[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8134-8140]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-3883]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[OPP-300609; FRL-5767-8]
RIN 2070-AB78


Dimethomorph; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes a time-limited tolerances for 
residues of dimethomorph in or on squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, and 
cucumber. 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 squash, 
cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumber. This regulation establishes a 
maximum permissible level for residues of dimethomorph in these food 
commodities pursuant to section 408(l)(6) of the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 
1996. These tolerances will expire and are revoked on March 31, 2000.

DATES: This regulation is effective February 18, 1998. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received by EPA on or before April 20, 
1998.

ADDRESSES: Written objections and hearing requests, identified by the 
docket control number, [OPP-300609], must be submitted to: Hearing 
Clerk (1900), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. M3708, 401 M St., 
SW., Washington, DC 20460. Fees accompanying objections and hearing 
requests shall be labeled ``Tolerance Petition Fees'' and forwarded to: 
EPA Headquarters Accounting Operations Branch, OPP (Tolerance Fees), 
P.O. Box 360277M, Pittsburgh, PA 15251. A copy of any objections and 
hearing requests filed with the Hearing Clerk identified by the docket 
control number, [OPP-300609], must also be submitted to: Public 
Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and 
Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. In person, 
bring a copy of objections and hearing requests to Rm. 119, CM #2, 1921 
Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA.
    A copy of objections and hearing requests filed with the Hearing 
Clerk may also be submitted electronically by sending electronic mail 
(e-mail) to: [email protected]. Copies of objections and 
hearing requests must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the use of 
special characters and any form of encryption. Copies of objections and 
hearing requests will also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect 5.1/6.1 
file format or ASCII file format. All copies of objections and hearing 
requests in electronic form must be identified by the docket control 
number [OPP-300609]. No Confidential Business Information (CBI) should 
be submitted through e-mail. Electronic copies of objections and 
hearing requests on this rule may be filed online at many Federal 
Depository Libraries.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Libby Pemberton, Registration 
Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. Office 
location, telephone number, and e-mail address: Crystal Mall #2, 1921 
Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA, (703) 308-9364, e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA, on its own initiative, pursuant to 
section 408(e) and (l)(6) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
(FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) and (l)(6), is establishing a tolerance for 
residues of the fungicide dimethomorph, in or on squash, cantaloupe, 
watermelon, and cucumber at 1.0 part per million (ppm). These 
tolerances will expire and are revoked on March 31, 2000. EPA will 
publish a document in the Federal Register to remove the revoked 
tolerances from the Code of Federal Regulations.

I. Background and Statutory Authority

    The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) (Pub. L. 104--170) 
was signed into law August 3, 1996. FQPA amends both the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq., and the Federal 
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. 136 et 
seq. The FQPA amendments went into effect immediately. Among other 
things, FQPA amends FFDCA to bring all EPA pesticide tolerance-setting 
activities under a new section 408 with a new safety standard and new 
procedures. These activities are described below and discussed in 
greater detail in the final rule establishing the time-limited 
tolerance associated with the emergency exemption for use of 
propiconazole on sorghum (November 13, 1996; 61 FR 58135) (FRL-5572-9).
    New 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) 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) 
requires EPA to give special consideration to exposure of infants and 
children to the pesticide chemical residue in establishing a tolerance 
and

[[Page 8135]]

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 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 FQPA. EPA has established regulations governing such 
emergency exemptions in 40 CFR part 166.
    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.
    Because decisions on section 18-related tolerances must proceed 
before EPA reaches closure on several policy issues relating to 
interpretation and implementation of the FQPA, EPA does not intend for 
its actions on such tolerance to set binding precedents for the 
application of section 408 and the new safety standard to other 
tolerances and exemptions.

II. Emergency Exemptions for Dimethomorph on Squash, Cantaloupe, 
Watermelon, and Cucumber and FFDCA Tolerances

    The effects of Phytophthora capisci range from reduced fruit size 
to totally rotted/blemished fruit which is unmarketable. Frequently 
large portions of infested fields are not harvestable even when only a 
small percentage of the fruits contain symptoms because of postharvest 
rot concerns. EPA has authorized under FIFRA section 18 the use of 
dimethomorph on squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumber for 
control of crown rot (Phytophthora capsici) in Georgia. 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 dimethomorph in or on 
squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumber. In doing so, EPA 
considered the new safety standard in FFDCA section 408(b)(2), and EPA 
decided that the necessary tolerance under FFDCA section 408(l)(6) 
would be consistent with the new 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 under section 408(e), 
as provided in section 408(l)(6). Although this tolerance will expire 
and is revoked on March 31, 2000, under FFDCA section 408(l)(5), 
residues of the pesticide not in excess of the amounts specified in the 
tolerance remaining in or on squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, and 
cucumber 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 dimethomorph meets EPA's 
registration requirements for use on squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, 
and cucumber or whether a permanent tolerance for this use would be 
appropriate. Under these circumstances, EPA does not believe that this 
tolerance serves as a basis for registration of dimethomorph by a State 
for special local needs under FIFRA section 24(c). Nor does this 
tolerance serve as the basis for any State other than Georgia to use 
this pesticide on this crop under section 18 of FIFRA without following 
all provisions of section 18 as identified in 40 CFR part 166. For 
additional information regarding the emergency exemption for 
dimethomorph, contact the Agency's Registration Division at the address 
provided above.

III. Risk Assessment and Statutory Findings

    EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from 
aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. First, EPA determines the 
toxicity of pesticides based primarily on toxicological studies using 
laboratory animals. These studies address many adverse health effects, 
including (but not limited to) reproductive effects, developmental 
toxicity, toxicity to the nervous system, and carcinogenicity. Second, 
EPA examines exposure to the pesticide through the diet (e.g., food and 
drinking water) and through exposures that occur as a result of 
pesticide use in residential settings.

A. Toxicity

    1. Threshold and non-threshold effects. For many animal studies, a 
dose response relationship can be determined, which provides a dose 
that causes adverse effects (threshold effects) and doses causing no 
observed effects (the ``no-observed effect level'' or ``NOEL'').
    Once a study has been evaluated and the observed effects have been 
determined to be threshold effects, EPA generally divides the NOEL from 
the study with the lowest NOEL by an uncertainty factor (usually 100 or 
more) to determine the Reference Dose (RfD). The RfD is a level at or 
below which daily aggregate exposure over a lifetime will not pose 
appreciable risks to human health. An uncertainty factor (sometimes 
called a ``safety factor'') of 100 is commonly used since it is assumed 
that people may be up to 10 times more sensitive to pesticides than the 
test animals, and that one person or subgroup of the population (such 
as infants and children) could be up to 10 times more sensitive to a 
pesticide than another. In addition, EPA assesses the potential risks 
to infants and children based on the weight of the evidence of the 
toxicology studies and determines whether an additional uncertainty 
factor is warranted. Thus, an aggregate daily exposure to a pesticide 
residue at or below the RfD (expressed as 100% or less of the RfD) is 
generally considered acceptable by EPA. EPA generally uses the RfD to 
evaluate the chronic risks posed by pesticide exposure. For shorter 
term risks, EPA calculates a margin of exposure (MOE) by dividing the 
estimated human exposure into the NOEL from the appropriate animal 
study. Commonly, EPA finds MOEs lower than 100 to be unacceptable. This 
100-fold MOE is based on the same rationale as the 100-fold uncertainty 
factor.
    Lifetime feeding studies in two species of laboratory animals are 
conducted to screen pesticides for cancer effects. When evidence of 
increased cancer is noted in these studies, the Agency conducts a 
weight of the evidence review of all relevant toxicological data 
including short-term and mutagenicity studies and structure activity 
relationship. Once a pesticide has been classified as a potential human 
carcinogen, different types of risk assessments (e.g., linear low dose 
extrapolations or MOE calculation based on the appropriate NOEL) will 
be carried out based on the nature of the carcinogenic response and the 
Agency's knowledge of its mode of action.

[[Page 8136]]

    2. Differences in toxic effect due to exposure duration. The 
toxicological effects of a pesticide can vary with different exposure 
durations. EPA considers the entire toxicity data base, and based on 
the effects seen for different durations and routes of exposure, 
determines which risk assessments should be done to assure that the 
public is adequately protected from any pesticide exposure scenario. 
Both short and long durations of exposure are always considered. 
Typically, risk assessments include ``acute,'' ``short-term,'' 
``intermediate term,'' and ``chronic'' risks. These assessments are 
defined by the Agency as follows.
    Acute risk, by the Agency's definition, results from 1-day 
consumption of food and water, and reflects toxicity which could be 
expressed following a single oral exposure to the pesticide residues. 
High end exposure to food and water residues are typically assumed.
    Short-term risk results from exposure to the pesticide for a period 
of 1-7 days, and therefore overlaps with the acute risk assessment. 
Historically, this risk assessment was intended to address primarily 
dermal and inhalation exposure which could result, for example, from 
residential pesticide applications. However, since enaction of FQPA, 
this assessment has been expanded to include both dietary and non-
dietary sources of exposure, and will typically consider exposure from 
food, water, and residential uses when reliable data are available. In 
this assessment, risks from average food and water exposure, and high-
end residential exposure, are aggregated. High-end exposures from all 
three sources are not typically added because of the very low 
probability of this occurring in most cases, and because the other 
conservative assumptions built into the assessment assure adequate 
protection of public health. However, for cases in which high-end 
exposure can reasonably be expected from multiple sources (e.g. 
frequent and widespread homeowner use in a specific geographical area), 
multiple high-end risks will be aggregated and presented as part of the 
comprehensive risk assessment/characterization. Since the toxicological 
endpoint considered in this assessment reflects exposure over a period 
of at least 7 days, an additional degree of conservatism is built into 
the assessment; i.e., the risk assessment nominally covers 1-7 days 
exposure, and the toxicological endpoint/NOEL is selected to be 
adequate for at least 7 days of exposure. (Toxicity results at lower 
levels when the dosing duration is increased.)
    Intermediate-term risk results from exposure for 7 days to several 
months. This assessment is handled in a manner similar to the short-
term risk assessment.
    Chronic risk assessment describes risk which could result from 
several months to a lifetime of exposure. For this assessment, risks 
are aggregated considering average exposure from all sources for 
representative population subgroups including infants and children.

B. Aggregate Exposure

    In examining aggregate exposure, FFDCA section 408 requires that 
EPA take into account available and reliable information concerning 
exposure from the pesticide residue in the food in question, residues 
in other foods for which there are tolerances, residues in groundwater 
or surface water that is consumed as drinking water, and other non-
occupational exposures through pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or 
buildings (residential and other indoor uses). Dietary exposure to 
residues of a pesticide in a food commodity are estimated by 
multiplying the average daily consumption of the food forms of that 
commodity by the tolerance level or the anticipated pesticide residue 
level. The Theoretical Maximum Residue Contribution (TMRC) is an 
estimate of the level of residues consumed daily if each food item 
contained pesticide residues equal to the tolerance. In evaluating food 
exposures, EPA takes into account varying consumption patterns of major 
identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and children. 
The TMRC is a ``worst case'' estimate since it is based on the 
assumptions that food contains pesticide residues at the tolerance 
level and that 100% of the crop is treated by pesticides that have 
established tolerances. If the TMRC exceeds the RfD or poses a lifetime 
cancer risk that is greater than approximately one in a million, EPA 
attempts to derive a more accurate exposure estimate for the pesticide 
by evaluating additional types of information (anticipated residue data 
and/or percent of crop treated data) which show, generally, that 
pesticide residues in most foods when they are eaten are well below 
established tolerances.
    Percent of crop treated estimates are derived from federal and 
private market survey data. Typically, a range of estimates are 
supplied and the upper end of this range is assumed for the exposure 
assessment. By using this upper end estimate of percent of crop 
treated, the Agency is reasonably certain that exposure is not 
understated for any significant subpopulation group. Further, regional 
consumption information is taken into account through EPA's computer-
based model for evaluating the exposure of significant subpopulations 
including several regional groups, to pesticide residues. For this 
pesticide, the most highly exposed population subgroup (children 7-12 
years old) was not regionally based.

IV. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Consistent with 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 
dimethomorph and to make a determination on aggregate exposure, 
consistent with section 408(b)(2), for a time-limited tolerance for 
residues of dimethomorph on squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, and 
cucumber at 1.0 ppm. EPA's assessment of the dietary exposures and 
risks associated with establishing the tolerance follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children. The nature of the toxic effects caused by dimethomorph are 
discussed below.
    1. Acute toxicity. An acute dietary risk endpoint was not 
identified and an acute dietary risk assessment is not required.
    2. Short - and intermediate - term toxicity. OPP recommends use of 
the developmental toxicity study in rats for short-term, non-dietary 
risk calculations. The maternal NOEL was 60.0 mg/kg/day. At the LOEL of 
160 mg/kg/day there was reduced food commodity consumption, body 
weights, and weight gain. Intermediate-term risk endpoints have also 
been identified. The NOEL of 15 mg/kg/day in the 90-day dog feeding 
study has been chosen as the intermediate-term toxicity endpoint. At 
the LOEL of 43 mg/kg/day, there were decreases in the absolute and 
relative weights of the prostrate and possible threshold liver effects.
    3. Chronic toxicity. EPA has selected the RfD for dimethomorph of 
0.01 milligrams/kilogram/day (mg/kg/day). This RfD is based on a NOEL 
of 10 mg/kg/day in a 2-year chronic rat study, using an uncertainty 
factor of 1,000. The

[[Page 8137]]

lowest-observed-effect level (LOEL) of 57.7 mg/kg/day was based on 
decreased body weight and increased incidence of liver ``ground glass'' 
foci in females. The additional 10-fold uncertainty factor was used to 
protect infants and children, since data gaps consisted of rat and 
rabbit developmental studies and the rat reproduction study.
    4. Carcinogenicity. Dimethomorph has not been classified as to 
carcinogenic potential. No cancer risks have been identified in the 
available dimthomorph data evaluation records.

B. Exposures and Risks

    1. From food and feed uses. Time-limited tolerances have been 
established (40 CFR 180.493) for the residues of dimethomorph, in or on 
potatoes and tomatoes. Risk assessments were conducted by EPA to assess 
dietary exposures and risks from dimethomorph as follows:
    i.  Acute exposure and risk. 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.
    ii. Chronic exposure and risk. For the purpose of assessing chronic 
dietary exposure from dimethomorph, EPA assumed tolerance level 
residues and 100% of crop treated for published, pending, and this 
proposed use of dimethomorph. These conservative assumptions result in 
overestimation of human dietary exposures.
    2. From drinking water. There is no entry for dimethomorph in the 
``Pesticides in Groundwater Data Base'' (9/92). There is no established 
Maximum Concentration Level (MCL) for residues of dimethomorph in 
drinking water. No drinking water health advisory levels have been 
established for dimethomorph.
    Because the Agency lacks sufficient water-related exposure data to 
complete a comprehensive drinking water risk assessment for many 
pesticides, EPA has commenced and nearly completed a process to 
identify a reasonable yet conservative bounding figure for the 
potential contribution of water-related exposure to the aggregate risk 
posed by a pesticide. In developing the bounding figure, EPA estimated 
residue levels in water for a number of specific pesticides using 
various data sources. The Agency then applied the estimated residue 
levels, in conjunction with appropriate toxicological endpoints (RfD's 
or acute dietary NOEL's) and assumptions about body weight and 
consumption, to calculate, for each pesticide, the increment of 
aggregate risk contributed by consumption of contaminated water. While 
EPA has not yet pinpointed the appropriate bounding figure for exposure 
from contaminated water, the ranges the Agency is continuing to examine 
are all below the level that would cause dimethomorph to exceed the RfD 
if the tolerance being considered in this document were granted. The 
Agency has therefore concluded that the potential exposures associated 
with dimethomorph in water, even at the higher levels the Agency is 
considering as a conservative upper bound, would not prevent the Agency 
from determining that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm if the 
tolerance is granted.
    3. Cumulative exposure to substances with common mechanism of 
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) 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.'' The Agency believes that ``available 
information'' in this context might include not only toxicity, 
chemistry, and exposure data, but also scientific policies and 
methodologies for understanding common mechanisms of toxicity and 
conducting cumulative risk assessments. For most pesticides, although 
the Agency has some information in its files that may turn out to be 
helpful in eventually determining whether a pesticide shares a common 
mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, EPA does not at this 
time have the methodologies to resolve the complex scientific issues 
concerning common mechanism of toxicity in a meaningful way. EPA has 
begun a pilot process to study this issue further through the 
examination of particular classes of pesticides. The Agency hopes that 
the results of this pilot process will increase the Agency's scientific 
understanding of this question such that EPA will be able to develop 
and apply scientific principles for better determining which chemicals 
have a common mechanism of toxicity and evaluating the cumulative 
effects of such chemicals. The Agency anticipates, however, that even 
as its understanding of the science of common mechanisms increases, 
decisions on specific classes of chemicals will be heavily dependent on 
chemical specific data, much of which may not be presently available.
    Although at present the Agency does not know how to apply the 
information in its files concerning common mechanism issues to most 
risk assessments, there are pesticides as to which the common mechanism 
issues can be resolved. These pesticides include pesticides that are 
toxicologically dissimilar to existing chemical substances (in which 
case the Agency can conclude that it is unlikely that a pesticide 
shares a common mechanism of activity with other substances) and 
pesticides that produce a common toxic metabolite (in which case common 
mechanism of activity will be assumed).
    EPA does not have, at this time, available data to determine 
whether dimethomorph 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, 
dimethomorph 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 dimethomorph has a common mechanism of 
toxicity with other substances.

C. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety for U.S. Population

     Chronic risk. Using the conservative TMRC exposure assumptions 
described above, EPA has concluded that aggregate exposure to 
dimethomorph from food will utilize 34% of the RfD for the U.S. 
population. The major identifiable subgroup with the highest aggregate 
exposure is children 1-6 years old ``discussed below.'' EPA generally 
has no concern for exposures below 100% of the RfD because the RfD 
represents the level at or below which daily aggregate dietary exposure 
over a lifetime will not pose appreciable risks to human health. 
Despite the potential for exposure to dimethomorph in drinking water 
and from non-dietary, non-occupational exposure, EPA does not expect 
the aggregate exposure to exceed 100% of the RfD. EPA concludes that 
there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate 
exposure to dimethomorph residues.
    Short- and intermediate-term aggregate exposure takes into account 
chronic dietary food and water (considered to be a background exposure 
level) plus indoor and outdoor residential exposure.

D. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety for Infants and Children

    1. Safety factor for infants and children-- i. In general. In 
assessing the potential for additional sensitivity of infants and 
children to residues of dimethomorph, EPA considered data from 
developmental toxicity studies in

[[Page 8138]]

the rat and rabbit and a 2-generation reproduction study in the rat. 
The developmental toxicity studies are designed to evaluate adverse 
effects on the developing organism resulting from maternal pesticide 
exposure during gestation. Reproduction studies provide information 
relating to effects from exposure to the pesticide on the reproductive 
capability of mating animals and data on systemic toxicity.
    FFDCA section 408 provides that EPA shall apply an additional 
tenfold margin of safety for infants and children in the case of 
threshold effects to account for pre-and post-natal toxicity and the 
completeness of the database 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. EPA believes that reliable data support using the standard MOE 
and uncertainty factor (usually 100 for combined inter- and intra-
species variability)) and not the additional tenfold MOE/uncertainty 
factor when EPA has a complete data base under existing guidelines and 
when the severity of the effect in infants or children or the potency 
or unusual toxic properties of a compound do not raise concerns 
regarding the adequacy of the standard MOE/safety factor.
    ii. Developmental toxicity studies-- Rats. In the developmental 
study in rats, the maternal (systemic) NOEL was 60 mg/kg/day, based on 
decreased food consumption, decreased body weight and decreased weight 
gain at the LOEL of 160 mg/kg/day. The developmental (fetal) NOEL was 
not determined.
     Rabbits. In the developmental toxicity study in rabbits, the 
maternal (systemic) NOEL was 300 mg/kg/day, based on increased 
abortions at the LOEL of 650 mg/kg/day. The developmental (pup) NOEL 
was not determined.
    iii. Reproductive toxicity study-- Rats. In the 2-generation 
reproductive toxicity study in rats, the maternal (systemic) NOEL was 
15 mg/kg/day, based on decreased body weight and weight gain at the 
LOEL of 50 mg/kg/day. The reproductive/developmental (pup) NOEL was 15 
mg/kg/day, based.
    iv. Pre- and post-natal sensitivity. The toxicological data base 
for evaluating pre- and post-natal toxicity for dimethomorph is not 
complete with respect to current data requirements. It can not be 
established whether dimethomorph does or does not demonstrate extra 
pre- or post-natal sensitivity for infants and children based on the 
results of the rat and rabbit developmental studies and the rat 
reproduction study. To compensate for the lack of acceptable studies, 
the RfD of 0.01 mg/kg/day was calculated using an uncertainty factor of 
1,000. The additional 10-fold uncertainty factor was added because of 
the data gaps and in order to protect infants and children from 
possible pre- and post-natal, toxic risks from dietary exposure to 
dimethomorph.
    3. Chronic risk. Using the conservative exposure assumptions 
described above, EPA has concluded that aggregate exposure to 
dimethomorph from food will utilize from 7% of the RfD for nursing 
infants less than one year old, up to 71% for children 1-6 years old. 
EPA generally has no concern for exposures below 100% of the RfD 
because the RfD represents the level at or below which daily aggregate 
dietary exposure over a lifetime will not pose appreciable risks to 
human health. Despite the potential for exposure to dimethomorph in 
drinking water and from non-dietary, non-occupational exposure, EPA 
does not expect the aggregate exposure to exceed 100% of the RfD. EPA 
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
to infants and children from aggregate exposure to dimethomorph 
residues.

V. Other Considerations

A. Metabolism In Plants and Animals

    The metabolism of dimethomorph in squash, cantaloupes, watermelons, 
and cucumbers is adequately understood for the purposes of these 
tolerances. The residue of concern, for the purposes of these 
tolerances, is dimethomorph. The nature of the residue in ruminants is 
not adequately understood. However, there are no feed items associated 
with these uses.

B. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An adequate method is available for detection of the residues of 
concern for the purpose of this FIFRA section 18 use. High Performance 
Liquid Chromotography/Ultra Violet (HPLC/UV) analytical method FAMS 
002-02 is adequate for detecting residues of dimethomorph in/on these 
commodities. This method has undergone a successful Agency validation. 
This method is available to anyone who is interested in pesticide 
residue enforcement from: By mail, Calvin Furlow, Public Information 
and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and Services 
Division (7502), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection 
Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. Office location and 
telephone number: Crystal Mall #2, Rm. 119FF, 1921 Jefferson Davis 
Hwy., Arlington, VA, 703-305-5229.

C. Magnitude of Residues

    Residues of dimethomorph are not expected to exceed 1.0 ppm in/on 
squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, or cucumber as a result of this 
proposed use. Secondary residues are not expected in animal commodities 
as no feed items are associated with these uses.

D. International Residue Limits

    No CODEX, Canadian or Mexican maximum residue levels (MRLs) have 
been established for residues of dimethomorph in/on squash, 
cantaloupes, watermelons, or cucumbers.

VI. Conclusion

    Therefore, the tolerance is established for residues of 
dimethomorph in squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumber at 1.0 
ppm.

VII. Objections and Hearing Requests

    The new FFDCA section 408(g) provides essentially the same process 
for persons to ``object'' to a tolerance regulation issued by EPA under 
new section 408(e) and (l)(6) as was provided in the old section 408 
and in section 409. However, the period for filing objections is 60 
days, rather than 30 days. EPA currently has procedural regulations 
which govern the submission of objections and hearing requests. These 
regulations will require some modification to reflect the new law. 
However, until those modifications can be made, EPA will continue to 
use those procedural regulations with appropriate adjustments to 
reflect the new law.
    Any person may, by April 20, 1998, file written objections to any 
aspect of this regulation and may also request a hearing on those 
objections. Objections and hearing requests must be filed with the 
Hearing Clerk, at the address given above (40 CFR 178.20). A copy of 
the objections and/or hearing requests filed with the Hearing Clerk 
should be submitted to the OPP docket for this rulemaking. The 
objections submitted must specify the provisions of the regulation 
deemed objectionable and the grounds for the objections (40 CFR 
178.25). Each objection must be accompanied by the fee prescribed by 40 
CFR 180.33(i). If a hearing is requested, the objections must include a 
statement of the factual issues on which a hearing is requested, the 
requestor's

[[Page 8139]]

contentions on such issues, and a summary of any evidence relied upon 
by the requestor (40 CFR 178.27). A request for a hearing will be 
granted if the Administrator determines that the material submitted 
shows the following: There is 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 in the 
manner sought by the requestor would be adequate to justify the action 
requested (40 CFR 178.32). Information submitted in connection with an 
objection or hearing request may be claimed confidential by marking any 
part or all of that information as Confidential Business Information 
(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.

VIII. Public Docket

    EPA has established a record for this rulemaking under docket 
control number [OPP-300609] (including any comments and data submitted 
electronically). A public version of this record, including printed, 
paper versions of electronic comments, which does not include any 
information claimed as CBI, is available for inspection from 8:30 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The public 
record is located in Room 119 of the Public Information and Records 
Integrity Branch, Information Resources and Services Division (7502C), 
Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, Crystal 
Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.
    Electronic comments may be sent directly to EPA at:
    [email protected].


    Electronic comments must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the 
use of special characters and any form of encryption.
    The official record for this rulemaking, as well as the public 
version, as described above will be kept in paper form. Accordingly, 
EPA will transfer any copies of objections and hearing requests 
received electronically into printed, paper form as they are received 
and will place the paper copies in the official rulemaking record which 
will also include all comments submitted directly in writing. The 
official rulemaking record is the paper record maintained at the 
Virginia address in ``ADDRESSES'' at the beginning of this document.

IX. Regulatory Assessment Requirements

    This final rule 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). 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) (Pub. L. 104-4). Nor does 
it require any prior consultation as specified by Executive Order 
12875, entitled Enhancing the Intergovernmental Partnership (58 FR 
58093, October 28, 1993), or special considerations as required by 
Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address 
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994), or require OMB review in 
accordance with Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children 
from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 
23, 1997).
    In addition, since these tolerances and exemptions that are 
established under FFDCA section 408 (l)(6), 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. Nevertheless, the Agency has previously assessed 
whether establishing tolerances, exemptions from tolerances, raising 
tolerance levels or expanding exemptions might adversely impact small 
entities and concluded, as a generic matter, that there is no adverse 
economic impact. The factual basis for the Agency's generic 
certification for tolerance acations published on May 4, 1981 (46 FR 
24950), and was provided to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small 
Business Administration.

X. Submission to Congress and the General Accounting Office

    Under 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A), as added by the Small Business 
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, the Agency has submitted 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 General Accounting Office prior to publication of this rule in 
today's Federal Register. This 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: February 3, 1998.

James Jones,

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. 346a and 371.

    2. In Sec. 180.493, in paragraph (b) in the table, by 
alphabetically adding the following commodities to read as follows:


Sec. 180.493   Dimethomorph; tolerances for residues.

*    *    *    *    *

    (b) *    *    *

                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Expiration/   
            Commodity              Parts per million    Revocation Date 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cantaloupe......................  1.0                 3/31/00           
Cucumber........................  1.0                 3/31/00           
                                                                        
*                *                *                *                *   
                                  *                *                    
Squash..........................  1.0                 3/31/00           
                                                                        

[[Page 8140]]

                                                                        
*                *                *                *                *   
                                  *                *                    
Watermelon......................  1.0                 3/31/00           
------------------------------------------------------------------------

*    *    *    *    *

[FR Doc. 98-3883 Filed 2-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F