[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 17, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46900-46906]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-17872]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[OPP-2002-0068; FRL-7177-7]


Benomyl; Tolerance Revocations

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document revokes all tolerances for residues of the 
fungicide benomyl because this pesticide active ingredient is no longer 
registered for food uses in the United States. The regulatory actions 
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 in this document pertain 
to the revocation of 100 tolerances which are counted among tolerance/
exemption reassessments made toward the August, 2002 review deadline.

DATES: This regulation is effective October 15, 2002; however, certain 
regulatory actions will not occur until the date specified in the 
regulatory text. Objections and requests for hearings, identified by 
docket control number OPP-2002-0068, must be received by EPA on or 
before September 16, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Written objections and hearing requests may be submitted by 
mail, in person, or by courier. Please follow the detailed instructions 
for each method as provided in Unit IV. of the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, your objections and 
hearing requests must identify docket control number OPP-2002-0068 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].

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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        NAICS    Examples of Potentially
             Categories                 codes       Affected Entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry                                    111  Crop production
                                            112  Animal production
                                            311  Food manufacturing

[[Page 46901]]

 
                                          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 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

B. How can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this 
Document?

    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_00/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-2002-0068. 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.

II. Background

A. What Action is the Agency Taking?

    This final rule revokes the FFDCA tolerances for residues of the 
fungicide benomyl in or on specified commodities listed in the 
regulatory text because benomyl is no longer registered under FIFRA for 
use on those commodities. The tolerances revoked by this final rule are 
no longer necessary to cover residues of benomyl in or on domestically 
treated commodities or commodities treated outside but imported into 
the United States. Benomyl is no longer used on those specified 
commodities within the United States, and no comments were received 
indicating that there was a need for EPA to retain any of the 
tolerances to cover benomyl residues in or on imported foods. EPA has 
historically expressed a concern that retention of tolerances that are 
not necessary to cover residues in or on legally treated foods has the 
potential to encourage misuse of pesticides within the United States. 
Thus, it is EPA's policy to issue a final rule revoking those 
tolerances for residues of pesticide chemicals for which there are no 
active registrations under FIFRA, unless any person commenting on the 
proposal demonstrates a need for the tolerance to cover residues in or 
on imported commodities or domestic commodities legally treated.
    In the Federal Register of January 15, 2002 (67 FR 1917) (FRL-6816-
6), EPA issued a proposed rule to revoke the tolerances listed in this 
final rule. Also, the January 15, 2002 proposal provided a 60-day 
comment period which invited public comment for consideration and for 
support of tolerance retention under FFDCA standards. If, during the 
60-day public comment period, EPA receives comments indicating a need 
for the tolerance to be retained, EPA will not proceed with the 
revocation unless: (1) Prior to EPA's issuance of a section 408(f) 
order requesting additional data or issuance of a section 408(d) or (e) 
order revoking the tolerances on other grounds, commenters retract the 
comment identifying a need for the tolerance to be retained, (2) EPA 
independently verifies that the tolerance is no longer needed, or (3) 
the tolerance is not supported by data that demonstrate that the 
tolerance meets the requirements under FQPA.
    In response to the document published in the Federal Register of 
January 15, 2002, EPA received comment from a private citizen that 
stated agreement with the revocation of benomyl tolerances and also 
received comments as follows:
    1. Michigan Blueberry Growers Association (MBG). A comment letter 
was received from MBG Marketing--Michigan Blueberry Growers Association 
(MBG). MBG stated that 70% of the Michigan blueberry crop is frozen 
after harvest and may be stored for several years before it is sold, 
further processed or consumed. MBG requested that the tolerance for use 
of benomyl on blueberry be retained until January 1, 2008, to allow 
time for existing stocks of benomyl to be used and benomyl-treated 
blueberries to clear channels of trade.
    Agency response. The time frame which MBG has requested regarding 
the benomyl tolerance for blueberry is in agreement with what was 
proposed by the Agency on January 15, 2002. Therefore, EPA is revoking 
the tolerance in 40 CFR 180.294 for blueberry with an expiration/
revocation date of January 1, 2008.
    2. Gowan Company. A comment letter was received from the Gowan 
Company. Gowan stated that it had applied in June 2001 for registration 
of products containing the active ingredient benomyl and amended the 
application twice in January 2002. Gowan requested that, except for the 
``bean vine forage'' tolerance, all tolerances for benomyl not be 
revoked. Also, Gowan stated its belief that no satisfactory substitutes 
for benomyl are available at the present time. In addition, Gowan 
agreed that the terminology for a large number of commodities requires 
updating.
    Agency response. On June 12, 2001, EPA received applications from 
Gowan Company to register four products containing the active 
ingredient benomyl. Gowan applied for registration under the ``me-too'' 
provisions in FIFRA. On September 21, 2001, the Agency identified 
several deficiencies in Gowan's applications. Although Gowan submitted 
a response to these deficiencies in January 2002, their response is 
incomplete. Furthermore, because benomyl is no longer registered, for 
purposes of registration under FIFRA, benomyl is a ``new chemical'' and 
the ``me-too'' provisions outlined in section 3 of FIFRA are no longer 
applicable to an application for registration of benomyl. And so long 
as there are no registered uses, and no indication that commodities 
containing residues of the pesticide are being imported, there is no 
need for the tolerances to be maintained.
    In this regard, Gowan's claim that there are no satisfactory 
substitutes for benomyl is irrelevant. Moreover, if the

[[Page 46902]]

commenter is correct that there are no satisfactory alternatives, the 
continued existence of the tolerance would merely encourage the use of 
an unregistered pesticide. At any rate, the Agency disagrees with this 
claim and believes that, for the most part, acceptable alternatives 
exist. In fact, to facilitate the registration of benomyl alternatives, 
EPA has expedited the registration review for several new uses of the 
fungicide thiophanate-methyl, including grapes, pistachios, potatoes 
(foliar application), pears, canola, and celery. The Agency hopes to 
make a decision on these pending uses in the very near future. The 
Agency will continue to work with affected parties, including growers, 
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other registrants, to identify 
emerging alternatives to benomyl. Where emergency conditions, as 
defined under section 18 of FIFRA, exist, the Agency will work with 
States, growers, and registrants to try to make benomyl alternatives 
available prior to registration.
    No comment was received which expressed a need for the retention of 
specific tolerances for import purposes. On August 8, 2001 (66 FR 
41589) (FRL-6794-9), EPA published in the Federal Register a 
cancellation order for all benomyl product registrations effective 
August 8, 2001. The Agency allowed the registrant 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. However, because no active registrations exist 
and because no commenters expressed a need to retain these tolerances 
for import purposes, EPA is revoking 100 benomyl tolerances.
    Because bean vine forage is no longer a significant livestock feed 
item and the tolerance is no longer needed, EPA is revoking the 
tolerance for bean vine forage to become effective 90 days following 
publication of this final rule to ensure that all affected parties 
receive notice of EPA's actions. Also, to conform to current Agency 
practice, EPA is revising the commodity terminology for peanut forage 
(at 15.0 ppm) to peanut, hay. However, because a tolerance currently 
exists for peanut hay (at 15.0 ppm), the peanut forage tolerance is no 
longer needed. Therefore, EPA is also revoking the tolerance for peanut 
forage to become effective 90 days following publication of this final 
rule.
    EPA is revoking all other benomyl tolerances in 40 CFR 180.294 with 
expiration/revocation dates from 3 to 6 years beyond the last date 
which EPA allowed those other than the registrant to sell and 
distribute existing stocks of benomyl product in order to allow 
sufficient time for the passage of benomyl-treated food in channels of 
trade. (The dates are 2 to 5 years beyond the time when EPA expects 
benomyl stocks to be exhausted). These dates were determined using 
available Agency data, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data, 
and food industry data as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Maximum Years    Expiration/
             Commodity Crop Group                          Tolerances                in Trade       revocation
                                                                                     Channels          date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulb Vegetables                                Garlic                                          2          1/1/06
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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, sugar,                3          1/1/07
                                                tops; Carrot, roots; Rutabaga;
                                                Sweet potato, roots; Turnip,
                                                roots; Turnip, greens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leafy Vegetables (exc. Brassica)               Celery; Spinach; Dandelion,                     3          1/1/07
                                                leaves; Watercress
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legume Vegetables                              Bean; Soybean                                   3          1/1/07
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cucurbit Vegetables                            Cucumber; Melon; Pumpkin; Squash,               3          1/1/07
                                                summer; Squash, winter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tree Nuts                                      Almond, hulls; Nut; Pistachio\a\                3          1/1/07
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citrus Fruits                                  Citrus, dried pulp; Fruit,                      4          1/1/08
                                                citrus, postharvest
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pome Fruits                                    Apple, postharvest; Pear,                       4          1/1/08
                                                postharvest
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stone Fruits                                   Apricot, postharvest; Cherry,                   4          1/1/08
                                                postharvest; Nectarine,
                                                postharvest; Peach, postharvest;
                                                Plum, postharvest; Plum, prune,
                                                fresh, postharvest
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berries                                        Blackberry; Blueberry;                          4          1/1/08
                                                Boysenberry; Currant; Dewberry;
                                                Loganberry; Raspberry
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Cereal Grains and Forage, Fodder and Straw of  Barley, grain; Barley, straw;                   4          1/1/08
 Cereal Grains                                  Corn, sweet, kernel plus cob
                                                with husks removed; Corn, sweet,
                                                forage; Corn, sweet, stover;
                                                Oat, grain; Oat, straw; Rice;
                                                Rice, hulls; Rice, straw; Rye,
                                                grain; Rye, straw; Wheat, grain;
                                                Wheat, straw
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No group association- Plant commodities        Avocado; Banana, postharvest, not               4          1/1/08
                                                more than 0.2 ppm shall be
                                                present in the pulp after peel
                                                is removed and discarded; Grape;
                                                Grape, raisin; Mango; Mushroom,
                                                postharvest; Papaya; Peanut;
                                                Peanut, hay; Pineapple,
                                                postharvest; 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; Tomato,               5         1/1/09
                                                concentrated products
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Please note that for FQPA reassessment purposes, while there are tolerances for pistachio in 40 CFR
  180.294(a) and (c), EPA is counting the pistachio tolerance once; therefore, a total of 100 tolerances will be
  counted as reassessed.


[[Page 46903]]

    In the interim, before the tolerance expires and to conform to 
current Agency practice, EPA is revising tolerance commodity 
terminology names where necessary in Sec. 180.294(a) and (c) as 
follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Old terminology                      New terminology
------------------------------------------------------------------------
almond hulls                                almond, hulls
------------------------------------------------------------------------
apples (PRE- and POST-H)                    apple, postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
apricots (PRE- and POST-H)                  apricot, postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
bananas (PRE- and POST-H) (NMT 0.2 ppm      banana, postharvest, not
 shall be present in the pulp after peel     more than 0.2 ppm shall be
 is removed and discarded)                   present in the pulp after
                                             peel is removed and
                                             discarded
------------------------------------------------------------------------
beans                                       bean
------------------------------------------------------------------------
beets, sugar, roots                         beet, sugar, roots
------------------------------------------------------------------------
beets, sugar, tops                          beet, sugar, tops
------------------------------------------------------------------------
blackberries                                blackberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
blueberries                                 blueberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
boysenberries                               boysenberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
carrots                                     carrot, roots
------------------------------------------------------------------------
cattle, mbyp                                cattle, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
cherries (PRE- and POST-H)                  cherry, postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chinese cabbage                             cabbage, chinese, napa and
                                             cabbage, chinese, bok choy
------------------------------------------------------------------------
citrus fruit (PRE- and POST-H)              fruit, citrus, postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
nectarines (PRE- and POST-H)                nectarine, postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
nuts                                        nut
------------------------------------------------------------------------
oats, grain                                 oat, grain
------------------------------------------------------------------------
oats, straw                                 oat, straw
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peaches (PRE- and POST-H)                   peach, postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peanuts                                     peanut
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peanut hay                                  peanut, hay
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pears (PRE- and POST-H)                     pear, postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peppers                                     pepper
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pineapples (POST-H)                         pineapple, postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pistachios                                  pistachio
------------------------------------------------------------------------
plums (including fresh prunes)(PRE- and     plum, postharvest and plum,
 POST-H)                                     prune, fresh, postharvest
------------------------------------------------------------------------
poultry, mbyp                               poultry, meat byproducts,
                                             except liver
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pumpkins                                    pumpkin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
raisins                                     grape, raisin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
raspberries                                 raspberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
rice straw                                  rice, straw
------------------------------------------------------------------------
rutabagas                                   rutabaga
------------------------------------------------------------------------
sheep, mbyp                                 sheep, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
soybeans                                    soybean
------------------------------------------------------------------------
strawberries                                strawberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
sweet potatoes                              sweet potato, roots
------------------------------------------------------------------------
tomatoes                                    tomato
------------------------------------------------------------------------
tomato products, concentrated               tomato, concentrated
                                             products
------------------------------------------------------------------------
turnips, roots                              turnip, roots
------------------------------------------------------------------------
avocados                                    avocado
------------------------------------------------------------------------
dandelions                                  dandelion, leaves
------------------------------------------------------------------------
papayas                                     papaya
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pistachios                                  pistachio
------------------------------------------------------------------------
turnip greens                               turnip, greens
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    It is EPA's general practice to propose revocation of tolerances 
for residues of pesticide active ingredients on crop uses for which 
FIFRA registrations no longer exist. 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.

C. When Do These Actions Become Effective?

    EPA is delaying the effective date of the revocations for bean vine 
forage and peanut 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. Consequently, revocation of the 
tolerances for bean vine forage and peanut forage is effective October 
15, 2002. EPA is revoking all other benomyl tolerances with expiration 
dates which range from January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2009 as previously 
detailed. EPA believes that by December 31, 2003 all existing stocks of 
pesticide products labeled for the uses associated with the tolerances 
revoked in this final rule will have been exhausted, giving ample time, 
from 2 to 5 years, for any treated fresh commodity and processed food 
to clear trade channels. Therefore, EPA believes the effective dates in 
this document are reasonable.
    Any commodities listed in the regulatory text of this document that 
are treated with the pesticide subject to this final rule, and that are 
in the channels of trade following the tolerance revocations, shall be 
subject to FFDCA section 408(l)(5), as established by the FQPA. Under 
this section, any residue 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

[[Page 46904]]

application or use to be present on the food under a tolerance or 
exemption from a 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 by August 2002 to reassess 66% or about 
6,400 of the tolerances in existence on August 2, 1996. EPA is also 
required to assess the remaining tolerances by August, 2006. As of July 
5, 2002, EPA has reassessed over 5,450 tolerances. In this rule, EPA is 
revoking 100 tolerances which count as reassessments toward the August, 
2002 review deadline of FFDCA section 408(q), as amended by FQPA in 
1996.

III. Are There Any International Trade Issues Raised by this Final 
Action?

    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. When possible, EPA seeks 
to harmonize U.S. tolerances with Codex MRLs. EPA may establish a 
tolerance that is different from a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 
408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain in a Federal Register document the 
reasons for departing from the Codex level. EPA's effort to harmonize 
with Codex MRLs is summarized in the tolerance reassessment section of 
individual REDs. 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 Regster--Environmental Documents.'' 
You can also go directly to the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.

IV. Objections and Hearing Requests

A. What Do I Need to Do to File an Objection or Request a Hearing?

    You must file your objection or request a hearing on this 
regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in this unit 
and in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must 
identify docket control number OPP-2002-0068 in the subject line on the 
first page of your submission. All requests must be in writing, and 
must be mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before September 
16, 2002.
    1. Filing the request. Your objection must specify the specific 
provisions in the regulation that you object to, and the grounds for 
the objections (40 CFR 178.25). If a hearing is requested, the 
objections must include a statement of the factual issues(s) on which a 
hearing is requested, the requestor's contentions on such issues, and a 
summary of any evidence relied upon by the objector (40 CFR 178.27). 
Information submitted in connection with an objection or hearing 
request may be claimed confidential by marking any part or all of that 
information as CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except 
in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. A copy of the 
information that does not contain CBI must be submitted for inclusion 
in the public record. Information not marked confidential may be 
disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice.
    Mail your written request to: Office of the Hearing Clerk (1900), 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460. You may also deliver your request to the Office 
of the Hearing Clerk in Rm. C400, Waterside Mall, 401 M St., SW., 
Washington, DC 20460. The Office of the Hearing Clerk is open from 8 
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The 
telephone number for the Office of the Hearing Clerk is (202) 260-4865.
    2. Objection/hearing fee payment. If you file an objection or 
request a hearing, you must also pay the fee prescribed by 40 CFR 
180.33(i) or request a waiver of that fee pursuant to 40 CFR 180.33(m). 
You must mail the fee to: EPA Headquarters Accounting Operations 
Branch, Office of Pesticide Programs, P.O. Box 360277M, Pittsburgh, PA 
15251. Please identify the fee submission by labeling it ``Tolerance 
Petition Fees.''
    EPA is authorized to waive any fee requirement ``when in the 
judgement of the Administrator such a waiver or refund is equitable and 
not contrary to the purpose of this subsection.'' For additional 
information regarding the waiver of these fees, you may contact James 
Tompkins by phone at (703) 305-5697, by e-mail at [email protected], 
or by mailing a request for information to Mr. Tompkins at Registration 
Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
    If you would like to request a waiver of the tolerance objection 
fees, you must mail your request for such a waiver to: James Hollins, 
Information Resources and Services Division (7502C), Office of 
Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
    3. Copies for the Docket. In addition to filing an objection or 
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in Unit IV.A., you 
should also send a copy of your request to the PIRIB for its inclusion 
in the official record that is described in Unit I.B.2. Mail your 
copies, identified by docket control number OPP-2002-0068, to: Public 
Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and 
Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. 
In person or by courier, bring a copy to the location of the PIRIB 
described in Unit I.B.2. You may also send an electronic copy of your 
request via e-mail to: [email protected]. Please use an ASCII file 
format and avoid the use of special characters and any form of 
encryption. Copies of electronic objections and hearing requests will 
also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format. 
Do not include any CBI in your electronic copy. You may also submit an 
electronic copy of your request at many Federal Depository Libraries.

B. When Will the Agency Grant a Request for a Hearing?

    A request for a hearing will be granted if the Administrator 
determines that the material submitted shows the following: There is a 
genuine and substantial issue of fact; there is a reasonable 
possibility that available evidence identified by the requestor would, 
if established resolve one or more of such issues in favor of the 
requestor, taking into account uncontested claims or facts to the 
contrary; and resolution of the factual issues(s) in the manner sought 
by the requestor would be adequate to justify the action requested (40 
CFR 178.32).

V. Regulatory Assessment Requirements

    This final rule will revoke 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

[[Page 46905]]

Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, 
October 4, 1993). Because this final rule has been exempted from review 
under Executive Order 12866 due to its lack of significance, this final 
rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning 
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or 
Use (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001). This final rule does not contain any 
information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose any enforceable 
duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 104-4). Nor 
does it require any special considerations 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 pesticide 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 benomyl. Furthermore, the Agency knows 
of no extraordinary circumstances that exist as to the present 
revocations that would change EPA's previous analysis.
    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 final rule directly regulates growers, food 
processors, food handlers and food retailers, not States. This action 
does not alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). For these same reasons, the Agency has 
determined that this rule does not have any ``tribal implications'' as 
described in Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (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 rule will not have substantial direct effects on tribal 
governments, on the relationship between the Federal Government and 
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, as specified in 
Executive Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to 
this rule.

VI. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, 
to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the 
United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other 
required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
to publication of this final rule in the Federal Register. This final 
rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

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

    Dated: June 28, 2002.
Marcia E. Mulkey,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, 40 CFR part 180 is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

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

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346(a) and 374.


    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,  1.0                                     1/1/07
     hulls
   Apple,  7.0                                     1/1/08
 postharv
       est
 Apricot,  15.0                                    1/1/08
 postharv
       est
  Banana,  1.0...............................      1/1/08
 postharv
  est, not
      more
  than 0.2
       ppm
  shall be
   present
    in the
      pulp
     after
   peel is
   removed
       and
 discarde
         d
  Barley,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
     grain
  Barley,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
     straw
     Bean  2.0...............................      1/1/07
    Beet,  0.2...............................      1/1/07
    sugar,
     roots
    Beet,  15.0..............................      1/1/07
    sugar,
      tops
Blackberr  7.0...............................      1/1/08
         y
Blueberry  7.0...............................      1/1/08
Boysenber  7.0...............................      1/1/08
        ry
 Broccoli  0.2...............................      1/1/06
 Brussels  15.0..............................      1/1/06
   sprouts
  Cabbage  0.2...............................      1/1/06
 Cabbage,  10.0..............................      1/1/06
  chinese,
  bok choy
 Cabbage,  10.0..............................      1/1/06
  chinese,
      napa

[[Page 46906]]

 
  Carrot,  0.2...............................      1/1/07
     roots
  Cattle,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
       fat
  Cattle,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
      meat
  Cattle,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
      meat
 byproduc
        ts
Cauliflow  0.2...............................      1/1/06
        er
   Celery  3.0...............................      1/1/07
  Cherry,  15.0..............................      1/1/08
 postharv
       est
  Citrus,  50.0..............................      1/1/08
     dried
      pulp
 Collards  0.2...............................      1/1/06
    Corn,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
    sweet,
    forage
    Corn,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
    sweet,
    kernel
  plus cob
      with
     husks
   removed
    Corn,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
    sweet,
    stover
 Cucumber  1.0...............................      1/1/07
  Currant  7.0...............................      1/1/08
 Dewberry  7.0...............................      1/1/08
      Egg  0.1...............................      1/1/08
 Eggplant  0.2...............................      1/1/09
   Fruit,  10.0..............................      1/1/08
   citrus,
 postharv
       est
   Garlic  0.2...............................      1/1/06
Goat, fat  0.1...............................      1/1/08
    Goat,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
      meat
    Goat,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
      meat
 byproduc
        ts
    Grape  10.0..............................      1/1/08
   Grape,  50.0..............................      1/1/08
    raisin
 Hog, fat  0.1...............................      1/1/08
Hog, meat  0.1...............................      1/1/08
Hog, meat  0.1...............................      1/1/08
 byproduc
        ts
   Horse,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
       fat
   Horse,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
      meat
   Horse,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
      meat
 byproduc
        ts
     Kale  0.2...............................      1/1/06
 Kohlrabi  0.2...............................      1/1/06
Loganberr  7.0...............................      1/1/08
         y
    Mango  3.0...............................      1/1/08
    Melon  1.0...............................      1/1/07
     Milk  0.1...............................      1/1/08
Mushroom,  10.0..............................      1/1/08
 postharv
       est
  Mustard  0.2...............................      1/1/06
    greens
Nectarine  15.0..............................      1/1/08
         ,
 postharv
       est
      Nut  0.2...............................      1/1/07
     Oat,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
     grain
     Oat,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
     straw
   Peach,  15.0..............................      1/1/08
 postharv
       est
   Peanut  0.2...............................      1/1/08
  Peanut,  15.0..............................      1/1/08
       hay
    Pear,  7.0...............................      1/1/08
 postharv
       est
   Pepper  0.2...............................      1/1/09
Pineapple  35.0..............................      1/1/08
         ,
 postharv
       est
Pistachio  0.2...............................      1/1/07
    Plum,  15.0..............................      1/1/08
 postharv
       est
    Plum,  15.0..............................      1/1/08
    prune,
    fresh,
 postharv
       est
 Poultry,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
       fat
 Poultry,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
     liver
 Poultry,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
      meat
 Poultry,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
      meat
 byproduc
       ts,
    except
     liver
  Pumpkin  1.0...............................      1/1/07
Raspberry  7.0...............................      1/1/08
     Rice  5.0...............................      1/1/08
    Rice,  20.0..............................      1/1/08
     hulls
    Rice,  15.0..............................      1/1/08
     straw
 Rutabaga  0.2...............................      1/1/07
     Rye,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
     grain
     Rye,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
     straw
   Sheep,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
       fat
   Sheep,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
      meat
   Sheep,  0.1...............................      1/1/08
      meat
 byproduc
        ts
  Soybean  0.2...............................      1/1/07
  Spinach  0.2...............................      1/1/07
  Squash,  1.0...............................      1/1/07
    summer
  Squash,  1.0...............................      1/1/07
    winter
Strawberr  5.0...............................      1/1/08
         y
    Sweet  0.2...............................      1/1/07
   potato,
     roots
   Tomato  5.0...............................      1/1/09
  Tomato,  50.0..............................      1/1/09
 concentr
      ated
  products
  Turnip,  0.2...............................      1/1/07
     roots
   Wheat,  0.2...............................      1/1/08
     grain
   Wheat,  15.0..............................      1/1/08
     straw
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    (c) *  *  *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Parts     Expiration/
                   Commodity                       per      Revocation
                                                 million       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. 02-17872 Filed 7-16-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S