83_FR_15819 83 FR 15748 - Clethodim; Pesticide Tolerances

83 FR 15748 - Clethodim; Pesticide Tolerances

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 71 (April 12, 2018)

Page Range15748-15753
FR Document2018-07651

This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of clethodim in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. In addition, this regulation removes several previously established tolerances that are superseded by this final rule. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 71 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 71 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15748-15753]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07651]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0651; FRL-9975-01]


Clethodim; Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of 
clethodim in or on multiple commodities which are identified and 
discussed later in this document. In addition, this regulation removes 
several previously established tolerances that are superseded by this 
final rule. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested 
these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
(FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective April 12, 2018. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before June 11, 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-2016-0651, is available at http://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory 
Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency 
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 
1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public 
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public 
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP 
Docket is (703) 305-5805. Please review the visitor instructions and 
additional information about the docket available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

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

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

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

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

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an 
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a 
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a 
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided 
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify 
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0651 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 
June 11, 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-2016-0651, 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/

[[Page 15749]]

DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance

    In the Federal Register of March 23, 2017 (82 FR 14846) (FRL-9957-
99), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 
6E8510) by Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4), 500 College 
Road East, Suite 201 W, Princeton NJ 08540. The petition requested that 
40 CFR 180.458 be amended by establishing tolerances for residues of 
the herbicide, clethodim, 2-[(1E)-1-[[[(2E)-3-chloro-2-
propenyl]oxy]imino]propyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-
cyclohexen-1-one, and its metabolites containing the 5-(2-
ethylthiopropyl)cyclohexene-3-one and 5-(2-ethylthiopropyl)-5-
hydroxycyclohexene-3-one moieties and their sulphoxides and sulphones, 
calculated as the stoichiometric equivalent of clethodim, in or on 
almond, hulls at 0.2 parts per million (ppm); Brassica, leafy greens, 
subgroup 4-16B at 3.0 ppm; leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B at 0.60 
ppm; leafy greens subgroup 4-16A at 2.0 ppm; nut, tree, group 14-12 at 
0.2 ppm; okra at 1.5 ppm; onion, green, subgroup 3-07B at 2.0 ppm; 
stalk and stem vegetable subgroup 22A at 1.7 ppm; vegetable, Brassica, 
head and stem, group 5-16 at 3.0 ppm; and vegetable, fruiting, group 8-
10, except okra at 1.0 ppm. Upon establishment of proposed tolerances 
above, the Petitioner requests that 40 CFR part 180.458 be amended by 
removing existing tolerances for residues of clethodim in or on the raw 
agricultural commodities asparagus at 1.7 ppm; Brassica, head and stem, 
subgroup 5A at 3.0 ppm; Brassica, leafy greens, subgroup 5B at 3.0 ppm; 
leaf petioles subgroup 4B at 0.60 ppm; leafy greens subgroup 4A at 2.0 
ppm; onion, green at 2.0 ppm; turnip, greens at 3.0 ppm; and vegetable, 
fruiting, group 8-10 at 1.0 ppm that are superseded by this final rule. 
That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Valent 
USA Corporation, the registrant, which is available in the docket, 
http://www.regulations.gov. Comments were received on the notice of 
filing. EPA's responses to these comments are discussed in Unit IV.C.
    Consistent with the authority in FFDCA 408(d)(4)(A)(i), EPA is 
issuing tolerances that vary from what the petitioner sought. The 
reason for these changes is explained in Unit IV.D.

III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a 
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a 
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure 
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary 
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable 
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in 
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure. 
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special 
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide 
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there 
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and 
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . . 
.''
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available 
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this 
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of, and to make a 
determination on aggregate exposure for clethodim including exposure 
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with clethodim 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.
    The clethodim toxicity database shows relatively low toxicity with 
the liver being the target organ based on repeated dosing by either 
oral or dermal routes in rats, mice, and dogs. The observed liver 
effects are characterized by increased liver weights, clinical 
chemistry changes, and centrilobular hepatic hypertrophy. Most liver 
effects that occurred at or below 100 milligrams/kilogram body weight 
(mg/kg bw) were considered as adaptive effects and not adverse. 
Decreased body weight was also a common finding across studies and 
species. In the 1-year dog oral toxicity study, hematological changes 
such as increased platelet and leukocyte counts and slight elevation of 
glucose levels (in dogs only) were also seen.
    No developmental effects were present in the rabbits. In the rat 
developmental toxicity study, reduced fetal body weights and an 
increase in the incidence of delayed ossification of the lower 
vertebrae were seen at the dose (350 mg/kg/day) where maternal toxicity 
(excessive salivation and lacrimation, red nasal discharge) was also 
observed. No reproductive or offspring effects were seen in the 2-
generation rat reproduction study. Therefore, the toxicity data showed 
no increased susceptibility in the young. The clethodim database also 
showed no potential for neurotoxicity or immunotoxicity.
    Results of rat and mouse carcinogenicity studies did not show 
treatment-related increases in tumor incidence. Therefore, clethodim is 
not shown to be genotoxic and is classified as ``not likely to be 
carcinogenic to humans.''
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by clethodim as well as the no-observed-adverse-
effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level 
(LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in document entitled, ``SUBJECT: Clethodim. Human 
Health Aggregate Risk Assessment for the Proposed New Uses on Tree Nut 
Group 14-12; Okra; Crop Group Conversions for Brassica Leafy Greens 
Subgroup 4-16B; Leafy Green Subgroup 4-16A; Leaf Petiole Vegetable 
Subgroup 22B; Stalk and Stem Vegetable Subgroup 22A; Vegetable, 
Brassica Head and Stem, Group 5-16; Expansion of Commodity Residue 
Tolerance to Green Onion Subgroup 3-07B and Response to 6(a)(2) Data 
Submission'' dated March 19, 2018 at 33-38 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-
OPP-2016-0651.

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

[[Page 15750]]

is no appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for 
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed 
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to 
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) 
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified 
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with 
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a 
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe 
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes 
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the 
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of 
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the 
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete 
description of the risk assessment process, see http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/assessing-human-health-risk-pesticides.
    A summary of the toxicological endpoints for clethodim used for 
human risk assessment is discussed in Unit III of the final rule 
published in the Federal Register of May 6, 2016 (81 FR 27339) (FRL-
9945-68).

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to clethodim, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-for 
tolerances as well as all existing clethodim tolerances in 40 CFR 
180.458. EPA assessed dietary exposures from clethodim in food as 
follows:
    i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk 
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological 
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring 
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure.
    Such effects were identified for clethodim. In estimating acute 
dietary exposure, EPA used the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model 
software with the Food Commodity Intake Database (DEEM-FCID), Version 
3.16, which incorporates 2003-2008 food consumption data from the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) National Health and Nutrition 
Examination Survey, What We Eat in America, (NHANES/WWEIA). As to 
residue levels in food, EPA conducted unrefined acute dietary analyses 
assuming tolerance levels for all commodities and 100 percent crop-
treated (PCT). DEEM version 7.81 default processing factors were 
assumed, except where tolerances were established for processed 
commodities.
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used DEEM-FCID, Version 3.16, which incorporates 2003-
2008 food consumption data from the USDA's NHANES/WWEIA. As to residue 
levels in food, EPA conducted unrefined chronic dietary analyses 
assuming tolerance levels for all commodities and 100 PCT. DEEM version 
7.81 default processing factors were assumed, except where tolerances 
were established for processed commodities.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has 
concluded that clethodim does not pose a cancer risk to humans. 
Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing 
cancer risk is unnecessary.
    iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. EPA did not use 
anticipated residue or PCT information in the dietary assessment for 
clethodim. Tolerance-level residues and 100 PCT were assumed for all 
food commodities.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening-
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for clethodim in drinking water. These simulation models 
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport 
characteristics of clethodim. Further information regarding EPA 
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be 
found at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.
    Surface and ground water contamination may occur from clethodim as 
well as its sulfoxide and sulfone degradates. Exposure from water 
contamination is primarily associated with clethodim sulfone and 
clethodim sulfoxide rather than parent clethodim based on greater 
persistence and mobility of these degradates. Thus, the exposure 
assessments were based on the total toxic residue rather than parent 
only.
    Based on the First Index Reservoir Screening Tool (FIRST) and 
Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM GW), the estimated 
drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of clethodim for acute exposures 
are estimated to be 330 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 
1,430 ppb for ground water. For chronic exposures for non-cancer 
assessments EDWCs are estimated to be 137 ppb for surface water and 
1,150 ppb for ground water.
    Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly 
entered into the dietary exposure model. For acute dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration value of 1,430 ppb was used to 
assess the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration of value 1,150 ppb was used to 
assess the contribution to drinking water.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control, 
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets).
    Clethodim is currently registered for the following uses that could 
result in residential exposures: In and around ornamental plant beds, 
landscaped area, trees, and ground covers (mulch). EPA assessed 
residential exposure using the following assumptions:
    In a reassessment of existing residential uses of clethodim 
conducted to reflect updates to EPA's 2012 Residential SOPs along with 
policy changes for body weight assumptions, the Agency assessed short-
term residential handler (adult only) inhalation exposure. There is 
potential residential dermal post-application exposure from the 
existing use of clethodim on ornamentals. However, since there is no 
adverse systemic hazard via the dermal route of exposure, and there is 
no incidental oral exposure expected from clethodim use on ornamental 
plants, a residential post-application assessment has not been 
conducted. Further information regarding EPA standard assumptions and 
generic inputs for residential exposures may be found at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/standard-operating-procedures-residential-pesticide.
    4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of 
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when 
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the 
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative 
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances 
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
    EPA has not found clethodim to share a common mechanism of toxicity 
with any other substances, and clethodim does not appear to produce a 
toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this 
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that clethodim does not 
have a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances. For 
information regarding EPA's efforts to determine

[[Page 15751]]

which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the 
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see the policy statements 
released by EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs concerning common 
mechanism determinations and procedures for cumulating effects from 
substances found to have a common mechanism on EPA's website at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/cumulative-assessment-risk-pesticides.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA 
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants 
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal 
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity 
and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a 
different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This 
additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA Safety 
Factor (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default 
value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when 
reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different 
factor.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There is no evidence of 
increased susceptibility of fetuses as compared to maternal animals 
following in utero and/or postnatal exposure to clethodim in the 
developmental toxicity studies in rats or rabbits, and no increased 
sensitivity in pups as compared to adults in the 2-generation rat 
reproduction toxicity study. There are no residual uncertainties 
concerning prenatal and postnatal toxicity.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the 
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the 
FQPA SF were reduced to 1X. That decision is based on the following 
findings:
    i. The toxicity database for clethodim is complete and sufficient 
for selecting toxicity endpoints and PODs for assessing risks.
    ii. There is no indication that clethodim is a neurotoxic chemical 
and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study or 
additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
    iii. There is no evidence that clethodim results in increased 
susceptibility of fetuses as compared to maternal animals following in 
utero and/or postnatal exposure to clethodim in the prenatal 
developmental toxicity studies in rats or rabbits, and no increased 
sensitivity in pups as compared to adults in the 2-generation rat 
reproduction toxicity study. In the rat developmental study, reduced 
ossification seen at the same dose that resulted in maternal toxicity 
is considered secondary to reduced maternal body weight, and is not 
considered qualitative susceptibility.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were determined based 
on 100 PCT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative 
(protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used 
to assess exposure to clethodim in drinking water. Post application 
exposure of children and incidental oral exposures to toddlers are 
expected to be negligible. All exposure estimates are based on 
conservative assumptions that will not underestimate the exposure and 
risks posed by clethodim.

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. The acute aggregate risk is equivalent to the acute 
dietary risk.
    Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this unit for acute 
exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water to clethodim 
will occupy 29% of the aPAD, at the 95th percentile of exposure for all 
infants (<1 year old), the population group receiving the greatest 
exposure.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
clethodim from food and water will utilize 30% of the cPAD for all 
infants (<1 year old) the population group receiving the greatest 
exposure. There are no chronic residential exposure scenarios. 
Therefore, the chronic aggregate risk would be equivalent to the 
chronic dietary exposure (food and drinking water) estimate.
    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). Clethodim is 
currently registered for uses that could result in short-term 
residential exposure, and the Agency has determined that it is 
appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and water with 
short-term residential exposures to clethodim.
    Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water, 
and residential exposures result in a short-term aggregate risk 
estimate for adults ages 20 to 49 is a MOE of 2,100. Because EPA's 
level of concern for clethodim is a MOE of 100 or below, this MOE is 
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).
    Intermediate-term exposure is not expected for the residential 
exposure pathway. Therefore, the intermediate-term aggregate exposure 
would be equivalent to the chronic dietary exposure estimate.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of 
evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity 
studies, clethodim 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 clethodim residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate analytical methods are available for enforcing clethodim 
tolerances in/on the proposed/registered plant commodities. Samples 
were analyzed for residues of clethodim and metabolites containing the 
2-cyclohexen-1-one moiety using the gas chromatography/mass 
spectroscopy (GC/MS) Method YARL-0602D, adapted from Method RM-26B-3 
entitled, ``The Determination of Clethodim Residues in Crops, Chicken 
and Beef Tissues, Milk and Eggs'' (revision dated January 20, 1994). 
The method converts residues of clethodim and metabolites to clethodim 
sulfoxide (CSO) and clethodim 5 hydroxy sulfoxide (5-OH 
CSO2), which are determined as their dimethyl esters (DME 
and DME-OH, respectively).

[[Page 15752]]

Method RM-26B-3 is the enforcement method for tolerances for clethodim 
including its metabolites and degradates.
    The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry 
Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 
20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; email address: 
[email protected].

B. International Residue Limits

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

C. Response to Comments

    The Agency received four comments on the notice of filing (NOF) for 
this petition. While none of the commenters mentioned any specific 
concerns with the clethodim tolerances noticed in the NOF, two comments 
generally opposed the use of chemicals or pesticides in or food and two 
comments generally urged the Agency to ensure protection of the 
environment and human health by reviewing science and determining 
whether use of pesticide is safe for human consumption.
    The Agency recognizes that some individuals believe that certain 
pesticides are ``toxic chemicals'' that should not be permitted in our 
food; however, no new information demonstrating toxicity or exposure of 
clethodim that EPA could use to evaluate the safety of the pesticide 
was provided by commenters. The existing legal framework provided by 
section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) states 
that tolerances may be set when persons seeking such tolerances or 
exemptions have demonstrated that the pesticide meets the safety 
standard imposed by that statute. When new or amended tolerances are 
requested for residues of a pesticide in food or feed, the Agency, as 
is required by section 408 of FFDCA, estimates the risk of the 
potential exposure to these residues. The Agency has conducted that 
risk assessment, which includes the consideration of long-term animal 
studies with clethodim, and concluded that there is a reasonable 
certainty that no harm will result from aggregate human exposure to 
clethodim and that, accordingly, the use of clethodim on petitioned-for 
food commodities is ``safe.''

D. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances

    In accordance with its standard practice to provide greater 
precision about the levels of residues that are permitted by a 
tolerance, EPA is adding an additional significant figure to the 
petitioned-for tolerance values for Almond hulls and Nut, tree, group 
14-12. This is to avoid the situation where residues may be higher than 
the tolerance level, but as a result of rounding would be considered 
non-violative (for example, Almond tolerance proposed at 0.2 ppm was 
established at 0.20 ppm, to avoid an observed hypothetical tolerance at 
0.24 ppm being rounded to 0.2 ppm).

E. International Trade Considerations

    In this final rule, EPA is establishing a crop subgroup tolerance 
for subgroup 22A (stalk and stem vegetable) at 1.7 ppm. This subgroup 
includes the commodity kohlrabi, for which a tolerance is currently set 
at 3.0 ppm, as one of the commodities in the currently established 
tolerance for Brassica, head and stem subgroup 5A. Setting a new 
tolerance at 1.7 ppm on kohlrabi as part of subgroup 22A has a 
potentially trade restrictive effect on the import of kohlrabi. In the 
2016 crop grouping rule, kohlrabi was moved to the stalk and stem 
vegetable subgroup 22A. See 81 FR 26471 (May 3, 2016).
    In accordance with the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Sanitary 
and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement, EPA intends to promptly 
publish this action with the WTO. In addition, EPA is allowing the 
existing kohlrabi tolerance to remain in effect for six months 
following publication of this rule in order to provide a six-month 
reasonable interval for producers in exporting countries to adapt the 
modified tolerances. Before that date, residues of clethodim in or on 
kohlrabi will be permitted at the current tolerance levels; after that 
date, residues will need to be in compliance with the new tolerance 
levels.
    The tolerance level is appropriate based on available data and 
residue levels resulting from registered use patterns. The tolerance 
levels are not discriminatory; the same food safety standard contained 
in the FFDCA applies equally to domestically produced and imported 
foods. None of the other tolerance actions taken in this rulemaking 
restrict permissible pesticide residues below currently allowed levels 
in the United States.
    Any commodities listed in the regulatory text of this document that 
are treated with the pesticides subject to this final rule, and that 
are in the channels of trade following the expiration of the tolerance, 
shall be subject to FFDCA section 408(1)(5). Under this unit, any 
residues of these pesticides in or on such food shall not render the 
food adulterated so long as it is shown to the satisfaction of the Food 
and Drug Administration that:
    1. The residue is present as the result of an application or use of 
the pesticide at a time and in a manner that was lawful under FIFRA.
    2. The residue does not exceed the level that was authorized at the 
time of the application or use to be present on the food under a 
tolerance or exemption from tolerance. Evidence to show that food was 
lawfully treated may include records that verify the dates that the 
pesticide was applied to such food.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide 
clethodim, 2-[(1E)-1-[[[(2E)-3-chloro-2-propenyl]oxy]imino]propyl]-5-
[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one, and its metabolites 
containing the 5-(2-ethylthiopropyl)cyclohexene-3-one and 5-(2-
ethylthiopropyl)-5-hydroxycyclohexene-3-one moieties and their 
sulphoxides and sulphones, calculated as the stoichiometric equivalent 
of clethodim, in or on Almond, hulls at 0.20 ppm; Brassica, Leafy, 
greens, subgroup 4-16B at 3.0 ppm; Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B 
at 0.60 ppm; Leafy greens subgroup 4-16A at 2.0 ppm; Nut, tree, group 
14-12 at 0.20 ppm; Okra 1.5 ppm; Onion, green, subgroup 3-07B at 2.0 
ppm; Stalk and stem vegetable subgroup 22A at 1.7 ppm; Vegetable, 
Brassica, head and stem, group 5-16 at 3.0 ppm; and Vegetable, 
fruiting, group 8-10, except okra at 1.0 ppm. In addition, established 
tolerances in or on ``Asparagus''; ``Brassica, head and stem, subgroup 
5A''; ``Brassica, leafy greens, subgroup 5B''; ``Leaf petioles subgroup 
4B'';

[[Page 15753]]

``Leafy greens subgroup 4A''; ``Onion, green''; ``Turnip, greens''; and 
``Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10'' are removed as they are superseded 
by this final tolerance rule. To minimize the potential for trade 
irritation, the Agency is allowing the existing tolerance for kohlrabi 
to remain in place for six months by adding an expiration date of six 
months following publication of this rule to each individual tolerance. 
Since kohlrabi is currently contained within the existing subgroup 5A 
tolerance, which is being removed by this action, the Agency is listing 
kohlrabi as a separate tolerance at 3.0 ppm to remain in effect for a 
six-month period.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

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

VII. Congressional Review Act

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

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

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

    Dated: March 19, 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.  180.458:
0
a. Remove the entries for ``Asparagus''; ``Brassica, head and stem, 
subgroup 5A''; ``Brassica, leafy greens, subgroup 5B''; ``Leaf petioles 
subgroup 4B''; ``Leafy greens subgroup 4A''; ``Onion, green''; 
``Turnip, greens''; and ``Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10''; from the 
table in paragraph (a).
0
b. Add alphabetically the entries to the table in paragraph (a) 
``Almond, hulls''; ``Brassica, Leafy, greens, subgroup 4-16B''; 
``Kohlrabi''; ``Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B''; ``Leafy greens 
subgroup 4-16A''; ``Nut, tree, group 14-12''; ``Okra''; ``Onion, green, 
subgroup 3-07B''; ``Stalk and stem vegetable subgroup 22A''; 
``Vegetable, Brassica, head and stem, group 5-16''; and ``Vegetable, 
fruiting, group 8-10, except okra''.
0
c. Add footnote 1 to the table in paragraph (a).
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  180.458  Clethodim; tolerances for residues.

    (a) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Parts per
                          Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Almond, hulls...............................................        0.20
 
                                * * * * *
Brassica, leafy, greens, subgroup 4-16B.....................         3.0
 
                                * * * * *
Kohlrabi 1..................................................         3.0
Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup 22B.........................        0.60
Leafy greens subgroup 4-16A.................................         2.0
 
                                * * * * *
Nut, tree, group 14-12......................................        0.20
Okra........................................................         1.5
 
                                * * * * *
Onion, green, subgroup 3-07B................................         2.0
 
                                * * * * *
Stalk and stem vegetable subgroup 22A.......................         1.7
 
                                * * * * *
Vegetable, brassica, head and stem, group 5-16..............         3.0
Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10, except okra................         1.0
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 This tolerance expires on October 12, 2018.

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2018-07651 Filed 4-11-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P



                                              15748              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                                        EPA–APPROVED ALASKA NONREGULATORY PROVISIONS AND QUASI–REGULATORY MEASURES—Continued
                                                                                     Applicable geographic or               State submittal
                                                  Name of SIP provision                                                                                   EPA approval date                         Explanations
                                                                                       nonattainment area                        date

                                                        *                       *                             *                           *                           *                         *                  *

                                                                                             State of Alaska Air Quality Control Plan: Volume III. Appendices


                                                        *                       *                             *                           *                           *                         *                  *

                                                                                                         Section III. Areawide Pollutant Control Program


                                                          *                     *                            *                         *                           *                            *                  *
                                              III.III.K. Area Wide Pollutant        Statewide ...........................        3/10/2016         4/12/2018, ..........................
                                                  Control Program for Re-                                                                          [Insert Federal Register ci-
                                                  gional Haze.                                                                                        tation].

                                                        *                       *                             *                           *                           *                         *                  *



                                              [FR Doc. 2018–07520 Filed 4–11–18; 8:45 am]                  Monday through Friday, excluding legal                            idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
                                              BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                       holidays. The telephone number for the                            40tab_02.tpl.
                                                                                                           Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
                                                                                                                                                                             C. How can I file an objection or hearing
                                                                                                           and the telephone number for the OPP
                                              ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION                                                                                                       request?
                                                                                                           Docket is (703) 305–5805. Please review
                                              AGENCY                                                       the visitor instructions and additional                             Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
                                                                                                           information about the docket available                            U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
                                              40 CFR Part 180                                              at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.                                    objection to any aspect of this regulation
                                              [EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0651; FRL–9975–01]                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                  and may also request a hearing on those
                                                                                                           Michael L. Goodis, Registration Division                          objections. You must file your objection
                                              Clethodim; Pesticide Tolerances                              (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,                            or request a hearing on this regulation
                                                                                                           Environmental Protection Agency, 1200                             in accordance with the instructions
                                              AGENCY:  Environmental Protection                                                                                              provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
                                              Agency (EPA).                                                Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
                                                                                                           20460–0001; main telephone number:                                proper receipt by EPA, you must
                                              ACTION: Final rule.                                                                                                            identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
                                                                                                           (703) 305–7090; email address:
                                                                                                           RDFRNotices@epa.gov.                                              OPP–2016–0651 in the subject line on
                                              SUMMARY:    This regulation establishes
                                                                                                                                                                             the first page of your submission. All
                                              tolerances for residues of clethodim in                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                                                                                             objections and requests for a hearing
                                              or on multiple commodities which are
                                                                                                           I. General Information                                            must be in writing, and must be
                                              identified and discussed later in this
                                                                                                                                                                             received by the Hearing Clerk on or
                                              document. In addition, this regulation                       A. Does this action apply to me?                                  before June 11, 2018. Addresses for mail
                                              removes several previously established
                                                                                                              You may be potentially affected by                             and hand delivery of objections and
                                              tolerances that are superseded by this
                                                                                                           this action if you are an agricultural                            hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR
                                              final rule. Interregional Research Project
                                                                                                           producer, food manufacturer, or                                   178.25(b).
                                              Number 4 (IR–4) requested these
                                                                                                           pesticide manufacturer. The following                               In addition to filing an objection or
                                              tolerances under the Federal Food,
                                                                                                           list of North American Industrial                                 hearing request with the Hearing Clerk
                                              Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
                                                                                                           Classification System (NAICS) codes is                            as described in 40 CFR part 178, please
                                              DATES: This regulation is effective April                    not intended to be exhaustive, but rather                         submit a copy of the filing (excluding
                                              12, 2018. Objections and requests for                        provides a guide to help readers                                  any Confidential Business Information
                                              hearings must be received on or before                       determine whether this document                                   (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket.
                                              June 11, 2018, and must be filed in                          applies to them. Potentially affected                             Information not marked confidential
                                              accordance with the instructions                             entities may include:                                             pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be
                                              provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also                           • Crop production (NAICS code 111).                            disclosed publicly by EPA without prior
                                              Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY                                  • Animal production (NAICS code                                notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your
                                              INFORMATION).                                                112).                                                             objection or hearing request, identified
                                              ADDRESSES:   The docket for this action,                        • Food manufacturing (NAICS code                               by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–
                                              identified by docket identification (ID)                     311).                                                             2016–0651, by one of the following
                                              number EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0651, is                                 • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS                               methods:
                                              available at http://www.regulations.gov                      code 32532).                                                        • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                              or at the Office of Pesticide Programs                                                                                         www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
                                                                                                           B. How can I get electronic access to
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                                              Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket)                                                                                          instructions for submitting comments.
                                              in the Environmental Protection Agency                       other related information?                                        Do not submit electronically any
                                              Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William                            You may access a frequently updated                            information you consider to be CBI or
                                              Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301                      electronic version of EPA’s tolerance                             other information whose disclosure is
                                              Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC                         regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through                            restricted by statute.
                                              20460–0001. The Public Reading Room                          the Government Printing Office’s e-CFR                              • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental
                                              is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,                         site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-                         Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                       15749

                                              DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.                   received on the notice of filing. EPA’s               hepatic hypertrophy. Most liver effects
                                              NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001.                          responses to these comments are                       that occurred at or below 100
                                                • Hand Delivery: To make special                      discussed in Unit IV.C.                               milligrams/kilogram body weight (mg/
                                              arrangements for hand delivery or                         Consistent with the authority in                    kg bw) were considered as adaptive
                                              delivery of boxed information, please                   FFDCA 408(d)(4)(A)(i), EPA is issuing                 effects and not adverse. Decreased body
                                              follow the instructions at http://                      tolerances that vary from what the                    weight was also a common finding
                                              www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.                      petitioner sought. The reason for these               across studies and species. In the 1-year
                                                Additional instructions on                            changes is explained in Unit IV.D.                    dog oral toxicity study, hematological
                                              commenting or visiting the docket,                                                                            changes such as increased platelet and
                                              along with more information about                       III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and
                                                                                                      Determination of Safety                               leukocyte counts and slight elevation of
                                              dockets generally, is available at http://                                                                    glucose levels (in dogs only) were also
                                              www.epa.gov/dockets.                                       Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA                   seen.
                                                                                                      allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the                 No developmental effects were
                                              II. Summary of Petitioned-For                           legal limit for a pesticide chemical
                                              Tolerance                                                                                                     present in the rabbits. In the rat
                                                                                                      residue in or on a food) only if EPA                  developmental toxicity study, reduced
                                                 In the Federal Register of March 23,                 determines that the tolerance is ‘‘safe.’’            fetal body weights and an increase in
                                              2017 (82 FR 14846) (FRL–9957–99),                       Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA                     the incidence of delayed ossification of
                                              EPA issued a document pursuant to                       defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a            the lower vertebrae were seen at the
                                              FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C.                      reasonable certainty that no harm will                dose (350 mg/kg/day) where maternal
                                              346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a                  result from aggregate exposure to the                 toxicity (excessive salivation and
                                              pesticide petition (PP 6E8510) by                       pesticide chemical residue, including                 lacrimation, red nasal discharge) was
                                              Interregional Research Project Number 4                 all anticipated dietary exposures and all             also observed. No reproductive or
                                              (IR–4), 500 College Road East, Suite 201                other exposures for which there is                    offspring effects were seen in the 2-
                                              W, Princeton NJ 08540. The petition                     reliable information.’’ This includes                 generation rat reproduction study.
                                              requested that 40 CFR 180.458 be                        exposure through drinking water and in                Therefore, the toxicity data showed no
                                              amended by establishing tolerances for                  residential settings, but does not include            increased susceptibility in the young.
                                              residues of the herbicide, clethodim, 2-                occupational exposure. Section                        The clethodim database also showed no
                                              [(1E)-1-[[[(2E)-3-chloro-2-                             408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to                 potential for neurotoxicity or
                                              propenyl]oxy]imino]propyl]-5-[2-                        give special consideration to exposure                immunotoxicity.
                                              (ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-                         of infants and children to the pesticide                 Results of rat and mouse
                                              cyclohexen-1-one, and its metabolites                   chemical residue in establishing a                    carcinogenicity studies did not show
                                              containing the 5-(2-                                    tolerance and to ‘‘ensure that there is a             treatment-related increases in tumor
                                              ethylthiopropyl)cyclohexene-3-one and                   reasonable certainty that no harm will                incidence. Therefore, clethodim is not
                                              5-(2-ethylthiopropyl)-5-                                result to infants and children from                   shown to be genotoxic and is classified
                                              hydroxycyclohexene-3-one moieties and                   aggregate exposure to the pesticide                   as ‘‘not likely to be carcinogenic to
                                              their sulphoxides and sulphones,                        chemical residue. . . .’’                             humans.’’
                                              calculated as the stoichiometric                           Consistent with FFDCA section                         Specific information on the studies
                                              equivalent of clethodim, in or on                       408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in            received and the nature of the adverse
                                              almond, hulls at 0.2 parts per million                  FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has                   effects caused by clethodim as well as
                                              (ppm); Brassica, leafy greens, subgroup                 reviewed the available scientific data                the no-observed-adverse-effect-level
                                              4–16B at 3.0 ppm; leaf petiole vegetable                and other relevant information in                     (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-
                                              subgroup 22B at 0.60 ppm; leafy greens                  support of this action. EPA has                       adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the
                                              subgroup 4–16A at 2.0 ppm; nut, tree,                   sufficient data to assess the hazards of,             toxicity studies can be found at http://
                                              group 14–12 at 0.2 ppm; okra at 1.5                     and to make a determination on                        www.regulations.gov in document
                                              ppm; onion, green, subgroup 3–07B at                    aggregate exposure for clethodim                      entitled, ‘‘SUBJECT: Clethodim. Human
                                              2.0 ppm; stalk and stem vegetable                       including exposure resulting from the                 Health Aggregate Risk Assessment for
                                              subgroup 22A at 1.7 ppm; vegetable,                     tolerances established by this action.                the Proposed New Uses on Tree Nut
                                              Brassica, head and stem, group 5–16 at                  EPA’s assessment of exposures and risks               Group 14–12; Okra; Crop Group
                                              3.0 ppm; and vegetable, fruiting, group                 associated with clethodim follows.                    Conversions for Brassica Leafy Greens
                                              8–10, except okra at 1.0 ppm. Upon                                                                            Subgroup 4–16B; Leafy Green Subgroup
                                              establishment of proposed tolerances                    A. Toxicological Profile                              4–16A; Leaf Petiole Vegetable Subgroup
                                              above, the Petitioner requests that 40                     EPA has evaluated the available                    22B; Stalk and Stem Vegetable
                                              CFR part 180.458 be amended by                          toxicity data and considered their                    Subgroup 22A; Vegetable, Brassica Head
                                              removing existing tolerances for                        validity, completeness, and reliability as            and Stem, Group 5–16; Expansion of
                                              residues of clethodim in or on the raw                  well as the relationship of the results of            Commodity Residue Tolerance to Green
                                              agricultural commodities asparagus at                   the studies to human risk. EPA has also               Onion Subgroup 3–07B and Response to
                                              1.7 ppm; Brassica, head and stem,                       considered available information                      6(a)(2) Data Submission’’ dated March
                                              subgroup 5A at 3.0 ppm; Brassica, leafy                 concerning the variability of the                     19, 2018 at 33–38 in docket ID number
                                              greens, subgroup 5B at 3.0 ppm; leaf                    sensitivities of major identifiable                   EPA–HQ–OPP–2016–0651.
                                              petioles subgroup 4B at 0.60 ppm; leafy                 subgroups of consumers, including
                                              greens subgroup 4A at 2.0 ppm; onion,                   infants and children.                                 B. Toxicological Points of Departure/
                                              green at 2.0 ppm; turnip, greens at 3.0                    The clethodim toxicity database                    Levels of Concern
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                                              ppm; and vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10                shows relatively low toxicity with the                  Once a pesticide’s toxicological
                                              at 1.0 ppm that are superseded by this                  liver being the target organ based on                 profile is determined, EPA identifies
                                              final rule. That document referenced a                  repeated dosing by either oral or dermal              toxicological points of departure (POD)
                                              summary of the petition prepared by                     routes in rats, mice, and dogs. The                   and levels of concern to use in
                                              Valent USA Corporation, the registrant,                 observed liver effects are characterized              evaluating the risk posed by human
                                              which is available in the docket, http://               by increased liver weights, clinical                  exposure to the pesticide. For hazards
                                              www.regulations.gov. Comments were                      chemistry changes, and centrilobular                  that have a threshold below which there


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                                              15750              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              is no appreciable risk, the toxicological               default processing factors were                       into the dietary exposure model. For
                                              POD is used as the basis for derivation                 assumed, except where tolerances were                 acute dietary risk assessment, the water
                                              of reference values for risk assessment.                established for processed commodities.                concentration value of 1,430 ppb was
                                              PODs are developed based on a careful                      ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting                used to assess the contribution to
                                              analysis of the doses in each                           the chronic dietary exposure assessment               drinking water. For chronic dietary risk
                                              toxicological study to determine the                    EPA used DEEM–FCID, Version 3.16,                     assessment, the water concentration of
                                              dose at which no adverse effects are                    which incorporates 2003–2008 food                     value 1,150 ppb was used to assess the
                                              observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest                     consumption data from the USDA’s                      contribution to drinking water.
                                              dose at which adverse effects of concern                NHANES/WWEIA. As to residue levels                       3. From non-dietary exposure. The
                                              are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/                in food, EPA conducted unrefined                      term ‘‘residential exposure’’ is used in
                                              safety factors are used in conjunction                  chronic dietary analyses assuming                     this document to refer to non-
                                              with the POD to calculate a safe                        tolerance levels for all commodities and              occupational, non-dietary exposure
                                              exposure level—generally referred to as                 100 PCT. DEEM version 7.81 default                    (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control,
                                              a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a                   processing factors were assumed, except               indoor pest control, termiticides, and
                                              reference dose (RfD)—and a safe margin                  where tolerances were established for                 flea and tick control on pets).
                                              of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold                    processed commodities.                                   Clethodim is currently registered for
                                              risks, the Agency assumes that any                         iii. Cancer. Based on the data                     the following uses that could result in
                                              amount of exposure will lead to some                    summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has                    residential exposures: In and around
                                              degree of risk. Thus, the Agency                        concluded that clethodim does not pose                ornamental plant beds, landscaped area,
                                              estimates risk in terms of the probability              a cancer risk to humans. Therefore, a                 trees, and ground covers (mulch). EPA
                                              of an occurrence of the adverse effect                  dietary exposure assessment for the                   assessed residential exposure using the
                                              expected in a lifetime. For more                        purpose of assessing cancer risk is                   following assumptions:
                                              information on the general principles                   unnecessary.                                             In a reassessment of existing
                                              EPA uses in risk characterization and a                    iv. Anticipated residue and PCT                    residential uses of clethodim conducted
                                              complete description of the risk                        information. EPA did not use                          to reflect updates to EPA’s 2012
                                              assessment process, see http://                         anticipated residue or PCT information                Residential SOPs along with policy
                                              www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-                     in the dietary assessment for clethodim.              changes for body weight assumptions,
                                              assessing-pesticide-risks/assessing-                    Tolerance-level residues and 100 PCT                  the Agency assessed short-term
                                              human-health-risk-pesticides.                           were assumed for all food commodities.                residential handler (adult only)
                                                 A summary of the toxicological                          2. Dietary exposure from drinking                  inhalation exposure. There is potential
                                              endpoints for clethodim used for human                  water. The Agency used screening-level                residential dermal post-application
                                              risk assessment is discussed in Unit III                water exposure models in the dietary                  exposure from the existing use of
                                              of the final rule published in the                      exposure analysis and risk assessment                 clethodim on ornamentals. However,
                                              Federal Register of May 6, 2016 (81 FR                  for clethodim in drinking water. These                since there is no adverse systemic
                                              27339) (FRL–9945–68).                                   simulation models take into account                   hazard via the dermal route of exposure,
                                                                                                      data on the physical, chemical, and fate/             and there is no incidental oral exposure
                                              C. Exposure Assessment                                  transport characteristics of clethodim.               expected from clethodim use on
                                                 1. Dietary exposure from food and                    Further information regarding EPA                     ornamental plants, a residential post-
                                              feed uses. In evaluating dietary                        drinking water models used in pesticide               application assessment has not been
                                              exposure to clethodim, EPA considered                   exposure assessment can be found at                   conducted. Further information
                                              exposure under the petitioned-for                       http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-                regarding EPA standard assumptions
                                              tolerances as well as all existing                      and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-                  and generic inputs for residential
                                              clethodim tolerances in 40 CFR 180.458.                 water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.                 exposures may be found at http://
                                              EPA assessed dietary exposures from                        Surface and ground water                           www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-
                                              clethodim in food as follows:                           contamination may occur from                          assessing-pesticide-risks/standard-
                                                 i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute                clethodim as well as its sulfoxide and                operating-procedures-residential-
                                              dietary exposure and risk assessments                   sulfone degradates. Exposure from water               pesticide.
                                              are performed for a food-use pesticide,                 contamination is primarily associated                    4. Cumulative effects from substances
                                              if a toxicological study has indicated the              with clethodim sulfone and clethodim                  with a common mechanism of toxicity.
                                              possibility of an effect of concern                     sulfoxide rather than parent clethodim                Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
                                              occurring as a result of a 1-day or single              based on greater persistence and                      requires that, when considering whether
                                              exposure.                                               mobility of these degradates. Thus, the               to establish, modify, or revoke a
                                                 Such effects were identified for                     exposure assessments were based on the                tolerance, the Agency consider
                                              clethodim. In estimating acute dietary                  total toxic residue rather than parent                ‘‘available information’’ concerning the
                                              exposure, EPA used the Dietary                          only.                                                 cumulative effects of a particular
                                              Exposure Evaluation Model software                         Based on the First Index Reservoir                 pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
                                              with the Food Commodity Intake                          Screening Tool (FIRST) and Pesticide                  substances that have a common
                                              Database (DEEM–FCID), Version 3.16,                     Root Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM                    mechanism of toxicity.’’
                                              which incorporates 2003–2008 food                       GW), the estimated drinking water                        EPA has not found clethodim to share
                                              consumption data from the U.S.                          concentrations (EDWCs) of clethodim                   a common mechanism of toxicity with
                                              Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s)                    for acute exposures are estimated to be               any other substances, and clethodim
                                              National Health and Nutrition                           330 parts per billion (ppb) for surface               does not appear to produce a toxic
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                                              Examination Survey, What We Eat in                      water and 1,430 ppb for ground water.                 metabolite produced by other
                                              America, (NHANES/WWEIA). As to                          For chronic exposures for non-cancer                  substances. For the purposes of this
                                              residue levels in food, EPA conducted                   assessments EDWCs are estimated to be                 tolerance action, therefore, EPA has
                                              unrefined acute dietary analyses                        137 ppb for surface water and 1,150 ppb               assumed that clethodim does not have
                                              assuming tolerance levels for all                       for ground water.                                     a common mechanism of toxicity with
                                              commodities and 100 percent crop-                          Modeled estimates of drinking water                other substances. For information
                                              treated (PCT). DEEM version 7.81                        concentrations were directly entered                  regarding EPA’s efforts to determine


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                       15751

                                              which chemicals have a common                           compared to adults in the 2-generation                short-term residential exposure plus
                                              mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate                   rat reproduction toxicity study. In the               chronic exposure to food and water
                                              the cumulative effects of such                          rat developmental study, reduced                      (considered to be a background
                                              chemicals, see the policy statements                    ossification seen at the same dose that               exposure level). Clethodim is currently
                                              released by EPA’s Office of Pesticide                   resulted in maternal toxicity is                      registered for uses that could result in
                                              Programs concerning common                              considered secondary to reduced                       short-term residential exposure, and the
                                              mechanism determinations and                            maternal body weight, and is not                      Agency has determined that it is
                                              procedures for cumulating effects from                  considered qualitative susceptibility.                appropriate to aggregate chronic
                                              substances found to have a common                          iv. There are no residual uncertainties            exposure through food and water with
                                              mechanism on EPA’s website at http://                   identified in the exposure databases.                 short-term residential exposures to
                                              www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-                     The dietary food exposure assessments                 clethodim.
                                              assessing-pesticide-risks/cumulative-                   were determined based on 100 PCT and                     Using the exposure assumptions
                                              assessment-risk-pesticides.                             tolerance-level residues. EPA made                    described in this unit for short-term
                                                                                                      conservative (protective) assumptions in              exposures, EPA has concluded the
                                              D. Safety Factor for Infants and                        the ground and surface water modeling
                                              Children                                                                                                      combined short-term food, water, and
                                                                                                      used to assess exposure to clethodim in               residential exposures result in a short-
                                                 1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of               drinking water. Post application                      term aggregate risk estimate for adults
                                              FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply                     exposure of children and incidental oral              ages 20 to 49 is a MOE of 2,100. Because
                                              an additional tenfold (10X) margin of                   exposures to toddlers are expected to be              EPA’s level of concern for clethodim is
                                              safety for infants and children in the                  negligible. All exposure estimates are                a MOE of 100 or below, this MOE is not
                                              case of threshold effects to account for                based on conservative assumptions that                of concern.
                                              prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the                 will not underestimate the exposure and                  4. Intermediate-term risk.
                                              completeness of the database on toxicity                risks posed by clethodim.                             Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
                                              and exposure unless EPA determines                                                                            takes into account intermediate-term
                                              based on reliable data that a different                 E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of
                                                                                                      Safety                                                residential exposure plus chronic
                                              margin of safety will be safe for infants                                                                     exposure to food and water (considered
                                              and children. This additional margin of                    EPA determines whether acute and                   to be a background exposure level).
                                              safety is commonly referred to as the                   chronic dietary pesticide exposures are                  Intermediate-term exposure is not
                                              FQPA Safety Factor (SF). In applying                    safe by comparing aggregate exposure                  expected for the residential exposure
                                              this provision, EPA either retains the                  estimates to the acute PAD (aPAD) and                 pathway. Therefore, the intermediate-
                                              default value of 10X, or uses a different               chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer                 term aggregate exposure would be
                                              additional safety factor when reliable                  risks, EPA calculates the lifetime                    equivalent to the chronic dietary
                                              data available to EPA support the choice                probability of acquiring cancer given the             exposure estimate.
                                              of a different factor.                                  estimated aggregate exposure. Short-,                    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S.
                                                 2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.               intermediate-, and chronic-term risks                 population. Based on the lack of
                                              There is no evidence of increased                       are evaluated by comparing the                        evidence of carcinogenicity in two
                                              susceptibility of fetuses as compared to                estimated aggregate food, water, and                  adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies,
                                              maternal animals following in utero                     residential exposure to the appropriate               clethodim is not expected to pose a
                                              and/or postnatal exposure to clethodim                  PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE                   cancer risk to humans.
                                              in the developmental toxicity studies in                exists.                                                  6. Determination of safety. Based on
                                              rats or rabbits, and no increased                          1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk             these risk assessments, EPA concludes
                                              sensitivity in pups as compared to                      assessment takes into account acute                   that there is a reasonable certainty that
                                              adults in the 2-generation rat                          exposure estimates from dietary                       no harm will result to the general
                                              reproduction toxicity study. There are                  consumption of food and drinking                      population, or to infants and children
                                              no residual uncertainties concerning                    water. The acute aggregate risk is                    from aggregate exposure to clethodim
                                              prenatal and postnatal toxicity.                        equivalent to the acute dietary risk.                 residues.
                                                 3. Conclusion. EPA has determined                       Using the exposure assumptions
                                              that reliable data show the safety of                   discussed in this unit for acute                      IV. Other Considerations
                                              infants and children would be                           exposure, the acute dietary exposure
                                                                                                                                                            A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
                                              adequately protected if the FQPA SF                     from food and water to clethodim will
                                              were reduced to 1X. That decision is                    occupy 29% of the aPAD, at the 95th                      Adequate analytical methods are
                                              based on the following findings:                        percentile of exposure for all infants (<1            available for enforcing clethodim
                                                 i. The toxicity database for clethodim               year old), the population group                       tolerances in/on the proposed/registered
                                              is complete and sufficient for selecting                receiving the greatest exposure.                      plant commodities. Samples were
                                              toxicity endpoints and PODs for                            2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure                analyzed for residues of clethodim and
                                              assessing risks.                                        assumptions described in this unit for                metabolites containing the 2-
                                                 ii. There is no indication that                      chronic exposure, EPA has concluded                   cyclohexen-1-one moiety using the gas
                                              clethodim is a neurotoxic chemical and                  that chronic exposure to clethodim from               chromatography/mass spectroscopy
                                              there is no need for a developmental                    food and water will utilize 30% of the                (GC/MS) Method YARL–0602D, adapted
                                              neurotoxicity study or additional UFs to                cPAD for all infants (<1 year old) the                from Method RM–26B–3 entitled, ‘‘The
                                              account for neurotoxicity.                              population group receiving the greatest               Determination of Clethodim Residues in
                                                 iii. There is no evidence that                       exposure. There are no chronic                        Crops, Chicken and Beef Tissues, Milk
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                                              clethodim results in increased                          residential exposure scenarios.                       and Eggs’’ (revision dated January 20,
                                              susceptibility of fetuses as compared to                Therefore, the chronic aggregate risk                 1994). The method converts residues of
                                              maternal animals following in utero                     would be equivalent to the chronic                    clethodim and metabolites to clethodim
                                              and/or postnatal exposure to clethodim                  dietary exposure (food and drinking                   sulfoxide (CSO) and clethodim 5
                                              in the prenatal developmental toxicity                  water) estimate.                                      hydroxy sulfoxide (5–OH CSO2), which
                                              studies in rats or rabbits, and no                         3. Short-term risk. Short-term                     are determined as their dimethyl esters
                                              increased sensitivity in pups as                        aggregate exposure takes into account                 (DME and DME–OH, respectively).


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                                              15752              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              Method RM–26B–3 is the enforcement                      meets the safety standard imposed by                  will need to be in compliance with the
                                              method for tolerances for clethodim                     that statute. When new or amended                     new tolerance levels.
                                              including its metabolites and                           tolerances are requested for residues of                 The tolerance level is appropriate
                                              degradates.                                             a pesticide in food or feed, the Agency,              based on available data and residue
                                                 The method may be requested from:                    as is required by section 408 of FFDCA,               levels resulting from registered use
                                              Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch,                     estimates the risk of the potential                   patterns. The tolerance levels are not
                                              Environmental Science Center, 701                       exposure to these residues. The Agency                discriminatory; the same food safety
                                              Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755–5350;                    has conducted that risk assessment,                   standard contained in the FFDCA
                                              telephone number: (410) 305–2905;                       which includes the consideration of                   applies equally to domestically
                                              email address: residuemethods@                          long-term animal studies with                         produced and imported foods. None of
                                              epa.gov.                                                clethodim, and concluded that there is                the other tolerance actions taken in this
                                                                                                      a reasonable certainty that no harm will              rulemaking restrict permissible
                                              B. International Residue Limits
                                                                                                      result from aggregate human exposure to               pesticide residues below currently
                                                 In making its tolerance decisions, EPA               clethodim and that, accordingly, the use              allowed levels in the United States.
                                              seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with                 of clethodim on petitioned-for food                      Any commodities listed in the
                                              international standards whenever                        commodities is ‘‘safe.’’                              regulatory text of this document that are
                                              possible, consistent with U.S. food                                                                           treated with the pesticides subject to
                                              safety standards and agricultural                       D. Revisions to Petitioned-For                        this final rule, and that are in the
                                              practices. EPA considers the                            Tolerances                                            channels of trade following the
                                              international maximum residue limits                                                                          expiration of the tolerance, shall be
                                                                                                        In accordance with its standard
                                              (MRLs) established by the Codex                                                                               subject to FFDCA section 408(1)(5).
                                                                                                      practice to provide greater precision
                                              Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as                                                                           Under this unit, any residues of these
                                                                                                      about the levels of residues that are
                                              required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).                                                                          pesticides in or on such food shall not
                                                                                                      permitted by a tolerance, EPA is adding
                                              The Codex Alimentarius is a joint                                                                             render the food adulterated so long as it
                                                                                                      an additional significant figure to the
                                              United Nations Food and Agriculture                                                                           is shown to the satisfaction of the Food
                                                                                                      petitioned-for tolerance values for
                                              Organization/World Health                                                                                     and Drug Administration that:
                                                                                                      Almond hulls and Nut, tree, group 14–
                                              Organization food standards program,                                                                             1. The residue is present as the result
                                                                                                      12. This is to avoid the situation where
                                              and it is recognized as an international                                                                      of an application or use of the pesticide
                                                                                                      residues may be higher than the
                                              food safety standards-setting                                                                                 at a time and in a manner that was
                                                                                                      tolerance level, but as a result of
                                              organization in trade agreements to                                                                           lawful under FIFRA.
                                                                                                      rounding would be considered non-                        2. The residue does not exceed the
                                              which the United States is a party. EPA
                                                                                                      violative (for example, Almond                        level that was authorized at the time of
                                              may establish a tolerance that is
                                                                                                      tolerance proposed at 0.2 ppm was                     the application or use to be present on
                                              different from a Codex MRL; however,
                                                                                                      established at 0.20 ppm, to avoid an                  the food under a tolerance or exemption
                                              FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that
                                                                                                      observed hypothetical tolerance at 0.24               from tolerance. Evidence to show that
                                              EPA explain the reasons for departing
                                                                                                      ppm being rounded to 0.2 ppm).                        food was lawfully treated may include
                                              from the Codex level.
                                                 There are no Codex MRLs for                          E. International Trade Considerations                 records that verify the dates that the
                                              clethodim and its metabolites in or on                                                                        pesticide was applied to such food.
                                              the crops associated with this action.                    In this final rule, EPA is establishing
                                                                                                      a crop subgroup tolerance for subgroup                V. Conclusion
                                              C. Response to Comments                                 22A (stalk and stem vegetable) at 1.7                    Therefore, tolerances are established
                                                The Agency received four comments                     ppm. This subgroup includes the                       for residues of the herbicide clethodim,
                                              on the notice of filing (NOF) for this                  commodity kohlrabi, for which a                       2-[(1E)-1-[[[(2E)-3-chloro-2-
                                              petition. While none of the commenters                  tolerance is currently set at 3.0 ppm, as             propenyl]oxy]imino]propyl]-5-[2-
                                              mentioned any specific concerns with                    one of the commodities in the currently               (ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-
                                              the clethodim tolerances noticed in the                 established tolerance for Brassica, head              cyclohexen-1-one, and its metabolites
                                              NOF, two comments generally opposed                     and stem subgroup 5A. Setting a new                   containing the 5-(2-
                                              the use of chemicals or pesticides in or                tolerance at 1.7 ppm on kohlrabi as part              ethylthiopropyl)cyclohexene-3-one and
                                              food and two comments generally urged                   of subgroup 22A has a potentially trade               5-(2-ethylthiopropyl)-5-
                                              the Agency to ensure protection of the                  restrictive effect on the import of                   hydroxycyclohexene-3-one moieties and
                                              environment and human health by                         kohlrabi. In the 2016 crop grouping rule,             their sulphoxides and sulphones,
                                              reviewing science and determining                       kohlrabi was moved to the stalk and                   calculated as the stoichiometric
                                              whether use of pesticide is safe for                    stem vegetable subgroup 22A. See 81 FR                equivalent of clethodim, in or on
                                              human consumption.                                      26471 (May 3, 2016).                                  Almond, hulls at 0.20 ppm; Brassica,
                                                The Agency recognizes that some                         In accordance with the World Trade                  Leafy, greens, subgroup 4–16B at 3.0
                                              individuals believe that certain                        Organization’s (WTO) Sanitary and                     ppm; Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup
                                              pesticides are ‘‘toxic chemicals’’ that                 Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)                          22B at 0.60 ppm; Leafy greens subgroup
                                              should not be permitted in our food;                    Agreement, EPA intends to promptly                    4–16A at 2.0 ppm; Nut, tree, group 14–
                                              however, no new information                             publish this action with the WTO. In                  12 at 0.20 ppm; Okra 1.5 ppm; Onion,
                                              demonstrating toxicity or exposure of                   addition, EPA is allowing the existing                green, subgroup 3–07B at 2.0 ppm; Stalk
                                              clethodim that EPA could use to                         kohlrabi tolerance to remain in effect for            and stem vegetable subgroup 22A at 1.7
                                              evaluate the safety of the pesticide was                six months following publication of this              ppm; Vegetable, Brassica, head and
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                                              provided by commenters. The existing                    rule in order to provide a six-month                  stem, group 5–16 at 3.0 ppm; and
                                              legal framework provided by section                     reasonable interval for producers in                  Vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10, except
                                              408 of the Federal Food, Drug and                       exporting countries to adapt the                      okra at 1.0 ppm. In addition, established
                                              Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) states that                        modified tolerances. Before that date,                tolerances in or on ‘‘Asparagus’’;
                                              tolerances may be set when persons                      residues of clethodim in or on kohlrabi               ‘‘Brassica, head and stem, subgroup
                                              seeking such tolerances or exemptions                   will be permitted at the current                      5A’’; ‘‘Brassica, leafy greens, subgroup
                                              have demonstrated that the pesticide                    tolerance levels; after that date, residues           5B’’; ‘‘Leaf petioles subgroup 4B’’;


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                            15753

                                              ‘‘Leafy greens subgroup 4A’’; ‘‘Onion,                  section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency                ‘‘Vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10’’; from
                                              green’’; ‘‘Turnip, greens’’; and                        has determined that this action will not              the table in paragraph (a).
                                              ‘‘Vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10’’ are                 have a substantial direct effect on States            ■ b. Add alphabetically the entries to
                                              removed as they are superseded by this                  or tribal governments, on the                         the table in paragraph (a) ‘‘Almond,
                                              final tolerance rule. To minimize the                   relationship between the national                     hulls’’; ‘‘Brassica, Leafy, greens,
                                              potential for trade irritation, the Agency              government and the States or tribal
                                                                                                                                                            subgroup 4–16B’’; ‘‘Kohlrabi’’; ‘‘Leaf
                                              is allowing the existing tolerance for                  governments, or on the distribution of
                                              kohlrabi to remain in place for six                                                                           petiole vegetable subgroup 22B’’; ‘‘Leafy
                                                                                                      power and responsibilities among the
                                              months by adding an expiration date of                  various levels of government or between               greens subgroup 4–16A’’; ‘‘Nut, tree,
                                              six months following publication of this                the Federal Government and Indian                     group 14–12’’; ‘‘Okra’’; ‘‘Onion, green,
                                              rule to each individual tolerance. Since                tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined               subgroup 3–07B’’; ‘‘Stalk and stem
                                              kohlrabi is currently contained within                  that Executive Order 13132, entitled                  vegetable subgroup 22A’’; ‘‘Vegetable,
                                              the existing subgroup 5A tolerance,                     ‘‘Federalism’’ (64 FR 43255, August 10,               Brassica, head and stem, group 5–16’’;
                                              which is being removed by this action,                  1999) and Executive Order 13175,                      and ‘‘Vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10,
                                              the Agency is listing kohlrabi as a                     entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination              except okra’’.
                                              separate tolerance at 3.0 ppm to remain                 with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR               ■ c. Add footnote 1 to the table in
                                              in effect for a six-month period.                       67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply                 paragraph (a).
                                              VI. Statutory and Executive Order                       to this action. In addition, this action
                                                                                                                                                               The additions and revisions read as
                                              Reviews                                                 does not impose any enforceable duty or
                                                                                                                                                            follows:
                                                                                                      contain any unfunded mandate as
                                                 This action establishes tolerances                   described under Title II of the Unfunded              § 180.458 Clethodim; tolerances for
                                              under FFDCA section 408(d) in                           Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) (2 U.S.C.                  residues.
                                              response to a petition submitted to the                 1501 et seq.).
                                              Agency. The Office of Management and                       This action does not involve any                       (a) * * *
                                              Budget (OMB) has exempted these types                   technical standards that would require
                                              of actions from review under Executive                  Agency consideration of voluntary                                     Commodity                            Parts per
                                              Order 12866, entitled ‘‘Regulatory                                                                                                                                  million
                                                                                                      consensus standards pursuant to section
                                              Planning and Review’’ (58 FR 51735,                     12(d) of the National Technology
                                              October 4, 1993). Because this action                   Transfer and Advancement Act
                                              has been exempted from review under                                                                               *         *             *               *             *
                                                                                                      (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).                          Almond, hulls ..............................             0.20
                                              Executive Order 12866, this action is
                                              not subject to Executive Order 13211,                   VII. Congressional Review Act
                                              entitled ‘‘Actions Concerning                                                                                     *         *          *               *                *
                                                                                                        Pursuant to the Congressional Review                 Brassica, leafy, greens, sub-
                                              Regulations That Significantly Affect                   Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will                     group 4–16B ...........................                    3.0
                                              Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use’’ (66               submit a report containing this rule and
                                              FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive                    other required information to the U.S.                    *            *              *               *         *
                                              Order 13045, entitled ‘‘Protection of                   Senate, the U.S. House of                              Kohlrabi 1 .....................................             3.0
                                              Children from Environmental Health                      Representatives, and the Comptroller                   Leaf petiole vegetable subgroup
                                              Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885,                  General of the United States prior to                    22B ..........................................         0.60
                                              April 23, 1997)); or Executive Order                    publication of the rule in the Federal                 Leafy greens subgroup 4–16A ...                           2.0
                                              13771, entitled ‘‘Reducing Regulations                  Register. This action is not a ‘‘major
                                              and Controlling Regulatory Costs’’ (82                  rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                     *             *              *               *        *
                                              FR 9339, February 3, 2017). This action                                                                        Nut, tree, group 14–12 ...............                   0.20
                                              does not contain any information                        List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
                                                                                                                                                             Okra ............................................          1.5
                                              collections subject to OMB approval                       Environmental protection,
                                              under the Paperwork Reduction Act                       Administrative practice and procedure,                    *        *        *        *                          *
                                              (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does                Agricultural commodities, Pesticides                   Onion, green, subgroup 3–07B ..                              2.0
                                              it require any special considerations                   and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                              under Executive Order 12898, entitled                   requirements.                                             *         *            *               *              *
                                              ‘‘Federal Actions to Address                              Dated: March 19, 2018.                               Stalk and stem vegetable sub-
                                              Environmental Justice in Minority                                                                                group 22A ...............................                  1.7
                                                                                                      Michael L. Goodis,
                                              Populations and Low-Income
                                              Populations’’ (59 FR 7629, February 16,                 Director, Registration Division, Office of
                                                                                                      Pesticide Programs.                                       *         *            *               *              *
                                              1994).                                                                                                         Vegetable, brassica, head and
                                                 Since tolerances and exemptions that                   Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is                         stem, group 5–16 ....................                      3.0
                                              are established on the basis of a petition              amended as follows:                                    Vegetable, fruiting, group 8–10,
                                              under FFDCA section 408(d), such as                                                                              except okra .............................                  1.0
                                              the tolerance in this final rule, do not                PART 180—[AMENDED]
                                              require the issuance of a proposed rule,                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 180
                                                                                                                                                                 *              *             *             *         *
                                              the requirements of the Regulatory                      continues to read as follows:                           1 This tolerance expires on October 12,
                                              Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et                                                                        2018.
                                              seq.), do not apply.                                        Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
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                                                 This action directly regulates growers,              ■ 2. In § 180.458:                                    *         *        *        *         *
                                              food processors, food handlers, and food                ■ a. Remove the entries for                           [FR Doc. 2018–07651 Filed 4–11–18; 8:45 am]
                                              retailers, not States or tribes, nor does               ‘‘Asparagus’’; ‘‘Brassica, head and stem,             BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                              this action alter the relationships or                  subgroup 5A’’; ‘‘Brassica, leafy greens,
                                              distribution of power and                               subgroup 5B’’; ‘‘Leaf petioles subgroup
                                              responsibilities established by Congress                4B’’; ‘‘Leafy greens subgroup 4A’’;
                                              in the preemption provisions of FFDCA                   ‘‘Onion, green’’; ‘‘Turnip, greens’’; and


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Document Created: 2018-11-02 08:15:07
Document Modified: 2018-11-02 08:15:07
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 April 12, 2018. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before June 11, 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 L. Goodis, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-
FR Citation83 FR 15748 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Administrative Practice and Procedure; Agricultural Commodities; Pesticides and Pests and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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