[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].
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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]
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