
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 130 (Wednesday, July 8, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38981-38986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-16523]



[[Page 38981]]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0284; FRL-9927-85]


S-metolachlor; Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of S-
metolachlor in or on multiple commodities which are identified and 
discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 
4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective July 8, 2015. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before September 8, 2015, 
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-2014-0284, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Lewis, 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: RDFRNotices@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. 
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 EPA's 
tolerance regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through the Government 
Printing Office's e-CFR site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.

C. How 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-2014-0284 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 
September 8, 2015. 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-2014-0284, by one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://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 http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance

    In the Federal Register of December 17, 2014 (79 FR 75107) (FRL-
9918-90), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 
4E8248) by IR-4 500 College Road East, Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 
08540, requests to establish a tolerance in 40 CFR part 180 for 
residues of S-metolachlor in or on the raw agricultural commodity 
lettuce at 1.5 parts per million (ppm); vegetable, cucurbit group 9 at 
0.50 ppm; vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10, except tabasco pepper at 
0.10 ppm; low growing berry subgroup 13-07G except cranberry at 0.40 
ppm; and sunflower subgroup 20B at 0.50 ppm and the concurrent deletion 
of the existing tolerances for okra; vegetable, fruiting, group 8 
except tabasco pepper; cucumber; melon subgroup 9A; pumpkin; squash, 
winter; and sunflower, seed. That document referenced a summary of the 
petition prepared by Syngenta Crop Protection, the registrant, which is 
available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no 
comments received in response to the notice of filing.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has 
modified the levels at which some of the tolerances are being 
established. The reason for these changes are explained in Unit IV.C.

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 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

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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 FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors 
specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), 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 S-metolachlor including 
exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action. 
EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with S-metolachlor 
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.
    The existing toxicological database is primarily comprised of 
studies conducted with metolachlor. However, bridging studies indicate 
that the metolachlor toxicology database can be used to assess toxicity 
for S-metolachlor. In subchronic (metolachlor and S-metolachlor) and 
chronic (metolachlor) toxicity studies in dogs and rats decreased body 
weight and body weight (bw) gain were the most commonly observed 
effects. No systemic toxicity was observed in rabbits when metolachlor 
was administered dermally. There was no evidence of neurotoxic effects 
in the available toxicity studies, and there is no evidence of 
Immunotoxicity in the submitted mouse Immunotoxicity study.
    Prenatal developmental studies in the rat and rabbit with both 
metolachlor and S-metolachlor revealed no evidence of a qualitative or 
quantitative susceptibility in fetal animals. A 2-generation 
reproduction study with metolachlor in rats showed no evidence of 
parental or reproductive toxicity. There are no residual uncertainties 
with regard to pre- and/or postnatal toxicity.
    Metolachlor has been evaluated for carcinogenic effects in the 
mouse and the rat. Metolachlor did not cause an increase in tumors of 
any kind in mice. In rats, metolachlor caused an increase in benign 
liver tumors in rats, but this increase was seen only at the highest 
dose tested and was statistically significant compared to controls only 
in females. There was no evidence of mutagenic or cytogenetic effects 
in vivo or in vitro. Based on this evidence, EPA has concluded that 
metolachlor does not have a common mechanism of carcinogenicity with 
acetochlor and alachlor, compounds that are structurally similar to 
metolachlor. Metolachlor has been classified as a Group C, possible 
human carcinogen, based on liver tumors in rats at the highest dose 
tested (HDT).
    Taking into account the qualitatively weak evidence on carcinogenic 
effects and the fact that the increase in benign tumors in female rats 
occurs at a dose 1,500 times the chronic reference dose (cRfD), EPA has 
concluded that the cRfD is protective of any potential cancer effect.
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the 
adverse effects caused by S-metolachlor as well as the no-observed-
adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-
level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in the document ``S-metolachlor--Risk Assessment 
for Establishment of Tolerances for New Uses on Lettuce, Low Growing 
Berry Subgroup 13-07G, except Cranberry; Vegetable, Cucurbit, Group 9; 
Sunflower subgroup 20B; Vegetable, Fruiting, Group 8-10; except Tabasco 
Pepper and Okra'' on pp. 40 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0284.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA 
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of 
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the 
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for 
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed 
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to 
determine the dose at which the NOAEL and the LOAEL are identified. 
Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with the POD to 
calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a population-
adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe margin of 
exposure (MOE). 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 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 S-metolachlor used for 
human risk assessment is shown in Table 1 of this unit.

 Table 1--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for S-metolachlor for Use in Human Health Risk Assessment
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                                     Point of departure and
         Exposure/scenario             uncertainty/safety    RfD, PAD, LOC for risk    Study and toxicological
                                             factors               assessment                  effects
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Acute dietary (General population    NOAEL = 300 mg/kg/day.  Acute RfD = 3.0 mg/kg/  Developmental Toxicity
 including infants and children).                             day.                    Study--Rat (metolachlor).
                                     UFA = 10x               aPAD = 3.0 mg/kg/day..  LOAEL = 1,000 mg/kg/day
                                     UFH = 10x.............                           based increased incidence
                                     FQPA SF = 1x..........                           of death, clinical signs
                                                                                      (clonic and/or tonic
                                                                                      convulsions, excessive
                                                                                      salivation, urine-stained
                                                                                      abdominal fur and/or
                                                                                      excessive lacrimation),
                                                                                      and decreased body weight
                                                                                      gain.
Chronic dietary (All populations)..  NOAEL= 9.7 mg/kg/day..  Chronic RfD = 0.097 mg/ One Year Chronic Toxicity--
                                                              kg/day.                 Dog (metolachlor).
                                     UFA = 10x               cPAD = 0.097 mg/kg/day  LOAEL = 33 mg/kg/day based
                                     UFH = 10x.............                           decreased body weight gain
                                     FQPA SF = 1x..........                           in females.

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Incidental oral short-term (1 to 30  NOAEL= 50 mg/kg/day...  LOC for MOE = 100.....  Developmental Toxicity
 days).                                                                               Study--Rat (S-
                                                                                      metolachlor).
                                     UFA = 10x               ......................  LOAEL = 500 mg/kg/day based
                                     UFH = 10x.............                           on increased incidence of
                                     FQPA SF = 1x..........                           clinical signs, decreased
                                                                                      body weight/body weight
                                                                                      gain, food consumption and
                                                                                      food efficiency seen in
                                                                                      maternal animals.
Inhalation short-term (1 to 30       Inhalation (or oral)    LOC for MOE = 1,000...  Developmental Toxicity
 days).                               study NOAEL= 50 mg/kg/                          Study--Rat (S-
                                      day (inhalation                                 metolachlor).
                                      absorption rate =
                                      100%).
                                     UFA = 10x               ......................  LOAEL = 500 mg/kg/day based
                                     UFH = 10x.............                           on increased incidence of
                                     FQPA SF = 10x UFDB....                           clinical signs, decreased
                                                                                      body weight/body weight
                                                                                      gain, food consumption and
                                                                                      food efficiency seen at
                                                                                      the LOAEL in maternal
                                                                                      animals.
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Cancer (all routes)................  Metolachlor has been classified as a Group C carcinogen with risk
                                      quantitated using a non-linear RfD approach.
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FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. LOC = level
  of concern. Mg/kg/day = milligram/kilogram/day. MOE = margin of exposure. NOAEL = no-observed-adverse-effect-
  level. PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. UF = uncertainty factor.
  UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies). UFDB = to account for the absence of data or other
  data deficiency. UFH = potential variation in sensitivity among members of the human population
  (intraspecies).

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to S-metolachlor, EPA considered exposure under the 
petitioned-for tolerances as well as all existing S-metolachlor 
tolerances in 40 CFR 180.368. EPA assessed dietary exposures from S-
metolachlor 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.
    Such effects were identified for S-metolachlor. In estimating acute 
dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption information from the United 
States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Health and Nutrition 
Examination Survey/What We Eat in America, (NHANES/WWEIA). As to 
residue levels in food, EPA assumed tolerance level residues and 100 
percent crop treated (PCT).
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA's NHANES/
WWEIA. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed tolerance level 
residues and 100 PCT.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has 
concluded that a nonlinear RfD approach is appropriate for assessing 
cancer risk to S-metolachlor. Therefore, a separate quantitative cancer 
exposure assessment is unnecessary since the chronic dietary risk 
estimate will be protective of potential cancer risk.
    iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. EPA did not use 
anticipated residue or PCT information in the dietary assessment for S-
metolachlor. 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 S-metolachlor in drinking water. These simulation models 
take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport 
characteristics of S-metolachlor. 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.
    The Agency assessed parent metolachlor, and the metabolites CGA-
51202 (metolachlor-OA), CGA-40172, and CGA-50720 together in the 
drinking water assessment using a total toxic residues (TTR) approach 
where half-lives were recalculated to collectively account for the 
parent and the combined residues of concern.
    Based on the Surface Water Concentration Calculator (SWCC), the 
Pesticide Root Zone Model Ground Water (PRZM GW), and the Screening 
Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-GROW), the estimated drinking water 
concentrations (EDWCs) of S-metolachlor and its metabolites for acute 
exposures are estimated to be 371 parts per billion (ppb) for surface 
water and 1,060 ppb for ground water, and for chronic exposures are 
estimated to be 43.70 ppb for surface water and 14.3 ppb in ground 
water.
    Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly 
entered into the dietary exposure model. For acute dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration value of 1,060 ppb was used to 
assess the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk 
assessment, the water concentration of value 43.70 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, 
termiticide, and flea and tick control on pets).
    S-metolachlor is currently registered for the following uses that 
could result in residential exposures: On commercial (sod farm) and 
residential warm-season turf grasses and other non-crop land including 
golf courses, sports fields, and ornamental gardens. EPA assessed 
residential exposure using the following assumptions: For residential 
handlers, short-term inhalation exposure is

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expected. The following scenarios were evaluated:
     Mixing/loading/applying gardens/trees with manually-
pressurized hand wand, hose-end sprayer, backpack, and sprinkler can 
equipment.
     Mixing/loading/applying lawns/turf with manually-
pressurized hand wand, hose-end sprayer, backpack, and sprinkler can 
equipment.
    For residential post-application, there is the potential for short-
term incidental oral exposure for individuals exposed as a result of 
being in an environment that has been previously treated with S-
metolachlor. The quantitative exposure/risk assessment for residential 
post-application exposures is based on the following scenario:
     Hand-to-mouth incidental oral exposure of children 1-2 
years old playing on turf treated with S-metolachlor.
    Further information regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic 
inputs for residential exposures may be found at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/science/residential-exposure-sop.html.
    4. 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 S-metolachlor to share a common mechanism of 
toxicity with any other substances, and S-metolachlor does not appear 
to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the 
purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that S-
metolachlor 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 Web site 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 Food Quality 
Protection Act Safety Factor (FQPA 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. There was no evidence of 
increased quantitative or qualitative fetal susceptibility in the 
prenatal developmental studies in rats and rabbits or in the 
reproductive toxicity study in rats, with either metolachlor or S-
metolachlor. In general, significant developmental toxicity was not 
seen in rats or rabbits with either compound. The only effects observed 
in fetal animals were in the rat prenatal developmental study and 
included slightly decreased number of implantations per dam, decreased 
number of live fetuses/dam, increased number of resorptions/dam and 
significant decrease in mean fetal bw. These effects occurred at 
maternally toxic doses (1,000 milligram/kilogram/day (mg/kg/day)).
    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 for all scenarios except inhalation. For 
inhalation scenarios a 10x database uncertainty factor (UF) still 
applies. This decision is based on the following findings:
    i. The toxicology database for metolachlor and S-metolachlor is 
complete, with the exception of a required subchronic inhalation study 
for metolachlor. As noted above, a 10x data base UF will be applied 
only for assessing risk for inhalation exposure scenarios.
    ii. There is no indication that S-metolachlor 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 S-metolachlor results in increased 
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal 
developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction 
study.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based 
on 100 PCT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative 
(protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used 
to assess exposure to S-metolachlor in drinking water. EPA used 
similarly conservative assumptions to assess post-application 
incidental oral exposure of children 1<2 years old. These assessments 
will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by S-metolachlor.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide 
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the 
acute PAD (aPAD) and chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA 
calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer 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 appropriate PODs to ensure that an 
adequate MOE exists.
    1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this 
unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water 
to S-metolachlor will occupy 6.1% of the aPAD for all infants (less 
than 1 year old), the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
S-metolachlor from food and water will utilize 6.8% of the cPAD for 
children 1-2 years old, the population group receiving the greatest 
exposure. Based on the explanation in Unit III.C.3., regarding 
residential use patterns, chronic residential exposure to residues of 
S-metolachlor is not expected.
    3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into 
account short-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food 
and water (considered to be a background exposure level).
    S-metolachlor is currently registered for uses that could result in 
short-term residential exposure, and the Agency has determined that it 
is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and water 
with short-term residential exposures to S-metolachlor. Potential 
short-term residential risk scenarios anticipated include adult 
inhalation handler exposure to turf via backpack sprayer and post-
application incidental oral exposure of children playing on treated 
lawns.
    Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short-term food, water, 
and residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 10,400 for adults 
and 1,100 for children 1-2 years old. Because EPA's levels of concern 
for S-metolachlor is a

[[Page 38985]]

MOE of 1,000 or below for inhalation scenarios (adults) and 100 or 
below for incidental oral scenarios (children 1-2 years old), these 
MOEs are not of concern.
    4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure 
takes into account intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic 
exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure 
level).
    An intermediate-term adverse effect was identified; however, S-
metolachlor is not registered for any use patterns that would result in 
intermediate-term residential exposure. Because there is no 
intermediate-term residential exposure and chronic dietary exposure has 
already been assessed under the appropriately protective cPAD (which is 
at least as protective as the POD used to assess intermediate-term 
risk), no further assessment of intermediate-term risk is necessary, 
and EPA relies on the chronic dietary risk assessment for evaluating 
intermediate-term risk for S-metolachlor.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. As discussed in Unit 
III.A, the chronic dietary risk assessment is protective of any 
potential cancer effects. Based on the results of that assessment, EPA 
concludes that S-metolachlor is not expected to pose a cancer risk to 
humans.
    6. 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 S-metolachlor residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate methodology is available for enforcing the established and 
recommended tolerances. PAM Vol. II, Pesticide Regulation Section 
180.368, lists a gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detector 
(GC/NPD) method (Method I) for determining residues in/on plant 
commodities and a gas chromatography with mass selective detector (GC/
MSD) method (Method II) for determining residues in livestock 
commodities. These methods determine residues of metolachlor and its 
metabolites as either CGA-37913 or CGA-49751 following acid hydrolysis. 
Adequate data are also available on the recovery of metolachlor through 
FDA's Multiresidue Method Testing Protocols which indicate that 
metolachlor is completely recovered through Method 302.

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 S-metolachlor.

C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances

    The tolerance being established for the sunflower subgroup 20B is 
1.0 ppm, not 0.50 ppm as proposed. This is due to the Agency using the 
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Tolerance 
Calculation procedures, which determined that a tolerance of 1.0 ppm is 
appropriate based on entry of the 4 field trials for pre-emergence 
application.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of S-metolachlor 
in or on lettuce at 1.5 ppm; the low growing berry subgroup 13-07G, 
except cranberry at 0.40 ppm; the sunflower subgroup 20B at 1.0 ppm; 
the vegetable, cucurbit group 9 at 0.50 ppm; and the vegetable, 
fruiting, group 8-10, except tabasco pepper at 0.10 ppm. Additionally, 
due to the establishment of the tolerances listed above, the existing 
tolerances for vegetable, fruiting, group 8, except tabasco pepper; 
cucumber; melon subgroup 9A; okra; pumpkin; squash, winter; and 
sunflower, seed are removed as they are unnecessary.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes tolerances 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).

[[Page 38986]]

VII. 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: June 26, 2015.
Susan Lewis,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    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. In Sec.  180.368:
0
a. Remove the entries ``Cucumber,'' ``Melon subgroup 9A,'' ``Okra,'' 
``Pumpkin,'' ``Squash, winter,'' ``Sunflower, seed,'' and ``Vegetable, 
fruiting, group 8, except tabasco pepper,'' in paragraph (a)(2).
0
b. Add alphabetically the following commodities to the table in 
paragraph (a)(2).
    The amendments read as follows:


Sec.  180.368  Metolachlor; tolerances for residues.

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts per
                        Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Lettuce.................................................             1.5
Low growing berry subgroup 13-07G, except cranberry.....            0.40
 
                                * * * * *
Sunflower subgroup 20B..................................             1.0
 
                                * * * * *
Vegetable, cucurbit group 9.............................            0.50
 
                                * * * * *
Vegetable, fruiting, group 8-10, except tabasco pepper..            0.10
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-16523 Filed 7-7-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


