[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 138 (Wednesday, July 20, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41718-41726]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-14285]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[OPP-2005-0053; FRL-7702-7]


Fenbuconazole; Notice of Filing a Pesticide Petition to Establish 
a Tolerance for a Certain Pesticide Chemical in or on Food

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces the initial filing of a pesticide 
petition proposing the establishment of regulations for residues of a 
certain pesticide chemical in or on various food commodities.

DATES: Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number OPP-
2005-0053, must be received on or before August 19, 2005.

ADDRESSES:  Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or 
through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as 
provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tony Kish, Registration Division 
(7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone 
number: (703) 308-9443; e-mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

     You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an 
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. 
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
     Crop production (NAICS 111)
     Animal production (NAICS 112)
     Food manufacturing (NAICS 311)
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS 32532)
     This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides 
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be 
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining 
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any 
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular 
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?

    1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this 
action under docket ID number OPP-2005-0053. The official public docket 
consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any 
public comments received, and other information related to this action. 
Although, a part of the official docket, the public docket does not 
include Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket 
is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at 
the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, 
Crystal Mall 2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This docket 
facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is (703) 305-
5805.
    2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document 
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.
     An electronic version of the public docket is available through 
EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may 
use EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to submit or view public 
comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official 
public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that 
are available electronically. Although, not all docket materials may be 
available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly 
available docket materials through the docket facility identified in 
Unit I.B.1. Once in the system, select ``search,'' then key in the 
appropriate docket ID number.
     Certain types of information will not be placed in the EPA 
Dockets. Information claimed as CBI and other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute, which is not included in the 
official public docket, will not be available for public viewing in 
EPA's electronic public docket. EPA's policy is that copyrighted 
material will not be placed in EPA's electronic public docket but will 
be available only in printed, paper form in the official public docket. 
To the extent feasible, publicly available docket materials will be 
made available in EPA's electronic public docket. When a document is 
selected from the index list in EPA Dockets, the system will identify 
whether the document is available for viewing in EPA's electronic 
public docket. Although, not all docket materials may be available 
electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available 
docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B. 
EPA intends to work towards providing electronic access to all of the 
publicly available docket materials through EPA's electronic public 
docket.
     For public commenters, it is important to note that EPA's policy 
is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or on paper, 
will be made available for public viewing in EPA's electronic public 
docket as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment 
contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment 
containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide

[[Page 41719]]

a reference to that material in the version of the comment that is 
placed in EPA's electronic public docket. The entire printed comment, 
including the copyrighted material, will be available in the public 
docket.
     Public comments submitted on computer disks that are mailed or 
delivered to the docket will be transferred to EPA's electronic public 
docket. Public comments that are mailed or delivered to the docket will 
be scanned and placed in EPA's electronic public docket. Where 
practical, physical objects will be photographed, and the photograph 
will be placed in EPA's electronic public docket along with a brief 
description written by the docket staff.

C. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments?

     You may submit comments electronically, by mail, or through hand 
delivery/courier. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the 
appropriate docket ID number in the subject line on the first page of 
your comment. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the 
specified comment period. Comments received after the close of the 
comment period will be marked ``late.'' EPA is not required to consider 
these late comments. If you wish to submit CBI or information that is 
otherwise protected by statute, please follow the instructions in Unit 
I.D. Do not use EPA Dockets or e-mail to submit CBI or information 
protected by statute.
    1. Electronically. If you submit an electronic comment as 
prescribed in this unit, EPA recommends that you include your name, 
mailing address, and an e-mail address or other contact information in 
the body of your comment. Also, include this contact information on the 
outside of any disk or CD ROM you submit, and in any cover letter 
accompanying the disk or CD ROM. This ensures that you can be 
identified as the submitter of the comment and allows EPA to contact 
you in case EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties 
or needs further information on the substance of your comment. EPA's 
policy is that EPA will not edit your comment, and any identifying or 
contact information provided in the body of a comment will be included 
as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, 
and made available in EPA's electronic public docket. If EPA cannot 
read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you 
for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment.
    i. EPA Dockets. Your use of EPA's electronic public docket to 
submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA's preferred method for 
receiving comments. Go directly to EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. 
Once in the system, select ``search,'' and then key in docket ID number 
OPP-2005-0053. The system is an ``anonymous access'' system, which 
means EPA will not know your identity, e-mail address, or other contact 
information unless you provide it in the body of your comment.
    ii. E-mail. Comments may be sent by e-mail to [email protected], 
Attention: Docket ID number OPP-2005-0053. In contrast to EPA's 
electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail system is not an `` anonymous 
access'' system. If you send an e-mail comment directly to the docket 
without going through EPA's electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail 
system automatically captures your e-mail address. E-mail addresses 
that are automatically captured by EPA's e-mail system are included as 
part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and 
made available in EPA's electronic public docket.
    iii. Disk or CD ROM. You may submit comments on a disk or CD ROM 
that you mail to the mailing address identified in Unit I.C.2. These 
electronic submissions will be accepted in WordPerfect or ASCII file 
format. Avoid the use of special characters and any form of encryption.
    2. By mail. Send your comments to: Public Information and Records 
Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001, Attention: Docket ID number OPP-2005-0053.
    3. By hand delivery or courier. Deliver your comments to: Public 
Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Office of Pesticide 
Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall 
2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, Attention: Docket ID 
number OPP-2005-0053. Such deliveries are only accepted during the 
docket's normal hours of operation as identified in Unit I.B.1.

D. How Should I Submit CBI to the Agency?

     Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI 
electronically through EPA's electronic public docket or by e-mail. You 
may claim information that you submit to EPA as CBI by marking any part 
or all of that information as CBI (if you submit CBI on disk or CD ROM, 
mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify 
electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that 
is 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 docket and EPA's electronic public docket. If you submit 
the copy that does not contain CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside 
of the disk or CD ROM clearly that it does not contain CBI. Information 
not marked as CBI will be included in the public docket and EPA's 
electronic public docket 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. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this 
notice.
     7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket 
ID 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.

II. What Action is the Agency Taking?

     EPA has received pesticide petitions as follows proposing the 
establishment and/or amendment of regulations for residues of a certain 
pesticide chemical in or on various food commodities under section 408 
of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 21 U.S.C. 346a. 
EPA has determined that these petitions contain data or information 
regarding the elements set forth in FFDCA section 408(d)(2); however, 
EPA has not fully evaluated the sufficiency of the submitted data at 
this time or whether the data support granting of the petitions. 
Additional data may be needed before EPA rules on the petitions.

[[Page 41720]]

List of Subjects

     Environmental protection, Agricultural commodities, Feed 
additives, Food additives, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: July 8, 2005.
Betty Shackleford,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

Summary of Petition

     The petitioner's summary of the pesticide petitions is printed 
below as required by FFDCA section 408(d)(3). The summary of the 
petition was prepared by Dow AgroSciences LLC, and represents the view 
of the petitioner. The petition summary announces the availability of a 
description of the analytical methods available to EPA for the 
detection and measurement of the pesticide chemical residues or an 
explanation of why no such method is needed.

 Dow AgroSciences LLC

 PP 0E6208, PP 9F6024, PP 9E5041, PP1E6252, PP 2F4135, PP 7F4887, PP 
1F3989, PP 3F4914, PP 2F4127, PP 4F6879, PP 1F3989, PP 1F3995, and PP 
2F 4154



     EPA has received the following pesticide petitions PP 0E6208, PP 
9F6024, PP 9E5041, PP 1E6252, PP 2F4135, PP 7F4887, PP 1F3989, PP 
3F4914, PP 2F4127, PP 4F6879, PP 1F3989, PP1F3995, and PP 2F 4154 from 
Dow AgroSciences LLC, 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 
proposing, pursuant to section 408(d) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(d), 
to amend 40 CFR part 180, by establishing a tolerance for residues of 
[fenbuconazole (alpha-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-ethyl)-alpha-phenyl-3-(1H-
1,2,4-triazole)- 1-propanenitrile) and its metabolites cis-and trans-5-
(4-chlorophenyl)-dihydro-3-phenyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ylmethyl)-2-
3H-furanone] in or on the raw agricultural commodity grape at 1.0 parts 
per million (ppm), blueberry at 0.3 ppm, cranberry at 1.0 ppm, fruit, 
citrus, group 10 at 1.0 ppm, fruit, stone, group 12 (except plum, 
prune) at 2.0 ppm, pecan at 0.1, banana at 0.3 ppm and [fenbuconazole 
(alpha-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-ethyl)-alpha-phenyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazole)-1-
propanenitrile) and its metabolite (alpha-(2-(4-chloro-3-(D-
glucopyranosyloxy) -phenyl) ethyl)-alpha-phenyl-1H- 1,2,4-triazole-1-
propanenitrile), in or on the raw agricultural commodity peanut at 0.1 
ppm, and peanut, hay at 20 ppm.
     Previously, EPA had received pesticide petitions PP 2F4135, PP 
7F4887, PP 1F3989, PP 3F4914, and PP 2F4127 from Rohm and Haas Company, 
100 Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2399, proposing, 
pursuant to section 408(d) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(d), to amend 40 
CFR part 180 by establishing a tolerance for residues of [fenbuconazole 
(alpha-(2-(4- chlorophenyl) -ethyl)-alpha-phenyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazole)- 
1-propanenitrile) and its metabolites cis-and trans-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-
dihydro-3-phenyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ylmethyl)-2-3H-furanone] in or 
on the raw agricultural commodities apple at 0.4 ppm, apple, wet pomace 
at 1.0 ppm, sugar beet, roots at 0.2 ppm, sugar beet, tops at 9.0 ppm, 
sugar beet, dried pulp at 1.0 ppm, sugar beet, molasses at 0.4 ppm, 
plum at 2.0 ppm, plum, prune, dried at 7.0 ppm, almond at 0.05 ppm, 
almond, hulls at 3.0 ppm, and wheat, grain at 0.05 ppm, wheat, straw at 
10.0 ppm and [fenbuconazole (alpha-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-ethyl)-alpha-
phenyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazole)- 1-propanenitrile) and its metabolites 
cis-and trans-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-dihydro-3-phenyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazole-
1- ylmethyl)-2-3H-furanone and 4-chloro-alpha(hydroxymethyl)-alpha-
phenyl- benzenebutanenitrile] in or on fat of cattle, hogs, horses, 
goats, and sheep at 0.05 ppm and liver of cattle, hogs, horses, goats, 
and sheep at 0.3 ppm.
     These pending petitions were transferred to Dow AgroSciences on 
September 21, 2001 and Dow AgroSciences is still interested in pursuing 
these previously submitted tolerance petitions. Previously these 
petitions were published in the Federal Register for public comment on 
December 20, 1992, October 21, 1993, February 9, 1994, March 2, 1994, 
July 13, 1994, August 18, 1994, January 30, 1998, and June 25, 1999.
     EPA has determined that the petitions contain data or information 
regarding the elements set forth in section 408(d)(2) of the FFDCA; 
however, EPA has not fully evaluated the sufficiency of the submitted 
data at this time or whether the data support granting of the 
petitions. Additional data may be needed before EPA rules on the 
petitions.

A. Residue Chemistry

    1. Plant metabolism. The metabolism of fenbuconazole in plants is 
adequately understood for the purpose of these tolerances. Plant 
metabolism was evaluated in three diverse crops, wheat, peaches, and 
peanuts. The route of metabolism is similar in all crop groups and 
proceeds with three main pathways. Oxidation at the benzylic carbon 
(pathway 1) led to the ketone and the lactone as metabolites. Oxidation 
or nucleophilic substitution on the carbon next to the triazole ring 
(pathway 2) led to triazole alanine (TA) and triazole acetic acid (TAA) 
presumably through free triazole. Metabolic pathway 3 produced the 
phenolic metabolite RH-4911, and led to the glucose conjugates found in 
all crops.
    2. Analytical method. An adequate enforcement method is available 
for the established and proposed tolerances. Quantitation of 
fenbuconazole residues (and metabolites cis- and trans-5-(4-
chlorophenyl)-dihydro-3-phenyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ylmethyl)-2-3H-
furanone) at an analytical sensitivity of 0.01 milligrams/kilogram (mg/
kg) is accomplished by soxhlet extraction of samples in methanol, 
partitioning into methylene chloride, redissolving in toluene, cleanup 
on silica gel, and gas liquid chromatography using nitrogen specific 
thermionic detection. Quantitation of fenbuconazole residues (and 
metabolite alpha-(2-(4-chloro-3-(D-glucopyranosyloxy)-phenyl) ethyl)-
alpha-phenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-propanenitrile) at an analytical 
sensitivity of 0.03 mg/kg is accomplished by soxhlet extraction of 
samples in acidic methanol to hydrolyze the glucoside metabolite into 
the phenol derivative. The analytes are separated by liquid-liquid 
extractions, cleanup on silica gel, and solid phase extraction. The 
phenolic derivative and parent are quantified by liquid chromatography/
mass spectroscopy.
    3. Magnitude of residues. The residue data in support of the 
proposed tolerances was generated from the magnitude of residue studies 
on grapes, peanuts, blueberry, cranberry, peanut, apple, sugar beet, 
plum, almond, wheat, citrus (grapefruit, orange, lemon), stone fruit 
(peaches, cherries, apricots), pecans, and bananas.
    i. Grape. Fenbuconazole is registered for use on grapes in Latin 
America and Europe. An import tolerance petition has been submitted (PP 
0E6208). Residue studies were conducted in Europe (12 trials) and in 
Central and South America (5 trials) in support of the import tolerance 
for grapes. In the Central and South American trials, a suspension 
concentrate (2F) formulation of fenbuconazole was applied at a single 
application of 0.3 kg active ingredient/hectare (a.i./ha). Grapes were 
collected at normal harvest, 61-139 days, after application. In the 
European trials, fenbuconazole (2F) was applied 3-8 times at a rate of 
0.015-0.075 kg a.i./ha per application. Grapes were harvested at 21 
days after the last application. The

[[Page 41721]]

combined residues, expressed as parent, were < 0.01-0.093 ppm in the 
Central and South American and 0.046-0.63 ppm in the European trials. 
Averages were 0.027 ppm in the Central and South American trials and 
0.37 ppm in the European trials. Overall average for the 17 trials is 
0.27 ppm. An import tolerance of 1.0 ppm is proposed.
    ii. Blueberry. Eight magnitude of residue studies were conducted on 
blueberry in field sites located within the major blueberry growing 
regions in the U.S. recommended by the EPA. A wettable powder (75WP) 
formulation of fenbuconazole was applied five times at a rate of 0.094 
lb active ingredient/Acre (a.i./A) per application. The application 
rate at one (NJ) of the field trials was 0.047 lb a.i./A per 
application. Mature fruits were harvested at 25-35 days after the final 
application. The combined residues, expressed as parent, were 0.013-
0.183 ppm. The average residues were 0.069. A tolerance of 0.3 ppm is 
proposed.
    iii. Cranberry. Five field trials were conducted in field sites 
located within the major cranberry growing regions in the U.S. 
recommended by EPA. Fenbuconazole was applied 5 times as a wettable 
powder (75WP) formulation at a rate of 0.19 lb/A per application. 
Mature fruits were harvested at 25-28 days after final application. The 
combined residues, expressed as parent, ranged from 0.09 ppm to 0.45 
ppm with an average of 0.20 ppm. A tolerance of 1.0 ppm is proposed.
    iv. Peanut. A total of thirteen magnitude of residue studies were 
conducted in field sites located within the major peanut growing 
regions in the U.S. recommended by the EPA. A suspension concentrate 
(2F) formulation of fenbuconazole was applied 6 times at one site and 8 
times at the remaining twelve sites at a rate of 0.125 lb a.i./A per 
application. Peanuts were collected at normal harvest, 14-15 days after 
the final application. Peanuts were shelled and the nutmeat analyzed. 
The combined residues, expressed as parent, were non-detected to 0.056 
ppm with an average of 0.015 ppm. A tolerance of 0.1 ppm is proposed.
    v. Apples. Residue studies have been conducted in accordance with 
the geographic distribution mandated by the EPA for apples. In the 
apples, the raw agricultural commodity (RAC), the fenbuconazole 
residues ranged from approximately 0.1 mg/kg to approximately 0.3 mg/
kg. Residues were measured in process fractions of apples, apple juice, 
and apple pomace. Concentration above the residue levels in the RAC 
occurred only in the pomace at approximately two-fold. Thus, no 
tolerance for juice is required, but a tolerance for pomace is 
required.
     Seven field trials on apples were carried out in 1990 in six 
states: PA, WA, NC, MI, VA, and WV. Two application rates were used in 
each of the studies, the anticipated maximum application rate of 0.14 
kg a.i./ha and a 2x exaggerated rate of 0.28 kg a.i./ha. A total of 8-
10 applications were made at the normal timing in each trial, and the 
fruit was harvested at 0, 7, and 13 or 14 days after the final 
application. All samples were frozen immediately after they were 
harvested and were kept frozen until analysis, or shipped fresh 
immediately after harvest and processed and frozen immediately upon 
receipt and kept frozen until analysis. Samples were analyzed using the 
residue analytical method for RH-7592 parent and metabolites in stone 
fruit, and residues were corrected for average fortification 
recoveries. As would be expected, the residue levels were seen to 
increase with decreased PHI and increased application rate. The average 
half-life of residue decline for 6 studies was 11.9-days. The average 
parent residue at 13-14 PHI at the 0.14 kg a.i./ha rate was 0.086 mg/
kg.
     Formulation bridging studies were conducted on apples in 1993. 
Apples grown in WA and PA were treated, in separate plots, with the 2F 
and 75 WP formulations of fenbuconazole at a rate of 0.14 kg a.i./ha/
application. A total of ten or twelve applications were made using an 
airblast sprayer at the normal timing of each trial, and the fruit was 
harvested at 14 days after the final application (14-day pre-harvest 
interval (PHI). Samples were shipped fresh immediately after harvest 
and frozen immediately upon receipt and kept frozen until processing 
and subsequent analysis. Samples were analyzed using the residue 
analytical method for RH-7592 parent and metabolites in stone fruit, 
but residues were not corrected for average fortification recoveries. 
Total residues from the two trials were 0.226 and 0.135 mg/kg in the 2F 
formulation, and 0.184 and 0.162 mg/kg in the 75WP formulation. There 
were no significant differences in apparent residues found from the use 
of the two formulations, and residues due to parent compound 
constituted greater than 85% of the total residues found on the fruit.
     Seven field residue trials were conducted on apples in 1995, in 
CA, CO, MI, NY, OH, OR, and WA. Apples were treated with dilute (0.014 
kg active ingredient hectoliter (a.i./hl) and concentrate (0.035 kg 
a.i./hl) sprays of the 2F formulation of fenbuconazole at a rate of 
0.14 kg a.i./ha. A total of 8-10 applications were made using airblast 
sprayers, with first application at early bud break and subsequent 
applications on a 10-14 day schedule through bloom and a 14 to 21 day 
schedule in the cover sprays until harvest. The apples were harvested 
by hand at a PHI of 14-days. Residue samples were analyzed using the 
residue analytical method for RH-7592 parent and metabolites in stone 
fruit, but residues were not corrected for average fortification 
recoveries. Samples from 3 sites were also analyzed using the residue 
analytical method for metabolite RH-7905. Metabolite RH-7905 was not 
detected in any of the samples. The total residues from the concentrate 
sprays ranged from 0.015 to 0.274 mg/kg and averaged 0.137 mg/kg. The 
total residues from the dilute sprays ranged from 0.019 to 0.295 mg/kg 
and averaged 0.139 mg/kg. There is not a significant difference in the 
magnitude of the residues between dilute and concentrate spray volumes 
of the 2F formulation of fenbuconazole.
     An additional residue study was conducted on apples grown in PA in 
1994 and the fruit was used for a processing study. The apples received 
nine foliar applications of the 2F formulation of fenbuconazole at the 
normal timing at a rate of 0.14 kg a.i./ha/application. The fruit was 
harvested 14-days after the last treatment. The raw agricultural 
commodities (RAC) samples were shipped fresh and either immediately 
processed or frozen for storage. All RAC and processed samples were 
analyzed within a less than 30-day period, eliminating the need for 
generation of storage stability data. The apples were processed at the 
Food Research Laboratory of Cornell University using methodology 
simulating commercial apple processing. Briefly, the processing 
consisted of washing the apples in water, grinding in a hammer mill to 
apple mash, and pressing of the mash to form both fresh apple juice and 
wet pomace. The juice was either canned (sampled as unpasteurized 
juice) or canned and pasteurized (sampled as pasteurized juice). The 
wet pomace (moisture content 69%) was also sampled. All samples were 
frozen on generation and stored frozen until analysis. Samples were 
analyzed using the residue analytical method for RH-7592 and 
metabolites in stone fruit, and residues were not corrected for average 
fortification recovery. The average total residues for each component, 
and its concentration factor, were as follows: Unwashed fruit 0.065 mg/
kg NA, washed fruit 0.070 mg/kg NA, wet pomace 0.159 mg/kg 2.46, 
unpasteurized juice 0.004 mg/kg 0.06,

[[Page 41722]]

pasteurized juice 0 mg/kg 0.00. No concentration of residues was seen 
in the human diet component, i.e., apple juice. Concentration of 
residues of approximately 2-fold was seen in wet pomace, which is not a 
component of the human diet.
     Feeding studies in the cow, goat, and hen indicated that the only 
animal commodities which require tolerances are fat and liver. There 
were no significant residues in eggs or milk at any dose level. 
Residues in animals declined significantly during the depuration 
period. In the fat and liver one of the components of the fenbuconazole 
tolerance expression has a LOQ = 0.05 mg/kg. Because there were 
detectable residues only in liver, not fat, the LOQ of the least 
sensitive component drives the fat tolerance. Tolerances of 0.05 ppm in 
fat and 0.3 ppm in liver were proposed based on the animal data.
    vi. Sugar beets. Residue studies have been conducted in accordance 
with the geographic distribution mandated by the EPA for sugar beets. 
Following full season foliar treatment, the residues of fenbuconazole 
were higher in the sugar beet tops than in the root. Combined residues 
in root averaged 0.415 mg/kg. Residues in tops were more variable, and 
ranged from 0.56-8.89 mg/kg. In a formulation bridging study the 
residues were higher in the sugar beet tops compared to the root. Total 
root residues in the 75WP formulation ranged from 0.0061 to 0.268 mg/kg 
and averaged 0.0616 mg/kg. Total root residues in the 2F formulation 
ranged from 0.0223 to 0.0523 mg/kg and averaged 0.0328 mg/kg. Total top 
residues averaged 2.15 mg/kg in the 75WP formulation, and 2.69 mg/kg in 
the 2F formulation. There was no significant difference in residues 
between formulations of fenbuconazole. In a processing study the 
concentration factor for each component was: Root 1.0X, dry pulp 5.39X, 
molasses 1.82X, and refined sugar 0.1X. Compared to raw roots, a 
reduction of residues was seen in the human diet component, sugar. 
Concentration of residues was seen in molasses and dry pulp, neither of 
which is a component of the human diet.
    vii. Plum. A total of ten field residue trials were conducted in 
plums. Six to nine applications were made at the maximum use rate of 
0.1 lb active ingredient/Acre (a.i./A) and whole fruit was harvested on 
the same day as the last application. The highest field residue value 
in whole fruit was 0.315 ppm; the next highest field residue value was 
0.071 ppm. The average field residue value in whole fruit was 0.062 
ppm. Residues were measured in dried plums (prunes) in three residue 
trials. Six applications were made at the maximum use rate of 0.1 lb 
a.i./A , and whole fruit was harvested on the same day as the last 
application. Dried plums contained residues of 0.02, 0.04, and 0.014 
ppm.
    viii. Almonds. Residue studies have been conducted in accordance 
with the geographic distribution mandated by the EPA for almonds. There 
are no process fractions of almonds. Six field trials in almonds were 
carried out at 5 sites in CA in 1987. In all of the studies, the 
anticipated maximum application rate of 0.11 kg a.i./ha and a 2X 
exaggerated rate of 0.22 kg a.i./ha. A total of three applications were 
made at the normal timing in all trials, and the almonds were harvested 
at maturity, 127-200 days after the final application. Samples were 
shipped fresh or frozen. Hulls were separated from the nuts and 
processed in a Hobart food processor with dry ice or in a Wiley Mill 
without dry ice. Nuts were shelled and the nutmeat homogenized in a 
Waring food processor with dry ice. The processed samples were stored 
frozen until analysis. Samples were analyzed using the residue 
analytical method for RH-7592 and metabolites. No residue in any 
nutmeat sample at the 1x application rate reached 0.01 mg/kg. Residues 
in the hull at the 1x rate ranged from 0.1 to 1.5 mg/kg. One nutmeat 
sample treated at the 2x rate had a quantifiable residue of 0.027 mg/
kg. The remainder had no detectable residue. Hull sample residues from 
the 2x rate ranged from 0.5 to 6.6 mg/kg.
     Feeding studies in the cow, goat, and hen indicated that the only 
animal commodities which require tolerances are fat and liver. There 
were no significant residues in eggs or milk at any dose level. 
Residues in animals declined significantly during the depuration 
period. In the fat and liver one of the components of the fenbuconazole 
tolerance expression has a LOQ = 0.05 mg/kg. Because there were 
detectable residues only in liver, not fat, the LOQ of the least 
sensitive component drives the fat tolerance. Tolerances of 0.05 ppm in 
fat and 0.3 ppm in liver were proposed based on the animal data.
    ix. Wheat. Residue studies have been conducted in accordance with 
the geographic distribution mandated by the EPA for wheat. In the wheat 
grain, the raw agricultural commodity, the fenbuconazole residues 
ranged from no detectable residue (NDR < LOQ = 0.01 mg/kg) to 
approximately 0.01 ppm. In wheat straw the fenbuconazole residues 
ranged from approximately 0.05 ppm to approximately 4.5 ppm. Residues 
were measured in processed fractions of wheat including cleaned grain, 
bread, patent flour, flour, red dog, bran, shorts/germ, and middlings. 
EPA concluded that, no concentration above the residue levels in the 
RAC occurred so no tolerances for any of these commodities were 
required. Tolerances of 0.05 ppm in wheat grain and 10 ppm in wheat 
straw are proposed based on these data.
     Feeding studies in the cow, goat, and hen indicated that the only 
animal commodities which require tolerances are fat and liver. There 
were no significant residues in eggs or milk at any dose level. In cows 
there were residues in fat only at the 10x level in one animal at 0.06 
mg/kg. Liver contained quantifiable residues in all dose groups and the 
magnitude of the residue correlated closely with the dose level. At 
study day 28 the 1 x livers averaged 0.08 mg/kg. Residues declined 
significantly during the depuration period. In the fat and liver one of 
the components of the fenbuconazole tolerance expression has a LOQ = 
0.05 mg/kg. Because there were detectable residues only in liver, not 
fat, at the 1x level, the LOQ of the least sensitive component drives 
the fat tolerance. Tolerances of 0.05 ppm in fat and 0.3 ppm in liver 
are proposed based on the animal data.
    x. Citrus. The residue data in support of the proposed tolerance of 
1.0 ppm in citrus were generated from the magnitude of residue studies 
on grapefruits, oranges, and lemons.
    a. Grapefruit. Magnitude of residue studies were conducted in 1992-
1994 at field sites located within the major grapefruit-growing regions 
in the U.S. recommended by the EPA. A suspension concentrate 
formulation of fenbuconazole containing 24% a.i. was applied 3 times at 
a nominal rate of 0.25 lb a.i./A per application. Applications were 
made using an airblast sprayer and at an interval of 21-28 days in 
between applications. Mature fruits from control and treated plots were 
harvested at 0-day after the last application. In some trials, pulp was 
separated and analyzed. All samples were analyzed for fenbuconazole and 
its lactone metabolites RH-9129 and RH-9130. Total residues of 
fenbuconazole and its lactone metabolites (expressed as fenbuconazole) 
were 0.10-0.494 ppm in whole fruit with an average of 0.21 ppm. Nearly 
all of the pulp samples showed no detectable residues.
    b. Orange. Magnitude of residue studies were conducted in 1992-1994 
and 1997 at field sites located within the major orange-growing regions 
in the U.S. recommended by the EPA. A

[[Page 41723]]

suspension concentrate formulation of fenbuconazole containing 24% a.i. 
was applied 3 times at a nominal rate of 0.25 lb a.i./A per 
application. Applications were made using an airblast sprayer and at an 
interval of 20-28 days in between applications. Mature fruits from 
control and treated plots were harvested at 0-day after the last 
application. In some trials, pulp was separated and analyzed. All 
samples were analyzed for fenbuconazole and its lactone metabolites RH-
9129 and RH-9130. Total residues of fenbuconazole and its lactone 
metabolites (expressed as fenbuconazole) were 0.126-0.678 ppm in whole 
fruit with an average of 0.281 ppm. Residues in the pulp are < LOQ 
(0.01 ppm).
    c. Lemon. Magnitude of residue studies were conducted in 2,000 at 
field sites located within the major lemon-growing regions in the U.S. 
recommended by the EPA. A suspension concentrate formulation of 
fenbuconazole containing 25% a.i. was applied 3 times at a nominal rate 
of 0.25 lb a.i./A per application. Applications were made using an 
airblast sprayer and at an interval of 20-22 days in between 
applications. Mature fruits from control and treated plots were 
harvested at 0-day after the last application. A sub-sample of the 
lemon fruits were also prepared as peeled fruits. All samples were 
analyzed for fenbuconazole and its lactone metabolites RH-9129 and RH-
9130. Total residues of fenbuconazole and its lactone metabolites 
(expressed as fenbuconazole) were 0.523-0.837 ppm in whole fruit and 
0.019-0.173 ppm in the pulp. The average residues were 0.650 ppm in 
whole fruit and 0.067 ppm in the pulp. The residue data from the lemon 
trials support the tolerance of 1.0 ppm in citrus.
    xi. Stone fruit--a. Peaches. Ten field trials were conducted on 
peaches. 7-10 applications were made at the maximum use rate of 0.1 
pounds of active ingredient per acre (lb a.i./acre) per application, 
and fruit was harvested on the last day of application. The highest 
field residue value was 0.51 ppm, and the average field residue value 
was 0.36 ppm.
    b. Cherries. Eleven field trials were conducted on cherries. Five 
to 6 applications were made at the maximum use rate of 0.1 lb a.i./acre 
per application, and fruit was harvested on the last day of 
application. The highest field residue value was 0.63 ppm, and the 
average field residue value was 0.43 ppm.
    c. Apricots. Four field trials were conducted on apricots. Six 
applications were made at the maximum use rate of 0.125 lb a.i./acre 
per application, and fruit was harvested on the last day of 
application. The field residue values in four samples measured were 
0.17, 0.23, 0.27, and 0.28 ppm.
    xiii. Pecans. Four field trials were conducted in pecans. Eight to 
10 applications were made at the maximum use rate of 0.125 lb a.i./acre 
per application, and nuts were harvested 28-days after the last 
application. Field residue values in nutmeat for all four trials were < 
0.01 ppm.
    xiv. Bananas. Eighteen field trials were conducted on bagged 
bananas, which are typically used in commerce. Eight applications (5 
and 7 applications in two trials) were made at the maximum use rate of 
0.09 lb a.i./acre per application and bananas were harvested on the 
last day of application. The highest field residue value in whole fruit 
or in pulp and peel combined was 0.062 ppm. The average field residue 
value in whole fruit or in pulp and peel combined was 0.03 ppm.
     The results of these studies support the proposed permanent 
tolerances for fenbuconazole on stone fruit, pecans, and bananas.

B. Toxicological Profile

    1. Acute toxicity. Fenbuconazole is practically non-toxic after 
administration by the oral and dermal routes, and was not significantly 
toxic to rats after a 4 hour inhalation exposure. Fenbuconazole is 
classified as not irritating to skin and inconsequentially irritating 
to the eyes. It is not a skin sensitizer.
    2. Genotoxicty. Fenbuconazole was negative (non-mutagenic) in an 
Ames assay with and without hepatic enzyme activation. Fenbuconazole 
was negative in a hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase 
(HGPRT) gene mutation assay using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in 
culture when tested with and without hepatic enzyme activation. In 
isolated rat hepatocytes, fenbuconazole did not induce unscheduled DNA 
synthesis (UDS) or repair. Fenbuconazole did not produce chromosome 
effects in rats in vivo. On the basis of the results from this battery 
of tests, it is concluded that, fenbuconazole is not mutagenic or 
genotoxic.
    3.  Reproductive and developmental toxicity--i. Developmental 
toxicity in the rat. In the developmental study in rats, the maternal 
(systemic) no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 30 mg/kg/day 
based on decreases in body weight and body weight gain at the lowest 
observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 75 mg/kg/day. The 
developmental (fetal) NOAEL was 30 mg/kg/day based on an increase in 
post implantation loss and a significant decrease in the number of live 
fetuses per dam at the LOAEL of 75 mg/kg/day.
    ii. Developmental toxicity in the rabbit. In the developmental 
study in rabbits, the maternal (systemic) NOAEL was 10 mg/kg/day based 
on decreased body weight gain at the LOAEL of 30 mg/kg/day. The 
developmental (fetal) NOAEL was 30 mg/kg/day based on increased 
resorptions at the LOAEL of 60 mg/kg/day.
    iii. Reproductive toxicity. In the 2-generation reproduction 
toxicity study in rats, the maternal (systemic) NOAEL was 4 mg/kg/day 
based on decreased body weight and food consumption, increased number 
of dams delivering nonviable offspring, and increases in adrenal and 
thyroid weights at the LOAEL of 40 mg/kg/day. The reproductive (pup) 
NOAEL was 40 mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested.
    4. Subchronic toxicity--i. Rat 90-day oral study. A subchronic 
feeding study in rats conducted for 13-weeks resulted in a NOAEL of 80 
parts per million (ppm) (5.1 and 6.3 mg/kg/day in males and females, 
respectively). The only effect observed at 80 ppm was minimal 
centrilobular hypertrophy (seen in one male) and hepatocytic 
centrilobular vacuolation (3 males) with no concomitant increase in 
liver weight or clinical chemistry correlates and no analogous effects 
in females. As such, these observations are not considered to be 
adverse. Increased liver weight, hepatic hypertrophy, thyroid 
hypertrophy, and decreased body weight were observed at the higher 
doses of 400 and 1,600 ppm.
    ii. Dog 90-day oral study. A subchronic feeding study in dogs 
conducted for 13-weeks resulted in a NOAEL of 100 ppm (3.3 and 3.5 mg/
kg/day in males and females, respectively). At the LOAEL of 400 ppm, 
increased liver weight, clinical chemistry parameters, and liver 
hypertrophy (males) were observed.
    iii. Rat 4-week dermal study. In a 21-day dermal toxicity in the 
rat study, the NOAEL was greater than 1,000 mg/kg/ day, with no effects 
seen at this limit dose.
    5. Chronic toxicity--i. Dog. A 1-year feeding study in dogs 
resulted in a NOAEL of 15 ppm (0.62 mg/kg/day) for females and 150 ppm 
(5.2 mg/kg/day) for males. Decreased body weight, increased liver 
weight, liver hypertrophy, and pigment in the liver were observed at 
the LOAEL of 150 and 1,200 ppm in females and males, respectively.
    ii. Mouse. A 78-week chronic/oncogenicity study was conducted in

[[Page 41724]]

male and female mice at 0, 10, 200 (males only), 650, and 1,300 ppm 
(females only). The NOAEL was 10 ppm (1.4 mg/kg/day), and the LOAEL was 
200 ppm (26.3 mg/kg/day) for males and 650 ppm (104.6 mg/kg/day) for 
females based on increased liver weight and histopathological effects 
on the liver, which were consistent with chronic enzyme induction. 
There was no statistically significant increase of any tumor type in 
males. However, there was a statistically significant increase in 
combined liver adenomas and carcinomas in females at the high dose only 
(1,300 ppm; 208.8 mg/kg/day). There were no liver tumors in the control 
females, and liver tumor incidences in the high-dose females just 
exceeded the historical control range. In ancillary mode-of-action 
studies in female mice, the increased tumor incidence was associated 
with changes in several parameters in mouse liver following high doses 
of fenbuconazole, including an increase in P450 enzymes (predominately 
of the CYP 2B type), an increase in cell proliferation, an increase in 
hepatocyte hypertrophy, and an increase in liver weight. Changes in 
these liver parameters, as well as the occurrence of the low incidence 
of liver tumors, were non-linear with respect to dose (i.e., effects 
were observed only at high dietary doses of fenbuconazole). Similar 
findings have been shown with several pharmaceuticals, including 
phenobarbital, which is not carcinogenic in humans. The non-linear dose 
response relationship observed with respect to liver changes (including 
the low incidence of tumors) in the mouse indicates that these findings 
should be carefully considered in deciding the relevance of high-dose 
animal tumors to human dietary exposure.
    iii. Rat. A 24-month chronic/oncogenicity study in male and female 
rats was conducted at 0, 8, 80, and 800 ppm fenbuconazole, and a second 
24-month chronic/oncogenicity study was conducted in male rats at 0, 
800, and 1,600 ppm. The NOAEL was 80 ppm (3 and 4 mg/kg/day in males 
and females, respectively), and the LOAEL was 800 ppm (31 and 43 mg/kg/
day in males and females, respectively) based on decreased body weight, 
increased liver and thyroid weights, and liver and thyroid hypertrophy. 
Fenbuconazole produced a minimal but statistically significant increase 
in the incidence of combined thyroid follicular cell benign and 
malignant tumors. These findings occurred only in male rats following 
life-time ingestion of very high levels (800 and 1,600 ppm in the diet) 
of fenbuconazole.
    iv. Carcinogenicity. The Agency has concluded, that the available 
data provide limited evidence of the carcinogenicity of fenbuconazole 
in both mice and rats and has classified fenbuconazole as a Group C 
carcinogen (possible human carcinogen with limited evidence of 
carcinogenicity in animals) in accordance with Agency guidelines, 
published in the Federal Register (51 FR 33992, September 24, 1986), 
and recommended that for the purpose of risk characterization a low-
dose extrapolation model applied to the experimental animal tumor data 
should be used for quantification of human risk (Q1*). EPA's 26 Feb 
1998 Hazard Identification Assessment Review Committee (HIARC) report 
concluded that 0.00359 (mg/kg/day)-1 is the appropriate Q* 
for fenbuconazole; this Q* is based on the fenbuconazole mouse liver 
tumor data, along with a power surface area scaling factor.
    6. Animal metabolism. The absorption, distribution, excretion, and 
metabolism of fenbuconazole in rats, goats, and hens were investigated. 
Following oral administration, fenbuconazole was completely and rapidly 
absorbed, extensively metabolized by oxidation/hydroxylation and 
conjugation, and rapidly and essentially completely excreted, 
predominately in the feces. Fenbuconazole did not accumulate in 
tissues.
    7. Metabolite toxicology. There are no toxicological concerns for 
fenbuconazole based on differential metabolic pathways in plants and 
animals. Triazole fungicides are known to produce three common 
metabolites, 1,2,4-triazole, triazolylalanine and triazole acetic acid. 
To support the extension of existing parent triazole-derivative 
fungicide tolerances, EPA conducted an interim human health assessment 
for aggregate exposure to 1,2,4-triazole. This interim assessment was 
summarized in the Federal Register notice dated August 4, 2004 and 
titled Propiconazole; Time-Limited Pesticide Tolerances. EPA concluded, 
that for all exposure durations and population subgroups, aggregate 
exposures to 1,2,4-triazole are not expected to exceed its level of 
concern.
    8. Endocrine disruption. The mammalian endocrine system includes 
estrogen and androgens as well as other hormonal systems. Fenbuconazole 
is not known to interfere with reproductive hormones; thus, 
fenbuconazole should not be considered to be estrogenic or androgenic. 
There are no known instances of proven or alleged adverse reproductive 
or developmental effects to people, domestic animals, or wildlife as a 
result of exposure to fenbuconazole or its residues.

C. Aggregate Exposure

    1. Dietary exposure--i. Food. Dietary exposure assessments for 
fenbuconazole were conducted using the dietary exposure evaluation 
model (DEEM) software with the food commodity intake data base (DEEM-
FCID, version 2) which incorporates food consumption data as reported 
in the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII) Survey 
1994-1996 and 1998. These exposure assessments include all existing 
uses under section 3 registrations (stone fruit except plums or prunes, 
pecans and bananas), grape (import, PP 0E6208), peanut (PP 9F6024), 
blueberry (PP 9E5041), cranberry (1E6252) and all other pending section 
3 registrations including apple (PP 2F4135), sugar beet (PP 7F4887), 
plums and prunes (PP 1F3989), the citrus crop group (PP 7F4900, 
7F4901), almond (PP 3F4914, 3H5663), wheat (PP 2F4127) as well as 
animal commodities. The assessments were performed in 3 levels. In the 
first assessment, a Tier 1 analysis was conducted with the assumption 
that 100% of the crops would be treated with fenbuconazole and that 
residues would be present at the tolerance levels. Also, default 
processing factors were used except for commodities with tolerances. In 
the second assessment (Tier 2), similar assumptions were made but the 
tolerance residues were adjusted with percent crop treated (PCT) from 
Doane data base available for apricot, cherry, peach, grapefruit, and 
pecan or from estimated market share for all other commodities. A Tier 
3 analysis was used to estimate dietary exposure for the cancer risk 
assessment. This assessment was refined using available PDP data, 
average field trial residues adjusted for PCT and available processing 
factors except for commodities with tolerances.
    a. Acute dietary exposure. Although, no acute adverse effect was 
observed as a result of exposure to a single dose, EPA has established 
an acute reference dose (aRfD) for the purpose of the acute dietary 
assessment. This aRfD was set at 0.3 mg/kg/day for females 13+ years 
old, the population sub-group of concern. This was based on the 
developmental rat toxicity study with a NOAEL of 30 mg/kg/day and an 
uncertainty factor of 100. The 100-fold safety factor includes 
intraspecies and interspecies variations. Using the above assumptions 
for Tier 1 assessment, the food exposure for females 13+ years old at 
the 95th

[[Page 41725]]

percentile was estimated to be 0.0133 mg/kg/day which utilized less 
that 5% of the acute RfD.
    b. Chronic dietary exposure. EPA has established a chronic 
reference dose (cRfD) for fenbuconazole at 0.03 mg/kg/day for all 
population subgroups. The cRfD is based on the 2-year combined chronic 
feeding-carcinogenicity study in rats with a NOAEL of 3.03 and 4.02 mg/
kg/day in males and females respectively, and an uncertainty factor of 
100. The 100-fold safety factor includes intraspecies and interspecies 
variations. No additional FQPA safety factor is required. The food 
exposure for the overall U.S. population was estimated for the Tier 1 
assessment to be 0.0044 mg/kg/day which utilizes 14.8% of the cRfD. The 
population subgroup with the highest potential for exposure was 
children 1-2 years at 62.7% of the cRfD with estimated food exposure of 
0.0188 mg/kg/day. For the Tier 2 assessment, the estimated food 
exposure was reduced to 2.5% of the cRfD for the general population and 
9.2% of the cRfD for children 1-2 years.
    c. Cancer dietary exposure. EPA has classified fenbuconazole as a 
Group C carcinogen (possible human carcinogen with limited evidence of 
carcinogenicity in animals) and has established a Q1* of 0.00359 (mg/
kg/day)-1 in human equivalents. Using a Tier 3 assessment, 
the food exposure was estimated to be 0.000074 mg/kg/day with a cancer 
risk estimate of 2.64 x 10-7.
    ii. Drinking water. The estimated drinking water concentration 
(EDWC) was calculated using the Pesticide Root Zone/Exposure Analysis 
Modeling System (PRZM/EXAMS) which predicts an annual average of 0.22 
ppb. These results are considered a conservative assessment of possible 
concentration of fenbuconazole in drinking water. Using this value of 
0.22 parts per billion (ppb), for dietary consumption of water in the 
DEEM-FCID chronic analysis results in the exposure from drinking water 
to be insignificant at < 0.1% of the cRfD for all population subgroups. 
Additionally in a later assessment the Agency used (Generic Estimated 
Environmental Concentration) GENEEC and (Screening Concentration in 
Ground Water) SCI-GROW models to estimate the environmental 
concentrations (EECs) for surface water and ground water. The EECs for 
fenbuconazole are 6.7 ppb for acute and 3.6 ppb for chronic exposure. 
Since the EECs in ground water are much lower than the EECs in surface 
water, conservatively only the surface water EECs were used for 
comparison with the drinking water levels of comparison (DWLOC). 
Drinking water levels of comparison (DWLOC) is a theoretical upper 
limit on a pesticide's concentration in drinking water in light of 
total aggregate exposure to a pesticide in food and from residential 
uses. DWLOC is not a regulatory standard for drinking water, but is 
used as a point of comparison against the estimated potential 
concentrations in ground water or surface water. It is calculated by 
subtracting the food dietary exposure (from DEEM analysis) from the RfD 
and then expressed as [mu]g/L using default body weights (70 kg for 
adult and 10 kg for infants) and drinking water consumption (2 L/day 
for adults and 1 L/day for children). The acute DWLOC for females 13 
years and older (population sub-group of concern) using Tier 1 
assumptions was calculated to be 8602 [mu]g/L. The chronic DWLOC for 
the general U.S. population and children 1-2 years (population sub-
group of concern) was calculated to be 895 [mu]g/L and 112 [mu]g/L, 
respectively using Tier 1 assumptions. The cancer DWLOC is the 
concentration in drinking water that results in a negligible cancer 
risk of 1 x 10-6. Using the Tier 3 assessment, the estimated 
chronic food exposure is 0.000074 mg/kg/day for the general U.S. 
population. Assuming a negligible cancer risk of 1 x 10-6 
and the Q1* of 0.00359 (mg/kg/day)-1, the maximum allowable 
water exposure is 0.000205 mg/kg/day resulting in a calculated cancer 
DWLOC of 7 [mu]g/L. When comparing the EEC to the cancer DWLOC, the 
Agency policy states that a factor of 3 will be applied to GENEEC 
modeled values because the estimated environmental concentration is 
derived from a 56-day average value and not a longer-term average. 
Applying a factor of 3, the EEC is 1.2 [mu]g/L which is less than the 
calculated cancer DWLOC of 7 [mu]g/L. The DWLOCs are substantially 
greater than the estimated residue concentration in ground water or 
surface water, therefore, exposure to fenbuconazole would not result in 
unacceptable levels of aggregate human health risk.
    2. Non-dietary exposure. Fenbuconazole is not currently registered 
for use on any sites that would result in residential exposure. Thus, 
the risk from non-dietary exposure would be considered negligible.

D. Cumulative Effects

     Fenbuconazole is a member of the triazole class of fungicides. At 
this time, EPA does not have available data to determine whether 
fenbuconazole exhibits a common mechanism of toxicity with other 
triazole fungicides. For purposes of this tolerance action, it is 
assumed that fenbuconazole does not have a mechanism of toxicity common 
with other substances and no cumulative risk is required.

E. Safety Determination

    1. U.S. population. Using the conservative exposure assumptions 
(Tier 1) and taking into account the completeness and reliability of 
the toxicity data, the chronic dietary food exposure from all section 3 
registered and pending uses will utilize 14.8% of the cRfD for the U.S. 
population. Slight refinement (Tier 2) results in reduced risk 
estimates of 3% of cRfD for the general U.S. population. EPA generally 
has no concern for exposures below 100% of the RfD because the RfD 
represents the level at or below which daily aggregate dietary exposure 
over a lifetime will not pose appreciable risks to human health. Thus, 
there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate 
exposure to fenbuconazole residues from the proposed uses. The acute 
dietary food exposure at the 95th percentile for females 13+ 
years, the population sub-group of concern, is approximately 5% of the 
acute RfD. Therefore, there is no concern for acute exposure because 
the acute RfD represents the level at or below which a single daily 
exposure will not pose appreciable risk to human health. Additionally, 
the potential contribution of fenbuconazole residues in drinking water 
is expected to be minimal. Using a refined assessment (Tier 3), the 
cancer risk is 2.65 x 10-7. Generally the Agency has no 
concern for exposures that result in a cancer risk estimate below 1 x 
10-6. Including the potential for exposure in drinking 
water, the cancer risk is not expected to exceed 1 x 10-6 
for the U.S. population as a whole.
    2. Infants and children. In assessing the potential for additional 
sensitivity of infants and children to residues of fenbuconazole, data 
from developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits and a 2-
generation reproduction study in the rat are considered. The 
developmental toxicity studies are designed to evaluate adverse effects 
on the developing organism resulting from pesticide exposure during 
prenatal development. Reproduction studies provide information relating 
to effects from exposure to the pesticide on the reproductive 
capability and potential systemic toxicity of mating animals and on 
various parameters associated with the well-being of offspring. The 
completeness and adequacy of the toxicity data base is also considered. 
No indication of increased susceptibility to infants and children was 
noted in these

[[Page 41726]]

studies for fenbuconazole. EPA has previously determined that no 
additional safety factor to protect infants and children is necessary 
for fenbuconazole and that the RfD of 0.03 mg/kg/day is appropriate for 
assessing risk to infants and children.
     Using a conservative Tier 1 assessment, the chronic dietary 
exposure for fenbuconazole will utilize 62.7% of the cRfD for children 
1-2 years old. Slight refinement (Tier 2) reduces the exposure to 9.2% 
for children 1-2 years old. Even when considering the potential 
exposure to drinking water, the aggregate exposure is not expected to 
exceed 100% of the cRfD. Therefore, based on the completeness and 
reliability of the toxicity data and the conservative exposure 
assessment, Dow AgroSciences concludes with reasonable certainty that 
no harm will result to infants and children from the aggregate exposure 
to fenbuconazole from all current and pending uses.

F. International Tolerances

     International CODEX values are established for apricot, banana, 
barley, barley straw and fodder, cattle fat, meat, milk and edible 
offal, cherries, cucumber, eggs, grapes, melon except watermelon, 
peach, plum, pome fruits, poultry fat, meat and edible offal, rape 
seed, rye, summer squash, sunflower, and wheat.

[FR Doc. 05-14285 Filed 7-19-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S