Benomyl; Proposed Revocation of Tolerances

Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

[Federal Register: January 15, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 10)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 1917-1925]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15ja02-19]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[OPP-301201; FRL-6816-6]
RIN 2070-AB78

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to revoke all tolerances for residues
of the fungicide benomyl because this pesticide is no longer registered
for use in the United States. EPA expects to determine whether any
individuals or groups want to support these tolerances. The regulatory
actions proposed in this document are part of the Agency's
reregistration program under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and the tolerance reassessment requirements of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) section 408(q), as
amended by the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996. By law, EPA
is required by August 2002 to reassess 66% of the tolerances in
existence on August 2, 1996, or about 6,400 tolerances. The regulatory
actions proposed in this document pertain to the proposed revocation of
all tolerances for benomyl of which 100 would be counted among
tolerance/exemption reassessments made toward the August, 2002 review
deadline.

DATES: Comments, identified by docket control number OPP-301201, must
be received on or before March 18, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by mail, electronically, or in
person. Please follow the detailed instructions for each method as
provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. To ensure proper
receipt by EPA, it is imperative that you identify docket control
number OPP-301201 in the subject line on the first page of your
response.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Joseph Nevola, Special Review
and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW.,
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (703) 308-8037; e-mail address:
nevola.joseph@epa.gov.

[[Page 1918]]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

You may be affected by this action if you are an agricultural
producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. Potentially
affected categories and entities may include, but are not limited to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Examples of
Categories NAICS codes potentially
affected entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry 111 Crop production
.............................. 112 Animal production
311 Food manufacturing
.............................. 32532 Pesticide
manufacturing
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 the table could also be
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining
whether or not this action might apply to certain entities. If you have
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this
Document and Other Related Documents?

1. Electronically. You may obtain electronic copies of this
document, and certain other related documents that might be available
electronically, from the EPA Internet Home Page at http://www.epa.gov/.
To access this document, on the Home Page select ``Laws and
Regulations,'' ``Regulations and Proposed Rules,'' and then look up the
entry for this document under the ``Federal Register--Environmental
Documents.'' You can also go directly to the Federal Register listings
at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. A frequently updated electronic
version of 40 CFR part 180 is available at http://www.access.gpo.gov/
nara/cfr/cfrhtml_180/Title_40/40cfr180_00.html , a beta site currently
under development.
2. In person. The Agency has established an official record for
this action under docket control number OPP-301201. The official record
consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, and
other information related to this action, including any information
claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI). This official
record includes the documents that are physically located in the
docket, as well as the documents that are referenced in those
documents. The public version of the official record does not include
any information claimed as CBI. The public version of the official
record, which includes printed, paper versions of any electronic
comments submitted during an applicable comment period is available for
inspection in the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch
(PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall#2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington,
VA, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The PIRIB telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

C. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments?

You may submit comments through the mail, in person, or
electronically. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that
you identify docket control number OPP-301201 in the subject line on
the first page of your response.
1. By mail. Submit your comments to: Public Information and Records
Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Information Resources and Services Division
(7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
2. In person or by courier. Deliver your comments to: Public
Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Information Resources
and Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP),
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1921
Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA. The PIRIB is open from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The PIRIB
telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
3. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically by
e-mail to: opp-docket@epa.gov, or you can submit a computer disk as
described in this unit. Do not submit any information electronically
that you consider to be CBI. Electronic comments must be submitted as
an ASCII file avoiding use of special characters and any form of
encryption. Comments and data will also be accepted on standard disks
in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format. All comments in electronic
form must be identified by docket control number OPP-301201. Electronic
comments may also be filed online at many Federal Depository Libraries.

D. How Should I Handle CBI that I Want to Submit to the Agency?

Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to
be CBI. You may claim information that you submit to EPA in response to
this document as CBI by marking any part or all of that information as
CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance
with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. In addition to one complete
version of the comment that includes any information claimed as CBI, a
copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as
CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public version of the
official record. Information not marked confidential will be included
in the public version of the official record without prior notice. If
you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI,
please consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

E. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your
comments:
1. Explain your views as clearly as possible.
2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used
that support your views.
4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.
6. Offer alternative ways to improve the proposed rule or
collection activity.
7. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this
document.
8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket
control number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first
page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal
Register citation.

F. What Can I do if I Wish the Agency to Maintain a Tolerance that the
Agency Proposes to Revoke?

This proposed rule provides a comment period of 60 days for any
person to state an interest in retaining a tolerance proposed for
revocation. If EPA receives a comment within the 60-day period to that
effect, EPA will not proceed to revoke the tolerance immediately.
However, EPA will take steps to ensure the submission of any needed
supporting data and will issue an order in the Federal Register under
FFDCA section 408(f) if needed. The order would specify data needed and
the time frames for its submission, and

[[Page 1919]]

would require that within 90 days some person or persons notify EPA
that they will submit the data. If the data are not submitted as
required in the order, EPA will take appropriate action under FFDCA.
EPA issues a final rule after considering comments that are
submitted in response to this proposed rule. In addition to submitting
comments in response to this proposal, you may also submit an objection
at the time of the final rule. If you fail to file an objection to the
final rule within the time period specified, you will have waived the
right to raise any issues resolved in the final rule. After the
specified time, issues resolved in the final rule cannot be raised
again in any subsequent proceedings.

II. Background

A. What Action is the Agency Taking?

EPA is proposing to revoke all tolerances in 40 CFR 180.294 because
benomyl is no longer registered under FIFRA for use on those
commodities. The registration for benomyl was canceled because the
registrant requested voluntary cancellation of the pesticide. It is
EPA's general practice to propose revocation of those tolerances for
residues of pesticide active ingredients on crop uses for which there
are no active registrations under FIFRA, unless the Agency receives
comments on this proposal which indicate a need for the tolerance to
cover residues in or on imported commodities or domestic commodities
legally treated. One hundred of these tolerances were in existence when
FQPA was enacted and therefore count toward the FQPA tolerance
reassessment goals.
On April 18, 2001 the registrant, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and
Company (DuPont), requested voluntary cancellation of all of their
benomyl technical, end use, and special local need product
registrations. On May 1, 2001 DuPont announced that it had already
ceased the production of technical benomyl for use in products sold and
distributed in the United States. DuPont also requested that EPA waive
the 180-day waiting period contained in FIFRA section 6(f)(1)(C)(ii).
On May 23, 2001 a FIFRA 6(f)(1) notice of receipt of the request by the
registrant was published in the Federal Register (66 FR 28466) (FRL-
6784-3). A cancellation order was published on August 8, 2001 (66 FR
41589) (FRL-6794-9). Receipt of other requests for cancellation of
registrations were published on September 26, 2001 (66 FR 49184) (FRL-
6802-1) and on October 12, 2001 (66 FR 52132) (FRL-6805-3). EPA allowed
DuPont to sell and distribute benomyl stocks until June 30, 2001 and is
allowing those other than the registrant to sell and distribute benomyl
stocks until December 31, 2002. The Agency expects existing stocks to
be exhausted by December 31, 2003.
The time frame for passage of raw agricultural commodities through
trade channels, including storage, processing, post-processing,
storage/distribution, and retail, varies and depends on the food
commodity. The longest time periods are generally associated with food
commodities that are stored for extended periods before processing or
are in the form of a processed ingredient such as fruit or vegetable
concentrates or pastes. Therefore, for all other benomyl tolerances,
EPA is proposing expiration/revocation dates from 2 to 5 years beyond
the date of exhaustion of benomyl product through passage of benomyl-
treated food in channels of trade using available Agency data, U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data, and food industry data on a
basis as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed
Commodity Crop Group Tolerances Maximum Years in expiration/
Trade Channels revocation date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulb Vegetables............................ Garlic....................... 2 1/1/06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brassica (Cole) Leafy Vegetables........... Broccoli; Brussels sprouts; 2 1/1/06
Cabbage;.
Cabbage, Chinese, bok choy;..
Cabbage, Chinese, napa;......
Cauliflower; Collards; Kale;.
Kohlrabi; Mustard greens.....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Root and Tuber Vegetables.................. Beet, sugar, roots; Beet, 3 1/1/07
sugar, tops;.
Carrot; Rutabaga; Sweet
potato;.
Turnip, roots; Turnip greens.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leafy Vegetables (exc. Brassica)........... Celery; Spinach; Dandelion, 3 1/1/07
leaves;.
Watercress...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legume Vegetables.......................... Bean, dry; Bean, succulent; 3 1/1/07
Soybean, seed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cucurbit Vegetables........................ Cucumber; Melon; Pumpkin;.... 3 1/1/07
Squash, summer; Squash,
winter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tree Nuts.................................. Almond, hulls; Nut, tree, 3 1/1/07
group;.
Pistachio (in Sec.
180.294(a) and (c))\a\.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citrus Fruits.............................. Citrus, dried pulp; Fruit, 4 1/1/08
citrus.
(PRE- and POST-H)............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pome Fruits................................ Apple (PRE- and POST-H); Pear 4 1/1/08
(PRE- and POST-H)............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stone Fruits............................... Apricot; Cherry, sweet; 4 1/1/08
Cherry, tart;.
Nectarine (PRE- and POST-H);.
Peach (PRE- and POST-H);
Plum,.
prune, dried; Plum, prune,
fresh;.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 1920]]

Berries.................................... Blackberry; Blueberry;....... 4 1/1/08
Boysenberry; Currant;
Dewberry;.
Loganberry; Raspberry........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cereal Grains and Forage, Fodder and Straw Barley, grain; Barley, straw; 4 1/1/08
of Cereal Grains. Corn,.
sweet, kernel plus cob with
husks.
removed; Corn, sweet, forage;
Corn,.
sweet, stover; Oat, grain;
Oat, straw;.
Rice, grain; Rice, hulls;
Rice, straw;.
Rye, grain; Rye, straw;
Wheat,.
grain; Wheat, straw..........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No group association- Plant commodities.... Avocado; Banana (PRE- and 4 1/1/08
POST- H).
(not more than 0.2 ppm shall
be present in the pulp after
peel is removed and
discarded); Grape;.
Grape, raisin; Mango;
Mushroom.
(PRE- and POST-H); Papaya;...
Peanut; Peanut forage;
Peanut, hay;.
Pineapple (POST-H);
Strawberry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No group association- Animal commodities... Cattle, fat; Cattle, meat; 4 1/1/08
Cattle, meat.
byproducts; Egg; Goat, fat;
Goat,.
meat; Goat, meat byproducts;
Hog,.
fat; Hog, meat; Hog, meat....
byproducts; Horse, fat;
Horse, meat;.
Horse, meat byproducts; Milk;
Poultry, fat; Poultry, liver;
Poultry,.
meat; Poultry, meat
byproducts,.
except liver; Sheep, fat;
Sheep, meat;.
Sheep, meat byproducts.......
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fruiting Vegetables........................ Eggplant; Pepper; Tomato; 5 1/1/09
Tomato,.
concentrated products........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Please note that for FQPA reassessment purposes, EPA is counting the pistachio tolerance once; therefore, a
total of 100 tolerances would be counted as reassessed for benomyl in a final rule.

Because ``bean vine forage'' is no longer a significant livestock
feed item and the tolerance is no longer needed, EPA is proposing to
revoke the tolerance for ``bean vine forage'' 90 days following
publication of a final rule to ensure that all affected parties receive
notice of EPA's actions.
In the interim period of time before the tolerance expires and to
conform to current Agency practice, EPA is proposing to revise
tolerance commodity terminology names in 180.294(a) as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Old terminology New terminology
------------------------------------------------------------------------
almond hulls.............................. almond, hulls;
------------------------------------------------------------------------
apples (PRE- and POST-H).................. apple (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
apricots (PRE- and POST-H)................ apricot (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
bananas (PRE- and POST-H) (NMT 0.2 ppm banana (PRE- and POST-H)
shall be present in the pulp after peel (not more than 0.2 ppm
is removed and discarded). shall be present in the
pulp after peel is removed
and discarded)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
beans..................................... bean, succulent and bean,
dry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
beets, sugar, roots....................... beet, sugar, roots
------------------------------------------------------------------------
beets, sugar, tops........................ beet, sugar, tops
------------------------------------------------------------------------
blackberries.............................. blackberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
blueberries............................... blueberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
boysenberries............................. boysenberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
carrots................................... carrot
------------------------------------------------------------------------
cattle, mbyp.............................. cattle, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
cherries (PRE- and POST-H)................ cherry, sweet and cherry,
tart
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chinese cabbage........................... cabbage, Chinese, napa and
cabbage, Chinese, bok choy
------------------------------------------------------------------------
citrus fruit (PRE- and POST-H)............ fruit, citrus (PRE- and POST-
H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
corn, fresh (inc. sweet K +CWHR).......... corn, sweet, kernel plus cob
with husks removed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
corn, sweet, fodder and forage............ corn, sweet, forage and
corn, sweet, stover
------------------------------------------------------------------------
cucumbers................................. cucumber
------------------------------------------------------------------------
currants.................................. currant
------------------------------------------------------------------------
dewberries................................ dewberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
eggplants................................. eggplant
------------------------------------------------------------------------
eggs...................................... egg;
------------------------------------------------------------------------
goats, fat................................ goat, fat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
goats, meat............................... goat, meat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
goats, mbyp............................... goat, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 1921]]

grapes.................................... grape
------------------------------------------------------------------------
hogs, fat................................. hog, fat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
hogs, meat................................ hog, meat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
hogs, mbyp................................ hog, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
horses, fat............................... horse, fat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
horses, meat.............................. horse, meat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
horses, mbyp.............................. horse, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
loganberries.............................. loganberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
mangoes................................... mango
------------------------------------------------------------------------
melons.................................... melon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
mushrooms (PRE- and POST-H)............... mushroom (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
nectarines (PRE- and POST-H).............. nectarine (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
nuts...................................... nut, tree, group
------------------------------------------------------------------------
oats, grain............................... oat, grain
------------------------------------------------------------------------
oats, straw............................... oat, straw
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peaches (PRE- and POST-H)................. peach (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peanuts................................... peanut
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peanut hay................................ peanut, hay
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pears (PRE- and POST-H)................... pear (PRE- and POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
peppers................................... pepper
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pineapples (POST-H)....................... pineapple (POST-H)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pistachios................................ pistachio
------------------------------------------------------------------------
plums (including fresh prunes) (PRE- and plum, prune, dried and plum,
POST-H). prune, fresh
------------------------------------------------------------------------
poultry, mbyp............................. poultry, meat byproducts,
except liver
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pumpkins.................................. pumpkin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
raisins................................... grape, raisin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
raspberries............................... raspberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
rice...................................... rice, grain
------------------------------------------------------------------------
rice straw................................ rice, straw
------------------------------------------------------------------------
rutabagas................................. rutabaga
------------------------------------------------------------------------
sheep, mbyp............................... sheep, meat byproducts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
soybeans.................................. soybean, seed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
strawberries.............................. strawberry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
sweet potatoes............................ sweet potato
------------------------------------------------------------------------
tomatoes.................................. tomato
------------------------------------------------------------------------
tomato products, concentrated............. tomato, concentrated
products
------------------------------------------------------------------------
turnips, roots............................ turnip, roots
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 40 CFR 180.294(c)......................
avocados.................................. avocado
------------------------------------------------------------------------
dandelions................................ dandelion, leaves
------------------------------------------------------------------------
papayas................................... papaya
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pistachios................................ pistachio.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action?

A ``tolerance'' represents the maximum level for residues of
pesticide chemicals legally allowed in or on raw agricultural
commodities and processed foods. Section 408 of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 301 et
seq., as amended by the FQPA of 1996, Public Law 104-170, authorizes
the establishment of tolerances, exemptions from tolerance
requirements, modifications in tolerances, and revocation of tolerances
for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on raw agricultural
commodities and processed foods (21 U.S.C. 346(a)). Without a tolerance
or exemption, food containing pesticide residues is considered to be
unsafe and therefore ``adulterated'' under section 402(a) of the FFDCA.
If food containing pesticide residues is considered to be
``adulterated,'' you may not distribute the product in interstate
commerce (21 U.S.C. 331(a) and 342(a)). For a food-use pesticide to be
sold and distributed, the pesticide must not only have appropriate
tolerances under the FFDCA, but also must be registered under FIFRA (7
U.S.C. et seq.). Food-use pesticides not registered in the United
States have tolerances for residues of pesticides in or on commodities
imported into the United States.
It is EPA's general practice to propose revocation of tolerances
for residues of pesticide active ingredients on crops for which FIFRA
registrations no longer exist and on which the pesticide may therefore
no longer be used in the United States. EPA has historically been
concerned that retention of tolerances that are not necessary to cover
residues in or on legally treated foods may encourage misuse of
pesticides within the United States. Nonetheless, EPA will establish
and maintain tolerances even when corresponding domestic uses are
canceled if the tolerances, which EPA refers to as ``import
tolerances,'' are necessary to allow importation into the United States
of food containing such pesticide residues. However, where there are no
imported commodities that require these import tolerances, the Agency
believes it is appropriate to revoke tolerances for unregistered
pesticides in order to prevent potential misuse.
Furthermore, as a general matter, the Agency believes that
retention of import tolerances not needed to cover any imported food
may result in unnecessary restriction on trade of pesticides and foods.
Under section 408 of the FFDCA, a tolerance may only be established or
maintained if EPA determines that the tolerance is safe based on a
number of factors, including an assessment of the aggregate exposure to
the pesticide and of the cumulative effects of such pesticide and other
substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity. In doing so, EPA
must consider potential contributions to such exposure from all
tolerances. If the cumulative risk is such that the tolerances in
aggregate are not safe, then every one of these tolerances is
potentially vulnerable to revocation. Furthermore, if unneeded
tolerances are included in the aggregate and cumulative risk
assessments, the estimated exposure to the pesticide would be inflated.
Consequently, it may be more difficult for others to obtain needed
tolerances or to register needed new uses. To avoid potential trade
restrictions, the Agency is proposing to revoke tolerances for residues
on crops uses for which FIFRA registrations no longer exist, unless
someone expresses a need for such tolerances. Through this proposed
rule, the Agency is inviting individuals who need these import
tolerances to identify themselves and the tolerances that are needed to
cover imported commodities.
Parties interested in retention of the tolerances should be aware
that additional data may be needed to support retention. These parties
should be aware that, under FFDCA section 408(f), if the Agency
determines that additional information is reasonably required to
support the continuation of a tolerance, EPA may require that parties
interested in maintaining the tolerances provide the necessary
information. If the requisite information is not submitted, EPA may
issue an order revoking the tolerance at issue.

[[Page 1922]]

C. When do These Actions Become Effective?

EPA is delaying the effective date of the revocation for ``bean
vine forage'' for 90 days following publication of a final rule in the
Federal Register to ensure that all affected parties receive notice of
EPA's actions. With the exception of ``bean vine forage,'' EPA is
proposing that all tolerances for benomyl expire and are revoked on
dates which range from January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2009 as previously
detailed. For most tolerances, EPA is proposing an effective
revocation/expiration date because EPA believes that by December 31,
2003 all existing stocks of pesticide products labeled for the uses
associated with the tolerances proposed for revocation will have been
exhausted, giving ample time, from 2 to 5 years, for any treated fresh
and processed food to clear trade channels. Therefore, EPA believes the
effective dates proposed in this document are reasonable. However, if
EPA is presented with information that existing stocks would still be
available for use after the expiration date and that information is
verified, EPA will consider extending the expiration date of the
tolerance. If you have comments regarding existing stocks and whether
the effective date accounts for these stocks, please submit comments as
described under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Any commodity listed in this proposal treated with the pesticide
subject to this proposal, and in the channels of trade following the
tolerance revocations, shall be subject to FFDCA section 408(1)(5), as
established by FQPA. Under this section, any residues of this pesticide
in or on such food shall not render the food adulterated so long as it
is shown to the satisfaction of FDA that, (1) the residue is present as
the result of an application or use of the pesticide at a time and in a
manner that was lawful under FIFRA, and (2) the residue does not exceed
the level that was authorized at the time of the application or use to
be present on the food under a tolerance or exemption from tolerance.
Evidence to show that food was lawfully treated may include records
that verify the dates that the pesticide was applied to such food.

D. What Is the Contribution to Tolerance Reassessment?

By law, EPA is required to reassess 66% or about 6,400 of the
tolerances in existence on August 2, 1996, by August 2002. EPA is also
required to assess the remaining tolerances by August, 2006. As of
January 4, 2002, EPA has reassessed over 3,830 tolerances. This
document proposes to revoke all tolerances in 40 CFR 180.294.
Therefore, 100 tolerance reassessments would be counted when the final
rule is published toward the August, 2002 review deadline of FFDCA
section 408(q), as amended by FQPA in 1996.

III. Are The Proposed Actions Consistent with International
Obligations?

The tolerance revocations in this proposal are not discriminatory
and are designed to ensure that both domestically-produced and imported
foods meet the food safety standards established by the FFDCA. The same
food safety standards apply to domestically produced and imported
foods.
EPA is working to ensure that the U.S. tolerance reassessment
program under FQPA does not disrupt international trade. EPA considers
Codex Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in setting U.S. tolerances and in
reassessing them. MRLs are established by the Codex Committee on
Pesticide Residues, a committee within the Codex Alimentarius
Commission, an international organization formed to promote the
coordination of international food standards. It is EPA's policy to
harmonize U.S. tolerances with Codex MRLs to the extent possible,
provided that the MRLs achieve the level of protection required under
FFDCA. EPA's effort to harmonize with Codex MRLs is summarized in the
tolerance reassessment section of individual Reregistration Eligibility
Decision documents. The U.S. EPA has developed guidance concerning
submissions for import tolerance support (65 FR 35069, June 1, 2000)
(FRL-6559-3). This guidance will be made available to interested
persons. Electronic copies are available on the internet at http://
www.epa.gov/. On the Home Page select ``Laws and Regulations,'' then
select ``Regulations and Proposed Rules'' and then look up the entry
for this document under Federal Register--Environmental Documents. You
can also go directly to the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://
www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.

IV. Regulatory Assessment Requirements

In this proposed rule, EPA is proposing to revoke specific
tolerances established under FFDCA section 408. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted this type of action (i.e., a
tolerance revocation for which extraordinary circumstances do not
exist) from review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory
Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this
proposed rule has been exempted from review under Executive Order 12866
due to its lack of significance, this proposed 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). This proposed rule does not contain any information
collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or 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). Nor
does it require any special considerations as required by Executive
Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice
in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629,
February 16, 1994); or OMB review or any other Agency action under
Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23,
1997). 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). Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601
et seq.), the Agency previously assessed whether revocations of
tolerances might significantly impact a substantial number of small
entities and concluded that, as a general matter, these actions do not
impose a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. This analysis was published on December 17, 1997 (62 FR
66020), and was provided to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration. Taking into account this analysis, and
available information concerning the pesticides listed in this rule, I
certify that this action will not have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities. Specifically, as per the 1997
notice, EPA has reviewed its available data on imports and foreign
pesticide usage and concludes that there is a reasonable international
supply of food not treated with canceled pesticides. Furthermore, for
the pesticides named in this proposed rule, the Agency knows of no
extraordinary circumstances that exist as to the present proposed
revocations that would change EPA's previous analysis.

[[Page 1923]]

Any comments about the Agency's determination should be submitted to
EPA along with comments on the proposal, and will be addressed prior to
issuing a final rule.
In addition, the Agency has determined that this action will not
have a substantial direct effect on States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government, as
specified in Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism (64 FR 43255,
August 10, 1999). Executive Order 13132 requires EPA to develop an
accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by State
and local officials in the development of regulatory policies that have
federalism implications.'' ``Policies that have federalism
implications'' is defined in the Executive Order to include regulations
that have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government.'' This proposed rule directly regulates growers, food
processors, food handlers and food retailers, not States. This action
does not alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). For these same reasons, the Agency has
determined that this proposed rule does not have any ``tribal
implications'' as described in Executive Order 13175, entitled
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR
67249, November 6, 2000). Executive Order 13175, requires EPA to
develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input
by tribal officials in the development of regulatory policies that have
tribal implications.'' ``Policies that have tribal implications'' is
defined in the Executive Order to include regulations that have
``substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the
relationship between the Federal government and the Indian tribes, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal
government and Indian tribes.'' This proposed rule will not have
substantial direct effects on tribal governments, on the relationship
between the Federal government and Indian tribes, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal
government and Indian tribes, as specified in Executive Order 13175.
Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this proposed rule.

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 20, 2001.
Marcia E. Mulkey,

Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.

Therefore, it is proposed that 40 CFR part 180 be amended as
follows:

PART 180--[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as
follows:

Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346(a) and 371.

2. Section 180.294 is amended by revising the tables to paragraphs
(a) and (c) to read as follows:

Sec. 180.294 Benomyl; tolerances for residues.

(a) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expiration/
Commodity Parts per million Revocation Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Almond, hulls..................... 1.0 1/1/07
Apple (PRE- and POST-H)........... 7.0 1/1/08
Apricot........................... 15.0 1/1/08
Banana (PRE- and POST-H)(not more 1.0 1/1/08
than 0.2 ppm shall be present in
the pulp after peel is removed
and discarded)...................
Barley, grain..................... 0.2 1/1/08
Barley, straw..................... 0.2 1/1/08
Bean, dry......................... 2.0 1/1/07
Bean, succulent................... 2.0 1/1/07
Beet, sugar, roots................ 0.2 1/1/07
Beet, sugar, tops................. 15.0 1/1/07
Blackberry........................ 7.0 1/1/08
Blueberry......................... 7.0 1/1/08
Boysenberry....................... 7.0 1/1/08
Broccoli.......................... 0.2 1/1/06
Brussels sprouts.................. 15.0 1/1/06
Cabbage........................... 0.2 1/1/06
Cabbage, Chinese, bok choy........ 10.0 1/1/06
Cabbage, Chinese, napa............ 10.0 1/1/06
Carrot............................ 0.2 1/1/07
Cattle, fat....................... 0.1 1/1/08
Cattle, meat...................... 0.1 1/1/08
Cattle, meat byproducts........... 0.1 1/1/08
Cauliflower....................... 0.2 1/1/06
Celery............................ 3.0 1/1/07
Cherry, sweet..................... 15.0 1/1/08
Cherry, tart...................... 15.0 1/1/08
Citrus, dried pulp................ 50.0 1/1/08
Collards.......................... 0.2 1/1/06
Corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with 0.2 1/1/08
husks removed....................
Corn, sweet, forage............... 0.2 1/1/08
Corn, sweet, stover............... 0.2 1/1/08
Cucumber.......................... 1.0 1/1/07
Currant........................... 7.0 1/1/08
Dewberry.......................... 7.0 1/1/08
Egg............................... 0.1 1/1/08

[[Page 1924]]

Eggplant.......................... 0.2 1/1/09
Fruit, citrus (PRE- and POST-H)... 10.0 1/1/08
Garlic............................ 0.2 1/1/06
Goat, fat......................... 0.1 1/1/08
Goat, meat........................ 0.1 1/1/08
Goat, meat byproducts............. 0.1 1/1/08
Grape............................. 10.0 1/1/08
Grape, raisin..................... 50.0 1/1/08
Hog, fat.......................... 0.1 1/1/08
Hog, meat......................... 0.1 1/1/08
Hog, meat byproducts.............. 0.1 1/1/08
Horse, fat........................ 0.1 1/1/08
Horse, meat....................... 0.1 1/1/08
Horse, meat byproducts............ 0.1 1/1/08
Kale.............................. 0.2 1/1/06
Kohlrabi.......................... 0.2 1/1/06
Loganberry........................ 7.0 1/1/08
Mango............................. 3.0 1/1/08
Melon............................. 1.0 1/1/07
Milk.............................. 0.1 1/1/08
Mushroom (PRE- and POST-H)........ 10.0 1/1/08
Mustard greens.................... 0.2 1/1/06
Nectarine (PRE- and POST-H)....... 15.0 1/1/08
Nut, tree, group.................. 0.2 1/1/07
Oat, grain........................ 0.2 1/1/08
Oat, straw........................ 0.2 1/1/08
Peach (PRE- and POST-H)........... 15.0 1/1/08
Peanut............................ 0.2 1/1/08
Peanut forage..................... 15.0 1/1/08
Peanut, hay....................... 15.0 1/1/08
Pear (PRE- and POST-H)............ 7.0 1/1/08
Pepper............................ 0.2 1/1/09
Pineapple (POST-H)................ 35.0 1/1/08
Pistachio......................... 0.2 1/1/07
Plum, prune, dried................ 15.0 1/1/08
Plum, prune, fresh................ 15.0 1/1/08
Poultry, fat...................... 0.1 1/1/08
Poultry, liver.................... 0.2 1/1/08
Poultry, meat..................... 0.1 1/1/08
Poultry, meat byproducts, except 0.1 1/1/08
liver............................
Pumpkin........................... 1.0 1/1/07
Raspberry......................... 7.0 1/1/08
Rice, grain....................... 5.0 1/1/08
Rice, hulls....................... 20.0 1/1/08
Rice, straw....................... 15.0 1/1/08
Rutabaga.......................... 0.2 1/1/07
Rye, grain........................ 0.2 1/1/08
Rye, straw........................ 0.2 1/1/08
Sheep, fat........................ 0.1 1/1/08
Sheep, meat....................... 0.1 1/1/08
Sheep, meat byproducts............ 0.1 1/1/08
Soybean, seed..................... 0.2 1/1/07
Spinach........................... 0.2 1/1/07
Squash, summer.................... 1.0 1/1/07
Squash, winter.................... 1.0 1/1/07
Strawberry........................ 5.0 1/1/08
Sweet potato...................... 0.2 1/1/07
Tomato............................ 5.0 1/1/09
Tomato, concentrated products..... 50.0 1/1/09
Turnip, roots..................... 0.2 1/1/07
Wheat, grain...................... 0.2 1/1/08
Wheat, straw...................... 15.0 1/1/08
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

[[Page 1925]]

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 02-964 Filed 1-14-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S

Benomyl; Proposed Revocation of Tolerances

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