[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 59 (Friday, March 27, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16381-16384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07004]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0060; FRL-9923-74]


Registration Review Interim Decisions; Notice of Availability

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's final/interim 
registration review decisions for several pesticide cases. Registration 
review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure 
that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for 
registration, that is, that the pesticide can perform its intended 
function without causing unreasonable adverse effects on human health 
or the environment. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each 
pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other 
knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    For pesticide specific information, contact: The Chemical Review 
Manager for the pesticide of interest identified in the table in Unit 
II.A.
    For general information on the registration review program, 
contact: Richard Dumas, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P), 
Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: 
(703) 308-8015; email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of 
interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human 
health, farm worker, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; 
pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, 
distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be 
interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific 
entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions 
regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, 
consult the pesticide specific contact person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How can I get copies of this document and other related information?

    The docket for this action, identified by docket identification 
(ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0060, is available at http://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory 
Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency 
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 
1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public 
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public 
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP 
Docket is (703) 305-5805. Please review the visitor instructions and 
additional information about the docket available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. What action is the Agency taking?

    Pursuant to 40 CFR 155.58(c), this notice announces the 
availability of EPA's interim registration review

[[Page 16382]]

decision for fluazinam (case 7013), flumetsulam (case 7229), flutolanil 
(case 7010), hexaflumuron (case 7413), iron salts (case 4058), 
piperalin (case 3114), quinclorac (case 7222) and triflumizole (case 
7003).
    Pursuant to 40 CFR 155.57, a registration review decision is the 
Agency's determination whether a pesticide meets, or does not meet, the 
standard for registration in FIFRA. EPA has such a determination for 
the cases listed in the table below. The interim registration review 
decisions for each case are found in the respective pesticide dockets. 
Information in the dockets describes the Agency's rationale for issuing 
each interim decision for fluazinam (case 7013), flumetsulam (case 
7229), flutolanil (case 7010), hexaflumuron (case 7413), iron salts 
(case 4058), piperalin (case 3114), quinclorac (case 7222), and 
triflumizole (case 7003), EPA has considered the following chemicals/
cases in light of the FIFRA standard for registration: Fluazinam (case 
7013), flumetsulam (case 7229), flutolanil (case 7010), hexaflumuron 
(case 7413), iron salts (case 4058), piperalin (case 3114), quinclorac 
(case 7222), and triflumizole (case 7003), the Interim Decision 
documents in the docket describe the Agency's rationale for issuing a 
registration review final/interim decision for each of these 
pesticides.
    In addition to the interim registration review decision document, 
the registration review docket for fluazinam, flumetsulam, flutolanil, 
hexaflumuron, iron salts, piperalin, quinclorac, and triflumizole also 
includes other relevant documents related to the registration review of 
these cases. The proposed interim registration review decisions were 
posted to the docket and the public was invited to submit any comments 
or new information.

              Table--Registration Review Interim Decisions
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                                                      Chemical Review
 Registration review case name   Pesticide Docket    Manager, telephone
            and No.                   ID No.       number, email address
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Fluazinam (case 7013).........  EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0  Lata Venkateshwara,
                                 039.               (703) 308-2722,
                                                    [email protected].
Flumetsulam (case 7229).......  EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0  Katherine St. Clair,
                                 625.               (703) 347-8778,
                                                    [email protected].
Flutolanil (case 7010)........  EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0  Garland Waleko, (703)
                                 148.               308-8049,
                                                    [email protected].
Hexaflumuron (case 7413)......  EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0  Ricardo Jones, (703)
                                 568.               347-0493,
                                                    [email protected].
Iron salts (case 4058)........  EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0  Katherine St. Clair,
                                 626.               (703) 347-8778,
                                                    [email protected].
Piperalin (case 3114).........  EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0  Matthew Manupella,
                                 483.               (703) 347-0411,
                                                    [email protected].
Quinclorac (case 7222)........  EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-1  Margaret Hathaway,
                                 135.               (703) 305-5076,
                                                    [email protected].
Triflumizole (case 7003)......  EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0  Steven Snyderman,
                                 115.               (703) 347-0249,
                                                    [email protected].
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Fluazinam. Interim Decision (EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0039). The 
registration review docket for fluazinam (EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0039) opened 
in a notice published in the Federal Register of September 23, 2009 (74 
FR 48559) (FRL-8434-6). Fluazinam is a contact fungicide of the 
pyridinamine class registered for agricultural use on a variety of 
crops, including peanuts, potatoes, and beans. EPA conducted a human 
health risk assessment and did not identify any risks of concern. In 
addition, EPA conducted an environmental fate and effects risk 
assessment. Based on low-risk estimates, and the conservative nature of 
the risk assessment, the Agency has determined that fluazinam use does 
not pose unreasonable risks to the environment from currently 
registered uses of fluazinam. The Agency is not proposing mitigation 
changes at this time. EPA published an interim proposed registration 
review decision in the Federal Register on September 24, 2014 (79 FR 
57084) (FRL-9916-39). Two comments were received on the proposed 
interim decision, which did not change the conclusions of the decision. 
At this time in registration review, it is premature to make an 
endangered species effects determination for federally listed species 
and their designated critical habitats under the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA). Fluazinam has also not been evaluated under the Endocrine 
Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). Therefore, the Agency's final 
registration review decision is dependent upon the results of the 
evaluation of risks to threatened and endangered species and of 
potential endocrine disruptor risk. Pending the outcome of these 
actions, EPA is issuing an interim registration review decision for 
fluazinam at this time.
    Flumetsulam. Interim Decision (EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0625). Flumetsulam 
has been registered as a pesticide in the United States since 1985, and 
is currently registered for use as an herbicide for control of 
broadleaf weeds in field corn and soybeans. Flumetsulam is registered 
only for agricultural uses; there are no registered residential or 
public recreational uses of flumetsulam. EPA conducted a human health 
risk assessment and did not identify any risks of concern. No human 
health mitigation is being undertaken for flumetsulam at this time by 
the Agency. The Agency also conducted an ecological risk assessment for 
existing flumetsulam uses listed above. For existing uses, risks of 
concern were identified for listed and non-listed aquatic and 
terrestrial plant species from the use of flumetsulam on corn and 
soybeans. Listed aquatic and terrestrial animals may also be affected 
through indirect effects because of the potential effects on listed and 
non-listed aquatic and terrestrial plant species. EPA published a 
proposed interim registration review decision for flumetsulam in the 
Federal Register on September 24, 2014 (79 FR 57084) (FRL-9916-39). The 
document includes various label changes to mitigate risks to non-target 
plants by reducing spray drift. Comments from three stakeholders were 
received on the proposed interim decision; these comments did not 
change the conclusions of the decision or the proposed mitigation to 
address ecological risks. At this time in registration review, it is 
premature to make an endangered species effects determination for 
federally listed species and their designated critical habitats under 
the ESA. Also, flumetsulam has not yet been evaluated under the EDSP. 
Therefore, the Agency's final registration review decision is dependent 
upon the results of the evaluation of risks to threatened and 
endangered species and of potential endocrine disruptor risk. Pending 
the outcome of these actions, EPA is issuing an interim registration 
review decision for flumetsulam at this time.
    Flutolanil. Interim Decision (EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0148). Flutolanil is 
a systemic benzanilide fungicide first registered by EPA in 1993, used 
to control fungal diseases in both food crops (peanuts, potatoes, rice) 
and non-food sites (turf, greenhouse, field-grown and potted 
ornamentals). Flutolanil has

[[Page 16383]]

both protective and curative activity. EPA completed a qualitative 
draft human health risk assessment for all flutolanil uses and for 
proposed label amendments for brassica (cole) leafy vegetables (Crop 
Group 5), turnip greens, rice, turf, and peanuts. No risks of concern 
were identified. The Agency also conducted an ecological risk 
assessment for existing and proposed uses listed above. For existing 
uses, risks of concern were identified for freshwater fish and 
estuarine/marine invertebrates in the water column and sediment, and 
for terrestrial dicots and aquatic non-vascular plants for some uses. 
EPA published an interim proposed registration review decision in the 
Federal Register on September 24, 2014. One comment was received on the 
proposed interim decision, which did not change the conclusions of the 
decision or the proposed mitigation to address risks to aquatic 
organisms. At this time in registration review, it is premature to make 
an endangered species effects determination for federally listed 
species and their designated critical habitats under the ESA. 
Flutolanil has also not been evaluated under the EDSP. Therefore, the 
Agency's final registration review decision is dependent upon the 
results of the evaluation of risks to threatened and endangered species 
and of potential endocrine disruptor risk. Pending the outcome of these 
actions, EPA is issuing an interim registration review decision for 
flutolanil at this time.
    Hexaflumuron. Interim Decision (EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0568). Hexaflumuron 
is an insecticide/termiticide applied in above- and below-ground 
termite bait systems, and is intended to be used near commercial, 
recreational or residential structures. EPA completed a qualitative 
human health risk assessment and no risks of concern were identified. 
The Agency also conducted an ecological risk assessment and determined 
that hexaflumuron does not pose unreasonable risk to the environment. 
The Agency has made an endangered species effects determination of ``no 
effects'' for aquatic organisms and a determination of ``no habitat 
modification'' to all designated critical habitats under the ESA. EPA 
published an interim proposed registration review decision for 
hexaflumuron in the Federal Register on September 24, 2014. 
Hexaflumuron has not been evaluated under EDSP. Therefore, the Agency's 
final registration review decision is dependent on the result of the 
Section 7 Endangered Species consultation with the Fish and Wildlife 
Service, and the potential endocrine disruptor risk. Pending the 
outcome of these actions, EPA is issuing an interim registration review 
decision for hexaflumuron at this time.
    Iron Salts. Interim Decision (EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0626). The iron salts 
registration review case includes two active chemicals, ferric sulfate 
and ferrous sulfate monohydrate. Iron is the fourth most abundant 
element and the second most abundant metal in the earth's crustal 
rocks. Iron occurs in a wide variety of minerals, and it is present in 
foods naturally and through added ingredients. Iron salts are 
herbicides registered for use on outdoor lawns and ornamentals to 
control mosses in a variety of residential and commercial areas. There 
are no registered agricultural uses of iron salts products. EPA 
conducted a human health risk assessment and did not identify any risks 
of concern. The Agency relied upon the previous iron salts human health 
risk assessment, completed for the iron salts Reregistration 
Eligibility Decision (RED), to support the registration review of iron 
salts since no significant changes have been made since the RED that 
impact the risk conclusions for this case. The Agency also conducted an 
ecological risk assessment for existing uses of iron salts listed 
above. For existing uses, EPA does not expect iron salts to have direct 
or indirect adverse effects to non-listed and listed terrestrial 
vertebrates, terrestrial plants, terrestrial invertebrates, and aquatic 
organisms or to adversely modify any designated critical habitat for 
such species and has made a ``no effect'' determination under the ESA 
for those species and designated critical habitat for such species. EPA 
published an interim proposed registration review decision for iron 
salts in the Federal Register on September 24, 2014. One comment was 
received on the proposed interim decision; the comment did not change 
the conclusions of the decision. At this time in registration review, 
iron salts has not yet been evaluated under the EDSP. Therefore, the 
Agency's final registration review decision is dependent upon the 
results of the evaluation of potential endocrine disruptor risk. 
Pending the completion of EDSP work for this case, EPA is issuing an 
interim registration review decision for iron salts at this time.
    Piperalin. Interim Decision (EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0483). Currently, 
piperalin is registered exclusively for use to control powdery mildew 
on ornamental plants, shrubs, vines, and trees grown in commercial 
greenhouses and other similar enclosed structures with nonporous 
coverings. EPA conducted a human health risk assessment and did not 
identify any risks of concern. The Agency did not conduct a 
comprehensive ecological risk assessment since the use pattern does not 
likely result in outdoor exposures. No risks of concern were identified 
and the Agency has made a ``no effect'' determination for federally 
listed endangered and threatened (listed) species as well as a ``no 
habitat modification'' determination for all designated critical 
habitat. Piperalin has not been evaluated under the EDSP. Therefore, 
the Agency's final registration review decision is dependent upon the 
result of the evaluation of potential endocrine disruptor risk. The EPA 
is issuing an interim registration review decision for piperalin.
    Quinclorac. Interim Decision (EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-1135). Quinclorac is 
a systemic herbicide used to control broadleaf and grass weeds via 
ground spray or aerial application. Currently registered uses of 
quinclorac include turf grasses, sorghum, wheat, rangeland/pasture, 
rights-of way/fencerow/hedgerow, grass grown for seed, fallow land, 
grass forage/fodder/hay, rice, rhubarb, and low growing berry (except 
strawberry) subgroup 13-07H. EPA conducted a human health risk 
assessment and did not identify any risks of concern. No human health 
mitigation is being undertaken for quinclorac at this time by the 
Agency. However, a data gap is identified by the Quinclorac human 
health risk assessment: An updated analytical standard for the 
quinclorac DMA salt to the EPA National Pesticide Standards Repository. 
The Agency also conducted an ecological risk assessment for existing 
listed above. For existing uses, risks of concern were identified for 
listed and non-listed terrestrial plant species as well as listed 
aquatic vascular plants from use of quinclorac on rice. EPA published 
an interim proposed registration review decision for quinclorac in the 
Federal Register on September 24, 2014. The document includes various 
label changes to mitigate risks to terrestrial plants by reducing spray 
drift and also calls for updates to quinclorac tolerances. One comment 
was received on the proposed interim decision, which did not change the 
conclusions of the decision or the proposed mitigation to address 
ecological risks. At this time in registration review, it is premature 
to make an endangered species effects determination for federally 
listed species and their designated critical

[[Page 16384]]

habitats under the ESA. Quinclorac has also not yet been evaluated 
under the EDSP. Therefore, the Agency's final registration review 
decision is dependent upon the results of the evaluation of risks to 
threatened and endangered species and of potential endocrine disruptor 
risk. Pending the outcome of these actions, EPA is issuing an interim 
registration review decision for quinclorac this time.
    Triflumizole. Interim Decision (EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0115). Triflumizole 
is a broad spectrum, imidazole fungicide (group 3) that inhibits 
ergosterol biosynthesis in fungi, acting as a systemic fungicide. 
Triflumizole is registered for application to a number of food and non-
food crops, including ornamentals in greenhouses/shade houses, interior 
scapes, and Christmas trees/conifers on nurseries and plantations. It 
is also used as a preplant seed piece treatment on pineapples. EPA 
conducted a quantitative human health risk assessment and identified 
occupational handler and post-application exposure risks of concern for 
several use scenarios. To mitigate the occupational handler risks of 
concern when applying triflumizole with open cab air blast equipment to 
apple, pear, and cherry, the technical registrant Chemtura agreed to 
require additional personal protective equipment of a chemical 
resistant hat. To address occupational post-application risks of 
concern, the registrant agreed to increase re-entry intervals (REIs) 
for grapes (table and raisin) to 1-day and hops to 3 days. The 
ecological risk assessment identified potential risks to listed 
mammals, birds, herpatofauna, freshwater fish, and aquatic estuarine/
marine invertebrates. To mitigate potential chronic risk to non-listed 
mammals, the registrant agreed to label changes reducing the number of 
applications per year for certain crops and increasing the retreatment 
interval (RTI) to reflect typical usage. EPA published a proposed 
interim registration review decision for triflumizole in the Federal 
Register on September 24, 2014. The document includes the various label 
changes to mitigate risks detailed previously. Only one comment from 
the Center for Biological Diversity was received on the proposed 
interim decision; this comment did not change the conclusions of the 
decision or the proposed mitigation to address the risks. At this time 
in registration review, it is premature to make an endangered species 
effects determination for federally listed species and their designated 
critical habitats under the ESA. Also, triflumizole has not yet been 
evaluated under the EDSP. Therefore, the Agency's final registration 
review decision is dependent upon the results of the evaluation of 
risks to threatened and endangered species and of potential endocrine 
disruptor risk. Pending the outcome of these actions, EPA is issuing an 
interim registration review decision for triflumizole at this time.
    Pursuant to 40 CFR 155.58(c), the registration review case docket 
for fluazinam (case 7013), flumetsulam (case 7229), flutolanil (case 
7010), hexaflumuron (case 7413), iron salts (case 4058), piperalin 
(case 3114), quinclorac (case 7222), and triflumizole (case 7003) will 
remain open until all actions required in the final/interim decision 
have been completed.
    Background on the registration review program is provided at: 
http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/registration_review. Links to earlier 
documents related to the registration review of these pesticides are 
provided at: http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-reevaluation/individualpesticides-registration-review.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.

    Dated: March 17, 2015.
Richard P. Keigwin, Jr.,
Director, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division, Office of Pesticide 
Programs.
[FR Doc. 2015-07004 Filed 3-26-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P