[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 26, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15930-15937]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-6205]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0107; FRL-8356-2]


Myclobutanil; Pesticide Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for combined residues 
of myclobutanil and its alcohol metabolite in or on artichoke, globe; 
black sapote; canistel; cilantro, leaves; leafy greens, subgroup 4A, 
except spinach; mamey sapote; mango; okra; papaya; sapodilla; star 
apple; and fruiting vegetable group 8, except tomato. Interregional 
Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). EPA is also deleting 
several established myclobutanil tolerances that are no longer needed.

DATES: This regulation is effective March 26, 2008. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before May 27, 2008, and 
must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR 
part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ).

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0107. To access the 
electronic docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, select ``Advanced 
Search,'' then ``Docket Search.'' Insert the docket ID number where 
indicated and select the ``Submit'' button. Follow the instructions on 
the regulations.gov website to view the docket index or access 
available documents. All documents in the docket are listed in the 
docket index available in regulations.gov. Although listed in the 
index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential 
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted 
material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available 
only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are 
available in the electronic docket at http://www.regulations.gov, or, 
if only available in hard copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in 
Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., 
Arlington, VA. The Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility 
telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Madden, Registration Division 
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone 
number: (703) 305-6463; 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 those 
engaged in the following activities:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111), e.g., agricultural 
workers; greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture workers; farmers.
     Animal production (NAICS code 112), e.g., cattle ranchers 
and farmers, dairy cattle farmers, livestock farmers.
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311), e.g., agricultural 
workers; farmers; greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture workers; 
ranchers; pesticide applicators.
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532), e.g., 
agricultural workers; commercial applicators; farmers; greenhouse, 
nursery, and floriculture workers; residential users.
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to 
provide a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by 
this action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also 
be affected. The North American Industrial Classification System 
(NAICS) codes have been provided to assist you and others in 
determining whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you 
have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a 
particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document?

    In addition to accessing an electronic copy of this Federal 
Register document through the electronic docket at http://www.regulations.gov, you may access this Federal Register document 
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may also access a 
frequently updated electronic version of EPA's tolerance regulations at 
40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office's pilot e-CFR 
site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.

[[Page 15931]]

C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?

    Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, any person may file an objection to 
any aspect of this regulation and may also request a hearing on those 
objections. You must file your objection or request a hearing on this 
regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 
178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID 
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0107 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 as required by 40 CFR part 178 on or 
before May 27, 2008.
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the 
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of 
the filing that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public 
docket that is described in ADDRESSES. Information not marked 
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA 
without prior notice. Submit this copy, identified by docket ID number 
EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0107, by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public 
Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P), 
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South 
Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only 
accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation (8:30 a.m. to 4 
p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays). Special 
arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. The 
Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

II. Petition for Tolerance

    In the Federal Register of April 4, 2007 (72 FR 16352) (FRL-8119-
2), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of pesticide petitions (PP 
3E6562 and 6E7138) by IR-4, 500 College Road East, Suite 201 W, 
Princeton, NJ 08540. These petitions requested that 40 CFR 180.443 be 
amended by establishing tolerances for combined residues of the 
fungicide myclobutanil alpha-butyl-alpha-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,2,4-
triazole-1-propanenitrile and its alcohol metabolite (alpha-(3-
hydroxybutyl)-alpha-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-propanenitrile 
(free and bound), in or on Black sapote, canistel, mamey sapote, mango, 
papaya, sapodilla, and star apple at 3.0 parts per million (ppm) (PP 
3E6562); and Fruiting vegetables, crop group 8, except tomato at 4.5 
ppm; leafy vegetables, crop subgroup 4A, except spinach at 11.0 ppm; 
globe artichoke at 0.9 ppm; cilantro at 11.0 ppm; and okra at 4.5 ppm 
in (PP 6E7138). That notice referenced a summary of the petition 
prepared by Dow Agrosciences LLC, the registrant, which is available to 
the public in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no 
comments received in response to the notice of filing.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has 
revised some of the commodity definitions and tolerance levels for 
certain commodities. The reason for these changes is explained in Unit 
IV.C.
    EPA is also deleting several established tolerances in Sec.  
180.443(b) that are no longer needed. The tolerance deletions under 
Sec.  180.443(b) are time-limited tolerances established under section 
18 emergency exemptions. The time-limited tolerances for artichoke, 
globe and pepper are superceded by the establishment of general 
tolerances for myclobutanil and its alcohol metabolite under Sec.  
180.443(a) as a result of this action. The time-limited tolerances for 
sugar beet dried pulp, sugar molassess, refined sugar, roots, and tops 
are being deleted since they have expired.

III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a 
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a 
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure 
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary 
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable 
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in 
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure. 
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special 
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide 
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there 
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and 
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical 
residue....'' These provisions were added to FFDCA by the Food Quality 
Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996.
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available 
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this 
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a 
determination on aggregate exposure for the petitioned-for tolerance 
for combined residues of myclobutanil and its alcohol metabolite on 
artichoke, globe at 0.90 ppm; canistel at 3.0 ppm; cilantro, leaves at 
9.0 ppm; leafy greens, crop subgroup 4A, except spinach at 9.0 ppm; 
mango at 3.0 ppm; okra at 4.0 ppm; papaya at 3.0 ppm; sapodilla at 3.0 
ppm; sapote, black at 3.0 ppm; sapote, mamey at 3.0 ppm; star apple at 
3.0 ppm; and vegetable, fruiting, group 8, except tomato at 4.0 ppm. 
EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with establishing 
the tolerance follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its 
validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of 
the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered 
available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities 
of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and 
children.
    Myclobutanil has low acute toxicity with the exception for ocular 
irritation. In rat subchronic and chronic toxicity studies, the primary 
target organs are liver and testes. Liver effects, following subchronic 
exposure, include hypertrophy, hepatocellular necrosis and increased 
liver weight. Chronic exposure to the rat also results in 
hepatocellular vacuolization and additional testicular effects, which 
include bilateral aspermatogenesis, increased incidences of hypospermia 
and cellular debris in the epididymides and increased incidences of 
arteritis/periarteritis in the testes. With the exception of testicular 
effects, subchronic and chronic exposures in the mouse result in a 
toxicity profile similar to the rat. The mouse, following chronic 
exposure, has, in addition, increased Kupffer cell pigmentation, 
periportal punctate vacuolation, and individual cell necrosis of the 
liver. There is no evidence of carcinogenic potential in either the rat 
or mouse. In the subchronic dog study, there are hepatocellular 
hypertrophy, increased relative and absolute liver weight and increased 
alkaline phosphatase. In the chronic dog study, liver toxicity is 
similar with the addition of ``ballooned''

[[Page 15932]]

hepatocytes and increases in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) 
and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT). Signs of toxicity observed in the 
rat 28-day dermal studies are limited to dermal irritation. There is no 
evidence of systemic toxicity in either study. There is no evidence of 
increased susceptibility in either of the developmental toxicity 
studies or the reproduction study. There is no concern for mutagenic 
activity. Myclobutanil was determined to be not carcinogenic in two 
acceptable animal studies.
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by myclobutanil as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies are discussed in the final rule 
published in the Federal Register of May 10, 2000 (65 FR 29963) (FRL-
6555-5) (http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2000/May/Day-10/p11571.htm).

B. Toxicological Endpoints

    For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, the toxicological level of concern (LOC) is derived 
from the highest dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the 
NOAEL) in the toxicology study identified as appropriate for use in 
risk assessment. However, if a NOAEL cannot be determined, the lowest 
dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified (the LOAEL) is 
sometimes used for risk assessment. Uncertainty/safety factors (UFs) 
are used in conjunction with the LOC to take into account uncertainties 
inherent in the extrapolation from laboratory animal data to humans and 
in the variations in sensitivity among members of the human population 
as well as other unknowns. Safety is assessed for acute and chronic 
risks by comparing aggregate exposure to the pesticide to the acute 
population adjusted dose (aPAD) and chronic population adjusted dose 
(cPAD). The aPAD and cPAD are calculated by dividing the LOC by all 
applicable UFs. Short-, intermediate-, and long-term risks are 
evaluated by comparing aggregate exposure to the LOC to ensure that the 
margin of exposure (MOE) called for by the product of all applicable 
UFs is not exceeded.
    For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes that any amount of 
exposure will lead to some degree of risk and estimates risk in terms 
of the probability of occurrence of additional adverse cases. 
Generally, cancer risks are considered non-threshold. For more 
information on the general principles EPA uses in risk characterization 
and a complete description of the risk assessment process, see http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/1997/November/Day-26/p30948.htm.
    A summary of the toxicological endpoints for myclobutanil used for 
human risk assessment can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in 
document Myclobutanil. Human-Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Use on 
Section 3 Requests for Use on Snap Bean, Mint, Papaya, Gooseberry, 
Currant, Caneberry, Bell and Non-Bell Pepper, Head and Leaf Lettuce, 
and Artichoke at page 7 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0107.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to myclobutanil, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-
for tolerances as well as all existing myclobutanil tolerances in 40 
CFR 180.443. EPA assessed dietary exposures from myclobutanil food as 
follows:
    i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk 
assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological 
study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring 
as a result of a 1-day or single exposure. An acute dietary exposure 
assessment was performed for females 13 to 49 years old. No acute 
endpoint was identified for the general U.S. population or any other 
population subgroup.
    In estimating acute dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption 
information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1994-1996 
Nationwide Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As 
to residue levels in food, EPA assumed all foods for which there are 
tolerances were treated andcontain tolerance-level residues.
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996 
and 1998 CSFII. As to residue levels in food, EPA used USDA Pesticide 
Data Program (PDP) monitoring data for apple juice, bananas (not 
plantains) and milk. Tolerance level residues were used for all other 
registered and proposed uses. Average percent cropped treated (PCT) 
information was used for some commodities and 100 PCT information was 
used for all other registered and proposed uses.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the results of carcinogenicity studies in 
rats and mice, myclobutanil has been classified as ``Not likely to be 
carcinogenic to humans.'' Consequently, a quantitative cancer exposure 
and risk assessment is not appropriate for myclobutanil.
    iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information. 
Section 408(b)(2)(E) of FFDCA authorizes EPA to use available data and 
information on the anticipated residue levels of pesticide residues in 
food and the actual levels of pesticide residues that have been 
measured in food. If EPA relies on such information, EPA must pursuant 
to FFDCA section 408(f)(1) require that data be provided 5 years after 
the tolerance is established, modified, or left in effect, 
demonstrating that the levels in food are not above the levels 
anticipated. For the present action, EPA will issue such data call-ins 
as are required by FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(E) and authorized under 
FFDCA section 408(f)(1). Data will be required to be submitted no later 
than 5 years from the date of issuance of this tolerance.
    Section 408(b)(2)(F) of FFDCA states that the Agency may use data 
on the actual percent of food treated for assessing chronic dietary 
risk only if:
    a. The data used are reliable and provide a valid basis to show 
what percentage of the food derived from such crop is likely to contain 
such pesticide residue.
    b. The exposure estimate does not underestimate exposure for any 
significant subpopulation group.
    c. Data are available on pesticide use and food consumption in a 
particular area, the exposure estimate does not understate exposure for 
the population in such area. In addition, the Agency must provide for 
periodic evaluation of any estimates used. To provide for the periodic 
evaluation of the estimate of PCT as required by FFDCA section 
408(b)(2)(F), EPA may require registrants to submit data on PCT.
    The Agency used PCT information as follows: 40% apples (except 
juice); 15% almonds; 25% apricots; 55% artichokes; 5% asparagus; 1% 
green beans; 15% blackberries; 1% broccoli; 10% cantaloupes; 5% 
cauliflower; 35% cherries; 1% cucumber; 25% grapes; 65% hops; 1% mint; 
10% nectarines; 10% peaches; 10% plums; 15% pumpkins; 25 % raspberries; 
1% soybeans; 10% squash; 35% strawberries; 1% sugar beets; 5% tomatoes; 
and 5% watermelons.
    The Agency used projected percent crop treated (PPCT) information 
for peppers estimating 46% of peppers are treated.
    EPA estimates PPCT for myclobutanil use on peppers by assuming that 
the PCT during the pesticide's initial 5 years of use on a specific use 
site will not exceed the average PCT of the

[[Page 15933]]

dominant pesticide (i.e., the one with the greatest PCT) on that site 
over the three most recent surveys. Comparisons are only made among 
pesticides of the same pesticide types (i.e., the dominant insecticide 
on the use site is selected for comparison with a new insecticide). The 
PCTs included in the average may be each for the same pesticide or for 
different pesticides since the same or different pesticides may 
dominate for each year selected. Typically, EPA uses USDA/NASS as the 
source for raw PCT data because it is publicly available and does not 
have to be calculated from available data sources. When a specific use 
site is not surveyed by USDA/NASS, EPA uses proprietary data and 
calculates the estimated PCT.
    This estimated PPCT, based on the average PCT of the market leader 
is appropriate for use in the chronic dietary risk assessment. This 
method of estimating a PPCT for a new use of a registered pesticide or 
a new pesticide produces a high-end estimate that is unlikely, in most 
cases, to be exceeded during the initial 5 years of actual use. The 
predominant factors that bears on whether the estimated PPCT could be 
exceeded are whether the new pesticide use is more efficacious or 
controls a broader spectrum of pests than the dominant pesticides, 
whether there are concerns with pest pressures as indicated in 
emergency exemption requests or other readily available information, 
and whether the pathogenicity of the pest is prevalent in other states. 
All information currently available has been considered for 
myclobutanil, and it is the opinion of EPA that it is unlikely that 
actual PCT for myclobutanil will exceed the estimated PPCT during the 
next 5 years.
    The Agency believes that the three conditions listed in Unit 
III.C.1.vi. have been met. With respect to Condition a, PCT estimates 
are derived from Federal and private market survey data, which are 
reliable and have a valid basis. The Agency is reasonably certain that 
the percentage of the food treated is not likely to be an 
underestimation. As to Conditions b and c, regional consumption 
information and consumption information for significant subpopulations 
is taken into account through EPA's computer-based model for evaluating 
the exposure of significant subpopulations including several regional 
groups. Use of this consumption information in EPA's risk assessment 
process ensures that EPA's exposure estimate does not understate 
exposure for any significant subpopulation group and allows the Agency 
to be reasonably certain that no regional population is exposed to 
residue levels higher than those estimated by the Agency. Other than 
the data available through national food consumption surveys, EPA does 
not have available information on the regional consumption of food to 
which myclobutanil may be applied in a particular area.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency lacks 
sufficient monitoring data to complete a comprehensive dietary exposure 
analysis and risk assessment for myclobutanil in drinking water. 
Because the Agency does not have comprehensive monitoring data, 
drinking water concentration estimates are made by reliance on 
simulation or modeling taking into account data on the environmental 
fate characteristics of myclobutanil. Further information regarding EPA 
drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be 
found at http://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/water/index.htm.
    Based on the First Index Reservoir Screening Tool (FIRST) and 
Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-GROW) models, the 
estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of myclobutanil for 
acute exposures are estimated to be 120.1 parts per billion (ppb) for 
surface water and 2.83 ppb for ground water. The estimated 
environmental concentrations for chronic exposures are estimated to be 
46.3 ppb for surface water and 2.83 ppb for ground water.
    Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly 
entered into the dietary exposure model. For acute dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration value of 120.1 ppb was used to 
access the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration value of 46.3 ppb was used to 
access the contribution to drinking water.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is 
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary 
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control, 
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets).
    Myclobutanil is currently registered for use on the following 
residential non-dietary sites: turf, ornamentals, and home garden uses 
on vegetables, fruit trees, nut trees, berries and mint. The risk 
assessment was conducted using the following residential exposure 
assumptions:
    For adults, there is potential for short-term dermal and inhalation 
handler exposure, and short-term dermal post-application exposures from 
the residential uses of myclobutanil, including ``pick your own'' 
orchards, home fruit and vegetable gardens, and treated turf. Since 
myclobutanil is applied at 7- to 14-day intervals, only short-term 
exposure is expected for the residential handler. For children/
toddlers, short-term dermal and non-dietary oral post-application 
exposures may result from dermal contact with treated turf as well as 
non-dietary ingestion/hand-to-mouth transfer of residues from turf 
grass. Intermediate-term post-application exposures may result for 
adults from dermal contact with treated fruits and vegetables at ``pick 
your own'' gardens, treated home fruit and vegetable gardens and 
treated turf. For toddlers, intermediate-term dermal and non-dietary 
oral post-application exposures may result from dermal contact with 
treated turf as well as non-dietary ingestion/hand-to-mouth transfer of 
residues from turf grass. Based on the current use patterns, no chronic 
residential exposures are expected.
    The current use patterns and labeling indicate that a variety of 
application equipment could be used by the homeowner to apply 
myclobutanil to ornamental plants, shrubs, fruit trees, home garden 
vegetables and lawns. Therefore, the following scenarios were assessed:
    i. Aerosol spray can application to ornamentals and fruit trees;
    ii. Hose end sprayer application to ornamentals and fruit trees;
    iii. Low-pressure (LP) handwand application to ornamentals;
    iv. LP handwand application to vegetables;
    v. Ready to use (RTU) sprayer application to vegetables;
    vi. Hose end sprayer application to vegetables;
    vii. Hose end sprayer - mix your own - application to turf;
    viii. Hose end sprayer - ready to use - application to turf;
    ix. Belly grinder application to turf;
    x. Broadcast spreader application to turf.
    Unit exposure data were either taken from Pesticide Handler's 
Exposure Database (PHED) study data or from the home garden and turf 
application studies that were sponsored by the Outdoor Residential 
Exposure Task Force (ORETF).
    Home garden post-application exposures can occur when home 
gardeners perform tasks such as weeding, pruning or hand harvesting 
following application of myclobutanil. In order to address these risks, 
the post-application exposure to home gardens and orchard scenarios 
were assessed based upon the Residential Standard

[[Page 15934]]

Operating Procedures (SOP) 3.0 for Garden Plants and SOP 4.0 for Trees.
    Two dislodgeable foliar residue (DFR) studies on grapes in 
California were used to assess the home garden exposures. The studies 
were performed using airblast sprayers while the proposed home garden 
applications would be made with LP handwand or hose end sprayers. Based 
upon experience with other fungicides, however, it is anticipated that 
DFRs resulting from handwand applications would be similar to DFRs from 
airblast applications. The initial DFR was assumed to be 23% of the 
application rate.
    ``Pick your own'' exposures can occur at commercially operated 
``pick your own'' strawberry farms and orchards where myclobutanil has 
been applied. To address these risks, post-application exposure for 
pick your own strawberries and tree fruit were assessed based upon the 
Residential SOP 15.0 for ``pick your own'' strawberries. The DFR data 
that were used for the home gardener post-application risks were also 
used to assess ``pick your own'' exposures. The exposure estimates used 
for pick your own exposures are considered conservative because that 
scenario is based upon a screening-level transfer coefficient (TC) and 
a dermal absorption factor of 50%.
    The following exposure scenarios were assessed for residential 
post-application risks:
     Toddlers playing on treated turf;
     Adults performing yard work on treated turf;
     Adults playing golf on treated turf.
    A total radioactive residue (TTR) study was used to assess the turf 
exposures. The field portion of this study was in North Carolina and 
California. The initial TTR for dermal exposures was assumed to be 2.4% 
of the application rate and was based upon an average of the days after 
treatment (DAT) of 0 and DAT of 3 for the California site. The maximum 
application rate for turf of 0.62 to 0.68 lb active ingredient/Acre was 
use to assess the turf exposures.
    Additional information on residential exposure assumptions can be 
found at http://www.regulations.gov in the document ``Myclobutanil. 
Human-Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Use on Section 3 Requests for 
Use on Snap Bean, Mint, Papaya, Gooseberry, Currant, Caneberry, Bell 
and Non-Bell Pepper, Head and Leaf Lettuce, and Artichoke,'' in docket 
ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0107.
    4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of 
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when 
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the 
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative 
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances 
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
    Myclobutanil is a member of the triazole-containing class of 
pesticides. Although conazoles act similarly in plants (fungi) by 
inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis, there is not necessarily a 
relationship between their pesticidal activity and their mechanism of 
toxicity in mammals. Structural similarities do not constitute a common 
mechanism of toxicity. Evidence is needed to establish that the 
chemicals operate by the same, or essentially the same, sequence of 
major biochemical events. In conazoles, however, a variable pattern of 
toxicological responses is found. Some are hepatotoxic and 
hepatocarcinogenic in mice. Some induce thyroid tumors in rats. Some 
induce developmental, reproductive, and neurological effects in 
rodents. Furthermore, the conazoles produce a diverse range of 
biochemical events, including altered cholesterol levels, stress 
responses, and altered DNA methylation. It is not clearly understood 
whether these biochemical events are directly connected to their 
toxicological outcomes. Thus, there is currently no evidence to 
indicate that conazoles share common mechanisms of toxicity and EPA is 
not following a cumulative risk approach based on a common mechanism of 
toxicity for the conazoles. For information regarding EPA's procedures 
for cumulating effects from substances found to have a common mechanism 
of toxicity, see EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
    Myclobutanil is a triazole-derived pesticide. This class of 
compounds can form the common metabolite 1,2,4-triazole and two 
triazole conjugates (triazole alanine and triazole acetic acid). To 
support existing tolerances and to establish new tolerances for 
triazole-derivative pesticides, including myclobutanil, EPA conducted a 
human health risk assessment for exposure to 1,2,4-triazole, triazole 
alanine, and triazole acetic acid resulting from the use of all current 
and pending uses of any triazole-derived fungicide. The risk assessment 
is a highly conservative, screening-level evaluation in terms of 
hazards associated with common metabolites (e.g., use of a maximum 
combination of uncertainty factors) and potential dietary and non-
dietary exposures (i.e., high end estimates of both dietary and non-
dietary exposures). In addition, the Agency retained the additional 10X 
FQPA safety factor for the protection of infants and children. The 
assessment includes evaluations of risks for various subgroups, 
including those comprised of infants and children. The Agency's 
complete risk assessment is found in the propiconazole reregistration 
docket at http://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0497). 
Additional information regarding the uses proposed for myclobutanil in 
this action can also be found at http://www.regulations.gov in the 
following documents: 1,2,4 Triazole Revised Chronic and Acute Aggregate 
Dietary Exposure Assessments to Include for New Uses of Myclobutanil on 
Snap Bean, Mint, Papaya, Gooseberry, Currant, Caneberry, Bell and Non-
Bell Pepper, Head and Leaf Lettuce, and Artichoke, and Triazole Alanine 
and Triazole Acetic Acid Revised Chronic and Acute Aggregate Dietary 
Exposure Assessments for New Uses of Myclobutanil on Snap Bean, Mint, 
Papaya, Gooseberry, Currant, Caneberry, Bell and Non-Bell Pepper, Head 
and Leaf Lettuce, and Artichoke in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-
0107.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408 of FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply 
an additional (``10X'') tenfold margin of safety for infants and 
children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and 
postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity and 
exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a different 
margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This additional 
margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA safety factor. In 
applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X 
when reliable data do not support the choice of a different factor, or, 
if reliable data are available, EPA uses a different additional FQPA 
safety factor value based on the use of traditional UFs and/or special 
FQPA safety factors, as appropriate.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There is no indication of 
quantitative or qualitative increased susceptibility in rats or rabbits 
from in utero and/or postnatal exposure to myclobutanil. In the rat 
developmental toxicity study, maternal toxicity, which included rough 
hair coat and salivation, alopecia, desquamation and red exudate around 
mouth occurs at the same dose level as increases in incidences of 14th 
rudimentary and 7th cervical ribs in the fetuses. The maternal and 
developmental toxicity NOAELs in the rat developmental toxicity study 
were

[[Page 15935]]

93.8 mg/kg/day. EPA concludes that there is no evidence qualitative 
susceptibility in rat developmental toxicity study since the fetal 
variations (14th rudimentary ribs and 7th cervical ribs) are normal 
occurance control animals that occurred in the presence of severe 
maternal toxicity (red exudate around mouth and salivation). In the 
rabbit developmental toxicity study there is reduced body weight and 
body weight gain during the dosing period, clinical signs of toxicity 
such as bloody urine and bloody urogenital or anal area and a possible 
increase in abortions (blood and/or aborted material in the cage pan) 
in the does at the same dose level as developmental toxicity manifested 
as increased resorptions, decreased litter size and decreased viability 
index. The maternal and developmental toxicity NOAELs in the rabbit 
developmental toxicity study were 93.8 mg/kg/day. EPA concludes that 
there is no evidence qualitative susceptibility in rabbit developmental 
toxicity study since the fetal effects (resorptions, decreased litter 
size and viability) occurred in the presence of equally severe maternal 
toxicity (abortions, bloody urine and bloody urogenital or anal 
area).The maternal NOAEL in the 2-generation reproduction study was 50 
ppm (2.5 mg/kg/day) based on hepatocellular hypertrophy and increased 
liver weight seen at 200 ppm (10 mg/kg/day; LOAEL). The offspring 
toxicity NOAEL was 200 ppm (10 mg/kg/day) based on decreased pup body 
weight gain during lactation seen at 1,000 ppm (50 mg/kg/day; LOAEL). 
The reproductive toxicity NOAEL was 200 ppm (10 mg/kg/day) based on 
increased incidences in the number of still born pups and atrophy of 
the testes, epididymides and prostate observed at 1,000 ppm (50 mg/kg/
day; LOAEL). EPA concludes that there is no evidence on increased 
susceptibility (qualitative or quantitative) in the 2-generation 
reproduction study in rats because the offspring and reproductive 
toxicity were observed at a higher dose than the dose that caused 
maternal toxicity.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show that it 
would be safe for infants and children to reduce the FQPA safety factor 
to 1X. That decision is based on the following findings:
    i. The toxicity database for myclobutanil is complete.
    ii. There is no indication that myclobutanil is a neurotoxic 
chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study 
or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity.
    iii. There is no evidence that myclobutanil results in increased 
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal 
developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction 
study.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The acute dietary food exposure assessment (females 13 to 49 
years old only) utilizes existing and proposed tolerance level residues 
and 100 PCT information for all commodities. The chronic dietary food 
exposure assessment utilizes existing and proposed tolerance level 
residues; USDA Pesticide Data Program (PDP) monitoring data for apple 
juice, bananas (not plantains) and milk; average PCT data for some 
commodities and 100 PCT information for all other commodities. The 
dietary drinking water assessment utilizes water concentration values 
generated by model and associated modeling parameters, which are 
designed to provide conservative, health protective, high-end estimates 
of water concentrations which will not likely be exceeded. Finally, the 
residential handler assessment is based upon the residential standard 
operating procedures (SOPs) and utilized unit exposure data from the 
Outdoor Residential Exposure Task Force (ORETF) and the Pesticide 
Handler's Exposure Database (PHED). The residential post-application 
assessment is based upon chemical-specific turf transferable residue 
(TTR) data and DFR data. The chemical-specific study data as well as 
the surrogate study data used are reliable and also are not expected to 
underestimate risk to adults as well as to children. In a few cases 
where chemical-specific data were not available, the SOPs were used 
alone. The residential SOPs are based upon reasonable ``worst-case'' 
assumptions and are not expected to underestimate risk. These 
assessments of exposure are not likely to underestimate the exposure to 
myclobutanil.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    Safety is assessed for acute and chronic risks by comparing 
aggregate exposure to the pesticide to the acute population adjusted 
dose (aPAD) and chronic population adjusted dose (cPAD). The aPAD and 
cPAD are calculated by dividing the LOC by all applicable UFs. For 
linear cancer risks, EPA calculates the probability of additional 
cancer cases given aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and long-
term risks are evaluated by comparing aggregate exposure to the LOC to 
ensure that the MOE called for by the product of all applicable UFs is 
not exceeded.
    1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this 
unit for acute exposure for females 13 to 49 years old (no acute 
endpoint was identified for the general U.S. population or any other 
population subgroup), the acute dietary exposure from food and water to 
myclobutanil will occupy 4% of the aPAD for females 13 to 49 years old.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that exposure to 
myclobutanil from food and water will utilize 30% of the cPAD for 
children 1 to 2 years old, the subpopulation group with greatest 
exposure. Based on the use pattern, chronic residential exposure to 
residues of myclobutanil is not expected.
    3. Short-term risk and Intermediate-term risk. Short-term and 
intermediate-term aggregate exposure takes into account residential 
exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a 
background exposure level).
    Myclobutanil is currently registered for uses that could result in 
short-term and intermediate-term residential exposure and the Agency 
has determined that it is appropriate to aggregate chronic food and 
water and short-term exposures for myclobutanil. As discussed in Unit 
III.C.3., short-term and intermediate-term exposures were assessed for 
adults and for children/toddlers. A NOAEL (10 mg/kg/day) from a 2-
generation reproduction toxicity study in rats was used for assessing 
short-term and intermediate-term dermal, inhalation and incidental oral 
exposures; therefore, the short-term and intermediate-term aggregate 
risk estimates from the post-application exposure scenarios are the 
same for the general U.S. population and children/toddlers.
    Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term and intermediate-term exposures, EPA has concluded that food, 
water, and residential exposures aggregated result in aggregate MOEs 
ranging from 110 to 990: 110 for post-application exposures for adults 
for ``pick your own fruit'' operations; 120 for post-application 
exposures for adults to turf, heavy yard work; 130 post-application 
exposures for children playing on the lawn; 170 for adult handlers; 280 
for adult post application exposures to home gardens; and 980 for adult 
post applications exposures while playing golf.
    4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. The Agency has 
classified myclobutanil as not likely to be a

[[Page 15936]]

human carcinogen. Myclobutanil was determined to be not carcinogenic in 
two acceptable animal studies. Myclobutanil is not expected to pose a 
cancer risk.
    5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA 
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
to the general population or to infants and children from aggregate 
exposure to myclobutanil residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate enforcement methodology (gas chromatography/nitrogen-
phosphorus detector (GC/NPD) for myclobutanil and gas chromatography/
electron-capture detection (GC/ECD) for the alcohol metabolite) is 
available to enforce the tolerance expression. The methods may be 
requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Environmental 
Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350; telephone 
number: (410) 305-2905; e-mail address: [email protected].

B. International Residue Limits

    There are currently no established Codex, Canadian, or Mexican MRLs 
for myclobutanil.

C. Explanation of Tolerance Revisions

    Based upon review of the data supporting the petitions, EPA revised 
the tolerance levels based on analyses of the residue field trial data 
using the Agency's Tolerance Spreadsheet in accordance with the 
Agency's Guidance for Setting Pesticide Tolerances Based on Field Trial 
Data Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as follows: (1) PP 3E6562 from 
3.0 ppm to 4.0 ppm for canistel; mango; papaya; sapodilla; sapote, 
black; sapote, mamey; and star apple; (2) PP 6E7138 from 4.5 ppm to 4.0 
ppm for fruiting vegetables, crop group 8, except tomato and okra; from 
11 ppm to 9.0 ppm for leafy vegetables, crop subgroup 4A, except 
spinach and cilantro; and from 0.9 ppm to 0.90 ppm for globe artichoke.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for combined residues of 
myclobutanil and its alcohol metabolite on artichoke, globe at 0.90 
ppm; canistel at 3.0 ppm; cilantro, leaves at 9.0 ppm; leafy greens, 
crop subgroup 4A, except spinach at 9.0 ppm; mango at 3.0 ppm; okra at 
4.0 ppm; papaya at 3.0 ppm; sapodilla at 3.0 ppm; sapote, black at 3.0 
ppm; sapote, mamey at 3.0 ppm; star apple at 3.0 ppm; and vegetable, 
fruiting, group 8, except tomato at 4.0 ppm.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This final rule establishes a tolerance under section 408(d) of 
FFDCA in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from 
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and 
Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this rule has been 
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this rule is not 
subject to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, 
May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children 
from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 
23, 1997). 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., nor does it require any special considerations 
under Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address 
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis 
of a petition under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as the tolerance in 
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.) do not apply.
    This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this 
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and 
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions 
of section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. As such, the Agency has determined that 
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or 
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government 
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has 
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism (64 FR 
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled 
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 
67249, November 6, 2000) do not apply to this rule. In addition, This 
rule does not 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).
    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).

VII. Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally 
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating 
the rule must submit a rule report 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: March 13, 2008.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

0
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.


0
2. Section 180.443 is amended by removing from the table in paragraph 
(b) the entries for artichoke, globe; beet, sugar, dried pulp; beet, 
sugar, molasses; beet, sugar, refined sugar; beet, sugar, roots; beet, 
sugar, tops; and pepper and by alphabetically adding commodities to the 
table in paragraph (a) to read as follows:


180.443  Myclobutanil; tolerances for residues.

    (a) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts per
                        Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                * * * * *
Artichoke, globe........................................            0.90
                                * * * * *
Canistel................................................             3.0

[[Page 15937]]

 
                                * * * * *
Cilantro, leaves........................................             9.0
                                * * * * *
Leafy greens, subgroup 4A, except spinach...............             9.0
Mango...................................................             3.0
                                * * * * *
Okra....................................................             4.0
Papaya..................................................             3.0
                                * * * * *
Sapodilla...............................................             3.0
Sapote, black...........................................             3.0
Sapote, mamey...........................................             3.0
                                * * * * *
Star apple..............................................             3.0
                                * * * * *
Vegetable, fruiting, group 8, except tomato.............             4.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

[FR Doc. E8-6205 Filed 3-25-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S