toxicity were observed at 450 mg/kg/day. In the rabbit, 
neither maternal nor developmental toxicity was observed up to 1,000 
mg/kg/day. Reproduction toxicity studies were not available; however, 
increased post-implantation loss is observed at 450 mg/kg/day in the 
developmental toxicity study in rats. The established cRfD will be 
protective of the observed effect. In addition, the Agency used 
conservative exposure estimates, with 100 percent crop treated, 
tolerance-level residues, conservative drinking water modeling numbers, 
and a conservative assessment of potential residential exposure for 
infants and children. Based on the adequacy of the toxicity database, 
the conservative nature of the exposure assessment, and the lack of 
concern for prenatal and postnatal sensitivity, the Agency has 
concluded that there is reliable data to determine that infants and 
children will be safe if the FQPA SF of 10x is reduced to 1x for short 
and intermediate-term exposure and 3 x for chronic exposure assessment.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide 
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the 
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA 
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the 
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term 
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water, 
and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an 
adequate MOE exists.
    1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into 
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and 
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single oral exposure 
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore, 
N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide are not expected to pose an acute risk.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide from food and water will utilize 62.3% of the 
cPAD for children 1-2 years old, the population group receiving the 
greatest exposure.
    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).
    N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide may be used as inert ingredients in pesticide 
products that are 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 N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-
dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide.
    Using the exposure assumptions described above for short-term 
exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water, and 
residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 680 for both adult 
males and females. EPA has concluded the combined short-term aggregated 
food, water, and residential pesticide exposures result in an aggregate 
MOE of 359 for children. Because EPA's level of concern for N,N-
dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide 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).
    N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide may be used as inert ingredients in pesticide 
products that are registered for uses that could result in 
intermediate-term residential exposure, and the Agency has determined 
that it is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and 
water with intermediate-term residential exposures to N,N-dimethyl 9-
decenamide, N,N-

[[Page 13676]]

dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide.
    Using the exposure assumptions described above for intermediate-
term exposures, EPA has concluded that the combined intermediate-term 
food, water, and residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 1475 
for adult males and females. EPA has concluded the combined 
intermediate-term aggregated food, water, and residential exposures 
result in an aggregate MOE of 394 for children. Because EPA's level of 
concern for N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and 
N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide is a MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are 
not of concern.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of 
structural alerts in a DEREK structural alert analysis and the lack of 
mutagenicity, N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and 
N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide 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 N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and 
N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide residues.

V. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since 
the Agency is not establishing a numerical tolerance for residues of 
N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide in or on any food commodities. EPA is 
establishing limitations on the amount of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; 
N,N-dimethyldodecanamide and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide that may be 
used in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops. These 
limitations will be enforced through the pesticide registration process 
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act 
(``FIFRA''), 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. EPA will not register any pesticide 
formulation for use on growing crops or raw agricultural commodities 
after harvest for sale or distribution that exceeds 20% by weight of 
N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
dimethyltetradecanamide unless additional data are submitted that 
demonstrate a higher concentration would be safe.

B. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances

    Based upon an evaluation of the data included in the petition, EPA 
is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for 
residues of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide,and 
N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide when used in pesticide formulations as 
inert ingredients (surfactant/solvent), not to exceed 20% by weight of 
the formulation, instead of the unlimited use requested. Because 
unlimited use of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; 
or N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide resulted in aggregate risks of concern, 
EPA is establishing a 20% limitation in formulation to support the 
safety finding of these tolerance exemptions. The concern for unlimited 
use of theses inert ingredients is documented on page 4 of the Agency's 
risk assessment documents ``N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-
dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide; Human Health 
Risk Assessment and Ecological Effects Assessment to Support Proposed 
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance When Used as an Inert 
Ingredient in Pesticide Formulations,'' which can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0660, EPA-
HQ-OPP-2015-0720 and EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0723, respectively.

C. Response to Comments

    The comment was received from a private citizen who opposed the 
authorization to sell any pesticide that leaves a residue on food. The 
Agency recognizes that some individuals believe that no residue of 
pesticides should be allowed. However, under the existing legal 
framework provided by section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug and 
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) EPA is authorized to establish pesticide 
tolerances or exemptions where persons seeking such tolerances or 
exemptions have demonstrated that the pesticide meets the safety 
standard imposed by the statute. EPA has evaluated all the available 
data and concluded that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm from 
the limited use of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, 
and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide as inert ingredients in pesticide 
formulations. The commenter has not provided any information supporting 
a conclusion that such exposure will not be safe.

VI. Conclusions

    Therefore, an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is 
established under 40 CFR 180.910 for residues of N,N-dimethyl 9-
decenamide (CAS Reg No. 1356964-77-6), N,N-dimethyldodecanamide (CAS 
Reg No. 3007-53-2), and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide (CAS Reg No. 3015-
65-4) when used as inert ingredients (surfactant, solvent) at a maximum 
concentration not to exceed 20% by weight in any pesticide formulation 
applied to growing crops or raw agricultural commodities after harvest.

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes an exemption from the requirement of 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); Executive Order 13045, entitled ``Protection of 
Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 
19885, April 23, 1997); or Executive Order 13771, entitled ``Reducing 
Regulations and Controlling Regulatory Costs'' (82 FR 9339, February 3, 
2017). 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 exemption in this 
final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.), do not apply.
    This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this 
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress

[[Page 13677]]

in the preemption provisions of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the 
Agency has determined that this action will not have a substantial 
direct effect on States or tribal governments, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States or tribal governments, 
or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government or between the Federal Government and Indian 
tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined that Executive Order 13132, 
entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive 
Order 13175, entitled ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to 
this action. In addition, this action does not impose any enforceable 
duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would 
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant 
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

VIII. Congressional Review Act

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

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

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

    Dated: March 12, 2018.
Michael L. Goodis,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
    Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

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

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


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


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

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Inert ingredients                Limits                Uses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
N,N-Dimethyl 9-decenamide (CAS  Not to exceed 20% by    Surfactant,
 Reg. No. 1356964-77-6).         weight of pesticide     solvent
                                 formulation.
N,N-Dimethyldodecanamide (CAS   Not to exceed 20% by    Surfactant,
 Reg. No. 3007-53-2).            weight of pesticide     solvent
                                 formulation.
 
                              * * * * * * *
N,N-Dimethyltetradecanamide     Not to exceed 20% by    Surfactant,
 (CAS Reg. No. 3015-65-4).       weight of pesticide     solvent
                                 formulation.
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2018-06108 Filed 3-29-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                           13671

                                           List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                               PART 52—APPROVAL AND                                      ■  i. Removing the two entries entitled
                                             Environmental protection, Air                                  PROMULGATION OF                                           ‘‘Sturm, Ruger & Company’’; and
                                           pollution control, Carbon monoxide,                              IMPLEMENTATION PLANS                                      ■ ii. Adding a new entry entitled
                                           Incorporation by reference, Lead,                                                                                          ‘‘Sturm Ruger & Company’’ at the end of
                                           Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate                             ■ 1. The authority citation for part 52
                                                                                                                                                                      the table.
                                           matter, Reporting and recordkeeping                              continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                                                                                         The revisions and additions read as
                                           requirements, Sulfur oxides, Volatile                                Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
                                                                                                                                                                      follows:
                                           organic compounds.
                                                                                                            Subpart EE—New Hampshire                                  § 52.1520    Identification of plan.
                                             Dated: March 20, 2018.
                                           Alexandra Dapolito Dunn,                                         ■ 2. Amend § 52.1520 by:                                  *       *    *        *     *
                                           Regional Administrator, EPA Region 1.                            ■ a. In paragraph (c), amend the table by                     (c) * * *
                                             Part 52 of chapter I, title 40 of the                          revising the entry ‘‘Env–A 900’’; and
                                           Code of Federal Regulations is amended                           ■ b. In paragraph (d), amend the table
                                           as follows:                                                      by:

                                                                                                       EPA-APPROVED NEW HAMPSHIRE REGULATIONS
                                                                                                                          State
                                               State citation                          Title/subject                     effective                EPA approval date 1                           Explanations
                                                                                                                           date


                                                   *                           *                    *                                   *                  *                          *                    *
                                           Env–A 900 ........         Owner or Operator Obligations ......                7/18/2015     3/30/2018, [Insert Federal Reg-           Approved sections Env–A 901
                                                                                                                                          ister citation].                          through 911, except for the fol-
                                                                                                                                                                                    lowing sections withdrawn by the
                                                                                                                                                                                    State and which are not part of
                                                                                                                                                                                    the    approved    SIP:    Env–A
                                                                                                                                                                                    907.01(d) and (e); 907.02(a)(1),
                                                                                                                                                                                    (d)(1) a. and c., (d)(2), and (e);
                                                                                                                                                                                    907.03; 911.04(b) and (c);
                                                                                                                                                                                    911.05.

                                                          *                        *                            *                       *                        *                      *                      *
                                               1 In
                                                order to determine the EPA effective date for a specific provision listed in this table, consult the Federal Register notice cited in this col-
                                           umn for the particular provision.


                                               (d) * * *

                                                                                       EPA-APPROVED NEW HAMPSHIRE SOURCE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
                                                                                                                                      State                                       Additional explanations/§ 52.1535
                                                Name of source                                Permit No.                             effective          EPA approval date 2                    citation
                                                                                                                                       date


                                                   *                            *                          *                            *                           *                *                      *
                                           Sturm Ruger & Com-               ARD–03–001 .......................................          2/2/2017        3/30/2018, [Insert     VOC RACT Order, as amended Feb-
                                             pany.                                                                                                        Federal Register      ruary 2, 2017, except sections D.1,
                                                                                                                                                          citation].            and introductory clauses to sections
                                                                                                                                                                                D.2, D.3.b, D.5.a.i and b.i.
                                             2 In order to determine the EPA effective date for a specific provision listed in this table, consult the Federal Register notice cited in this col-
                                           umn for the particular provision.


                                           *          *       *       *      *                              ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                  ACTION:   Final rule.
                                           [FR Doc. 2018–06381 Filed 3–29–18; 8:45 am]                      AGENCY
                                           BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                                                                            This regulation establishes
                                                                                                                                                                      SUMMARY:
                                                                                                            40 CFR Part 180                       exemptions from the requirement of a
                                                                                                                                                  tolerance for residues of N,N-dimethyl
                                                                                                            [EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0660, EPA–HQ–OPP–    9-decenamide (CAS Reg No. 1356964–
                                                                                                            2015–0720, EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0723; FRL– 77–6); N,N-dimethyldodecanamide
                                                                                                            9974–70]                              (CAS Reg No. 3007–53–2); and N,N-
                                                                                                                                                  dimethyltetradecanamide (CAS Reg No.
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES




                                                                                                            N,N-Dimethyl 9-Decenamide; N,N-
                                                                                                            Dimethyldodecanamide; N,N-            3015–65–4) when used as inert
                                                                                                            Dimethyltetradecanamide; Exemption    ingredients (surfactant, solvent) on
                                                                                                            From the Requirement of a Tolerance   growing crops and raw agricultural
                                                                                                                                                  commodities after harvest, with a
                                                                                                            AGENCY: Environmental Protection      limitation that the concentration of the
                                                                                                            Agency (EPA).                         inert ingredient is at a concentration not


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                                           13672               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                           to exceed 20% by weight in a pesticide                  applies to them. Potentially affected                   • Hand Delivery: To make special
                                           formulation. Technology Sciences                        entities may include:                                 arrangements for hand delivery or
                                           Group on behalf of Stepan Company                         • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                 delivery of boxed information, please
                                           submitted a petition to EPA under the                     • Animal production (NAICS code                     follow the instructions at http://
                                           Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act                    112).                                                 www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
                                           (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an                   • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                      Additional instructions on
                                           exemption from the requirement of a                     311).                                                 commenting or visiting the docket,
                                           tolerance. This regulation eliminates the                 • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS                    along with more information about
                                           need to establish a maximum                             code 32532).                                          dockets generally, is available at http://
                                           permissible level for residues of N,N-                                                                        www.epa.gov/dockets.
                                           dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-                             B. How can I get electronic access to
                                                                                                   other related information?                            II. Petition for Exemption
                                           dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide when used in                                                                             In the Federal Register of November
                                                                                                     You may access a frequently updated
                                           accordance with the established                                                                               23, 2015 (80 FR 72941) (FRL–9936–73),
                                                                                                   electronic version of 40 CFR part 180
                                           limitations.                                                                                                  EPA issued a document pursuant to
                                                                                                   through the Government Printing
                                                                                                                                                         FFDCA section 408, 21 U.S.C. 346a,
                                           DATES:  This regulation is effective                    Office’s e-CFR site at http://
                                                                                                                                                         announcing the filing of pesticide
                                           March 30, 2018. Objections and requests                 www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr                 petitions IN–10791, IN–10805, and IN–
                                           for hearings must be received on or                     &tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.                10806 by Technology Sciences Group,
                                           before May 29, 2018, and must be filed                  C. How can I file an objection or hearing             (1150 18th Street NW, Suite 1000
                                           in accordance with the instructions                     request?                                              Washington, DC 20036) on behalf of
                                           provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also                                                                         Stepan Company (22 West Frontage
                                           Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY                            Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
                                                                                                                                                         Road, Northfield, Illinois 60093). The
                                           INFORMATION).
                                                                                                   U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an                   petitions requested that 40 CFR 180.910
                                                                                                   objection to any aspect of this regulation            be amended by establishing exemptions
                                           ADDRESSES:    The docket for this action,               and may also request a hearing on those               from the requirement of a tolerance for
                                           identified by docket identification (ID)                objections. You must file your objection              residues of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide
                                           number EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0660,                            or request a hearing on this regulation               (CAS Reg No. 1356964–77–6) (IN–
                                           EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0720 and EPA–                           in accordance with the instructions                   10791); N,N-dimethyldodecanamide
                                           HQ–OPP–2015–0723 are available at                       provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure                (CAS Reg No. 3007–53–2) (IN–10806);
                                           http://www.regulations.gov or at the                    proper receipt by EPA, you must                       and N,N-dimethyltetradecanamide (CAS
                                           Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory                 identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–                     Reg No. 3015–65–4) (IN–10805) when
                                           Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the                       OPP–2015–0660, EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–                       used as inert ingredients (surfactant/
                                           Environmental Protection Agency                         0720 and EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0723 are                     solvent) in pesticide formulations
                                           Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William                    in the subject line on the first page of              applied to growing crops and raw
                                           Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301                 your submission. All objections and                   agricultural commodities after harvest.
                                           Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC                    requests for a hearing must be in                     That document referenced summaries of
                                           20460–0001. The Public Reading Room                     writing, and must be received by the                  the petitions prepared by Technology
                                           is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,                    Hearing Clerk on or before May 29,                    Sciences Group on behalf of Stepan
                                           Monday through Friday, excluding legal                  2018. Addresses for mail and hand                     Company, the petitioner, which are
                                           holidays. The telephone number for the                  delivery of objections and hearing                    available in the corresponding dockets,
                                           Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,                  requests are provided in 40 CFR                       http://www.regulations.gov. A comment
                                           and the telephone number for the OPP                    178.25(b).                                            was received on the notice of filing.
                                           Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review                   In addition to filing an objection or               EPA’s response to this comment is
                                           the visitor instructions and additional                 hearing request with the Hearing Clerk                discussed in Unit V.C.
                                           information about the docket available                  as described in 40 CFR part 178, please                  Based upon review of the data
                                           at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.                          submit a copy of the filing (excluding                supporting the petitions, EPA has
                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        any Confidential Business Information                 limited the maximum concentration of
                                           Michael Goodis, Registration Division                   (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.            N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-
                                           (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,                  Information not marked confidential                   dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-
                                           Environmental Protection Agency, 1200                   pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be                      dimethyltetradecanamide to not more
                                           Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC                    disclosed publicly by EPA without prior               than 20% by weight in pesticide
                                           20460–0001; main telephone number:                      notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your               formulations. The reason for this change
                                           (703) 305–7090; email address:                          objection or hearing request, identified              is explained in Unit V.B. below.
                                           RDFRNotices@epa.gov.                                    by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
                                                                                                   2015–0660, EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0720                       III. Inert Ingredient Definition
                                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                   and EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0723 are, by                         Inert ingredients are all ingredients
                                           I. General Information                                  one of the following methods:                         that are not active ingredients as defined
                                                                                                     • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://               in 40 CFR 153.125 and include, but are
                                           A. Does this action apply to me?
                                                                                                   www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                not limited to, the following types of
                                              You may be potentially affected by                   instructions for submitting comments.                 ingredients (except when they have a
                                           this action if you are an agricultural                  Do not submit electronically any                      pesticidal efficacy of their own):
                                           producer, food manufacturer, or                         information you consider to be CBI or                 Solvents such as alcohols and
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES




                                           pesticide manufacturer. The following                   other information whose disclosure is                 hydrocarbons; surfactants such as
                                           list of North American Industrial                       restricted by statute.                                polyoxyethylene polymers and fatty
                                           Classification System (NAICS) codes is                    • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental                   acids; carriers such as clay and
                                           not intended to be exhaustive, but rather               Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/                 diatomaceous earth; thickeners such as
                                           provides a guide to help readers                        DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.                 carrageenan and modified cellulose;
                                           determine whether this document                         NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001.                        wetting, spreading, and dispersing


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                         13673

                                           agents; propellants in aerosol                          sufficient data to assess the hazards of              milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg). The acute
                                           dispensers; microencapsulating agents;                  and to make a determination on                        dermal LD50 is greater than 400 mg/kg
                                           and emulsifiers. The term ‘‘inert’’ is not              aggregate exposure for N,N-dimethyl 9-                and the acute inhalation lethal
                                           intended to imply nontoxicity; the                      decenamide; N,N-                                      concentration, LC50 is greater than 3.55
                                           ingredient may or may not be                            dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-                        milligrams/liter (mg/L). They are
                                           chemically active. Generally, EPA has                   dimethyltetradecanamide including                     expected to be a severe irritant to the
                                           exempted inert ingredients from the                     exposure resulting from the exemption                 skin and corrosive to the eyes.
                                           requirement of a tolerance based on the                 established by this action. EPA’s                        Following subchronic exposure in the
                                           low toxicity of the individual inert                    assessment of exposures and risks                     diet of the rat, toxicity is manifested as
                                           ingredients.                                            associated with N,N-dimethyl 9-                       an increased incidence of basophilic
                                                                                                   decenamide; N,N-                                      regenerative tubules in the renal cortex
                                           IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and                                                                             as well as a slight increase in the
                                                                                                   dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-
                                           Determination of Safety                                                                                       amount of protein excreted in the urine
                                                                                                   dimethyltetradecanamide follows.
                                              Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA                                                                           at 10,000 parts per million (ppm) (787.6
                                           allows EPA to establish an exemption                    A. Toxicological Profile                              mg/kg/day). The no-observed-adverse
                                           from the requirement for a tolerance (the                  EPA has evaluated the available                    effect level (NOAEL) is 2,000 ppm
                                           legal limit for a pesticide chemical                    toxicity data and considered their                    (136.8 mg/kg/day). In the 6-weeks
                                           residue in or on a food) only if EPA                    validity, completeness, and reliability as            toxicity study in dogs via gavage,
                                           determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’              well as the relationship of the results of            decreased food consumption was seen
                                           Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA                       the studies to human risk. EPA has also               at 1,000 mg/kg/day, the highest dose
                                           defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a              considered available information                      tested. The NOAEL was 500 mg/kg/day.
                                           reasonable certainty that no harm will                  concerning the variability of the                        No fetal susceptibility is observed in
                                           result from aggregate exposure to the                   sensitivities of major identifiable                   developmental studies in rats or rabbits.
                                           pesticide chemical residue, including                   subgroups of consumers, including                     In rats, maternal and developmental
                                           all anticipated dietary exposures and all               infants and children. Specific                        toxicity are observed at 450 mg/kg/day.
                                           other exposures for which there is                      information on the studies received and               In rats, maternal toxicity is manifested
                                           reliable information.’’ This includes                   the nature of the adverse effects caused              as clinical signs, food consumption and
                                           exposure through drinking water and in                  by N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-                    increased post-implantation loss.
                                           residential settings, but does not include              dimethyldodecanamide and N,N-                         Developmental toxicity is manifested as
                                           occupational exposure. Section                          dimethyltetradecanamide as well as the                decreased fetal body weight and
                                           408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to                   no-observed-adverse-effect-level                      increased incidence of skeletal
                                           give special consideration to exposure                  (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-                      malformations/variations. In the rabbit,
                                           of infants and children to the pesticide                adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the                 neither maternal nor developmental
                                           chemical residue in establishing a                      toxicity studies are discussed in this                toxicity is observed at dose levels up to
                                           tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a               unit.                                                 1,000 mg/kg/day.
                                           reasonable certainty that no harm will                     N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide is very                     In a 5-day repeat dose inhalation
                                           result to infants and children from                     similar in structure to N,N-                          toxicity study in rats (nose only, 6-hour
                                           aggregate exposure to the pesticide                     dimethyldecanamide (differing only in                 exposure per day), marginally reduced
                                           chemical residue. . . .’’                               the presence of a single double bond),                body weight gains and goblet cell
                                              EPA establishes exemptions from the                  and to N,N-dimethyloctanamide                         hyperplasia in the nasal and paranasal
                                           requirement of a tolerance only in those                (differeing only in alkyl group carbon                cavities were seen at 521.2 mg/m3
                                           cases where it can be clearly                           chain length and the presence of a                    (approximately 426.8 mg/kg/day), the
                                           demonstrated that the risks from                        terminal double bond). N,N-                           highest dose tested. The NOAEL is
                                           aggregate exposure to pesticide                         dimethyldodecanamide is very similar                  111.2 mg/m3).
                                           chemical residues under reasonably                      in structure to N,N-dimethyldecanamide                   N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-
                                           foreseeable circumstances will pose no                  and N,N-dimethyloctanamide, differing                 dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
                                           appreciable risks to human health. In                   only in alkyl group carbon chain length.              dimethyltetradecanamide are negative
                                           order to determine the risks from                       Similarly, N,N-                                       for gene mutations and clastogenicity in
                                           aggregate exposure to pesticide inert                   dimethyltetradecanamide is very similar               the Ames test and the micronucleus
                                           ingredients, the Agency considers the                   in structure to N,N-dimethyldecanamide                assay, respectively.
                                           toxicity of the inert in conjunction with               and N,N-dimethyloctanamide, differing                    A Derek Nexus structural alert
                                           possible exposure to residues of the                    only in alkyl group carbon chain length.              analysis was conducted with N,N-
                                           inert ingredient through food, drinking                 Based upon these close structural                     dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-
                                           water, and through other exposures that                 similarities, N,N-dimethyldecanamide                  dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
                                           occur as a result of pesticide use in                   and N,N-dimethyloctanamide are                        dimethyltetradecanamide and indicated
                                           residential settings. If EPA is able to                 considered suitable surrogates to                     no structural alerts for carcinogenicity
                                           determine that a finite tolerance is not                characterize toxicity due to exposure to              or mutagenicity. Therefore, N,N-
                                           necessary to ensure that there is a                     N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-                       dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-
                                           reasonable certainty that no harm will                  dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-                        dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
                                           result from aggregate exposure to the                   dimethyltetradecanamide.                              dimethyltetradecanamide are not
                                           inert ingredient, an exemption from the                    N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-                    expected to be carcinogenic.
                                           requirement of a tolerance may be                       dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-                           No neurotoxicity or immunotoxicity
                                           established.                                            dimethyltetradecanamide are not                       studies are available for review with
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                                              Consistent with FFDCA section                        sensitizers. Based on the acute toxicity              N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-
                                           408(c)(2)(A), and the factors specified in              data on surrogate chemicals N,N-                      dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
                                           FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has                     dimethyldecanamide and N,N-                           dimethyltetradecanamide. However,
                                           reviewed the available scientific data                  dimethyloctanamide, they are expected                 evidence of potential neurotoxicity or
                                           and other relevant information in                       to be of low oral acute toxicity; the                 immunotoxicity was not observed in the
                                           support of this action. EPA has                         lethal dose, (LD50) in rats is 1,770                  submitted studies.


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                                           13674               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              Based on the chemical structure and                  observed in male rats only.                           decenamide; N,N-
                                           known mammalian enzymatic activities,                   Additionally, in the dog following 6                  dimethyldodecanamide; or N,N-
                                           N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-                         weeks of oral exposure, no signs of                   dimethyltetradecanamide. In the
                                           dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-                          toxicity were observed up to 500 mg/kg/               absence of specific residue data, EPA
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide are expected                    day and the only sign of toxicity                     has developed an approach which uses
                                           to undergo carboxyamide hydrolysis by                   (decreased food consumption) was                      surrogate information to derive upper
                                           amidase enzymes that have broad                         observed at the limit dose of 1,000 mg/               bound exposure estimates for the
                                           substrate specificity, resulting in the                 kg/day. The 5-day inhalation toxicity                 subject inert ingredient. Upper bound
                                           corresponding carboxylic acid with a                    study in rats was not selected for                    exposure estimates are based on the
                                           fatty acid structure.                                   inhalation exposure assessment because                highest tolerance for a given commodity
                                                                                                   oral end point and inhalation end points              from a list of high use insecticides,
                                           B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
                                                                                                   yielded comparable NOAEL. In                          herbicides, and fungicides. One
                                           Levels of Concern
                                                                                                   addition, the nasal effects seen in this              hundred percent crop treated was
                                              Once a pesticide’s toxicological                     study is primarily due to irritation and              assumed, default processing factors, and
                                           profile is determined, EPA identifies                   marginally decreased in reduced body                  tolerance-level residues for all foods and
                                           toxicological points of departure (POD)                 weight would have observed in the oral                use limitations of not more than 20% in
                                           and levels of concern to use in                         study. A dermal absorption factor of                  pesticide formulations. A complete
                                           evaluating the risk posed by human                      85% was applied based on a dermal                     description of the general approach
                                           exposure to the pesticide. For hazards                  penetration study in rats and an in vitro             taken to assess inert ingredient risks in
                                           that have a threshold below which there                 dermal absorption study with human                    the absence of residue data is contained
                                           is no appreciable risk, the toxicological               skin. The default value of 100%                       in the memorandum entitled ‘‘Alkyl
                                           POD is used as the basis for derivation                 absorption was used for the inhalation                Amines Polyalkoxylates (Cluster 4):
                                           of reference values for risk assessment.                absorption factor. The resultant chronic              Acute and Chronic Aggregate (Food and
                                           PODs are developed based on a careful                   population adjusted dose (cPAD) is                    Drinking Water) Dietary Exposure and
                                           analysis of the doses in each                           0.456 mg/kg/day. The MOEs for short-                  Risk Assessments for the Inerts,’’
                                           toxicological study to determine the                    term and intermediate-term                            (D361707, S. Piper, 2/25/09) and can be
                                           dose at which no adverse effects are                    occupational and residential exposures                found at http://www.regulations.gov in
                                           observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest                     are 100.                                              docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2008–
                                           dose at which adverse effects of concern                                                                      0738.
                                           are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/                C. Exposure Assessment                                   2. Dietary exposure from drinking
                                           safety factors are used in conjunction                     1. Dietary exposure from food and                  water. For the purpose of the screening
                                           with the POD to calculate a safe                        feed uses. In evaluating dietary                      level dietary risk assessment to support
                                           exposure level—generally referred to as                 exposure to N,N-dimethyl 9-                           this request for an exemption from the
                                           a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a                   decenamide; N,N-                                      requirement of a tolerance for N,N-
                                           reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin                  dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-                        dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-
                                           of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold                    dimethyltetradecanamide, EPA                          dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-
                                           risks, the Agency assumes that any                      considered exposure under the                         dimethyltetradecanamide, a
                                           amount of exposure will lead to some                    proposed exemption from the                           conservative drinking water
                                           degree of risk. Thus, the Agency                        requirement of a tolerance. EPA                       concentration value of 100 ppb based on
                                           estimates risk in terms of the probability              assessed dietary exposures from N,N-                  screening level modeling was used to
                                           of an occurrence of the adverse effect                  dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-                           assess the contribution to drinking
                                           expected in a lifetime. For more                        dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-                        water for the chronic dietary risk
                                           information on the general principles                   dimethyltetradecanamide in food as                    assessments for parent compound.
                                           EPA uses in risk characterization and a                 follows:                                              These values were directly entered into
                                           complete description of the risk                           Dietary exposure (food and drinking                the dietary exposure model.
                                           assessment process, see http://                         water) to N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide;                     3. From non-dietary exposure. The
                                           www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/                      N,N-dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-                    term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in
                                           riskassess.htm.                                         dimethyltetradecanamide can occur                     this document to refer to non-
                                              The chronic reference dose (cRfD) as                 following ingestion of foods with                     occupational, non-dietary exposure
                                           well as all dermal exposure scenarios,                  residues from treated crops. Because no               (e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers),
                                           was based on the 90-day toxicity study                  adverse effects attributable to a single              carpets, swimming pools, and hard
                                           in the rat. In this study, the LOAEL was                exposure of N,N-dimethyl 9-                           surface disinfection on walls, floors,
                                           10,000 ppm (equivalent to 787.6 mg/kg/                  decenamide; N,N-                                      tables).
                                           day) based on an increased incidence of                 dimethyldodecanamide; or N,N-                            N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-
                                           basophilic regenerative tubules in the                  dimethyltetradecanamide are seen in                   dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-
                                           renal cortex as well as a slight increase               the toxicity databases, an acute dietary              dimethyltetradecanamide may be used
                                           in the amount of protein excreted in the                risk assessment is not necessary. For the             as inert ingredients in products that are
                                           urine. The NOAEL was 2,000 ppm                          chronic dietary risk assessment, EPA                  registered for specific uses that may
                                           (equivalent to 136.8 mg/kg/day). This                   used the Dietary Exposure Evaluation                  result in residential exposure, such as
                                           represents the lowest NOAEL in the                      Model software with the Food                          pesticides used in and around the home.
                                           most sensitive species in the toxicity                  Commodity Intake Database (DEEM–                      The Agency conducted a conservative
                                           database. The standard uncertainty                      FCIDTM, Version 3.16, and food                        assessment of potential residential
                                           factors were applied to account for                     consumption information from the U.S.                 exposure by assessing N,N-dimethyl 9-
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                                           interspecies (10x) and intraspecies (10x)               Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s)                  decenamide; N,N-
                                           variations. The additional uncertainty                  2003–2008 National Health and                         dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-
                                           factor was reduced to 3x to account for                 Nutrition Examination Survey, What We                 dimethyltetradecanamide in pesticide
                                           extrapolation from subchronic to                        Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). As                     formulations (outdoor scenarios) and in
                                           chronic exposures scenarios because the                 to residue levels in food, no residue data            disinfectant-type uses (indoor
                                           kidney effects were reversible and                      were submitted for N,N-dimethyl 9-                    scenarios). The Agency’s assessment of


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                         13675

                                           adult residential exposure combines                     data available to EPA support the choice              decenamide, N,N-
                                           high-end dermal and inhalation handler                  of a different factor.                                dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
                                           exposure from liquids/trigger sprayer/                     2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.             dimethyltetradecanamide are not
                                           home garden and indoor hard surface,                    The toxicity database for N,N-dimethyl                expected to pose an acute risk.
                                           wiping with a high-end post application                 9-decenamide; N,N-                                      2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure
                                           dermal exposure from contact with                       dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-                        assumptions described in this unit for
                                           treated lawns. The Agency’s assessment                  dimethyltetradecanamide contains                      chronic exposure, EPA has concluded
                                           of children’s residential exposure                      subchronic and developmental toxicity                 that chronic exposure to N,N-dimethyl
                                           includes total post-application                         studies conducted with surrogate                      9-decenamide, N,N-
                                           exposures associated with total                         chemicals. Increased fetal susceptibility             dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
                                           exposures associated with contact with                  is not observed in either of the                      dimethyltetradecanamide from food and
                                           treated lawns and surfaces (dermal and                  developmental toxicity studies in rats or             water will utilize 62.3% of the cPAD for
                                           hand-to-mouth exposures).                               rabbits. In rats, maternal (clinical signs,           children 1–2 years old, the population
                                              4. Cumulative effects from substances                food consumption and increased post-                  group receiving the greatest exposure.
                                           with a common mechanism of toxicity.                    implantation loss) and developmental                    3. Short-term risk. Short-term
                                           Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA                        (fetal body weight, increased incidence               aggregate exposure takes into account
                                           requires that, when considering whether                 of skeletal malformations/variations)                 short-term residential exposure plus
                                           to establish, modify, or revoke a                       toxicity were observed at 450 mg/kg/                  chronic exposure to food and water
                                           tolerance, the Agency consider                          day. In the rabbit, neither maternal nor              (considered to be a background
                                           ‘‘available information’’ concerning the                developmental toxicity was observed up                exposure level).
                                                                                                   to 1,000 mg/kg/day. Reproduction                        N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-
                                           cumulative effects of a particular
                                                                                                   toxicity studies were not available;                  dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
                                           pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
                                                                                                   however, increased post-implantation                  dimethyltetradecanamide may be used
                                           substances that have a common
                                                                                                   loss is observed at 450 mg/kg/day in the              as inert ingredients in pesticide
                                           mechanism of toxicity.’’                                                                                      products that are registered for uses that
                                                                                                   developmental toxicity study in rats.
                                              EPA has not found N,N-dimethyl 9-                                                                          could result in short-term residential
                                                                                                   The established cRfD will be protective
                                           decenamide; N,N-                                                                                              exposure, and the Agency has
                                                                                                   of the observed effect. In addition, the
                                           dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-                                                                                determined that it is appropriate to
                                                                                                   Agency used conservative exposure
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide to share a                      estimates, with 100 percent crop treated,             aggregate chronic exposure through food
                                           common mechanism of toxicity with                       tolerance-level residues, conservative                and water with short-term residential
                                           any other substances, and N,N-dimethyl                  drinking water modeling numbers, and                  exposures to N,N-dimethyl 9-
                                           9-decenamide; N,N-                                      a conservative assessment of potential                decenamide, N,N-
                                           dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-                          residential exposure for infants and                  dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide do not appear                   children. Based on the adequacy of the                dimethyltetradecanamide.
                                           to produce a toxic metabolite produced                  toxicity database, the conservative                     Using the exposure assumptions
                                           by other substances. For the purposes of                nature of the exposure assessment, and                described above for short-term
                                           this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has               the lack of concern for prenatal and                  exposures, EPA has concluded the
                                           assumed that N,N-dimethyl 9-                            postnatal sensitivity, the Agency has                 combined short-term food, water, and
                                           decenamide; N,N-                                        concluded that there is reliable data to              residential exposures result in aggregate
                                           dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-                          determine that infants and children will              MOEs of 680 for both adult males and
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide do not have a                   be safe if the FQPA SF of 10x is reduced              females. EPA has concluded the
                                           common mechanism of toxicity with                       to 1x for short and intermediate-term                 combined short-term aggregated food,
                                           other substances. For information                       exposure and 3 x for chronic exposure                 water, and residential pesticide
                                           regarding EPA’s efforts to determine                    assessment.                                           exposures result in an aggregate MOE of
                                           which chemicals have a common                                                                                 359 for children. Because EPA’s level of
                                           mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate                   E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of               concern for N,N-dimethyl 9-
                                           the cumulative effects of such                          Safety                                                decenamide; N,N-
                                           chemicals, see EPA’s website at http://                    EPA determines whether acute and                   dimethyldodecanamide; and N,N-
                                           www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.                      chronic dietary pesticide exposures are               dimethyltetradecanamide is a MOE of
                                           D. Safety Factor for Infants and                        safe by comparing aggregate exposure                  100 or below, these MOEs are not of
                                           Children                                                estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and                 concern.
                                                                                                   chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer                   4. Intermediate-term risk.
                                             1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of                risks, EPA calculates the lifetime                    Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
                                           FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply                     probability of acquiring cancer given the             takes into account intermediate-term
                                           an additional tenfold (10X) margin of                   estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,                 residential exposure plus chronic
                                           safety for infants and children in the                  intermediate-, and chronic-term risks                 exposure to food and water (considered
                                           case of threshold effects to account for                are evaluated by comparing the                        to be a background exposure level).
                                           prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the                 estimated aggregate food, water, and                    N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-
                                           completeness of the database on toxicity                residential exposure to the appropriate               dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
                                           and exposure unless EPA determines                      PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE                   dimethyltetradecanamide may be used
                                           based on reliable data that a different                 exists.                                               as inert ingredients in pesticide
                                           margin of safety will be safe for infants                  1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk             products that are registered for uses that
                                           and children. This additional margin of                 assessment takes into account acute                   could result in intermediate-term
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                                           safety is commonly referred to as the                   exposure estimates from dietary                       residential exposure, and the Agency
                                           Food Quality Protection Act Safety                      consumption of food and drinking                      has determined that it is appropriate to
                                           Factor (FQPA SF). In applying this                      water. No adverse effect resulting from               aggregate chronic exposure through food
                                           provision, EPA either retains the default               a single oral exposure was identified                 and water with intermediate-term
                                           value of 10X, or uses a different                       and no acute dietary endpoint was                     residential exposures to N,N-dimethyl
                                           additional safety factor when reliable                  selected. Therefore, N,N-dimethyl 9-                  9-decenamide, N,N-


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                                           13676               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                           dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-                          demonstrate a higher concentration                    VI. Conclusions
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide.                                would be safe.                                          Therefore, an exemption from the
                                              Using the exposure assumptions                                                                             requirement of a tolerance is established
                                                                                                   B. Revisions to Petitioned-For
                                           described above for intermediate-term                                                                         under 40 CFR 180.910 for residues of
                                                                                                   Tolerances
                                           exposures, EPA has concluded that the                                                                         N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide (CAS Reg
                                           combined intermediate-term food,                           Based upon an evaluation of the data
                                                                                                   included in the petition, EPA is                      No. 1356964–77–6), N,N-
                                           water, and residential exposures result                                                                       dimethyldodecanamide (CAS Reg No.
                                           in aggregate MOEs of 1475 for adult                     establishing an exemption from the
                                                                                                   requirement of a tolerance for residues               3007–53–2), and N,N-
                                           males and females. EPA has concluded                                                                          dimethyltetradecanamide (CAS Reg No.
                                           the combined intermediate-term                          of N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-
                                                                                                   dimethyldodecanamide,and N,N-                         3015–65–4) when used as inert
                                           aggregated food, water, and residential                                                                       ingredients (surfactant, solvent) at a
                                           exposures result in an aggregate MOE of                 dimethyltetradecanamide when used in
                                                                                                   pesticide formulations as inert                       maximum concentration not to exceed
                                           394 for children. Because EPA’s level of                                                                      20% by weight in any pesticide
                                           concern for N,N-dimethyl 9-                             ingredients (surfactant/solvent), not to
                                                                                                   exceed 20% by weight of the                           formulation applied to growing crops or
                                           decenamide, N,N-                                                                                              raw agricultural commodities after
                                           dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-                          formulation, instead of the unlimited
                                                                                                   use requested. Because unlimited use of               harvest.
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide is a MOE of
                                           100 or below, these MOEs are not of                     N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-                       VII. Statutory and Executive Order
                                           concern.                                                dimethyldodecanamide; or N,N-                         Reviews
                                              5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.                    dimethyltetradecanamide resulted in
                                                                                                   aggregate risks of concern, EPA is                       This action establishes an exemption
                                           population. Based on the lack of                                                                              from the requirement of a tolerance
                                           structural alerts in a DEREK structural                 establishing a 20% limitation in
                                                                                                   formulation to support the safety                     under FFDCA section 408(d) in
                                           alert analysis and the lack of                                                                                response to a petition submitted to the
                                           mutagenicity, N,N-dimethyl 9-                           finding of these tolerance exemptions.
                                                                                                   The concern for unlimited use of theses               Agency. The Office of Management and
                                           decenamide, N,N-                                                                                              Budget (OMB) has exempted these types
                                           dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-                          inert ingredients is documented on page
                                                                                                   4 of the Agency’s risk assessment                     of actions from review under Executive
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide is not                                                                                Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory
                                           expected to pose a cancer risk to                       documents ‘‘N,N-dimethyl 9-
                                                                                                   decenamide, N,N-                                      Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,
                                           humans.                                                                                                       October 4, 1993). Because this action
                                              6. Determination of safety. Based on                 dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-
                                                                                                   dimethyltetradecanamide; Human                        has been exempted from review under
                                           these risk assessments, EPA concludes                                                                         Executive Order 12866, this action is
                                           that there is a reasonable certainty that               Health Risk Assessment and Ecological
                                                                                                   Effects Assessment to Support Proposed                not subject to Executive Order 13211,
                                           no harm will result to the general                                                                            entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning
                                           population, or to infants and children                  Exemption from the Requirement of a
                                                                                                   Tolerance When Used as an Inert                       Regulations That Significantly Affect
                                           from aggregate exposure to N,N-                                                                               Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66
                                           dimethyl 9-decenamide, N,N-                             Ingredient in Pesticide Formulations,’’
                                                                                                   which can be found at http://                         FR 28355, May 22, 2001); Executive
                                           dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-                                                                                Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide residues.                       www.regulations.gov in in docket ID
                                                                                                   number EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0660,                          Children from Environmental Health
                                           V. Other Considerations                                 EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–0720 and EPA–                         Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,
                                                                                                   HQ–OPP–2015–0723, respectively.                       April 23, 1997); or Executive Order
                                           A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology                                                                         13771, entitled ‘‘Reducing Regulations
                                             An analytical method is not required                  C. Response to Comments                               and Controlling Regulatory Costs’’ (82
                                           for enforcement purposes since the                         The comment was received from a                    FR 9339, February 3, 2017). This action
                                           Agency is not establishing a numerical                  private citizen who opposed the                       does not contain any information
                                           tolerance for residues of N,N-dimethyl                  authorization to sell any pesticide that              collections subject to OMB approval
                                           9-decenamide; N,N-                                      leaves a residue on food. The Agency                  under the Paperwork Reduction Act
                                           dimethyldodecanamide and N,N-                           recognizes that some individuals believe              (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide in or on any                    that no residue of pesticides should be               it require any special considerations
                                           food commodities. EPA is establishing                   allowed. However, under the existing                  under Executive Order 12898, entitled
                                           limitations on the amount of N,N-                       legal framework provided by section                   ‘‘Federal Actions to Address
                                           dimethyl 9-decenamide; N,N-                             408 of the Federal Food, Drug and                     Environmental Justice in Minority
                                           dimethyldodecanamide and N,N-                           Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) EPA is                           Populations and Low-Income
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide that may be                     authorized to establish pesticide                     Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,
                                           used in pesticide formulations applied                  tolerances or exemptions where persons                1994).
                                           to growing crops. These limitations will                seeking such tolerances or exemptions                    Since tolerances and exemptions that
                                           be enforced through the pesticide                       have demonstrated that the pesticide                  are established on the basis of a petition
                                           registration process under the Federal                  meets the safety standard imposed by                  under FFDCA section 408(d), such as
                                           Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide                 the statute. EPA has evaluated all the                the exemption in this final rule, do not
                                           Act (‘‘FIFRA’’), 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. EPA               available data and concluded that there               require the issuance of a proposed rule,
                                           will not register any pesticide                         is a reasonable certainty of no harm                  the requirements of the Regulatory
                                           formulation for use on growing crops or                 from the limited use of N,N-dimethyl 9-               Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
                                           raw agricultural commodities after                      decenamide, N,N-                                      seq.), do not apply.
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                                           harvest for sale or distribution that                   dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-                           This action directly regulates growers,
                                           exceeds 20% by weight of N,N-dimethyl                   dimethyltetradecanamide as inert                      food processors, food handlers, and food
                                           9-decenamide, N,N-                                      ingredients in pesticide formulations.                retailers, not States or tribes, nor does
                                           dimethyldodecanamide, and N,N-                          The commenter has not provided any                    this action alter the relationships or
                                           dimethyltetradecanamide unless                          information supporting a conclusion                   distribution of power and
                                           additional data are submitted that                      that such exposure will not be safe.                  responsibilities established by Congress


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                       13677

                                           in the preemption provisions of FFDCA                     This action does not involve any                    and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                           section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency                  technical standards that would require                requirements.
                                           has determined that this action will not                Agency consideration of voluntary                       Dated: March 12, 2018.
                                           have a substantial direct effect on States              consensus standards pursuant to section
                                                                                                                                                         Michael L. Goodis,
                                           or tribal governments, on the                           12(d) of the National Technology
                                           relationship between the national                       Transfer and Advancement Act                          Director, Registration Division, Office of
                                           government and the States or tribal                     (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).                         Pesticide Programs.
                                           governments, or on the distribution of                                                                          Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
                                           power and responsibilities among the                    VIII. Congressional Review Act
                                                                                                                                                         amended as follows:
                                           various levels of government or between                   Pursuant to the Congressional Review
                                           the Federal Government and Indian                       Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will                  PART 180—[AMENDED]
                                           tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined                 submit a report containing this rule and
                                           that Executive Order 13132, entitled                    other required information to the U.S.                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180
                                           ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,                 Senate, the U.S. House of                             continues to read as follows:
                                           1999) and Executive Order 13175,                        Representatives, and the Comptroller
                                                                                                                                                             Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
                                           entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination                General of the United States prior to
                                           with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR                 publication of the rule in the Federal                ■ 2. In § 180.910, add alphabetically the
                                           67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply                   Register. This action is not a ‘‘major                inert ingredients to the table to read as
                                           to this action. In addition, this action                rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                 follows:
                                           does not impose any enforceable duty or
                                           contain any unfunded mandate as                         List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180                   § 180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and
                                           described under Title II of the Unfunded                 Environmental protection,                            post-harvest; exemptions from the
                                           Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.                    Administrative practice and procedure,                requirement of a tolerance.
                                           1501 et seq.).                                          Agricultural commodities, Pesticides                  *        *       *        *     *

                                                                 Inert ingredients                                                          Limits                                            Uses


                                                    *                 *                 *                                 *                   *                    *                                 *
                                           N,N-Dimethyl 9-decenamide (CAS Reg. No. 1356964–                   Not to exceed 20% by weight of pesticide formulation ..              Surfactant, solvent
                                             77–6).
                                           N,N-Dimethyldodecanamide (CAS Reg. No. 3007–53–2)                  Not to exceed 20% by weight of pesticide formulation ..              Surfactant, solvent

                                                   *                   *                *                                 *                   *                    *                                 *
                                           N,N-Dimethyltetradecanamide (CAS Reg. No. 3015–65–                 Not to exceed 20% by weight of pesticide formulation ..              Surfactant, solvent
                                             4).

                                                     *                       *                       *                      *                        *                         *                     *



                                           [FR Doc. 2018–06108 Filed 3–29–18; 8:45 am]             subject to Prior Authorization as a                     • Appear on the DMEPOS Fee
                                           BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                  condition of payment.                                 Schedule list.
                                                                                                                                                           • Have an average purchase fee of
                                                                                                   DATES: This action is applicable on
                                                                                                                                                         $1,000 or greater (adjusted annually for
                                                                                                   April 30, 2018.
                                           DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                                                                                      inflation) or an average monthly rental
                                                                                                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      fee schedule of $100 or greater (adjusted
                                           HUMAN SERVICES
                                                                                                     Emily Calvert, (410) 786–4277.                      annually for inflation). (These dollar
                                           Centers for Medicare & Medicaid                           Andre Damonze, (410) 786–1795.                      amounts are referred to as the ‘‘payment
                                           Services                                                                                                      threshold’’.)
                                                                                                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                                                                           • Meet either of the following criteria:
                                           42 CFR Part 414                                         I. Background                                           ++ Identified in a Government
                                                                                                                                                         Accountability Office (GAO) or
                                           [CMS–6078–N]                                               In the December 30, 2015 final rule                Department of Health and Human
                                                                                                   (80 FR 81674) titled ‘‘Medicare Program;              Services Office of Inspector General
                                           Medicare Program; Prior Authorization                   Prior Authorization Process for Certain               (OIG) report that is national in scope
                                           Process for Certain Durable Medical                     Durable Medical Equipment,                            and published in 2007 or later as having
                                           Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and                  Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies,’’               a high rate of fraud or unnecessary
                                           Supplies (DMEPOS) Items; Update to                      we implemented section 1834(a)(15) of                 utilization.
                                           the Master List of Items Frequently                     the Social Security Act (the Act) by                    ++ Listed in the 2011 or later
                                           Subject to Unnecessary Utilization                      establishing an initial Master List                   Comprehensive Error Rate Testing
                                           AGENCY: Centers for Medicare &                          (called the Master List of Items                      (CERT) program’s Annual Medicare Fee-
                                           Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.                           Frequently Subject to Unnecessary                     For-Service (FFS) Improper Payment
                                           ACTION: Master list deletions.                          Utilization) of certain DMEPOS that the               Rate Report DME and/or DMEPOS
                                                                                                   Secretary determined, on the basis of                 Service Specific Report(s).
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES




                                           SUMMARY:   This document announces the                  prior payment experience, are                           The rule described the maintenance
                                           deletion of four Healthcare Common                      frequently subject to unnecessary                     process of the Master List as follows:
                                           Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)                         utilization and by establishing a prior                 • The Master List is self-updating
                                           codes from the Master List of Items                     authorization process for these items.                annually. That is, items on the DMEPOS
                                           Frequently Subject to Unnecessary                       The Master List includes items that                   Fee Schedule that meet the ‘‘payment
                                           Utilization that could be potentially                   meet the following criteria:                          threshold’’ are added to the list when


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Document Created: 2018-11-01 08:57:58
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 08:57:58
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 March 30, 2018. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before May 29, 2018, 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 Citation83 FR 13671 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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