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Dicamba; Pesticide Tolerance

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PDF Version (5 pp, 121K, About PDF)

[Federal Register: April 2, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 64)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 17914-17918]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02ap08-12]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0325; FRL-8356-6]

Dicamba; Pesticide Tolerance

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

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for combined residues
of dicamba and its 5-hydroxy metabolite in or on corn, sweet, forage;
corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed; and corn, sweet,
stover. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

DATES: This regulation is effective April 2, 2008. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before June 2, 2008, and
must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR
part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ).

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0325. 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 website 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 in the electronic docket at http://www.regulations.gov, or,
if only available in hard copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in
Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr.,
Arlington, VA. The Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility
telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Stanton, Registration Division
(7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency,
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (703) 305-5218; e-mail address: stanton.susan@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to those
engaged in the following activities:
    • Crop production (NAICS code 111), e.g., agricultural
workers; greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture workers; farmers.
    • Animal production (NAICS code 112), e.g., cattle ranchers
and farmers, dairy cattle farmers, livestock farmers.
    • Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311), e.g., agricultural
workers; farmers; greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture workers;
ranchers; pesticide applicators.
    • Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532), e.g.,
agricultural workers; commercial applicators; farmers; greenhouse,
nursery, and floriculture workers; residential users.
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to
provide a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by
this action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also
be affected. The North American Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes have been provided to assist you and others in
determining whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you
have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a
particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document?

    In addition to accessing an electronic copy of this Federal
Register document through the electronic docket at http://
www.regulations.gov, you may access this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register''
listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may also access a
frequently updated electronic version of EPA's tolerance regulations at
40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office's pilot e-CFR
site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.

C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?

    Under section 408(g) of FFDCA, 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-2007-0325 in the subject line on the first page of
your submission. All requests must be in writing, and must be mailed or
delivered to the Hearing Clerk as required by 40 CFR part 178 on or
before June 2, 2008.
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of
the filing that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public
docket that is described in ADDRESSES. Information not marked
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA
without prior notice. Submit this copy, identified by docket ID number
EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0325, by one of the following methods:
    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
    • Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public
Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
    • Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P),
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South
Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only
accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation (8:30 a.m. to 4
p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays). Special
arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. The
Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

II. Petition for Tolerance

    In the Federal Register of May 9, 2007 (72 FR 26375) (FRL-8128-1),
EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C.
346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition ((PP) 0E6209)
by Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4), 500 College Road
East, Suite 201 W, Princeton, NJ 08540-6635. The petition requested
that 40 CFR 180.227 be amended by establishing tolerances for combined
residues of the herbicide dicamba, 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid, and

[[Page 17915]]

its metabolite, 3,6-dichloro-5-hydroxy-o-anisic acid, in or on corn,
sweet, forage at 0.50 parts per million (ppm); corn, sweet, kernel plus
cob with husks removed at 0.04 ppm; and corn, sweet, stover at 0.50
ppm. That notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared by BASF
Corporation, the registrant, which is available to the public in the
docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing.

III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a
tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a
food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section
408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure
to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary
exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure.
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical
residue....'' These provisions were added to FFDCA by the Food Quality
Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996.
    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 the petitioned-for tolerances
for combined residues of dicamba on corn, sweet, forage at 0.50 ppm;
corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed at 0.04 ppm; and corn,
sweet, stover at 0.50 ppm. EPA's assessment of exposures and risks
associated with establishing the tolerance 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.
    Dicamba has low acute toxicity via the oral, dermal and inhalation
routes. It is an eye and dermal irritant but it is not a skin
sensitizer. Following oral administration, dicamba is rapidly absorbed
and excreted in urine and feces. Consistent neurotoxic signs (e.g.,
ataxia, decreased motor activity, impaired righting reflex and gait)
were observed in many studies in rats and rabbits at high doses.
Prenatal developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits showed no
evidence (qualitative or quantitative) of increased susceptibility
following in utero or post-natal exposure to dicamba. There was an
increased incidence of abortion in the rabbit developmental toxicity
study at doses that also showed maternal toxicity. In a 2-generation
reproduction study, offspring toxicity was manifested as decreased pup
body weight gain in all generations at a dose lower than the parental
systemic toxicity NOAEL. Dicamba is classified as ``Not Likely to be
Carcinogenic to Humans'' by the oral route. Mutagenicity studies did
not demonstrate evidence of mutagenic potential for dicamba although
some positive results were reported in published literature.
    Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the
adverse effects caused by dicamba 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 Dicamba: Human-Health Risk
Assessment for Proposed Section 3 New Uses on Sweet Corn. The
referenced document is available in the docket established by this
action, which is described under ADDRESSES, and is identified as EPA-
HQ-OPP-2007-0325-0004 in that docket.

B. Toxicological Endpoints

    For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no
appreciable risk, the toxicological level of concern (LOC) is derived
from the highest dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the
NOAEL) in the toxicology study identified as appropriate for use in
risk assessment. However, if a NOAEL cannot be determined, the lowest
dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified (the LOAEL) is
sometimes used for risk assessment. Uncertainty/safety factors (UFs)
are used in conjunction with the LOC to take into account uncertainties
inherent in the extrapolation from laboratory animal data to humans and
in the variations in sensitivity among members of the human population
as well as other unknowns. Safety is assessed for acute and chronic
risks by comparing aggregate exposure to the pesticide to the acute
population adjusted dose (aPAD) and chronic population adjusted dose
(cPAD). The aPAD and cPAD are calculated by dividing the LOC by all
applicable UFs. Short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term risks are
evaluated by comparing aggregate exposure to the LOC to ensure that the
margin of exposure (MOE) called for by the product of all applicable
UFs is not exceeded.
    For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes that any amount of
exposure will lead to some degree of risk and estimates risk in terms
of the probability of occurrence of additional adverse cases.
Generally, cancer risks are considered non-threshold. 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/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/1997/November/Day-26/p30948.htm. A
summary of the toxicological endpoints for dicamba used for human risk
assessment can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in the document
Dicamba: Human-Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Section 3 New Uses
on Sweet Corn. The referenced document is available in the docket
established by this action, which is described under ADDRESSES, and is
identified as EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0325-0004 in that docket.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary
exposure to dicamba, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-for
tolerances as well as all existing dicamba tolerances in 40 CFR
180.227. EPA assessed dietary exposures from dicamba 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. In estimating acute dietary
exposure to dicamba, EPA used food consumption information from the
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1994-1996 and 1998 Nationwide
Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As to residue
levels in food, EPA assumed all foods for which there are tolerances
were treated and contain tolerance-level residues. No anticipated
residues or percent crop

[[Page 17916]]

treated (PCT) data were used in the acute dietary exposure assessment.
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure
assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996
and 1998 CSFII. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed all foods for
which there are tolerances were treated and contain tolerance-level
residues. No anticipated residues or percent crop treated (PCT) data
were used in the chronic dietary exposure assessment.
    iii. Cancer. Based on the results of carcinogenicity studies in
rats and mice, EPA has concluded that dicamba is ``not likely to be
carcinogenic to humans.'' Consequently, a quantitative cancer exposure
and risk assessment is not appropriate for dicamba.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The residues of concern in
drinking water include dicamba and its major degradate, DCSA. The
Agency lacks sufficient monitoring data to complete a comprehensive
dietary exposure analysis and risk assessment for dicamba and DCSA in
drinking water. Because the Agency does not have comprehensive
monitoring data, drinking water concentration estimates are made by
reliance on simulation or modeling taking into account data on the
environmental fate characteristics of dicamba and DCSA. Further
information regarding EPA drinking water models used in pesticide
exposure assessment can be found at 
http://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/water/index.htm.
    Based on the Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling
System (PRZM/EXAMS) and Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-
GROW) models, the combined estimated environmental concentrations
(EECs) of dicamba and DCSA for acute exposures are estimated to be 367
parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 0.016 ppb for ground
water. The combined EECs for chronic exposures are estimated to be 13.8
ppb for surface water and 0.016 ppb for 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 367 ppb was used to assess
the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk
assessment, the water concentration of value 13.8 ppb was used to
assess the contribution to drinking water.
    3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary
exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control,
termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets).
    Dicamba is currently registered for use on residential sites,
including home lawns and golf courses. EPA assessed residential
exposure using the following assumptions: Residential handlers are
likely to be exposed to dicamba residues via dermal and inhalation
routes during handling, mixing, loading and applying activities. Based
on the current use patterns, EPA expects duration of handler exposure
to be short-term (1-30 days). EPA assessed several residential handler
scenarios and found that handlers who mix/load and apply dicamba using
a hose-end sprayer have the highest estimated exposures.
    There is also potential for short-term (1-30 days) post-application
exposure of adults and children/toddlers on lawns and other turf areas
previously treated with dicamba, as well as the potential for acute,
episodic exposure of toddlers from ingestion of granules containing
dicamba. EPA assessed short-term dermal exposure of adults doing
yardwork; short-term dermal and incidental oral exposure of toddlers
playing on treated turf; and acute toddler exposure from episodic
granule ingestion. Post-application inhalation exposures are expected
to be negligible and were, therefore, not assessed.
    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.''
    Unlike other pesticides for which EPA has followed a cumulative
risk approach based on a common mechanism of toxicity, EPA has not made
a common mechanism of toxicity finding as to dicamba and any other
substances and dicamba does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite
produced by other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance
action, therefore, EPA has not assumed that dicamba has a common
mechanism of toxicity with other substances. For information regarding
EPA's efforts to determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of
toxicity and to evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see
EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    1.In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA shall
apply an additional tenfold (``10X'') margin of safety for infants and
children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and
postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity and
exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This additional
margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA safety factor. In
applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X
when reliable data do not support the choice of a different factor, or,
if reliable data are available, EPA uses a different additional FQPA
safety factor value based on the use of traditional UFs and/or special
FQPA safety factors, as appropriate.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. The prenatal and postnatal
toxicology database for dicamba includes rat and rabbit developmental
toxicity studies and a 2-generation reproduction toxicity study in
rats. There was no evidence (qualitative or quantitative) of increased
susceptibility following in utero exposure in the developmental
toxicity studies in rats and rabbits. There was evidence of increased
sensitivity of the offspring following pre-/postnatal exposure in the
2-generation reproduction study in rats. In that study, offspring
toxicity was manifested as decreased pup body weight in all generations
at a dose lower than the parental systemic toxicity NOAEL. However,
there is low concern and there are no residual uncertainties for the
increased susceptibility for the following reasons. The NOAEL of 45
milligrams/kilogram/day (mg/kg) identified in this study was chosen for
risk assessments for all routes and exposure durations other than acute
oral exposures. Since this NOAEL is the lowest (most sensitive
endpoint) in the dicamba toxicity database, and the dose response
observed in the study is well defined, assuring that this dose is a
clear NOAEL, use of the NOAEL and endpoint for risk assessment is
protective for all observed toxic effects of the chemical. The endpoint
(decreased pup body weight) is not expected to occur as a result of a
single (acute) exposure and was, therefore, not deemed appropriate for
assessing acute oral exposures.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show that it
would be safe for infants and children to reduce the FQPA safety factor
to 3X for acute oral exposures and to 1X for all other routes and
durations of exposure. That decision is based on the following findings:
    i. The toxicity database for Dicamba is complete.
    ii. A developmental neurotoxicity study is not required. Consistent

[[Page 17917]]

neurotoxic signs (e.g., ataxia, decreased motor activity, impaired
righting reflex and gait) were observed in many studies in rats and
rabbits at high doses. After considering the available toxicity data,
however, EPA determined that there is no need for a developmental
neurotoxicity study or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity for
the following reasons:
    a. Although clinical signs of neurotoxicity were seen in pregnant
animals, no evidence of developmental anomalies of the fetal nervous
system were observed in the prenatal developmental toxicity studies, in
either rats or rabbits, at maternally toxic doses up to 300 or 400 mg/
kg/day, respectively;
    b. There was no evidence of behavioral or neurological effects on
the offspring in the 2-generation reproduction study in rats; and
    c. The ventricular dilation of the brain in the combined chronic
toxicity and carcinogenicity study in rats was only observed in females
at the high dose after two years' exposure. The significance of this
observation is questionable, since no similar histopathological finding
was seen in the subchronic neurotoxicity study.
    iii. There is no evidence that dicamba results in increased
susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal
developmental toxicity studies. Although there is quantitative evidence
of increased susceptibility in the 2-generation reproduction study in
rats, the degree of concern is low, because there is a well established
offspring toxicity NOAEL in the study and the risk assessment team did
not identify any residual uncertainties after establishing toxicity
endpoints and traditional UFs to be used in the risk assessment of dicamba
for all routes and durations of exposure, except acute oral exposures.
    iv. EPA selected an endpoint from the acute neurotoxicity study in
rats for use in assessing acute oral exposures. In this study,
neurotoxicity was seen in both sexes at the lowest dose tested, 300 mg/
kg/day. Since a NOAEL was not established in the study, EPA has
determined that an FQPA safety factor of 3X should be used in acute
oral risk assessments for dicamba to account for uncertainty arising
from the use of the LOAEL instead of a NOAEL. EPA has reduced the
factor from 10X to 3X based on the following considerations. A
comparison of the acute neurotoxicity (ACN) study with the rat
developmental toxicity study that showed similar clinical signs and a
NOAEL of 160 mg/kg/day after 10 days of treatment indicates that the
NOAEL for the acute neurotoxicity study is unlikely to be more than 3-
fold lower than the LOAEL (ACN LOAEL/3 = 100 mg/kg; rat developmental
study NOAEL = 160 mg/kg). Therefore, it was determined that an
uncertainty factor of 3X for extrapolation of LOAEL to NOAEL was adequate.
    v. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure
databases. The dietary food exposure assessments were performed based
on 100%CT and tolerance-level residues. Conservative ground water and
surface water modeling estimates were used. Similarly, conservative
assumptions were used to assess post-application exposure of children
as well as incidental oral exposure of toddlers. These assessments will
not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by dicamba.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    Safety is assessed for acute and chronic risks by comparing
aggregate exposure to the pesticide to the aPAD and cPAD. The aPAD and
cPAD are calculated by dividing the LOC by all applicable UFs. For
linear cancer risks, EPA calculates the probability of additional
cancer cases given aggregate exposure. Short-term, intermediate-term,
and long-term risks are evaluated by comparing aggregate exposure to
the LOC to ensure that the MOE called for by the product of all
applicable UFs is not exceeded.
    1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this
unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water
to dicamba will occupy 11% of the aPAD for infants less than 1 year
old, the population with the greatest estimated exposure. Dicamba is
currently registered for uses that could result in acute residential
exposure of toddlers from episodic granule ingestion; however, the
Agency has determined that it is not appropriate to aggregate acute
dietary (food and water) and acute residential exposures for dicamba,
since it is unlikely that high end dietary exposure would occur in the
same day as high end oral residential exposure. High end oral
residential exposure is aggregated with background dietary exposure in
evaluating short-term risk (see Unit III.E.3.).
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that exposure to dicamba
from food and water will utilize 6.7% of the cPAD for children, 1 to 2
years old, the population group with the greatest estimated exposure.
Based the use pattern, chronic residential exposure to residues of
dicamba is not expected.
    3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into
account residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water
(considered to be a background exposure level). Dicamba 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 food and water and short-term exposures for dicamba.
    Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short-
term exposures, EPA has concluded that food, water, and residential
exposures aggregated result in aggregate MOEs of 1,600 for adults and
1,000 for children. The MOE for adults takes into consideration
combined residential handler and postapplication exposures from doing
yardwork on treated turf. The MOE for children includes combined
postapplication dermal and incidental oral exposures of toddlers
playing on treated turf.
    4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure
takes into account residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food
and water (considered to be a background exposure level). Dicamba is
not registered for use on any sites that would result in intermediate-
term residential exposure. Therefore, the aggregate risk is the sum of
the risk from food and water, which do not exceed the Agency's level of
concern.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Dicamba has been
classified as ``not likely'' to be a human carcinogen and is,
therefore, not expected to pose a cancer risk.
    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 dicamba residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    Adequate enforcement methodology is available to enforce the
tolerance expression. Methods I and II (Gas Chromotography with
Electron Capture Detection) in the Pesticide Analytical Manual (PAM)
Volume II, are adequate for the enforcement of tolerances for residues of
dicamba and its metabolite 5-OH dicamba in/on plant commodities and milk.

B. International Residue Limits

    There are no CODEX, Canadian or Mexican maximum residues limits

[[Page 17918]]

(MRLs) for residues of dicamba on sweet corn.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for combined residues of
dicamba, 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid, and its metabolite, 3,6-dichloro-
5-hydroxy-o-anisic acid, in or on corn, sweet, forage at 0.50 ppm;
corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed at 0.04 pm; and corn,
sweet, stover at 0.50 ppm.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This final rule establishes tolerances under section 408(d) of
FFDCA in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and
Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this rule has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, 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) or Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children
from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April
23, 1997). This final rule does not contain any information collections
subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it require any special considerations
under Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as the tolerance in
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) do not apply.
    This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. As such, the Agency has determined that
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or
tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government
and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism (64 FR 43255,
August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation
and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (59 FR 22951, November
6, 2000) do not apply to this rule. In addition, This rule does not
impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described
under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public
Law 104-4).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

VII. Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report to each House of the Congress and to
the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report
containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the
United States prior to publication of this final rule in the Federal
Register. This final rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5
U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: March 24, 2008.
Daniel C. Kenny,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

• Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is 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), 346a and 371.

• 2. Section 180.227 is amended by alphabetically adding the following
commodities to the table in paragraph (a)(1) to read as follows:

180.227  Dicamba; tolerances for residues.

    (a) General.
    (1) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Commodity                        Parts per million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                * * * * *
Corn, sweet, forage..................................               0.50
Corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed......               0.04
Corn, sweet, stover..................................               0.50
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. E8-6674 Filed 4-1-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S

 
 


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