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Pesticides: Redesignation of part 158; Technical Amendments

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



[Federal Register: October 24, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 205)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 60251-60255]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24oc07-13]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Parts 158 and 161
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2004-0387; FRL-8116-2]

Pesticides: Redesignation of part 158; Technical Amendments

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

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SUMMARY: EPA is redesignating certain pesticide data requirements
currently located in 40 CFR part 158 into a new part 161. The data
requirements being transferred apply to antimicrobial pesticides. EPA
is also making conforming changes and cross-reference revisions to the
newly redesignated material. The redesignation is intended to preserve
regulatory data requirements for antimicrobial pesticides, while
preparing for the promulgation of final rules pertaining to data
requirements for conventional pesticides, biochemical, and microbial
pesticides.

DATES: This final rule is effective December 24, 2007.

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2004-0387. To access the
electronic docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, select ``Advanced
Search,'' then ``Docket Search.'' Insert the docket ID number where
indicated and select the ``Submit'' button. Follow the instructions on
the regulations.gov web site to view the docket index or access
available documents. All documents in the docket are listed in the
docket index available in 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 either in the electronic docket at http://www.regulations.gov,
or, if only available in hard copy, at the OPP Public Docket, in Rm.
S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South Building), 2777 S. Crystal Drive,
Arlington, VA. The Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket telephone
number is (703) 305-5805.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jean Frane, Field and External Affairs
Division 7506P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington DC 20460-0001;
telephone number: (703) 305-5944; e-mail address: frane.jean@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 a
producer or registrant of an antimicrobial pesticide product, including
wood preservatives and antifouling products. This action may also
affect any person or company who might petition the Agency for new
tolerances, hold a pesticide registration with existing tolerances, or
any person or company who is interested in obtaining or retaining a
tolerance in the absence of a registration, that is, an import
tolerance. Potentially affected entities may include, but are not
limited to:
    • Producers of cleaning preparations that include an
antimicrobial pesticide (NAICS code 3256).
    • Pesticide manufacturers or formulators of paints or
coatings that contain an antimicrobial pesticide (NAICS code 32551).
    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)
code has 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 persons listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

[[Page 60252]]

B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document and Other
Related Information?

    In addition to using 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.

II. What Does this Redesignation Do?

    In the Federal Register of March 11, 2005 (70 FR 12276), EPA issued
a proposed rule to revise its pesticide data requirements for
conventional pesticides. Those data requirements, currently located in
40 CFR part 158, cover all pesticides. EPA's purpose in developing data
requirements devoted to conventional pesticides (and subsequently for
biochemical and microbial pesticides) was to tailor data requirements
for different types of pesticides to make them more transparent and
flexible. As part of that effort, EPA intends in the future to issue a
proposed rule updating data requirements for antimicrobial pesticides,
including wood preservatives and antifoulants.
    EPA is shortly issuing final rules for conventional pesticides,
biochemical and microbial pesticides. Those rules would supersede
current part 158 data requirements in their entirety. Unless EPA acts
to preserve the data requirements applicable to antimicrobial
pesticides, the promulgation of the final rules would eliminate any
regulatory data requirements for antimicrobial pesticides.
    Accordingly, EPA is issuing a final rule that would preserve the
current data requirements for antimicrobial pesticides until such time
as a final rule can be promulgated and made effective.
    To accomplish this, EPA is moving those portions of current part
158 that apply to antimicrobial pesticides into new part 161, and
making technical corrections to accommodate the change. Specifically,
the following changes are being made:
    1. EPA is removing sections of part 158 that relate only to
biochemical and microbial pesticides, including Sec. Sec.  158.65,
158.690 and 158.740. These sections had, and would not have, any
bearing on antimicrobial data requirements.
    2. EPA is also removing Sec.  158.50 pertaining to the formulators'
exemption because this material will be consolidated in Sec.  152.85
when final rules for conventional pesticides and biochemical and
microbial pesticides are promulgated.
    3. EPA is making internal cross-reference changes from ``158'' to
``161'' throughout the redesignated material.
    4. In new Sec.  161.108, EPA has updated the Guidelines information
to reflect the current order numbers from the National Technical
Information Service.

III. Why is this Redesignation Issued as a Final Rule?

    Section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(B), provides that, when an Agency for good cause finds that
notice and public procedure are impracticable, unnecessary or contrary
to the public interest, the Agency may issue a final rule without
providing notice and an opportunity for public comment. EPA has
determined that there is good cause for making today's rule final
without prior proposal and opportunity for comment, because EPA is
acting to preserve existing data requirements that would otherwise be
removed from the Code of Federal Regulations by promulgation of an
impending final rule. Redesignating the material in advance of
promulgation will also avoid potential errors in accomplishing a
complex transition in the Code of Federal Regulations. EPA finds that
this constitutes good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B).

IV. Do Any of the Statutory and Executive Order Reviews Apply to this
Action?

    This rule redesignates, makes technical changes and cross-reference
corrections in the EPA regulations governing pesticides. The amendments
are administrative in nature. Other than making EPA regulations clearer
and more transparent, these amendments are not expected to have any
impact on regulated parties or the public.
    Accordingly, these amendments are not subject to review under
Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, 
October 4, 1993), as a significant regulatory action. Because
the Agency has made a ``good cause''finding that this action is not
subject to notice-and-comment requirements under the Administrative
Procedure Act or any other statute. this rule has been exempted from
review under Executive Order 12866. Moreover, for the same reason, this
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 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 under 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 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). Since, as
detailed above, these amendments will have no detrimental impact on
regulated parties or the public, EPA certifies under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that the amendments will
not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
    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 rule is directed at pesticide manufacturers and
others who seek to register, amend or maintain a registration or to
establish, modify, or revoke a pesticide tolerances or exemptions, not
States. For these same reasons, the Agency has determined that this
rule does not have any ``tribal implications'' as described in Executive 
Order 13175, entitled Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments (59 FR 22951, November 6, 2000). Executive

[[Page 60253]]

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 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 rule.

V. Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the Agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule,
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

40 CFR Part 158

    Environmental protection, Confidential business information,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements

40 CFR Part 161

    Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements

    Dated: October 11, 2007.
James B. Gulliford,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances.

PART 158--[AMENDED]

• 1. The authority citation for part 158 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 - 136y.

Sec. Sec.  158.50, 158.65, 158.690 and 158.740  [Removed]

• 2. Sections 158.50, 158.65, 158.690, and 158.740 are removed.

PART 158--[REDESIGNATED AS PART 161 AND AMENDED]

• 3. The remainder of part 158, consisting of subparts A, B, C, and D are
redesginated as part 161, subparts A, B, C, and D as shown in the
Redesignation table below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Old part, subpart or section         New part, subpart or section
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 158--Data Requirements for      Part 161--Data Requirements for
 Registration                         Registration of Antimircobial
                                      Pesticides
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart A                            Subpart A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.20                               161.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.25                               161.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.30                               161.30
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.32                               161.32
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.33                               161.33
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.34                               161.34
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.35                               161.35
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.40                               161.40
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.45                               161.45
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.55                               161.55
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.60                               161.60
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.70                               161.70
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.75                               161.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.80                               161.80
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.85                               161.85
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart B                            Subpart B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.100                              161.100
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.101                              161.101
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 60254]]

158.102                              161.102
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158.108                              161.108
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart C                            Subpart C
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.150                              161.150
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.153                              161.153
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.155                              161.155
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.160                              161.160
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.162                              161.162
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.165                              161.165
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.167                              161.167
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.170                              161.170
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.175                              161.175
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.180                              161.180
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.190                              161.190
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart D                            Subpart D
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.202                              161.202
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.240                              161.240
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.290                              161.290
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.340                              161.340
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.390                              161.390
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.440                              161.440
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.490                              161.490
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.540                              161.540
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.590                              161.590
------------------------------------------------------------------------
158.640                              161.640
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix A To Part 158--Data         Appendix A To Part 161--Data
 Requirements For Registration: Use   Requirements For Registration: Use
 Pattern Index                        Pattern Index
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  161.25  [Amended]

• 4. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.25, references to ``Sec.  158.35,''
``Sec.  158.40,'' ``Sec.  158.45,'' ``Sec.  158.60,'' ``Sec.  158.100''
and ``Sec.  158.101'' are revised to read ``Sec.  161.35,'' ``Sec. 
161.40,'' ``Sec.  161.45,'' ``Sec.  161.60,'' ``Sec.  161.100,'' and
``Sec.  161.101,'' respectively, wherever they occur.

Sec.  161.30  [Amended]

• 5. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.30, references to ``part 158,''
``Sec.  158.75,'' and ``Sec.  158.160'' are revised to read ``part
161,'' ``Sec.  161.75,'' and ``Sec.  161.160,'' respectively, wherever
they occur.

Sec.  161.32  [Amended]

• 6. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.32, references to ``Sec.  158.33,''
and ``Sec.  158.34(b)'' are revised to read ``Sec.  161.33,'' and
``Sec.  161.34(b),'' respectively, wherever they occur.

Sec.  161.34  [Amended]

• 7. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.34, in paragraph (b), the reference
to ``Sec.  158.34(c)'' is revised to read ``paragraph (c) of this
section'' and in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) the reference to ``40 CFR
158.34'' is revised to read to read ``40 CFR 161.34,''.

Sec.  161.35  [Amended]

• 8. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.35, references to ``Sec. 
158.20(b),'' ``Sec.  158.40,'' ``Sec.  158.45,'' ``Sec.  158.60,''
``Sec.  158.75'' and ``Sec.  158.80'' are revised to read ``Sec. 
161.20(b),'' ``Sec.  161.40,'' ``Sec.  161.45,'' ``Sec.  161.60,''
``Sec.  161.75,'' and ``Sec.  161.80,'' respectively.

Sec.  161.70  [Amended]

• 9. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.70, reference to ``Sec.  158.20(d)''
is revised to read ``Sec.  161.20(d).''

Sec.  161.75  [Amended]

• 10. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.75(a), reference to ``part 158'' is
revised to read ``part 161''.

[[Page 60255]]

Sec.  161.100  [Amended]

• 11. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.100, reference to``Sec. Sec. 
158.150 through 158.740'', is revised to read ``Sec. Sec.  161.150
through 161.640'' and the reference to ``Sec.  158.108'' is revised to
read ``Sec.  161.108''.

Sec.  161.101  [Amended]

• 12. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.101, reference to ``Sec.  158.45''
is revised to read ``Sec.  161.45,'' wherever it occurs.

• 13. Newly redesignated Sec.  161.108 is revised to read as follows:

Sec.  161.108  Relationship of Pesticide Assessment Guidelines to data
requirements.

    The Pesticide Assessment Guidelines contain the standards for
conducting acceptable tests, guidance on evaluation and reporting of
data, definition of terms, further guidance on when data are required,
and examples of acceptable protocols. They are available through the
National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road,
Springfield, VA 22161 (703-605-6000). The following Subdivisions of the
Pesticide Assessment Guidelines, referenced to the appropriate sections
of this part, are currently available:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Corresponding section(s)
             Subdivision                       Title                NTIS order no.            in this part
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D                                     Product Chemistry        PB83-153890                    161.150 - 161.190
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E                                     Hazard Evaluation:       PB83-153908                              161.490
                                       Wildlife and Aquatic
                                       Organisms
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F                                     Hazard Evaluation:       PB83-153916                              161.340
                                       Humans and Domestic
                                       Animals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G                                     Product Performance      PB83-153924                              161.640
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I                                     Experimental Use         PB83-153932                     161.20 - 161.640
                                       Permits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J                                     Hazard Evaluation:       PB83-153940                              161.540
                                       Nontarget Plants
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
K                                     Reentry Protection       PB85-120962                              161.390
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
L                                     Hazard Evaulation:       PB83-153957                              161.590
                                       Nontarget Insect
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N                                     Environmental Fate       PB83-153973                              161.290
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O                                     Residue Chemistry        PB83-153961                              161.240
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R                                     Spray Drift Evaluation   PB84-189216                              161.440
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  161.150  [Amended]

• 14. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.150, references to ``Sec. Sec. 
158.175,'' and ``Sec.  158.155,'' are revised to read ``Sec.  161.175''
and ``Sec.  161.155,'' respectively, wherever they occur.

Sec.  161.155  [Amended]

• 15. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.155, reference to ``Sec.  158.175''
is revised to read ``Sec.  161.175,'' whereever it occurs.

Sec.  161.162  [Amended]

• 16. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.162, reference to ``Sec.  158.165''
is revised to read ``Sec.  161.165.''

Sec.  161.165  [Amended]

• 17. In newly redesignated Sec.  161.165, reference to ``Sec.  158.162''
is revised to read ``Sec.  161.162'', whereever it occurs.

Sec. Sec.  161.190, 161.240, 161.290, 161.340, 161.390, 161.440,
161.490, 161.540, 161.590, and 161.640  [Amended]

• 18. In newly redesignated Sec. Sec.  161.190, 161.240, 161.290,
161.340, 161.390, 161.440, 161.490, 161.540, 161.590, and 161.640,
reference to the phrase ``Sections 158.50 and 158.100 through 158.102''
is revised to read ``Sections 161.100 through 161.102''.

Sec.  161.340  [Amended]

• 19. Newly redesignated Sec.  161.340 is further amended in paragraph
(b)(22)(i) by revising the reference to ``Sec.  158.202'' to read
``Sec.  161.202.''

Appendix A  [Amended]

• 20. Appendix A to newly redesignated part 161 is amended under the
topic ``How to use this Index,'' in paragraph 4, by revising the phrase
``in Sec. Sec.  158.120 through 153.170'' to read ``in Sec. Sec. 
161.155 through 161.640''.

[FR Doc. E7-20836 Filed 10-23-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S

 
 


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