[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 173 (Friday, September 5, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51738-51743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-20515]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0366; FRL-8377-6]


Pyraflufen-ethyl; Time-Limited Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes permanent tolerances for residues 
of pyraflufen-ethyl in or on grass, forage, group 17; and grass, hay, 
group 17; establishes time-limited tolerances for milk; cattle, meat 
byproducts; goat, meat byproducts; horse, meat byproducts and sheep, 
meat byproducts, and revises the existing tolerances for soybean, 
forage; soybean, hay; wheat, forage and wheat, hay. Nichino America, 
Inc. requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The time-limited tolerances expire on October 15, 
2012.

DATES: This regulation is effective September 5, 2008. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before November 4, 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-2007-0366. 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 either in the electronic docket at http://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard copy, at the OPP 
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: Joanne I. Miller, Registration 
Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number: 703-305-6224; 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 code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 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 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 40 CFR part 180 through the 
Government Printing

[[Page 51739]]

Office's pilot e-CFR site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.

C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?

    Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, as amended by FQPA, any person may 
file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request 
a hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural regulations which 
govern the submission of objections and requests for hearings appear in 
40 CFR part 178. 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-2007-0366 in the subject line on the first page of 
your submission. All requests must be in writing, and must be mailed or 
delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before November 4, 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 your copies, identified by docket ID 
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0366, 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 Tolerances

    In the Federal Register of June 27, 2007 (72 FR 35237) (FRL-8133-
4), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 
7F7190) by Nichino America, Inc., 4550 New Linden Hill Road, Suite 501, 
Wilmington, DE 19808. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.585 be 
amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the herbicide, 
pyraflufen-ethyl, ethyl 2-chloro-5-(4-chloro-5-difluoromethoxy-1-
methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-4-fluorophenoxyacetate; and its acid 
metabolite, E-1, 2-chloro-5-4-chloro-5-difluoromethoxy-(1-methyl-1H-
pyrazol-3-yl)-4-fluorophenoxyacetic acid, expressed in terms of the 
parent in or on food commodities: Soybeans, forage at 0.05 parts per 
million (ppm); soybean, hay at 0.10 ppm; grass, forage, crop group 17 
at 1.0 ppm; and grass, hay, crop group 17 at 1.2 ppm.
    In the Federal Register of June 13, 2008 (73 FR 33814) (FRL-8367-
3), EPA issued a second notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 
21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 
7F7190) by Nichino America, Inc., 4550 New Linden Hill Road, Suite 501, 
Wilmington, DE 19808. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.585 be 
amended by establishing new tolerances for residues of the herbicide, 
pyraflufen-ethyl, ethyl 2-chloro-5-(4-chloro-5-difluoromethoxy-1-
methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-4-fluorophenoxyacetate, and its acid 
metabolite, E-1, 2-chloro-5-(4-chloro-5-difluoromethoxy-1-methyl-1H-
pyrazol-3-yl)-4-fluorophenoxyacetic acid, expressed in terms of the 
parent, in or on food commodities grass, forage, group 17 at 1.0 ppm; 
grass, hay, group 17 at 1.4 ppm; milk at 0.02 ppm; cattle, meat 
byproducts at 0.02 ppm; goat, meat byproducts at 0.02 ppm; horse, meat 
byproducts at 0.02 ppm; and sheep, meat byproducts at 0.02 ppm, and by 
revising existing tolerances for residues of the herbicide, pyraflufen-
ethyl, ethyl 2-chloro-5-(4-chloro-5-difluoromethoxy-1-methyl-1H-
pyrazol-3-yl)-4-fluorophenoxyacetate, and its acid metabolite, E-1, 2-
chloro-5-(4-chloro-5-difluoromethoxy-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-4-
fluorophenoxyacetic acid, expressed in terms of the parent, in or on 
food commodities soybean, seed to 0.05 ppm; soybean, hay to 0.10 ppm; 
wheat, forage to 0.02 ppm; and wheat, hay to 0.01 ppm.These notices 
referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Nichino America, Inc., 
the registrant, which is available to the public in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the 
notices of filing. Tolerances for milk at 0.02 ppm; cattle, meat 
byproducts at 0.02 ppm; goat, meat byproducts at 0.02 ppm; horse, meat 
byproducts at 0.02 ppm; and sheep, meat byproducts at 0.02 ppm expire 
on October 15, 2012. A time limitation been imposed because of the 
requirement for a cattle feeding study conducted to determine residues 
of the E-9 metabolite in milk and cattle tissues.

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....''
    Consistent with 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 tolerances for residues of pyraflufen-
ethyl and its metabolite expressed in terms of the parent on grass, 
forage, group 17 at 1.0 ppm; grass, hay, group 17 at 1.4 ppm; milk at 
0.02 ppm; cattle, meat byproducts at 0.02 ppm; goat, meat byproducts at 
0.02 ppm; horse, meat byproducts at 0.02 ppm; and sheep, meat 
byproducts at 0.02 ppm, and by revising existing tolerances for 
soybean, forage to 0.05 ppm; soybean, hay to 0.10 ppm; wheat, forage to 
0.02 ppm; and wheat, hay to 0.01 ppm. EPA's assessment of exposures and 
risks associated with establishing these tolerances 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. Specific information on the studies received and the nature 
of the toxic effects caused by

[[Page 51740]]

pyraflufen-ethyl as well as the no-observed-adverse-effect-level 
(NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) from the 
toxicity studies.
    Pyraflufen-ethyl has low to moderate toxicity from acute exposure 
and it is not a dermal sensitizer. The liver, kidney, and possibly the 
hematopoietic system are the target organs for pyraflufen-ethyl in the 
rat and/or the mouse. There is no evidence of increased sensitivity to 
the young in developmental and reproductive studies with pyraflufen-
ethyl. Pyraflufen-ethyl was not shown to be mutagenic in a battery of 
tests. Pyraflufen-ethyl was classified as ``Likely to be carcinogenic 
to humans'' based on male mouse hepatocellular adenomas, carcinomas 
and/or hepatoblastomas (combined) observed in the mouse carcinogenicity 
study.
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
toxic effects caused by pyraflufen-ethyl as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in document Pyraflufen-ethyl: Human Health Risk 
Assessment for Pyraflufen-ethyl: Proposed New Use on Pasture and 
Rangeland Grasses (PP 7F7190) and Amendment to Allow Early Season 
Postemergence Broadcast Uses to Corn (excluding sweet corn), Soybeans 
and Wheat at page 13 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0366.

B. Toxicological Endpoints

    For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, a toxicological point of departure (POD) is 
identified as the basis for derivation of reference values for risk 
assessment. The POD may be defined as 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) or a Benchmark Dose (BMD) approach 
is sometimes used for risk assessment. Uncertainty/safety factors (UFs/
safety factors) are used in conjunction with the POD 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 dietary risks by comparing aggregate 
food and water 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 POD by all applicable UFs. 
Aggregate short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term risks are evaluated 
by comparing food, water, and residential exposure to the POD to ensure 
that the margin of exposure (MOE) called for by the product of all 
applicable UFs is not exceeded. This latter value is referred to as the 
Level of Concern (LOC).
    For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes that any amount of 
exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the Agency estimates 
risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of the adverse effect 
greater than that expected in a lifetime. 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/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm.
    A summary of the toxicological endpoints for pyraflufen-ethyl used 
for human risk assessment can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in 
document Pyraflufen-ethyl: Human Health Risk Assessment for Pyraflufen-
ethyl: Proposed New Use on Pasture and Rangeland Grasses 
(PP7F7190) and Amendment to Allow Early Season Postemergence 
Broadcast Uses to Corn (excluding sweet corn), Soybeans and Wheat at 
page 13 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0366. Also, a summary of 
the toxicological endpoints for pyraflufen-ethyl used for human risk 
assessment is discussed in Unit III.B. of the final rule published in 
the Federal Register of April 30, 2003 (68 FR 23046) (FRL-7300-9).

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to pyraflufen-ethyl, EPA considered exposure from the 
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing pyraflufen-ethyl 
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.585. EPA assessed dietary exposures from 
pyraflufen-ethyl in 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.
    No such effects were identified in the toxicological studies for 
pyraflufen-ethyl; therefore, a quantitative acute dietary exposure 
assessment is unnecessary.
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996 
and 1998 Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As 
to residue levels in food, the following assumptions were made for the 
chronic exposure assessments: 100 percent crop treated (PCT) and 
tolerance-level residues for pyraflufen-ethyl on all treated crops 
except corn, cottonseed, potato, soybean and wheat for which one half 
of the combined Levels of Quantification (LOQs) for the parent and the 
metabolite were used since all field trial data were less than the LOQ.
    iii. Cancer. For the cancer dietary exposure assessment EPA used 
the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996 and 1998 Continuing 
Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As to residue levels in 
food, the following assumptions were made for the chronic exposure 
assessments: 100 percent crop treated (PCT) and tolerance-level 
residues for pyraflufen-ethyl on all treated crops except corn, 
cottonseed, potato, soybean and wheat for which one-half of the 
combined LOQs for the parent and the metabolite were used since all 
field trial data were less than the LOQ.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening 
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for pyraflufen-ethyl in drinking water. These simulation 
models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of pyraflufen-ethyl. 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 pyraflufen-ethyl for 
acute exposures are estimated to be 1,247 parts per trillion (ppt) for 
surface water and 1.8 ppt for ground water. Chronic exposures for 
cancer assessments are estimated to be 281 ppt for surface water and 
1.8 ppt for ground water
    Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly 
entered into the dietary exposure model. For chronic dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration value of 281 ppt was used to assess 
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).

[[Page 51741]]

     Pyraflufen-ethyl is currently registered on the following 
residential non-dietary sites that could result in residential 
exposures: airports, nurseries, ornamental turf, golf courses, 
roadsides, railroads, non-crop land, and uncultivated agricultural 
areas. The risk assessment was conducted using the following 
residential exposure assumptions: adults and children may be exposed to 
residues of pyraflufen-ethyl through short-term post-application 
contact with treated areas which may include residential/recreational 
areas.
    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.''
    EPA has not found pyraflufen-ethyl to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and pyraflufen-ethyl does not 
appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For 
the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that 
pyraflufen-ethyl does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with 
other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine 
which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the 
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA 
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) 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 (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default 
value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when 
reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different 
factor.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There is no evidence of 
increased susceptibility of rat or rabbit fetuses following in utero 
exposure in the developmental studies with pyraflufen-ethyl. There is 
no evidence of increased susceptibility of young rats in the 
reproduction study with pyraflufen-ethyl. EPA concluded there are no 
residual uncertainties for pre- and/or postnatal exposure.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the 
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the 
FQPA SF were reduced to 1X. That decision is based on the following 
findings:
    i. The toxicity database for pyraflufen-ethyl is complete.
    ii. There is no indication that pyraflufen-ethyl 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 pyraflufen-ethyl 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 dietary food exposure assessments were performed based 
on 100% of the crop treated and a conservative estimate of residues in 
food. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and 
surface water modeling used to assess exposure to pyraflufen-ethyl in 
drinking water. EPA used similarly conservative assumptions to assess 
post-application exposure of children as well as incidental oral 
exposure of toddlers. These assessments will not underestimate the 
exposure and risks posed by pyraflufen-ethyl.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    EPA determines whether acute and chronic pesticide exposures are 
safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the aPAD and cPAD. 
The aPAD and cPAD represent the highest safe exposures, taking into 
account all appropriate SFs. EPA calculates the aPAD and cPAD by 
dividing the POD by all applicable UFs. For linear cancer risks, EPA 
calculates the probability of additional cancer cases given the 
estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term 
risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water, 
and residential exposure to the POD to ensure that the MOE called for 
by the product of all applicable UFs is not exceeded.
    1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into 
account exposure estimates from acute dietary consumption of food and 
drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single-oral exposure 
was identified and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore, 
pyraflufen-ethyl is not expected to pose an acute risk.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
pyraflufen-ethyl from food and water will utilize less than 1% of the 
cPAD for all population groups. Based on the explanation in Unit 
III.C.3., regarding residential use patterns, chronic residential 
exposure to residues of pyraflufen-ethyl is not expected.
    3. Short-term risk. Pyraflufen-ethyl is currently registered for 
use(s) that could result in short-term residential exposure and the 
Agency has determined that it is appropriate to aggregate chronic 
exposure through food and water with short-term residential exposures 
to pyraflufen-ethyl.
    Short-term aggregate exposure takes into account short-term 
residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water 
(considered to be a background exposure level). A short-term risk 
aggregate assessment was not performed for adults because no handler 
exposure is expected and post-application inhalation exposure is 
expected to be negligible (and there are no dermal endpoints of 
concern). A short-term aggregate risk assessment was performed for 
infants and children because there is a potential for oral post-
application exposure resulting from contact with treated areas which 
may include residential/recreational areas. Short-term aggregate 
exposure takes into account residential exposure plus chronic exposure 
to food and water. Short term aggregate risk is based on children's 
incidental oral exposure (from residential post-application treatment) 
and dietary exposure (food and drinking water). The anticipated 
exposure level for children, 1-2 years (the highest exposed population) 
is below EPA's level of concern, with a Margin of Exposure (MOE) 
greater than 60,000.
    4. Intermediate-term risk.
     Intermediate-term aggregate exposure takes into account 
intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food 
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
    Pyraflufen-ethyl is not registered for any use patterns that would 
result in intermediate-term residential exposure. No residential 
handler exposure is expected and post-application inhalation exposure 
is expected to be negligible. Post-application exposure to infants and 
children over the intermediate term duration (1 to 6) months is not 
likely based on the use pattern. Therefore, the intermediate-

[[Page 51742]]

term aggregate risk is the sum of the risk from exposure to pyraflufen-
ethyl through food and water, which has already been addressed, and 
will not be greater than the chronic aggregate risk.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. The aggregate cancer 
risk assessment for the general population takes into account exposure 
estimates form dietary consumption of pyraflufen-ethyl from food, 
residential, and drink water sources. Exposures from residential uses 
are based on the lifetime average daily dose and assume an exposure 
period of 5 days per year and 50 years of exposure in a lifetime (70 
years). Average food plus water source dietary exposure was used. 
Estimated cancer risk for the U.S. population includes infants and 
children. The aggregate cancer risk estimate for pyraflufen-ethyl is 
2.9 x 10-6. This risk estimate is based, in part, on the 
conservative assumption that 100% of all crops for which pyraflufen-
ethyl is registered or proposed for registration are treated. 
Additional refinement using Percent Crop Treated estimates would result 
in a lower estimate of cancer risk.
    EPA generally considers cancer risks in the range of 1 in 1 million 
(1 x 10-6) or less to be negligible. The precision which can 
be assumed for cancer risk estimates is best described by rounding to 
the nearest integral order of magnitude on the log scale; for example, 
risks falling between 3.16 x 10-7 and 3.16 x 10-6 
are expressed as risks in the range of 1 x 10-6. Considering 
the precision with which cancer hazard can be estimated, the 
conservativeness of low-dose linear extrapolation, and the rounding 
procedure described above, cancer risk should generally not be assumed 
to exceed the benchmark LOC of the range of 1 x 10-6 until 
the calculated risk exceeds approximately 3 x 10-6. Since 
the calculated cancer risk for pyraflufen-ethyl does not exceed this 
level, estimated cancer risk is considered to be negligible.
    6. 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 pyraflufen-ethyl residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate enforcement methodology (Gas Chromatography and Mass 
Spectrometry (GC/MS)) is available to enforce the tolerance expression. 
The method 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 
maximum residue limits, for residues of pyraflufen-ethyl in/on grass, 
milk, meat byproducts, soybean and wheat.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, permanent tolerances are established for residues of 
pyraflufen-ethyl and its metabolite expressed in terms of the parent on 
grass, forage, group 17 at 1.0 ppm; grass, hay, group 17 at 1.4 ppm. 
Time-limited tolerances are established for milk at 0.02 ppm; cattle, 
meat byproducts at 0.02 ppm; goat, meat byproducts at 0.02 ppm; horse, 
meat byproducts at 0.02 ppm; and sheep, meat byproducts at 0.02 ppm. 
Existing tolerances are revised for soybean, forage to 0.05 ppm; 
soybean, hay to 0.10 ppm; wheat, forage to 0.02 ppm; and wheat, hay to 
0.01 ppm.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This final rule establishes tolerances 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 final rule has been 
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this final rule is 
not subject to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations 
That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 
28355, May 22, 2001) 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 9, 2000) do not apply to this final rule. In addition, 
this final 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.


[[Page 51743]]


    Dated: August 25, 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 180.585 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  180.585  Pyraflufen-ethyl; tolerances for residues.

    (a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of the 
herbicide, pyraflufen-ethyl, ethyl 2-chloro-5-(4-chloro-5-
difluoromethoxy-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-4-fluorophenoxyacetate, and 
its acid metabolite, E-1, 2-chloro-5-(4-chloro-5-difluoromethoxy-1-
methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-4-fluorophenoxyacetic acid, expressed in terms 
of the parent in or on the following food commodities:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Expiration/
                   Commodity                     Parts per    revocation
                                                  million        date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cattle, meat byproducts.......................         0.02     10/15/12
Corn, field, forage...........................         0.01         None
Corn, field, grain............................         0.01         None
Corn, field, stover...........................         0.01         None
Cotton, gin byproducts........................          1.5         None
Cotton, undelinted seed.......................         0.04         None
Goat, meat byproducts.........................         0.02     10/15/12
Grass, forage, group 17.......................          1.0         None
Grass, hay, group 17..........................          1.4         None
Horse, meat byproducts........................         0.02     10/15/12
Milk..........................................         0.02     10/15/12
Potato........................................         0.02         None
Sheep, meat byproducts........................         0.02     10/15/12
Soybean, forage...............................         0.05         None
Soybean, hay..................................         0.10         None
Soybean, seed.................................         0.01         None
Wheat, forage.................................         0.02         None
Wheat, grain..................................         0.01         None
Wheat, hay....................................         0.01         None
Wheat, straw..................................         0.01         None
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

[FR Doc. E8-20515 Filed 9-4-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S