[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 15, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1917-1925]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-964]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[OPP-301201; FRL-6816-6]
RIN 2070-AB78


Benomyl; Proposed Revocation of Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to revoke all tolerances for residues 
of the fungicide benomyl because this pesticide is no longer registered 
for use in the United States. EPA expects to determine whether any 
individuals or groups want to support these tolerances. The regulatory 
actions proposed in this document are part of the Agency's 
reregistration program under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and the tolerance reassessment requirements of 
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) section 408(q), as 
amended by the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996. By law, EPA 
is required by August 2002 to reassess 66% of the tolerances in 
existence on August 2, 1996, or about 6,400 tolerances. The regulatory 
actions proposed in this document pertain to the proposed revocation of 
all tolerances for benomyl of which 100 would be counted among 
tolerance/exemption reassessments made toward the August, 2002 review 
deadline.

DATES: Comments, identified by docket control number OPP-301201, must 
be received on or before March 18, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by mail, electronically, or in 
person. Please follow the detailed instructions for each method as 
provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. To ensure proper 
receipt by EPA, it is imperative that you identify docket control 
number OPP-301201 in the subject line on the first page of your 
response.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Joseph Nevola, Special Review 
and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW., 
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (703) 308-8037; e-mail address: 
[email protected].

[[Page 1918]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    You may be affected by this action if you are an agricultural 
producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. Potentially 
affected categories and entities may include, but are not limited to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Examples of
           Categories                 NAICS codes         potentially
                                                       affected entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry                          111                 Crop production
  ..............................  112                 Animal production
                                  311                 Food manufacturing
  ..............................  32532               Pesticide
                                                       manufacturing
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 the table could also be 
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining 
whether or not this action might apply to certain entities. If you have 
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular 
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this 
Document and Other Related Documents?

    1. Electronically. You may obtain electronic copies of this 
document, and certain other related documents that might be available 
electronically, from the EPA Internet Home Page at http://www.epa.gov/. 
To access this document, on the Home Page select ``Laws and 
Regulations,'' ``Regulations and Proposed Rules,'' and then look up the 
entry for this document under the ``Federal Register--Environmental 
Documents.'' You can also go directly to the Federal Register listings 
at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. A frequently updated electronic 
version of 40 CFR part 180 is available at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_180/Title_40/40cfr180_00.html, a beta site currently 
under development.
    2. In person. The Agency has established an official record for 
this action under docket control number OPP-301201. The official record 
consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, and 
other information related to this action, including any information 
claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI). This official 
record includes the documents that are physically located in the 
docket, as well as the documents that are referenced in those 
documents. The public version of the official record does not include 
any information claimed as CBI. The public version of the official 
record, which includes printed, paper versions of any electronic 
comments submitted during an applicable comment period is available for 
inspection in the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch 
(PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall#2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, 
VA, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
holidays. The PIRIB telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

C. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments?

    You may submit comments through the mail, in person, or 
electronically. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that 
you identify docket control number OPP-301201 in the subject line on 
the first page of your response.
    1. By mail. Submit your comments to: Public Information and Records 
Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Information Resources and Services Division 
(7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection 
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
    2. In person or by courier. Deliver your comments to: Public 
Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Information Resources 
and Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), 
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 
Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA. The PIRIB is open from 8:30 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The PIRIB 
telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
    3. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically by 
e-mail to: [email protected], or you can submit a computer disk as 
described in this unit. Do not submit any information electronically 
that you consider to be CBI. Electronic comments must be submitted as 
an ASCII file avoiding use of special characters and any form of 
encryption. Comments and data will also be accepted on standard disks 
in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format. All comments in electronic 
form must be identified by docket control number OPP-301201. Electronic 
comments may also be filed online at many Federal Depository Libraries.

D. How Should I Handle CBI that I Want to Submit to the Agency?

    Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to 
be CBI. You may claim information that you submit to EPA in response to 
this document as CBI 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. In addition to one complete 
version of the comment that includes any information claimed as CBI, a 
copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as 
CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public version of the 
official record. Information not marked confidential will be included 
in the public version of the official record without prior notice. If 
you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, 
please consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

E. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your 
comments:
    1. Explain your views as clearly as possible.
    2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
    3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used 
that support your views.
    4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you 
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
    5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.
    6. Offer alternative ways to improve the proposed rule or 
collection activity.
    7. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this 
document.
    8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket 
control number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first 
page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal 
Register citation.

F. What Can I do if I Wish the Agency to Maintain a Tolerance that the 
Agency Proposes to Revoke?

    This proposed rule provides a comment period of 60 days for any 
person to state an interest in retaining a tolerance proposed for 
revocation. If EPA receives a comment within the 60-day period to that 
effect, EPA will not proceed to revoke the tolerance immediately. 
However, EPA will take steps to ensure the submission of any needed 
supporting data and will issue an order in the Federal Register under 
FFDCA section 408(f) if needed. The order would specify data needed and 
the time frames for its submission, and

[[Page 1919]]

would require that within 90 days some person or persons notify EPA 
that they will submit the data. If the data are not submitted as 
required in the order, EPA will take appropriate action under FFDCA.
    EPA issues a final rule after considering comments that are 
submitted in response to this proposed rule. In addition to submitting 
comments in response to this proposal, you may also submit an objection 
at the time of the final rule. If you fail to file an objection to the 
final rule within the time period specified, you will have waived the 
right to raise any issues resolved in the final rule. After the 
specified time, issues resolved in the final rule cannot be raised 
again in any subsequent proceedings.

II. Background

A. What Action is the Agency Taking?

    EPA is proposing to revoke all tolerances in 40 CFR 180.294 because 
benomyl is no longer registered under FIFRA for use on those 
commodities. The registration for benomyl was canceled because the 
registrant requested voluntary cancellation of the pesticide. It is 
EPA's general practice to propose revocation of those tolerances for 
residues of pesticide active ingredients on crop uses for which there 
are no active registrations under FIFRA, unless the Agency receives 
comments on this proposal which indicate a need for the tolerance to 
cover residues in or on imported commodities or domestic commodities 
legally treated. One hundred of these tolerances were in existence when 
FQPA was enacted and therefore count toward the FQPA tolerance 
reassessment goals.
    On April 18, 2001 the registrant, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and 
Company (DuPont), requested voluntary cancellation of all of their 
benomyl technical, end use, and special local need product 
registrations. On May 1, 2001 DuPont announced that it had already 
ceased the production of technical benomyl for use in products sold and 
distributed in the United States. DuPont also requested that EPA waive 
the 180-day waiting period contained in FIFRA section 6(f)(1)(C)(ii). 
On May 23, 2001 a FIFRA 6(f)(1) notice of receipt of the request by the 
registrant was published in the Federal Register (66 FR 28466) (FRL-
6784-3). A cancellation order was published on August 8, 2001 (66 FR 
41589) (FRL-6794-9). Receipt of other requests for cancellation of 
registrations were published on September 26, 2001 (66 FR 49184) (FRL-
6802-1) and on October 12, 2001 (66 FR 52132) (FRL-6805-3). EPA allowed 
DuPont to sell and distribute benomyl stocks until June 30, 2001 and is 
allowing those other than the registrant to sell and distribute benomyl 
stocks until December 31, 2002. The Agency expects existing stocks to 
be exhausted by December 31, 2003.
    The time frame for passage of raw agricultural commodities through 
trade channels, including storage, processing, post-processing, 
storage/distribution, and retail, varies and depends on the food 
commodity. The longest time periods are generally associated with food 
commodities that are stored for extended periods before processing or 
are in the form of a processed ingredient such as fruit or vegetable 
concentrates or pastes. Therefore, for all other benomyl tolerances, 
EPA is proposing expiration/revocation dates from 2 to 5 years beyond 
the date of exhaustion of benomyl product through passage of benomyl-
treated food in channels of trade using available Agency data, U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data, and food industry data on a 
basis as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Proposed
            Commodity Crop Group                       Tolerances            Maximum Years in     expiration/
                                                                              Trade Channels    revocation date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulb Vegetables............................  Garlic.......................                  2             1/1/06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brassica (Cole) Leafy Vegetables...........  Broccoli; Brussels sprouts;                    2             1/1/06
                                              Cabbage;.
                                             Cabbage, Chinese, bok choy;..
                                             Cabbage, Chinese, napa;......
                                             Cauliflower; Collards; Kale;.
                                             Kohlrabi; Mustard greens.....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Root and Tuber Vegetables..................  Beet, sugar, roots; Beet,                      3             1/1/07
                                              sugar, tops;.
                                             Carrot; Rutabaga; Sweet
                                              potato;.
                                             Turnip, roots; Turnip greens.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leafy Vegetables (exc. Brassica)...........  Celery; Spinach; Dandelion,                    3             1/1/07
                                              leaves;.
                                             Watercress...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legume Vegetables..........................  Bean, dry; Bean, succulent;                    3             1/1/07
                                              Soybean, seed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cucurbit Vegetables........................  Cucumber; Melon; Pumpkin;....                  3             1/1/07
                                             Squash, summer; Squash,
                                              winter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tree Nuts..................................  Almond, hulls; Nut, tree,                      3             1/1/07
                                              group;.
                                             Pistachio (in Sec.
                                              180.294(a) and (c))\a\.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citrus Fruits..............................  Citrus, dried pulp; Fruit,                     4             1/1/08
                                              citrus.
                                             (PRE- and POST-H)............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pome Fruits................................  Apple (PRE- and POST-H); Pear                  4             1/1/08
                                             (PRE- and POST-H)............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stone Fruits...............................  Apricot; Cherry, sweet;                        4             1/1/08
                                              Cherry, tart;.
                                             Nectarine (PRE- and POST-H);.
                                             Peach (PRE- and POST-H);
                                              Plum,.
                                             prune, dried; Plum, prune,
                                              fresh;.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 1920]]

 
Berries....................................  Blackberry; Blueberry;.......                  4             1/1/08
                                             Boysenberry; Currant;
                                              Dewberry;.
                                             Loganberry; Raspberry........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cereal Grains and Forage, Fodder and Straw   Barley, grain; Barley, straw;                  4             1/1/08
 of Cereal Grains.                            Corn,.
                                             sweet, kernel plus cob with
                                              husks.
                                             removed; Corn, sweet, forage;
                                              Corn,.
                                             sweet, stover; Oat, grain;
                                              Oat, straw;.
                                             Rice, grain; Rice, hulls;
                                              Rice, straw;.
                                             Rye, grain; Rye, straw;
                                              Wheat,.
                                             grain; Wheat, straw..........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No group association- Plant commodities....  Avocado; Banana (PRE- and                      4             1/1/08
                                              POST- H).
                                             (not more than 0.2 ppm shall
                                              be present in the pulp after
                                              peel is removed and
                                              discarded); Grape;.
                                             Grape, raisin; Mango;
                                              Mushroom.
                                             (PRE- and POST-H); Papaya;...
                                             Peanut; Peanut forage;
                                              Peanut, hay;.
                                             Pineapple (POST-H);
                                              Strawberry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No group association- Animal commodities...  Cattle, fat; Cattle, meat;                     4             1/1/08
                                              Cattle, meat.
                                             byproducts; Egg; Goat, fat;
                                              Goat,.
                                             meat; Goat, meat byproducts;
                                              Hog,.
                                             fat; Hog, meat; Hog, meat....
                                             byproducts; Horse, fat;
                                              Horse, meat;.
                                             Horse, meat byproducts; Milk;
                                             Poultry, fat; Poultry, liver;
                                              Poultry,.
                                             meat; Poultry, meat
                                              byproducts,.
                                             except liver; Sheep, fat;
                                              Sheep, meat;.
                                             Sheep, meat byproducts.......
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fruiting Vegetables........................  Eggplant; Pepper; Tomato;                      5            1/1/09
                                              Tomato,.
                                             concentrated products........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Please note that for FQPA reassessment purposes, EPA is counting the pistachio tolerance once; therefore, a
  total of 100 tolerances would be counted as reassessed for benomyl in a final rule.

    Because ``bean vine forage'' is no longer a significant livestock 
feed item and the tolerance is no longer needed, EPA is proposing to 
revoke the tolerance for ``bean vine forage'' 90 days following 
publication of a final rule to ensure that all affected parties receive 
notice of EPA's actions.
    In the interim period of time before the tolerance expires and to 
conform to current Agency practice, EPA is proposing to revise 
tolerance commodity terminology names in 180.294(a) as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Old terminology                      New terminology
------------------------------------------------------------------------
almond hulls..............................  almond, hulls;
------------------------------------------------------------------------
apples (PRE- and POST-H)..................  apple (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
apricots (PRE- and POST-H)................  apricot (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
bananas (PRE- and POST-H) (NMT 0.2 ppm      banana (PRE- and POST-H)
 shall be present in the pulp after peel     (not more than 0.2 ppm
 is removed and discarded).                  shall be present in the
                                             pulp after peel is removed
                                             and discarded)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
beans.....................................  bean, succulent and bean,
                                             dry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
beets, sugar, roots.......................  beet, sugar, roots
------------------------------------------------------------------------
beets, sugar, tops........................  beet, sugar, tops
------------------------------------------------------------------------
blackberries..............................  blackberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
blueberries...............................  blueberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
boysenberries.............................  boysenberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
carrots...................................  carrot
------------------------------------------------------------------------
cattle, mbyp..............................  cattle, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
cherries (PRE- and POST-H)................  cherry, sweet and cherry,
                                             tart
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chinese cabbage...........................  cabbage, Chinese, napa and
                                             cabbage, Chinese, bok choy
------------------------------------------------------------------------
citrus fruit (PRE- and POST-H)............  fruit, citrus (PRE- and POST-
                                             H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
corn, fresh (inc. sweet K +CWHR)..........  corn, sweet, kernel plus cob
                                             with husks removed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
corn, sweet, fodder and forage............  corn, sweet, forage and
                                             corn, sweet, stover
------------------------------------------------------------------------
cucumbers.................................  cucumber
------------------------------------------------------------------------
currants..................................  currant
------------------------------------------------------------------------
dewberries................................  dewberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
eggplants.................................  eggplant
------------------------------------------------------------------------
eggs......................................  egg;
------------------------------------------------------------------------
goats, fat................................  goat, fat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
goats, meat...............................  goat, meat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
goats, mbyp...............................  goat, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 1921]]

 
grapes....................................  grape
------------------------------------------------------------------------
hogs, fat.................................  hog, fat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
hogs, meat................................  hog, meat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
hogs, mbyp................................  hog, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
horses, fat...............................  horse, fat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
horses, meat..............................  horse, meat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
horses, mbyp..............................  horse, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
loganberries..............................  loganberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
mangoes...................................  mango
------------------------------------------------------------------------
melons....................................  melon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
mushrooms (PRE- and POST-H)...............  mushroom (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
nectarines (PRE- and POST-H)..............  nectarine (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
nuts......................................  nut, tree, group
------------------------------------------------------------------------
oats, grain...............................  oat, grain
------------------------------------------------------------------------
oats, straw...............................  oat, straw
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peaches (PRE- and POST-H).................  peach (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peanuts...................................  peanut
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peanut hay................................  peanut, hay
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pears (PRE- and POST-H)...................  pear (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peppers...................................  pepper
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pineapples (POST-H).......................  pineapple (POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pistachios................................  pistachio
------------------------------------------------------------------------
plums (including fresh prunes) (PRE- and    plum, prune, dried and plum,
 POST-H).                                    prune, fresh
------------------------------------------------------------------------
poultry, mbyp.............................  poultry, meat byproducts,
                                             except liver
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pumpkins..................................  pumpkin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
raisins...................................  grape, raisin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
raspberries...............................  raspberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
rice......................................  rice, grain
------------------------------------------------------------------------
rice straw................................  rice, straw
------------------------------------------------------------------------
rutabagas.................................  rutabaga
------------------------------------------------------------------------
sheep, mbyp...............................  sheep, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
soybeans..................................  soybean, seed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
strawberries..............................  strawberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
sweet potatoes............................  sweet potato
------------------------------------------------------------------------
tomatoes..................................  tomato
------------------------------------------------------------------------
tomato products, concentrated.............  tomato, concentrated
                                             products
------------------------------------------------------------------------
turnips, roots............................  turnip, roots
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 40 CFR 180.294(c)......................
avocados..................................  avocado
------------------------------------------------------------------------
dandelions................................  dandelion, leaves
------------------------------------------------------------------------
papayas...................................  papaya
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pistachios................................  pistachio.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action?

    A ``tolerance'' represents the maximum level for residues of 
pesticide chemicals legally allowed in or on raw agricultural 
commodities and processed foods. Section 408 of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 301 et 
seq., as amended by the FQPA of 1996, Public Law 104-170, authorizes 
the establishment of tolerances, exemptions from tolerance 
requirements, modifications in tolerances, and revocation of tolerances 
for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on raw agricultural 
commodities and processed foods (21 U.S.C. 346(a)). Without a tolerance 
or exemption, food containing pesticide residues is considered to be 
unsafe and therefore ``adulterated'' under section 402(a) of the FFDCA. 
If food containing pesticide residues is considered to be 
``adulterated,'' you may not distribute the product in interstate 
commerce (21 U.S.C. 331(a) and 342(a)). For a food-use pesticide to be 
sold and distributed, the pesticide must not only have appropriate 
tolerances under the FFDCA, but also must be registered under FIFRA (7 
U.S.C. et seq.). Food-use pesticides not registered in the United 
States have tolerances for residues of pesticides in or on commodities 
imported into the United States.
     It is EPA's general practice to propose revocation of tolerances 
for residues of pesticide active ingredients on crops for which FIFRA 
registrations no longer exist and on which the pesticide may therefore 
no longer be used in the United States. EPA has historically been 
concerned that retention of tolerances that are not necessary to cover 
residues in or on legally treated foods may encourage misuse of 
pesticides within the United States. Nonetheless, EPA will establish 
and maintain tolerances even when corresponding domestic uses are 
canceled if the tolerances, which EPA refers to as ``import 
tolerances,'' are necessary to allow importation into the United States 
of food containing such pesticide residues. However, where there are no 
imported commodities that require these import tolerances, the Agency 
believes it is appropriate to revoke tolerances for unregistered 
pesticides in order to prevent potential misuse.
    Furthermore, as a general matter, the Agency believes that 
retention of import tolerances not needed to cover any imported food 
may result in unnecessary restriction on trade of pesticides and foods. 
Under section 408 of the FFDCA, a tolerance may only be established or 
maintained if EPA determines that the tolerance is safe based on a 
number of factors, including an assessment of the aggregate exposure to 
the pesticide and of the cumulative effects of such pesticide and other 
substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity. In doing so, EPA 
must consider potential contributions to such exposure from all 
tolerances. If the cumulative risk is such that the tolerances in 
aggregate are not safe, then every one of these tolerances is 
potentially vulnerable to revocation. Furthermore, if unneeded 
tolerances are included in the aggregate and cumulative risk 
assessments, the estimated exposure to the pesticide would be inflated. 
Consequently, it may be more difficult for others to obtain needed 
tolerances or to register needed new uses. To avoid potential trade 
restrictions, the Agency is proposing to revoke tolerances for residues 
on crops uses for which FIFRA registrations no longer exist, unless 
someone expresses a need for such tolerances. Through this proposed 
rule, the Agency is inviting individuals who need these import 
tolerances to identify themselves and the tolerances that are needed to 
cover imported commodities.
    Parties interested in retention of the tolerances should be aware 
that additional data may be needed to support retention. These parties 
should be aware that, under FFDCA section 408(f), if the Agency 
determines that additional information is reasonably required to 
support the continuation of a tolerance, EPA may require that parties 
interested in maintaining the tolerances provide the necessary 
information. If the requisite information is not submitted, EPA may 
issue an order revoking the tolerance at issue.

[[Page 1922]]

C. When do These Actions Become Effective?

    EPA is delaying the effective date of the revocation for ``bean 
vine forage'' for 90 days following publication of a final rule in the 
Federal Register to ensure that all affected parties receive notice of 
EPA's actions. With the exception of ``bean vine forage,'' EPA is 
proposing that all tolerances for benomyl expire and are revoked on 
dates which range from January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2009 as previously 
detailed. For most tolerances, EPA is proposing an effective 
revocation/expiration date because EPA believes that by December 31, 
2003 all existing stocks of pesticide products labeled for the uses 
associated with the tolerances proposed for revocation will have been 
exhausted, giving ample time, from 2 to 5 years, for any treated fresh 
and processed food to clear trade channels. Therefore, EPA believes the 
effective dates proposed in this document are reasonable. However, if 
EPA is presented with information that existing stocks would still be 
available for use after the expiration date and that information is 
verified, EPA will consider extending the expiration date of the 
tolerance. If you have comments regarding existing stocks and whether 
the effective date accounts for these stocks, please submit comments as 
described under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
    Any commodity listed in this proposal treated with the pesticide 
subject to this proposal, and in the channels of trade following the 
tolerance revocations, shall be subject to FFDCA section 408(1)(5), as 
established by FQPA. Under this section, any residues of this pesticide 
in or on such food shall not render the food adulterated so long as it 
is shown to the satisfaction of FDA 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, and (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.

D. What Is the Contribution to Tolerance Reassessment?

    By law, EPA is required to reassess 66% or about 6,400 of the 
tolerances in existence on August 2, 1996, by August 2002. EPA is also 
required to assess the remaining tolerances by August, 2006. As of 
January 4, 2002, EPA has reassessed over 3,830 tolerances. This 
document proposes to revoke all tolerances in 40 CFR 180.294. 
Therefore, 100 tolerance reassessments would be counted when the final 
rule is published toward the August, 2002 review deadline of FFDCA 
section 408(q), as amended by FQPA in 1996.

III. Are The Proposed Actions Consistent with International 
Obligations?

    The tolerance revocations in this proposal are not discriminatory 
and are designed to ensure that both domestically-produced and imported 
foods meet the food safety standards established by the FFDCA. The same 
food safety standards apply to domestically produced and imported 
foods.
    EPA is working to ensure that the U.S. tolerance reassessment 
program under FQPA does not disrupt international trade. EPA considers 
Codex Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in setting U.S. tolerances and in 
reassessing them. MRLs are established by the Codex Committee on 
Pesticide Residues, a committee within the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission, an international organization formed to promote the 
coordination of international food standards. It is EPA's policy to 
harmonize U.S. tolerances with Codex MRLs to the extent possible, 
provided that the MRLs achieve the level of protection required under 
FFDCA. EPA's effort to harmonize with Codex MRLs is summarized in the 
tolerance reassessment section of individual Reregistration Eligibility 
Decision documents. The U.S. EPA has developed guidance concerning 
submissions for import tolerance support (65 FR 35069, June 1, 2000) 
(FRL-6559-3). This guidance will be made available to interested 
persons. Electronic copies are available on the internet at http://www.epa.gov/. On the Home Page select ``Laws and Regulations,'' then 
select ``Regulations and Proposed Rules'' and then look up the entry 
for this document under Federal Register--Environmental Documents. You 
can also go directly to the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.

IV. Regulatory Assessment Requirements

    In this proposed rule, EPA is proposing to revoke specific 
tolerances established under FFDCA section 408. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted this type of action (i.e., a 
tolerance revocation for which extraordinary circumstances do not 
exist) from review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory 
Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this 
proposed rule has been exempted from review under Executive Order 12866 
due to its lack of significance, this proposed 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 proposed 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 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 OMB review or any other 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). Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 
et seq.), the Agency previously assessed whether revocations of 
tolerances might significantly impact a substantial number of small 
entities and concluded that, as a general matter, these actions do not 
impose a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. This analysis was published on December 17, 1997 (62 FR 
66020), and was provided to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small 
Business Administration. Taking into account this analysis, and 
available information concerning the pesticides listed in this rule, I 
certify that this action will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities. Specifically, as per the 1997 
notice, EPA has reviewed its available data on imports and foreign 
pesticide usage and concludes that there is a reasonable international 
supply of food not treated with canceled pesticides. Furthermore, for 
the pesticides named in this proposed rule, the Agency knows of no 
extraordinary circumstances that exist as to the present proposed 
revocations that would change EPA's previous analysis.

[[Page 1923]]

 Any comments about the Agency's determination should be submitted to 
EPA along with comments on the proposal, and will be addressed prior to 
issuing a final rule.
     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, 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 proposed 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 FFDCA section 408(n)(4). For these same reasons, the Agency has 
determined that this proposed rule does not have any ``tribal 
implications'' as described in Executive Order 13175, entitled 
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 
67249, 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 proposed 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 proposed rule.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

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

    Dated: December 20, 2001.
Marcia E. Mulkey,

Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, it is proposed that 40 CFR part 180 be 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), 346(a) and 371.


    2. Section 180.294 is amended by revising the tables to paragraphs 
(a) and (c) to read as follows:


Sec. 180.294  Benomyl; tolerances for residues.

    (a) *  *  * 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Expiration/
             Commodity              Parts per million   Revocation Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Almond, hulls.....................                1.0             1/1/07
Apple (PRE- and POST-H)...........                7.0             1/1/08
Apricot...........................               15.0             1/1/08
Banana (PRE- and POST-H)(not more                 1.0             1/1/08
 than 0.2 ppm shall be present in
 the pulp after peel is removed
 and discarded)...................
Barley, grain.....................                0.2             1/1/08
Barley, straw.....................                0.2             1/1/08
Bean, dry.........................                2.0             1/1/07
Bean, succulent...................                2.0             1/1/07
Beet, sugar, roots................                0.2             1/1/07
Beet, sugar, tops.................               15.0             1/1/07
Blackberry........................                7.0             1/1/08
Blueberry.........................                7.0             1/1/08
Boysenberry.......................                7.0             1/1/08
Broccoli..........................                0.2             1/1/06
Brussels sprouts..................               15.0             1/1/06
Cabbage...........................                0.2             1/1/06
Cabbage, Chinese, bok choy........               10.0             1/1/06
Cabbage, Chinese, napa............               10.0             1/1/06
Carrot............................                0.2             1/1/07
Cattle, fat.......................                0.1             1/1/08
Cattle, meat......................                0.1             1/1/08
Cattle, meat byproducts...........                0.1             1/1/08
Cauliflower.......................                0.2             1/1/06
Celery............................                3.0             1/1/07
Cherry, sweet.....................               15.0             1/1/08
Cherry, tart......................               15.0             1/1/08
Citrus, dried pulp................               50.0             1/1/08
Collards..........................                0.2             1/1/06
Corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with                 0.2             1/1/08
 husks removed....................
Corn, sweet, forage...............                0.2             1/1/08
Corn, sweet, stover...............                0.2             1/1/08
Cucumber..........................                1.0             1/1/07
Currant...........................                7.0             1/1/08
Dewberry..........................                7.0             1/1/08
Egg...............................                0.1             1/1/08

[[Page 1924]]

 
Eggplant..........................                0.2             1/1/09
Fruit, citrus (PRE- and POST-H)...               10.0             1/1/08
Garlic............................                0.2             1/1/06
Goat, fat.........................                0.1             1/1/08
Goat, meat........................                0.1             1/1/08
Goat, meat byproducts.............                0.1             1/1/08
Grape.............................               10.0             1/1/08
Grape, raisin.....................               50.0             1/1/08
Hog, fat..........................                0.1             1/1/08
Hog, meat.........................                0.1             1/1/08
Hog, meat byproducts..............                0.1             1/1/08
Horse, fat........................                0.1             1/1/08
Horse, meat.......................                0.1             1/1/08
Horse, meat byproducts............                0.1             1/1/08
Kale..............................                0.2             1/1/06
Kohlrabi..........................                0.2             1/1/06
Loganberry........................                7.0             1/1/08
Mango.............................                3.0             1/1/08
Melon.............................                1.0             1/1/07
Milk..............................                0.1             1/1/08
Mushroom (PRE- and POST-H)........               10.0             1/1/08
Mustard greens....................                0.2             1/1/06
Nectarine (PRE- and POST-H).......               15.0             1/1/08
Nut, tree, group..................                0.2             1/1/07
Oat, grain........................                0.2             1/1/08
Oat, straw........................                0.2             1/1/08
Peach (PRE- and POST-H)...........               15.0             1/1/08
Peanut............................                0.2             1/1/08
Peanut forage.....................               15.0             1/1/08
Peanut, hay.......................               15.0             1/1/08
Pear (PRE- and POST-H)............                7.0             1/1/08
Pepper............................                0.2             1/1/09
Pineapple (POST-H)................               35.0             1/1/08
Pistachio.........................                0.2             1/1/07
Plum, prune, dried................               15.0             1/1/08
Plum, prune, fresh................               15.0             1/1/08
Poultry, fat......................                0.1             1/1/08
Poultry, liver....................                0.2             1/1/08
Poultry, meat.....................                0.1             1/1/08
Poultry, meat byproducts, except                  0.1             1/1/08
 liver............................
Pumpkin...........................                1.0             1/1/07
Raspberry.........................                7.0             1/1/08
Rice, grain.......................                5.0             1/1/08
Rice, hulls.......................               20.0             1/1/08
Rice, straw.......................               15.0             1/1/08
Rutabaga..........................                0.2             1/1/07
Rye, grain........................                0.2             1/1/08
Rye, straw........................                0.2             1/1/08
Sheep, fat........................                0.1             1/1/08
Sheep, meat.......................                0.1             1/1/08
Sheep, meat byproducts............                0.1             1/1/08
Soybean, seed.....................                0.2             1/1/07
Spinach...........................                0.2             1/1/07
Squash, summer....................                1.0             1/1/07
Squash, winter....................                1.0             1/1/07
Strawberry........................                5.0             1/1/08
Sweet potato......................                0.2             1/1/07
Tomato............................                5.0             1/1/09
Tomato, concentrated products.....               50.0             1/1/09
Turnip, roots.....................                0.2             1/1/07
Wheat, grain......................                0.2             1/1/08
Wheat, straw......................               15.0             1/1/08
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
      
    (c) * * *

[[Page 1925]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Expiration/
             Commodity              Parts per million   Revocation Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avocado...........................                3.0             1/1/08
Dandelion, leaves.................               10.0             1/1/07
Papaya............................                3.0             1/1/08
Pistachio.........................                0.2             1/1/07
Turnip greens.....................                6.0             1/1/07
Watercress........................               10.0             1/1/07
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 02-964 Filed 1-14-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S