[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 33 (Thursday, February 17, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8953-8957]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03456]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0840; FRL-9416-01-OCSPP]


[Oxirane, 2-(Phenoxymethyl)-, Polymer With Oxirane, Ether With 
2,2',2''-Nitrilotris[Ethanol] (3:1), Diblock; Tolerance Exemption

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 oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer 
with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock 
(CAS Reg. No. 2307555-89-9), when used as an inert ingredient in a 
pesticide chemical formulation. Spring Regulatory Sciences, on behalf 
of Stepan Company, 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 oxirane, 2-
(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock on food or feed commodities.

[[Page 8954]]


DATES: This regulation is effective February 17, 2022. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before April 18, 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-2021-0840, 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 is 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: Marietta Echeverria, Registration 
Division (7505P), 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. Can I file an objection or hearing request?

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, 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-2021-0840 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 
April 18, 2022. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections and 
hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
    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-2021-0840, 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/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/contacts.html.
    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 and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of December 21, 2021 (86 FR 72201) (FRL-
8792-06), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21 
U.S.C. 346a, announcing the receipt of a pesticide petition (PP IN-
11646) filed by Spring Regulatory Sciences (6620 Cypresswood Dr., Suite 
250, Spring, TX 77379), on behalf of Stepan Company (22 W Frontage Rd., 
Northfield, IL 60093). The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.960 be 
amended by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a 
tolerance for residues of oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with 
oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock (CAS 
Reg. No. 2307555-89-9). That document included a summary of the 
petition prepared by the petitioner and solicited comments on the 
petitioner's request. The Agency did not receive any substantive public 
comments.
    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an 
exemption from the requirement for 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 use 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 an exemption from the 
requirement of 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 . . .'' and 
specifies factors EPA is to consider in establishing an exemption.

III. Risk Assessment and Statutory Findings

    EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only 
in those cases where it can be shown that the risks from aggregate 
exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably foreseeable 
circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human health. To 
determine the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide inert 
ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the inert in 
conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert ingredient 
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as 
a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA is able to

[[Page 8955]]

determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure that there 
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate 
exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the requirement of 
a tolerance may be established.
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the 
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of 
this action and considered its validity, completeness and reliability 
and the relationship of this information 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. In the case of certain chemical substances that 
are defined as polymers, the Agency has established a set of criteria 
to identify categories of polymers expected to present minimal or no 
risk. The definition of a polymer is given in 40 CFR 723.250(b) and the 
exclusion criteria for identifying these low-risk polymers are 
described in 40 CFR 723.250(d). Oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer 
with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock 
(CAS Reg. No. 2307555-89-9) conforms to the definition of a polymer 
given in 40 CFR 723.250(b) and meets the following criteria that are 
used to identify low-risk polymers.
    1. The polymer is not a cationic polymer nor is it reasonably 
anticipated to become a cationic polymer in a natural aquatic 
environment.
    2. The polymer does contain as an integral part of its composition 
at least two of the atomic elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, 
silicon, and sulfur.
    3. The polymer does not contain as an integral part of its 
composition, except as impurities, any element other than those listed 
in 40 CFR 723.250(d)(2)(ii).
    4. The polymer is neither designed nor can it be reasonably 
anticipated to substantially degrade, decompose, or depolymerize: An 
adequate biodegradation study (MRID 51712502) was submitted for 
oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock showing lack of biodegradation 
(10.6% at 28 days, 13% at 90 days).
    5. The polymer is manufactured or imported from monomers and/or 
reactants that are already included on the Toxic Substances Control Act 
(TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory or manufactured under an applicable 
TSCA section 5 exemption.
    6. The polymer is not a water absorbing polymer with a number 
average molecular weight (MW) greater than or equal to 10,000 daltons.
    7. The polymer does not contain certain perfluoroalkyl moieties 
consisting of a CF3- or longer chain length as listed in 40 CFR 
723.250(d)(6).
    Additionally, the polymer also meets as required the following 
exemption criteria specified in 40 CFR 723.250(e).
    The polymer's number average molecular weight is greater than or 
equal to 1,000 daltons and less than 10,000 daltons (5483 daltons). 
Also, the polymer contains less than 2% oligomeric material below MW 
500 (2.0%) and less than 5% oligomeric material below MW 1,000 (3.5%).
    Thus, Oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 
2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock (CAS Reg. No. 2307555-89-
9) meets the criteria for a polymer to be considered low risk under 40 
CFR 723.250. Based on its conformance to the criteria in this unit, no 
mammalian toxicity is anticipated from dietary, inhalation, or dermal 
exposure to oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether 
with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock.

IV. Aggregate Exposures

    For the purposes of assessing potential exposure under this 
exemption, EPA considered that oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer 
with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock 
could be present in all raw and processed agricultural commodities and 
drinking water, and that non-occupational non-dietary exposure was 
possible. The minimum number average MW of oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, 
polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), 
diblock is 5,300 daltons. Generally, a polymer of this size would be 
poorly absorbed through the intact gastrointestinal tract or through 
intact human skin. Since oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with 
oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock 
conforms to the criteria that identify a low-risk polymer, there are no 
concerns for risks associated with any potential exposure scenarios 
that are reasonably foreseeable. The Agency has determined that a 
tolerance is not necessary to protect the public health.

V. 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 oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with 
oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock to 
share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and 
oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock does not appear to produce a toxic 
metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this 
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that oxirane, 2-
(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock 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 
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

VI. Additional Safety Factor for the Protection of Infants and Children

    Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply an 
additional tenfold margin of safety for infants and children in the 
case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal 
toxicity and the completeness of the data base unless EPA concludes 
that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants and 
children. Due to the expected low toxicity of oxirane, 2-
(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock, EPA has not used a safety factor 
analysis to assess the risk. For the same reasons the additional 
tenfold safety factor is unnecessary.

VII. Determination of Safety

    Based on the conformance to the criteria used to identify a low-
risk polymer, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty of no 
harm to the U.S. population, including infants and children, from 
aggregate exposure to residues of oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer 
with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock.

VIII. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since 
the Agency is establishing an exemption

[[Page 8956]]

from the requirement of a tolerance without any numerical limitation.

B. International Residue Limits

    In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S. 
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent 
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA 
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA 
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations 
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food 
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety 
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United 
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from 
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain 
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
    The Codex has not established a MRL for oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-
, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), 
diblock.

IX. Conclusion

    Accordingly, EPA finds that exempting residues of oxirane, 2-
(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock from the requirement of a tolerance 
will be safe.

X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes a tolerance under FFDCA section 408(d) 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 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 (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 FFDCA section 408(d), 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 action 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 FFDCA section 408(n)(4). 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 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 
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
    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 (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

XI. 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: February 8, 2022.
Marietta Echeverria,
Acting Director, Registration Division, 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. In Sec.  180.960, amend Table 1 to Sec.  180.960, by adding in 
alphabetical order the polymer ``Oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer 
with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock, 
minimum number average molecular weight (in amu), 5,300'' to read as 
follows:


Sec.  180.960  Polymers; exemptions from the requirement of a 
tolerance.

* * * * *

                        Table 1 to Sec.   180.960
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Polymer                              CAS No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane,          2307555-89-9
 ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1),
 diblock, minimum number average molecular weight (in
 amu), 5,300...........................................
 
                              * * * * * * *
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[FR Doc. 2022-03456 Filed 2-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P