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Quinoxyfen; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency
Exemptions [Federal Register: January 28, 2005 (Volume 70,
Number 18)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 4026-4032]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28ja05-14]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[OPP-2005-0009; FRL-7695-3]
Quinoxyfen; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes time-limited tolerances for
residues of quinoxyfen in or on vegetable, cucurbit, subgroup 9A;
pumpkin; and squash, winter. This action is in response to EPA's
granting of an emergency exemption under section 18 of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing
use of
the pesticide on melons, winter squash, and pumpkins. This regulation
establishes a maximum permissible level for residues of quinoxyfen
in
these food commodities. These tolerances will
expire and are revoked on
December 31, 2007.
DATES: This regulation is effective January 28, 2005. Objections
and
requests for hearings must be received on or before March 29, 2005.
ADDRESSES: To submit a written objection or hearing request follow
the
detailed instructions as provided in Unit VII. of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION. EPA has established a docket for this action under
Docket
identification (ID) number OPP-2005-0009. All documents in
the docket
are listed in the EDOCKET index at http://www.epa.gov/edocket .
Although
listed in the index, some information is not publicly available,
i.e.,
CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed
on
the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
in EDOCKET or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records
Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S.
Bell St., Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30
a.m. to
4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket
telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Madden, Registration Division
(7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection
Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 305-6463; e-mail address: madden.barbara@epa.gov .
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
• Crop production (NAICS 111)
• Animal production (NAICS 112)
• Food manufacturing (NAICS 311)
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS 32532)
This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by
this
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also
be
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have
any
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document and Other
Related Information?
In addition to using EDOCKET ( http://www.epa.gov/edocket/ ), you
may
access this Federal Register document electronically through the
EPA
Internet under the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://www.epa.gov/
fedrgstr/ . A frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR part
180
is available at E-CFR Beta Site Two at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
EPA, on its own initiative, in accordance
with sections 408(e) and
408 (l)(6) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA),
21
U.S.C. 346a,
[[Page 4027]]
is establishing tolerances for residues of the fungicide quinoxyfen,
5,7-dichloro-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)quinoline,
in or on vegetable,
cucurbit, subgroup 9A; pumpkin; and squash, winter at 0.30 parts
per
million (ppm). These tolerances will expire and are revoked
on December
31, 2007. EPA will publish a document in the Federal Register to
remove
the revoked tolerance from the Code of Federal Regulations.
Section 408(l)(6) of the FFDCA requires EPA to establish a time-
limited tolerance or exemption from the requirement for a tolerance
for
pesticide chemical residues in food that will result from the use
of a
pesticide under an emergency exemption granted by EPA under section
18
of FIFRA. Such tolerances can be established
without providing notice
or period for public comment. EPA does not intend for its actions
on
section 18 related tolerances to set binding precedents for the
application of section 408 of the FFDCA and the new safety standard
to
other tolerances and exemptions. Section
408(e) of the FFDCA allows EPA
to establish a tolerance or an exemption from the requirement of
a
tolerance on its own initiative, i.e., without having received any
petition from an outside party.
Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of the 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 the 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 the 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.
. .
.''
Section 18 of the FIFRA authorizes EPA to
exempt any Federal or
State agency from any provision of FIFRA, if EPA determines that
``emergency conditions exist which require such exemption.'' This
provision was not amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of
1996
(FQPA). EPA has established regulations governing such emergency
exemptions in 40 CFR part 166.
III. Emergency Exemption for Quinoxyfen on Melons, Winter Squash,
and
Pumpkins and FFDCA Tolerances
There are protectant fungicides registered that are effective in
controlling powdery mildew on the upper leaf surfaces of melons,
winter
squash and pumpkins when the fungicide is in direct contact with
the
pathogen. However, these fungicides do not provide protection against
the pathogen growing on the undersides of the leaves. During the
2003
growing season, resistance of powdery mildew control from the systemic
registered alternatives (strobilurins and myclobutanil) was confirmed.
The registered strobilurins and myclobutanil proved to be ineffective
in controlling powdery mildew in melons, winter squash and pumpkins.
The Agency believes that under high disease pressure and disease
favorable weather conditions 20-30 percent yield losses are likely
without the use of quinoxyfen. EPA has authorized
under FIFRA section
18 the use of quinoxyfen on melons, winter squash, and pumpkins
for
control of powdery mildew in New York. After having reviewed
the
submission, EPA concurs that emergency conditions exist for this
State.
As part of its assessment of this emergency exemption, EPA assessed
the potential risks presented by residues of quinoxyfen in or on
cantaloupe, muskmelon, watermelon, watermelon
juice, winter squash,
pumpkin and pumpkin seed. In doing so, EPA considered the
safety
standard in section 408(b)(2) of the FFDCA, and EPA decided that
the
necessary tolerance under section 408(l)(6) of the FFDCA would be
consistent with the safety standard and with FIFRA section 18.
Consistent with the need to move quickly on the emergency exemption
in
order to address an urgent non-routine situation and to ensure that
the
resulting food is safe and lawful, EPA is issuing this tolerance
without notice and opportunity for public comment as provided in
section 408(l)(6) of the FFDCA. Although this tolerance will expire
and
is revoked on December 31, 2007, under
section 408(l)(5) of the FFDCA,
residues of the pesticide not in excess of the amounts specified
in the
tolerance remaining in or on melon subgroup 9A, pumpkin and winter
squash after that date will not be unlawful, provided the pesticide
is
applied in a manner that was lawful under FIFRA, and the residues
do
not exceed a level that was authorized by this tolerance at the
time of
that application. EPA will take action to revoke
this tolerance earlier
if any experience with, scientific data on, or other relevant
information on this pesticide indicate that the residues are not
safe.
Because this tolerance is being approved
under emergency
conditions, EPA has not made any decisions about whether quinoxyfen
meets EPA's registration requirements for use on melons, winter
squash,
and pumpkins or whether a permanent tolerance for these uses would
be
appropriate. Under these circumstances, EPA does not believe
that these
tolerances serve as a basis for registration of quinoxyfen by a
State
for special local needs under FIFRA section 24(c).
Nor do these
tolerances serve as the basis for any State other than New York
to use
this pesticide on these crops under section 18 of FIFRA without
following all provisions of EPA's regulations implementing FIFRA
section 18 as identified in 40 CFR part 166. For additional
information
regarding the emergency exemption for quinoxyfen, contact the Agency's
Registration Division at the address provided under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety
EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. For further discussion
of the
regulatory requirements of section 408 of the FFDCA and a complete
description of the risk assessment process, see the final rule on
Bifenthrin Pesticide Tolerances (62 FR 62961, November 26, 1997)
(FRL-
5754-7).
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of the FFDCA, 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
quinoxyfen and to make a determination on aggregate exposure,
consistent with section 408(b)(2) of the FFDCA, for a time-limited
tolerance for residues of quinoxyfen in or on vegetable, cucurbit,
subgroup 9A; pumpkin; and squash, winter at 0.30 ppm. EPA's assessment
of the dietary exposures and risks associated with establishing
the
tolerance follows.
A. Toxicological Endpoints
EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship
of
the results of the studies to human risk. The toxicology database
for
quinoxyfen is complete. EPA has considered available information
concerning the variability of the sensitivities of major identifiable
[[Page 4028]]
subgroups of consumers, including infants and children. The
nature of
the toxic effects caused by quinoxyfen are fully discussed in a
Federal
Register Notice published on September 29, 2003 (68 FR 55849) that
established tolerances for residues of quinoxyfen on cherries, grapes
and hops. Please refer to that document
for a complete discussion of
the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) and the lowest observed
adverse effect level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies reviewed.
The dose, typically the NOAEL, from the toxicology study identified
as appropriate for use in risk assessment is used to estimate the
toxicological endpoint. However, the lowest dose at which adverse
effects of concern are identified the LOAEL is sometimes used for
risk
assessment if no NOAEL was achieved in the toxicology study selected.
An uncertainty factor (UF) is applied to reflect uncertainties inherent
in the extrapolation from laboratory animal data to humans and in
the
variations in sensitivity among members of the human population
as well
as other unknowns. An UF of 100 is routinely used, 10X to account
for
interspecies differences and 10X for intraspecies differences.
For dietary risk assessment (other than cancer) the Agency uses
the
UF to calculate an acute or chronic reference dose (acute RfD or
chronic RfD) where the RfD is equal to the NOAEL divided by the
appropriate UF (RfD = NOAEL/UF). Where an additional safety factor
(SF)
is retained due to concerns unique to the FQPA, this additional
factor
is applied to the RfD by dividing the RfD by such additional factor.
The acute or chronic Population Adjusted Dose (aPAD or cPAD) is
a
modification of the RfD to accommodate this type of FQPA SF.
For non-dietary risk assessments (other than cancer) the UF is used
to determine the level of concern (LOC). For example, when 100 is
the
appropriate UF (10X to account for interspecies differences and
10X for
intraspecies differences) the LOC is 100. To estimate risk, a ratio
of
the NOAEL to exposures (margin of exposure (MOE) = NOAEL/exposure)
is
calculated and compared to the LOC.
The linear default risk methodology (Q*) is the primary method
currently used by the Agency to quantify carcinogenic risk. The
Q*
approach assumes that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree
of cancer risk. A Q* is calculated and used to estimate risk which
represents a probability of occurrence of additional cancer cases
(e.g., risk is expressed as 1 x10-6 or one in a million).
Under certain specific circumstances, MOE calculations will be used
for
the carcinogenic risk assessment. In thisnon-linear approach, a
``point
of departure'' is identified below which carcinogenic effects are
not
expected. The point of departure is typically a NOAEL based on an
endpoint related to cancer effects though it may be a different
value
derived from the dose response curve. To estimate risk, a ratio
of the
point of departure to exposure (MOEcancer = point of
departure/exposures) is calculated. A summary of the toxicological
endpoints for Quinoxyfen used for human risk assessment is shown
in the
following Table 1:
Table
1.--Summary of Toxicological Dose and Endpoints for Quinoxyfen
for Use in Human Risk Assessment |
Exposure
Scenario |
Dose Used
in Risk Assessment, UF |
FQPA SF*
and Level of Concern for Risk Assessment |
Study and
Toxicological Effects |
Acute dietary (females 13-50 years of age) and Acute dietary
(general population including infants and children) |
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
There
were no toxic effects attributable to a single dose. Therefore,
an endpoint of concern was not identified to quantitate acute-dietary
risk to the general population or to the subpopulation females
13-50 years old |
Chronic
Dietary (All populations) |
NOAEL =
20 milligram/kilogram/day (mg/kg/day)UF = 100
Chronic RfD = 0.20 mg/ kg/day. |
FQPA SF
= 1cPAD = chronic RfD/FQPA SF = 0.20 mg/kg/day. |
Combined
chronic toxicity/ carcinogenicity study in rat LOAEL = 80 mg/kg/day,
based upon increases in severity of chronic
progressive glomerulonephropathy in the males and minimal
decreases in body weight and body weight gain in both sexes |
Cancer
(oral, dermal, inhalation) |
classified
as not likely to be carcinogenic to humans |
Not applicable
|
No evidence
of carcinogenicity in rats and mice |
\*\The
reference to the FQPA SF refers to any additional SF retained
due to concerns unique to the FQPA. |
B. Exposure Assessment
1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. Tolerances have been
established (40 CFR 180.588) for the residues of quinoxyfen, in
or on a
variety of raw agricultural commodities including sweet and tart
cherries, hops and grapes. Risk assessments were conducted by EPA
to
assess dietary exposures from quinoxyfen in food as follows:
i. Acute exposure. Quantitative Acute dietary 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 one day or single exposure. There were no toxic effects
attributable to a single dose. Therefore, an endpoint of concern
was
not identified to quantitate acute-dietary risk to the general
population or to the subpopulation females 13-50 years old. As a
result, no acute risk is expected from exposure to quinoxyfen and
hence
no quantitative acute dietary risk assessment was performed.
ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting this chronic dietary risk
assessment EPA used the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model software
with
the Food Commodity Intake Database (DEEM-FCID\TM\ ) which incorporates
food consumption data as reported by respondents in the USDA 1994-1996
[[Page 4029]]
and 1998 nationwide Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals
(CSFII) and accumulated exposure to the chemical for each commodity.
The following assumptions were made: An unrefined, Tier 1 chronic-
dietary exposure assessment using tolerance-level residues and assuming
100% CT for all proposed commodities, and default DEEM Version 7.76
processing factors for all commodities.
iii. Cancer. Quinoxyfen
has been classified as not likely to be
carcinogenic to humans. Therefore, a quantitative exposure assessment
was not conducted to assess cancer risk.
2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency lacks
sufficient monitoring exposure data to complete a comprehensive
dietary
exposure analysis and risk assessment for quinoxyfen in drinking
water.
Because the Agency does not have comprehensive monitoring data,
drinking water concentration estimates are made by reliance on
simulation or modeling taking into account data on the physical
characteristics of quinoxyfen.
The Agency uses the First Index Reservoir Screening Tool (FIRST)
or
the Pesticide Root Zone/Exposure Analysis Modeling System (PRZM/EXAMS)
to produce estimates of pesticide concentrations in an index reservoir.
The Screening Concentrations in Groundwater (SCI-GROW) model is
used to
predict pesticide concentrations in shallow ground water. For a
screening-level assessment for surface water EPA will generally
use
FIRST (a Tier 1 model) before using PRZM/EXAMS (a Tier 2 model).
The
FIRST model is a subset of the PRZM/EXAMS model that uses a specific
high-end runoff scenario for pesticides. While both FIRST and PRZM/
EXAMS incorporate an index reservoir environment, the PRZM/EXAMS
model
includes a percent crop area factor as an adjustment to account
for the
maximum percent crop coverage within a watershed or drainage basin.
None of these models include consideration of the impact processing
(mixing, dilution, or treatment) of raw water for distribution as
drinking water would likely have on the removal of pesticides from
the
source water. The primary use of these models by the Agency at this
stage is to provide a coarse screen for sorting out pesticides for
which it is highly unlikely that drinking water concentrations would
ever exceed human health levels of concern.
Since the models used are considered to be screening tools in the
risk assessment process, the Agency does not use estimated
environmental concentrations (EECs) from these models to quantify
drinking water exposure and risk as a %RfD or %PAD. Instead drinking
water levels of comparison (DWLOCs) are calculated and used as a
point
of comparison against the model estimates of a pesticide's
concentration in water. DWLOCs are theoretical upper limits on a
pesticide's concentration in drinking water in light of total aggregate
exposure to a pesticide in food, and from residential uses. Since
DWLOCs address total aggregate exposure to quinoxyfen they are further
discussed in the aggregate risk sections below.
Based on the FIRST and SCI-GROW models the EECs of quinoxyfen for
chronic exposures are estimated to be 0.8 parts per billion (ppb)
for
surface water and 0.006 ppb for ground 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). Quinoxyfen
is not
registered for use on any sites that would result in residential
exposure.
4. Cumulative exposure to substances with a common mechanism
oftoxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the 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 does not have, at this time, available data to determine
whether quinoxyfen has a common mechanism of toxicity with other
substances or how to include this pesticide in a cumulative risk
assessment. Unlike other pesticides for which EPA has followed a
cumulative risk approach based on a common mechanism of toxicity,
quinoxyfen does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced
by
other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore,
EPA has not assumed that quinoxyfen has a common mechanism of toxicity
with other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to
determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and
to
evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see the final
rule
for Bifenthrin Pesticide Tolerances (62 FR 62961, November 26, 1997).
C. Safety Factor for Infants and Children
1. In general. Section 408 of the FFDCA provides that EPA shall
apply an additional tenfold 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 data base on toxicity and exposure
unless EPA determines that a different margin of safety will be
safe
for infants and children. Margins of safety are incorporated into
EPA
risk assessments either directly through use of a MOE analysis or
through using uncertainty (safety) factors in calculating a dose
level
that poses no appreciable risk to humans.
2. Developmental toxicity studies. In
a prenatal developmental
study in rats the Maternal and Developmental NOAELs were 1,000 mg/kg/
day and no LOAELs were identified. In a prenatal developmental study
in
rabbits the Maternal NOAEL was 80 mg/kg/day and the LOAEL was 200
mg/
kg/day based on inanition, clinical
signs, decreased body weights, body
weight gains, and food consumption and on increased
incidences of
abortion. The Developmental NOAEL is 80 mg/kg/day and the
LOAEL is 200
mg/kg/day based on increased incidences of abortion.
3. Reproductive toxicity study. In
a reproduction toxicity study in
rats the Parental/Systemic NOAEL was 100 mg/kg/day and no LOAEL
was
identified. The Reproductive NOAEL was 100 mg/kg/day and no LOAEL
was
identified. The Offspring NOAEL was 20 mg/kg/day and the LOAEL was
100
mg/kg/day based on a minimal decrease in F1a pup weights.
4. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity.
There is no quantitative or
qualitative evidence of increased susceptibility of rat and rabbit
fetuses to in utero exposure in developmental studies. There
is
evidence of increased quantitative susceptibility (minimal decrease
in
F1a pup weights) in the rat multi-generation reproduction
study, but the concern is low since: (1) The effects in pups
are well-
characterized with a clear NOAEL; (2) the pup effects are minimal
at
the LOAEL and only noted in the first-generation offspring; and,
(3)
the doses and endpoints selected for regulatory purposes would address
the concerns of the pup effects noted in the rat reproduction study.
Therefore, there are no residual uncertainties for prenatal/postnatal
toxicity in this study.
5. Conclusion. There is a complete toxicity data base for
quinoxyfen and exposure data are complete or are estimated based
on
data that reasonably
[[Page 4030]]
accounts for potential exposures. There are no residual uncertainties
for prenatal/postnatal toxicity. No additional safety factor is
needed
for database uncertainties. No clinical sign of neurotoxicity or
neuropathology was seen in the data base. A
developmental neurotoxicity
study is not required. Therefore, EPA determined that the 10X SF
to
protect infants and children should be reduced to 1X.
D. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety
To estimate total aggregate exposure to a pesticide from food,
drinking water, and residential uses, the Agency calculates DWLOCs
which are used as a point of comparison against the model estimates
of
a pesticide's concentration in water (EECs). DWLOC values are not
regulatory standards for drinking water. DWLOCs are theoretical
upper
limits on a pesticide's concentration in drinking water in light
of
total aggregate exposure to a pesticide in food and residential
uses.
In calculating a DWLOC, the Agency determines how much of the
acceptable exposure (i.e., the PAD) is available for exposure through
drinking water e.g., allowable chronic water exposure (mg/kg/day)
=
cPAD - (average food + chronic non-dietary, non-occupational exposure).
This allowable exposure through drinking water is used to calculate
a
DWLOC.
A DWLOC will vary depending on the toxic endpoint, drinking water
consumption, and body weights. Default body weights and consumption
values as used by the USEPA Office of Water are used to calculate
DWLOCs: 2 liter (L)/70 kg (adult male), 2L/60 kg (adult female),
and
1L/10 kg (child). Default body weights and drinking water consumption
values vary on an individual basis. This variation will be taken
into
account in more refined screening-level and quantitative drinking
water
exposure assessments. Different populations will have different
DWLOCs.
Generally, a DWLOC is calculated for each type of risk assessment
used:
Acute, short-term, intermediate-term, chronic, and cancer.
When EECs for surface water and groundwater are less than the
calculated DWLOCs, OPP concludes with reasonable certainty that
exposures to quinoxyfen in drinking water (when considered along
with
other sources of exposure for which OPP has reliable data) would
not
result in unacceptable levels of aggregate human health risk at
this
time. Because OPP considers the aggregate risk resulting from multiple
exposure pathways associated with a pesticide's uses, levels of
comparison in drinking water may vary as those uses change. If new
uses
are added in the future, OPP will reassess the potential impacts
of
quinoxyfen on drinking water as a part of the aggregate risk assessment
process.
1. Acute risk. An endpoint of concern was not identified to
quantitate acute-dietary risk to the general population or to the
subpopulation females 13-50 years old. As a result, no acute risk
is
expected from exposure to quinoxyfen.
2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that exposure to
quinoxyfen from food will utilize less than 1% of the cPAD for the
U.S.
population, 1% of the cPAD for all infants (< 1 year old) and
2% of the
cPAD for children (1-2 years old), the children subpopulation at
greatest exposure. There are no residential uses for quinoxyfen
that
result in chronic residential exposure to quinoxyfen. In addition,
there is potential for chronic dietary exposure to quinoxyfen in
drinking water. After calculating DWLOCs and comparing them to the
EECs
for surface and ground water, EPA does not expect the aggregate
exposure to exceed 100% of the cPAD, as shown in Table 2 of this
unit:
Table
2.--Aggregate Risk Assessment for Chronic (Non-Cancer) Exposure
to Quinoxyfen |
Population
Subgroup |
cPAD mg/kg/day |
% cPAD |
(Food)
Surface Water
EEC (ppb) |
Ground
Water
EEC (ppb) |
Chronic
DWLOC
(ppb) |
U.S. population
|
0.20 |
< 1%
|
0.8 |
0.006 |
7000 |
All Infants
(< 1 year old) |
0.20 |
1% |
0.8 |
0.006 |
2000 |
Children
(1-2 years old) |
0.20 |
2% |
0.8 |
0.006 |
2000 |
3. Short-term and Intermediate-term risks. Short- and intermediate-
term aggregate exposure take into account non-dietary, non-occupational
plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a background
exposure level). Quinoxyfen is not registered for use on any sites
that
would result in residential exposure. Therefore, the aggregate risk
is
the sum of the risk from food and water, which were previously addressed.
4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Quinoxyfen has been
classified as not likely to be carcinogenic to humans. Therefore,
quinoxyfen is expected to pose at most a negligible cancer risk.
5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will
result
to the general population, and to infants and children from aggregate
exposure to quinoxyfen residues.
V. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
IR-4 has proposed a gas chromatography (GC) method with mass-
selective detection (MSD) entitled Determination of DE-795 Residues
in
Grape Wine, Must, and Pomace ERC95.26 (and its supplement S1) for
the
enforcement of proposed tolerances for residues of quinoxyfen in/on
grapes, cherries and hops. Method ERC 95.26 is classified as acceptable
and conforms with the criteria of OPPTS GL 860.1340. The petitioner
has
submitted a study which investigated the behavior of quinoxyfen
through
MRMs outlined in FDA's Pesticide Analytical Manual (PAM), Volume
I,
Appendix II. The study summary reported that depending on spike
levels,
certain MRM Protocols (D, E, and F) yielded partial (incomplete)
to
complete recoveries of quinoxyfen in grapes (non-fatty matrix) and
ground beef (fatty matrix).
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; e-mail address:
residuemethods@epa.gov..
B. International Residue Limits
There are no Mexican, Canadian or Codex Maximum Residue Limits
(MRLs) established for quinoxyfen on sweet and tart cherries, grapes,
or hops. Therefore, no compatibility problems exist for these tolerances.
[[Page 4031]]
VI. Conclusion
Therefore, tolerances are established for quinoxyfen, 5,7-dichloro-
4-(4-fluorophenoxy)quinoline in or on vegetable,
cucurbit, subgroup 9A;
pumpkin; and squash, winter at 0.30 ppm.
VII. Objections and Hearing Requests
Under section 408(g) of the FFDCA, as amended by the FQPA, any
person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and
may
also request a hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural
regulations which govern the submission of objections and requests
for
hearings appear in 40 CFR part 178. Although the procedures in those
regulations require some modification to reflect the amendments
made to
the FFDCA by the FQPA, EPA will continue to use those procedures,
with
appropriate adjustments, until the necessary modifications can be
made.
The new section 408(g) of the FFDCA provides essentially the same
process for persons to ``object'' to a regulation for an exemption
from
the requirement of a tolerance issued by EPA under new section 408(d)
of the FFDCA, as was provided in the old sections 408 and 409 of
the
FFDCA. However, the period for filing objections is now 60 days,
rather
than 30 days.
A. What Do I Need to Do to File an Objection or Request a Hearing?
You must file your objection or request a hearing on this
regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in this
unit
and in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number OPP-2005-0009 in the subject line on the
first page of your submission. All requests must be in writing,
and
must be mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before March
29,
2005.
1. Filing the request. Your objection must specify the specific
provisions in the regulation that you object to, and the grounds
for
the objections (40 CFR 178.25). If a hearing is requested, the
objections must include a statement of the factual issues(s) on
which a
hearing is requested, the requestor's contentions on such issues,
and a
summary of any evidence relied upon by the objector (40 CFR 178.27).
Information submitted in connection with an objection or hearing
request may be claimed confidential by marking any part or all of
that
information as CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed
except
in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. A copy
of the
information that does not contain CBI must be submitted for inclusion
in the public record. Information not marked confidential may be
disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice.
Mail your written request to: Office of the Hearing Clerk (1900L),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460-0001. You may also deliver your request to
the
Office of the Hearing Clerk in Suite 350, 1099 14\th\ St., NW.,
Washington, DC 20005. The Office of the Hearing Clerk is open from
8
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays.
The
telephone number for the Office of the Hearing Clerk is (202) 564-6255.
2. Copies for the Docket. In addition to filing an objection or
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in Unit VII..A.,
you should also send a copy of your request to the PIRIB for its
inclusion in the official record that is described in ADDRESSES.
Mail
your copies, identified by the docket ID number OPP-2005-0009, to:
Public Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources
and Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460-0001. In person or by courier, bring a copy
to the
location of the PIRIB described in ADDRESSES. You may also send
an
electronic copy of your request via e-mail to: opp-docket@epa.gov.
Please use an ASCII file format and avoid the use of special characters
and any form of encryption. Copies of electronic objections and
hearing
requests will also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or
ASCII
file format. Do not include any CBI in your electronic copy. You
may
also submit an electronic copy of your request at many Federal
Depository Libraries.
B. When Will the Agency Grant a Request for a Hearing?
A request for a hearing will be granted if the Administrator
determines that the material submitted shows the following: There
is a
genuine and substantial issue of fact; there is a reasonable
possibility that available evidence identified by the requestor
would,
if established resolve one or more of such issues in favor of the
requestor, taking into account uncontested claims or facts to the
contrary; and resolution of the factual issues(s) in the manner
sought
by the requestor would be adequate to justify the action requested
(40
CFR 178.32).
VIII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes time-limited tolerances under section
408 of the FFDCA. 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 rule has been exempted from review under Executive
Order 12866 due to its lack of significance, this rule is not subject
to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR
28355,
May 22, 2001). This final rule does not contain any information
collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction
Act
(PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose any enforceable duty or
contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 104-4).
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);
or OMB review or any Agency action under Executive Order 13045,
entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks
and
Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). 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 of 1995 (NTTAA),
Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). Since
tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a
FIFRA
section 18 exemption under section 408 of the FFDCA, such as the
tolerances in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a
proposed rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act
(RFA)
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply. In addition, the Agency has
determined that this action will not have a substantial direct effect
on States, on the relationship between the national government and
the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among
the
various levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132,
entitled Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). Executive Order
13132 requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure
``meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the
development of regulatory policies that have federalism implications.''
``Policies that have federalism implications'' is defined in the
Executive order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct
effects on the States,
[[Page 4032]]
on the relationship between the national government and the States,
or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.'' This final rule directly regulates growers,
food processors, food handlers, and food retailers, not States.
This
action does not alter the relationships or distribution of power
and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of section 408(n)(4) of the FFDCA. For these same reasons, the Agency
has determined that this rule does not have any ``tribal implications''
as described in Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (59 FR 22951, November
6,
2000). Executive Order 13175, requires EPA to develop an accountable
process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by tribal officials
in
the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications.''
``Policies that have tribal implications'' is defined in the Executive
Order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct effects
on
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and the Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power
and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.''
This rule will not have substantial direct effects on tribal
governments, on the relationship between the Federal Government
and
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, as specified in
Executive Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply
to
this rule.
IX. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by
the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the
rule,
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of
the
United States. 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 this final rule in the Federal Register. This
final
rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: January 14, 2005.
Betty Shackleford,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
• Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
PART 180--AMENDED
• 1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read
as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
• 2. Section 180.588 is amended by adding text to paragraph
(b) to read
as follows:
Sec. 180.588 Quinoxyfen; tolerances for residues.
* * * * *
(b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. Time-limited tolerances are
established for residues of the fungicide quinoxyfen, 5,7-dichloro-4-
(4-fluorophenoxy)quinoline in connection with use of the pesticide
under section 18 emergency exemptions granted by EPA. The time-limited
tolerances will expire and are revoked on the date specified in
the
following table:
Commodity
|
Parts
per million |
Expiration/
revocation date |
Pumpkin |
0.30
|
12/31/07 |
Squash,
winter |
0.30
|
12/31/07 |
Vegetable,
cucurbit, subgroup 9A * |
0.30
|
12/31/07 |
*
Vegetable,
cucurbit, group 09 includes:
balsam apple • balsam pear • cantaloupe •
chayote, fruit • cucumber • cucumber, chinese
• cucurbits • gherkin, west indian • gourd,
edible • melon • melon, citron • muskmelon
• pumpkin • squash • squash, summer •
squash, winter • vegetable, cucurbit, group •
watermelon • waxgourd, chinese
|
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 05-1638 Filed 1-27-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
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