[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 14, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70978-70980]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26844]



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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0534; FRL-9218-01-OCSPP]


Trichoderma harzianum Strain T-78; Exemption From the Requirement 
of a Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance for residues of Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 in or 
on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions 
and good agricultural practices. Symborg, Inc. submitted a petition to 
EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting 
an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation 
eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for 
residues of Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 under FFDCA when used in 
accordance with this exemption.

DATES: This regulation is effective December 14, 2021. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before February 14, 2022 
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: The docket for this action, identified by docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0534, is available at 
https://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.
    Due to the public health concerns related to COVID-19, the EPA 
Docket Center (EPA/DC) and Reading Room are closed to visitors with 
limited exceptions. The staff continues to provide remote customer 
service via email, phone, and webform. For the latest status 
information on EPA/DC services and docket access, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Smith, Biopesticides and 
Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, 
DC 20460-0001; main telephone number: (703) 305-7090; email 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. 
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System 
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. 
Potentially affected entities may include:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).

B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?

    You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR 
part 180 through the Office of the Federal Register's e-CFR site at 
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40.

C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a(g), 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-2021-0534 in the subject line on the first 
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must 
be in writing and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before 
February 14, 2022. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections 
and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b), although EPA 
strongly encourages those interested in submitting objections or a 
hearing request to submit objections and hearing requests 
electronically. See Order Urging Electronic Service and Filing (April 
10, 2020), https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-05/documents/2020-04-10_-_order_urging_electronic_service_and_filing.pdf. 
At this time, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the judges and staff of 
the Office of Administrative Law Judges are working remotely and not 
able to accept filings or correspondence by courier, personal delivery, 
or commercial delivery, and the ability to receive filings or 
correspondence by U.S. Mail is similarly limited. When submitting 
documents to the U.S. EPA Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ), a 
person should utilize the OALJ e-filing system at https://yosemite.epa.gov/OA/EAB/EAB-ALJ_upload.nsf.
    Although EPA's regulations require submission via U.S. Mail or hand 
delivery, EPA intends to treat submissions filed via electronic means 
as properly filed submissions during this time that the Agency 
continues to maximize telework due to the pandemic; therefore, EPA 
believes the preference for submission via electronic means will not be 
prejudicial. If it is impossible for a person to submit documents 
electronically or receive service electronically, e.g., the person does 
not have any access to a computer, the person shall so advise OALJ by 
contacting the Hearing Clerk at (202) 564-6281. If a person is without 
access to a computer and must file documents by U.S. Mail, the person 
shall notify the Hearing Clerk every time it files a document in such a 
manner. The address for mailing documents is U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, Office of Administrative Law Judges, Mail Code 
1900R, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460.
    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 (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for 
inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential 
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without 
prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing 
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0534, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket 
Center (EPA/

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DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/where-send-comments-epa-dockets.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Background

    In the Federal Register of September 22, 2021 (86 FR 52624) (FRL-
8792-03), EPA issued a notice pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance 
exemption petition (PP 0F8852) by Symborg, Inc., P.O. Box 12810, San 
Luis Obispo, CA 93406. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be 
amended by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance for residues of the fungicide Trichoderma harzianum strain T-
78 in or on all food commodities. That notice referenced a summary of 
the petition prepared by the petitioner Symborg, Inc. and available in 
the docket via https://www.regulations.gov. No comments were received 
on the notice of filing.

III. Final Rule

A. EPA's Safety Determination

    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance (the legal limit for a 
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that 
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(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. Pursuant to FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in 
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement 
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in 
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C), which require EPA to give special 
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide 
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance or tolerance exemption 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. . . .'' Additionally, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D) 
requires that EPA consider ``available information concerning the 
cumulative effects of [a particular pesticide's] . . . residues and 
other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
    EPA evaluated the available toxicological and exposure data on 
Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 and considered their validity, 
completeness, and reliability, as well as the relationship of this 
information to human risk. A full explanation of the data upon which 
EPA relied and its risk assessment based on those data can be found 
within the document entitled ``Microbial Human Health Risk Assessment 
for Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78''. This document, as well as 
other relevant information, is available in the docket for this action 
as described under ADDRESSES.
    The available data demonstrated that, with regard to humans, 
Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 is not toxic, pathogenic, or 
infective via the injection route of exposure; is not toxic, 
pathogenic, or infective via the oral route of exposure; is not toxic, 
pathogenic, or infective via the pulmonary route of exposure; and is 
not expected to be toxic via oral, dermal, or inhalation routes of 
exposure based on the data presented in the three toxicity/
pathogenicity studies. Additionally, all three of the toxicity/
pathogenicity studies demonstrated a pattern of clearance of 
Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 from the blood and organs of the test 
animals. Based on the lack of adverse effects seen in the available 
toxicity/pathogenicity data, EPA did not identify any points of 
departure for assessing risk; thus, no quantitative risk assessment was 
conducted. Significant dietary and non-occupational exposures to 
residues of Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 are not anticipated 
because it will be used only as a soil-directed treatment and it is not 
expected to remain at high levels on plant surfaces or readily 
percolate through soil before reaching ground water. Even if dietary 
and non-occupational exposures to residues of Trichoderma harzianum 
strain T-78 were to occur, there is no concern due to the lack of 
potential for adverse effects. Because there are no threshold levels of 
concern with the toxicity, pathogenicity, or infectivity of Trichoderma 
harzianum strain T-78, EPA determined that no additional margin of 
safety is necessary to protect infants and children as part of the 
qualitative assessment conducted. Based upon its evaluation in the 
Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 Human Health Assessment, which 
concludes that there are no risks of concern from aggregate exposure to 
Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78, EPA concludes that there is a 
reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population, 
including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of 
Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78.

B. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for Trichoderma harzianum 
strain T-78 because EPA is establishing an exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance without any numerical limitation.

C. Conclusion

    Therefore, an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is 
established for residues of Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 in or on 
all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and 
good agricultural practices.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance under FFDCA section 408(d) in response to a petition 
submitted to EPA. 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 action has been exempted from review 
under Executive Order 12866, this action is not subject to Executive 
Order 13211, entitled ``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 action does not contain any information 
collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 
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 FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance 
exemption in this action, do not require the issuance of a proposed 
rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 
et seq.) do not apply.
    This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food 
handlers, and food

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retailers, not States or Tribes. As a result, this action does not 
alter the relationships or distribution of power and responsibilities 
established by Congress in the preemption provisions of FFDCA section 
408(n)(4). As such, EPA 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, EPA 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 action. In addition, this action does not impose any enforceable 
duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would 
require EPA's consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant 
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

V. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
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 
the rule in the Federal Register. This action 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: December 6, 2021.
Edward Messina,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, for the reasons stated in the preamble, EPA is amending 
40 CFR chapter I as follows:

PART 180--TOLERANCES AND EXEMPTIONS FOR PESTICIDE CHEMICAL RESIDUES 
IN FOOD

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. Add Sec.  180.1390 to subpart D to read as follows:


Sec.  180.1390  Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78; exemption from the 
requirement of a tolerance.

    An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for 
residues of Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 in or on all food 
commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good 
agricultural practices.

[FR Doc. 2021-26844 Filed 12-13-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P