
[Federal Register: December 10, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 238)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 74972-74977]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10de08-10]                         

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0672; FRL-8390-8]

 
Mefenpyr-diethyl and Metabolites; Pesticide Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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[[Page 74973]]

SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of the 
herbicide safener, mefenpyr-diethyl (CAS Reg. No. 135590-91-9), also 
known as 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3,5-
dicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester and its 2,4-dichlorophenyl-pyrazoline 
metabolites, applied at a rate no greater than 0.053 pounds safener per 
acre per growing season, in or on the rotational crop commodities 
soybean seed, soybean hay, soybean forage and canola seed. Bayer 
CropScience requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective December 10, 2008. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before February 9, 2009, 
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- 0672. All documents in the 
docket are listed in the docket index available at http://
www.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 in the electronic 
docket at http://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard 
copy, at the OPP Regulatory 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: Karen Samek, Registration Division 
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone 
number: (703) 347-8825; e-mail address: samek.karen@epa.gov.

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 electronically available documents 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 Office's e-CFR site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/
ecfr. To access the OPPTS Harmonized Guidelines referenced in this 
document, go directly to the guidelines at http://www.epa.gpo/opptsfrs/
home/guidelin.htm.

C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?

    Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, 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. 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-2007-0672 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 February 9, 2009.
    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-2007-0672, 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 Facility'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 Tolerance

    In the Federal Register of August 22, 2007 (72 FR 47008) (FRL-8145-
1), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408 of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 
346a, as amended by FQPA (Public Law 104-170), announcing the filing of 
a pesticide petition (PP 7E7224) by Bayer CropScience, 2 T.W., 
Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12014, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. The 
petition requested that 40 CFR 180.509 be amended for the herbicide 
safener, mefenpyr-diethyl, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-
1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester and its 2,4-
dichlorophenyl-pyrazoline metabolites by increasing the maximum 
allowable seasonal use rate to 0.053 lb safener/acre(A), as well as, 
establishing rotation crop tolerances on soybean seed at 0.02 parts per 
million (ppm); soybean forage at 0.1ppm; soybean hay at 0.1 ppm; and 
canola seed at 0.02 ppm. That notice referenced a summary of the 
petition prepared by Bayer CropScience, the registrant, which is 
available to the public in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. 
There were no comments received in response to the Notice of Filing.

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

[[Page 74974]]

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 section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, and the factors 
specified in section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, 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 the herbicide safener, mefenpyr-diethyl, in 
or on soybean seed at 0.02 ppm, soybean forage at 0.1 ppm, soybean hay 
at 0.1 ppm, and canola seed at 0.02 ppm; as well as the petitioned-for 
request to increase the maxium allowable seasonal use rate from 0.026 
lb safener/A to 0.053 lb safener/A. EPA's assessment of exposures and 
risks associated with establishing 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.
    Mefenpyr-diethyl has low acute toxicity by the oral, dermal, and 
inhalation routes of exposure. It is not a dermal irritant but is a 
slight dermal sensitizer and ocular irritant. Metabolism studies 
indicate that mefenpyr-diethyl is rapidly metabolized, widely 
distributed, and primarily excreted via the urine. Repeat exposure via 
the dermal route did not induce any treatment-related effects at dose 
levels up to and including the limit dose. Repeated exposure studies 
via the oral route demonstrated that the target organs are the liver 
and hematopoietic system in dogs, mice, and rats. Mefenpyr-diethyl was 
negative for carcinogenicity in rats and mice, and classified as ``not 
likely to be carcinogenic to humans.'' Mefenpyr-diethyl did not show 
any genotoxic potential. Developmental toxicity was not observed in the 
rat at the limit dose (1,000 milligrams/kilogram/day (mg/kg/day)) but 
was observed in the rabbit (abortions) at the same dose level producing 
maternal toxicity. Mefenpyr-diethyl did not induce any signs of 
reproductive toxicity or neurotoxic potential. The developmental 
toxicity studies in rats and rabbits, as well as the reproductive 
toxicity study in rats, did not demonstrate any prenatal or postnatal 
sensitivity. There is a lack of evidence of neurotoxicity in any study 
on mefenpyr-diethyl and therefore there is no concern for neurotoxicity 
resulting from exposure to mefenpyr-diethyl.

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) 
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 mefenpyr-diethyl for 
human risk assessment is shown in Table 1 of this unit.

     Table 1.--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Mefenpyr-diethyl for Use in Dietary and Non-
                                   Occupational Human Health risk Assessments
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                                                                   RfD, PAD, Level of
          Exposure/Scenario             Point of Departure and      Concern for Risk     Study and Toxicological
                                         Uncertainty Factors           Assessment                Effects
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute Dietary (General population,        No hazard was identified in any toxicity study for this duration of
 including infants and children)                                        exposure.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acute Dietary (Females 13-49 years of     No hazard was identified in any toxicity study for this duration of
 age)                                                                   exposure.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chronic Dietary (All populations)      NOAEL = 51 mg/kg/day     Chronic RfD = 0.51 mg/   Chronic oral toxicity
                                       UFA = 10x..............   kg/day                   study (dog).
                                       UFH = 10x..............  cPAD = 0.51 mg/kg/day..  LOAEL = 260 mg/kg/day,
                                       FQPA SF = 1x...........                            based on increased
                                                                                          liver weight in both
                                                                                          sexes, cholestasis,
                                                                                          and increased alkaline
                                                                                          phosphates.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 74975]]


Cancer                                          Classification: Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Point of Departure = A data point or an estimated point that is derived from observed dose-response data and
  used to mark the beginning of extrapolation to determine risk associated with lower environmentally relevant
  human exposures. NOAEL = no observed adverse effect level. LOAEL = lowest observed adverse effect level.
  UF=uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolated from animal to human (interspecies). UFH = potential variation in
  sensitivity among members of the human population (intraspecies). PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c
  = chronic). RfD = reference dose.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to mefenpyr-diethyl, EPA considered exposure under the 
petitioned-for tolerances, as well as all existing mefenpyr-diethyl 
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.509. The residue of concern for both risk 
assessment and tolerance setting purposes in plants and animals is the 
parent compound, mefenpyr-diethyl, and its 2,4-dichlorophenyl-
pyrazoline metabolites. EPA assessed dietary exposures from mefenpyr-
diethyl 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 mefenpyr-diethyl; 
therefore, a quantitative acute dietary exposure assessment is 
unnecessary.
    ii. Chronic exposure. A highly conservative chronic dietary risk 
assessment was conducted for food and drinking water for mefenpyr-
diethyl. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure assessment EPA used 
the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996 and 1998 Continuing 
Survey of Food Intake by Individuals. As to residue levels in food, EPA 
assumed that 100% of crops with requested uses of mefenpyr-diethyl are 
treated and that all treated crops contain residues at the tolerance 
level.
    No new magnitude of the residue data, reflecting the new proposed 
seasonal rate of 0.053 lb safener/A, were submitted for the primary 
crop commodities. It is, however, noted that the field trial data that 
were previously submitted in support of the petition to establish 
tolerances for primary crops were conducted at an exaggerated rate of 
0.089 lb/safener/A. Therefore, the Agency has determine that the 
established tolerances for primary crop commodities remain adequate to 
support the proposed higher application rate.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the results of carcinogenicity studies in 
rats and mice, EPA classified mefenpyr-diethyl as a ``Not likely to be 
carcinogenic to humans;'' therefore, an exposure assessment for 
assessing cancer risk is unnecessary for this chemical.
    iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information. 
EPA did not use anticipated residue or PCT information in the dietary 
assessment for mefenpyr-diethyl. Tolerance level residues and 100 PCT 
were assumed for all food commodities.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening 
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for mefenpyr-diethyl in drinking water. These simulation 
models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/
transport characteristics of mefenpyr-diethyl. 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 mefenpyr-diethyl and 
its transformation products for chronic exposures for non-cancer 
assessments are estimated to be 3 parts per billion (ppb) for surface 
water and 4 ppb 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 of value 4 ppb 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). No products 
containing mefenpyr-diethyl are available for sale in the residential 
market because of the crops specified on the applicable labels. As 
such, a residential risk assessment was not conducted.
    4. Cumulative effects. Unlike other pesticides for which EPA has 
followed a cumulative risk approach based on a common mechanism of 
toxicity, EPA has not made a common mechanism of toxicity finding as to 
mefenpyr-diethyl and any other substances and mefenpyr-diethyl does not 
appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For 
the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has not assumed 
that mefenpyr-diethyl has 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 the policy statements 
released by EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs concerning common 
mechanism determinations and procedures for cumulating effects from 
substances found to have a common mechanism on 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. The prenatal and postnatal 
toxicity database for mefenpyr-diethyl includes rat and rabbit 
developmental toxicity studies and a two-generation reproduction 
toxicity study in rats. There was no evidence of increased

[[Page 74976]]

susceptibility of in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal 
developmental studies or of young rats in the two-generation 
reproduction study.
     Developmental toxicity was not observed in the rat at the limit 
dose (1,000 mg/kg/day). The only effects observed in the rat 
developmental toxicity study were decreased body-weight gain and food 
efficiency during the first week of dosing and increased spleen weights 
in the maternal animal and a marginal decrease in fetal body weight/
body-weight gain during lactation (postnatal study). In the rabbit 
developmental toxicity study, developmental toxicity (abortion) was 
observed at the same dose level producing maternal toxicity (250 mg/kg/
day).
    In the reproduction study, parental toxicity consisted of decreased 
body weight and body-weight gain, and an increase in spleen weight and 
in the severity (not incidence) of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis 
in females. In the pups, decreased body weight and body-weight gains 
were observed at the same dose levels as the parental animals. The 
NOAEL is 82 mg/kg/day (1,000 ppm) for both the parental animal and 
offspring.
    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 mefenpyr-diethyl is complete, with the 
exception of immunotoxicity studies which are new data requirements 
under the revised Part 158 Toxicology Data Requirements (40 CFR part 
158). In the absence of these studies, EPA has evaluated the available 
toxicity data for mefenpyr-diethyl and determined that an additional 
database uncertainty factor is not needed, based on the following 
conclusions:
    No acute and subchronic Neurotoxcity studies are available, however 
there is no evidence of neurotoxicity in the toxicology database on 
mefenpyr-diethyl, which includes subchronic, chronic, developmental 
toxicity, and reproduction studies performed at dose of 250 mg/kg/day 
and above. Therefore, based on the above considerations, the Agency 
does not believe that conducting acute and subchronic neurotoxicity 
studies will result in a NOAEL less than the NOAEL of 51 mg/kg/day 
already set for mefenpyr-diethyl; therefore additional neurotoxicity 
studies are not necessary and the 10x safety factor can be reduced to 
1x.
    Considering that the application of mefenpyr-diethyl will be by 
either aerial application or spray boom equipment, the 28-day 
inhalation study is required as confirmatory data. However, the 
additional uncertainty factor for database uncertainties does not need 
to be applied since the MOE is >1,000 and significant inhalation 
exposures of concern are not anticipated.
    EPA considered the entire toxicity database for mefenpyr-diethyl 
for potential adverse effects on the thymus and spleen as indications 
of potential immunotoxicity and noted enlarged spleens; more severe 
hematopoiesis and hemosiderin deposits and increased spleen weights 
were observed in mice at doses greater than the limit dose. However, 
these were determined to be non-specific changes not indicative of 
immunotoxicity. Therefore, based on the above considerations, EPA does 
not believe that conducting a special series (Harmonized Guideline 
870.7800), immunotoxicity study will result in a NOAEL less than the 
NOAEL of 51 mg/kg/day already set for mefenpyr-diethyl and an 
additional uncertainty factor for database uncertainties does not need 
to be applied.
    ii. There is no indication that mefenpyr-diethyl 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 mefenpyr-diethyl results in 
increased susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal 
developmental studies or in young rats in the two-generation 
reproduction study.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed 
assuming 100 PCT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative 
(protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used 
to assess exposure to mefenpyr-diethyl in drinking water. These 
assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by 
mefenpyr-diethyl.

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 in the toxicology studies for mefenpyr-diethyl and no 
acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore, mefenpyr-diethyl is not 
expected to pose an acute risk.
    2. Chronic risk. Exposure to mefenpyr-diethyl food and drinking 
water results in an estimated risk equivalent to <1% of the cPAD for 
the general population and all regulated subpopulations, including 
infants and children as well.
    There are no residential uses for mefenpyr-diethyl, therefore the 
aggregate risk assessments include the contribution of risk from 
dietary (food and water) sources only.
    3. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Mefenpyr-diethyl was 
negative for carcinogenicity in rats and mice and thus is not expected 
to pose a cancer risk to humans.
    4. 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 mefenpyr-diethyl residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An enforcement method for plants entitled ``An Analytical Method 
for Determination of Residues of AE F107892 (mefenpyr-diethyl) and its 
Metabolites in Wheat and Barley by Gas Chromatography using Mass 
Selective Detection (Report Supplement to EPA MRID 45457401)'' is 
available. Radiovalidation and independent laboratory validation (ILV) 
data have been submitted for the plant method. The Agency analytical 
lab has concluded that this method is suitable for food tolerance 
enforcement of mefenpyr-diethyl and its 2,4-dichlorophenyl-pyrazoline 
metabolites. 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: 
residuemethods@epa.gov.

[[Page 74977]]

B. International Tolerances

    No Codex, Canadian, or Mexican maximum residue limits are 
established for residues of mefenpyr-diethyl and its metabolites in 
crop or livestock commodities; therefore, there are no issues with 
international harmonization raised by this action.

V. Conclusions

    Therefore, 40 CFR 180.509 is amended for the herbicide safener, 
mefenpyr-diethyl, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-1H-
pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester and its 2,4-
dichlorophenyl-pyrazoline metabolites by increasing the maximum 
allowable seasonal use rate to 0.053 lb safener/A, as well as rotation 
crop tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide safener, 
mefenpyr-diethyl, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-1H-
pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester and its 2,4-
dichlorophenyl-pyrazoline metabolites in or on soybean seed at 0.02 
ppm; soybean forage at 0.1 ppm; soybean hay at 0.1 ppm; and canola seed 
at 0.02 ppm.
    It should be noted that no new magnitude of the residue data, 
reflecting the new proposed seasonal rate of 0.053 lb safener/A, were 
submitted for the primary crop commodities. However, field trail data 
that were previously submitted in support of the petition to establish 
tolerances for primary crops were conducted at an exaggerated rate of 
0.089 lb safener/A. Therefore, the Agency determined that the 
established tolerances for primary crop commodities remain adequate to 
support the proposed higher application rate.

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.


    Dated: December 2, 2008.
Donald R. Stubbs,
Acting 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 180.509 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  180.509  Mefenpyr-diethyl; tolerance for residues.

    (a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of the 
herbicide safener, mefenpyr-diethyl, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-
dihydro-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester and 
its 2,4-dichlorophenyl-pyrazoline metabolites, when applied at a rate 
no greater than 0.053 pound safener per acre per growing season in or 
on the following raw agricultural commodities:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts per
                        Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barley, grain...........................................            0.05
Barley, hay.............................................             0.2
Barley, straw...........................................             0.5
Canola, seed............................................            0.02
Cattle, meat byproducts.................................             0.1
Goat, meat byproducts...................................             0.1
Hog, meat byproducts....................................             0.1
Horse, meat byproducts..................................             0.1
Sheep, meat byproducts..................................             0.1
Wheat, forage...........................................             0.2
Wheat, grain............................................            0.05
Wheat, hay..............................................             0.2
Wheat, straw............................................             0.5
Soybean forage..........................................             0.1
Soybean, hay............................................             0.1
Soybean, seed...........................................            0.02
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved]
    (c) Tolerances with regional registrations. [Reserved]
    (d) Indirect or inadvertant residues. [Reserved]

[FR Doc. E8-29112 Filed 12-9-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
