Rule2022-03456
[Oxirane, 2-(Phenoxymethyl)-, Polymer With Oxirane, Ether With 2,2',2"-Nitrilotris[Ethanol] (3:1), Diblock; Tolerance Exemption
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 17, 2022
Effective
February 17, 2022
Issuing agencies
Environmental Protection Agency
Abstract
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2"-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock (CAS Reg. No. 2307555-89-9), when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Spring Regulatory Sciences, on behalf of Stepan Company, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of oxirane, 2- (phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2"- nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock on food or feed commodities.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 33 (Thursday, February 17, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 33 (Thursday, February 17, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8953-8957]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03456]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0840; FRL-9416-01-OCSPP]
[Oxirane, 2-(Phenoxymethyl)-, Polymer With Oxirane, Ether With
2,2',2''-Nitrilotris[Ethanol] (3:1), Diblock; Tolerance Exemption
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance for residues of oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer
with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock
(CAS Reg. No. 2307555-89-9), when used as an inert ingredient in a
pesticide chemical formulation. Spring Regulatory Sciences, on behalf
of Stepan Company, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to
establish a maximum permissible level for residues of oxirane, 2-
(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock on food or feed commodities.
[[Page 8954]]
DATES: This regulation is effective February 17, 2022. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before April 18, 2022, and
must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR
part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0840, is available at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection
Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg.,
Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001. The
Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP
Docket is (703) 305-5805.
Due to the public health concerns related to COVID-19, the EPA
Docket Center (EPA/DC) and Reading Room is closed to visitors with
limited exceptions. The staff continues to provide remote customer
service via email, phone, and webform. For the latest status
information on EPA/DC services and docket access, visit <a href="https://www.epa.gov/dockets">https://www.epa.gov/dockets</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marietta Echeverria, Registration
Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-
0001; main telephone number: (703) 305-7090; email address:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#71233537233f1e0518121402311401105f161e07"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a9fbedeffbe7c6ddc0caccdae9ccd9c887cec6df">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
The following list of North American Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a
guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them.
Potentially affected entities may include:
<bullet> Crop production (NAICS code 111).
<bullet> Animal production (NAICS code 112).
<bullet> Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
<bullet> Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?
You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR
part 180 through the Office of the Federal Register's e-CFR site at
<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40</a>.
C. Can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0840 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
April 18, 2022. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections and
hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of
the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for
inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential
pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without
prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing
request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0840, by one of
the following methods.
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
<bullet> Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460-0001.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the
instructions at <a href="https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html">https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html</a>.
Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along
with more information about dockets generally, is available at <a href="https://www.epa.gov/dockets">https://www.epa.gov/dockets</a>.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
In the Federal Register of December 21, 2021 (86 FR 72201) (FRL-
8792-06), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408, 21
U.S.C. 346a, announcing the receipt of a pesticide petition (PP IN-
11646) filed by Spring Regulatory Sciences (6620 Cypresswood Dr., Suite
250, Spring, TX 77379), on behalf of Stepan Company (22 W Frontage Rd.,
Northfield, IL 60093). The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.960 be
amended by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with
oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock (CAS
Reg. No. 2307555-89-9). That document included a summary of the
petition prepared by the petitioner and solicited comments on the
petitioner's request. The Agency did not receive any substantive public
comments.
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(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 use 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 an exemption from the
requirement of 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 . . .'' and
specifies factors EPA is to consider in establishing an exemption.
III. Risk Assessment and Statutory Findings
EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only
in those cases where it can be shown that the risks from aggregate
exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably foreseeable
circumstances will pose no appreciable risks to human health. To
determine the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide inert
ingredients, the Agency considers the toxicity of the inert in
conjunction with possible exposure to residues of the inert ingredient
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as
a result of pesticide use in residential settings. If EPA is able to
[[Page 8955]]
determine that a finite tolerance is not necessary to ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate
exposure to the inert ingredient, an exemption from the requirement of
a tolerance may be established.
Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of
this action and considered its validity, completeness and reliability
and the relationship of this information 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. In the case of certain chemical substances that
are defined as polymers, the Agency has established a set of criteria
to identify categories of polymers expected to present minimal or no
risk. The definition of a polymer is given in 40 CFR 723.250(b) and the
exclusion criteria for identifying these low-risk polymers are
described in 40 CFR 723.250(d). Oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer
with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock
(CAS Reg. No. 2307555-89-9) conforms to the definition of a polymer
given in 40 CFR 723.250(b) and meets the following criteria that are
used to identify low-risk polymers.
1. The polymer is not a cationic polymer nor is it reasonably
anticipated to become a cationic polymer in a natural aquatic
environment.
2. The polymer does contain as an integral part of its composition
at least two of the atomic elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen,
silicon, and sulfur.
3. The polymer does not contain as an integral part of its
composition, except as impurities, any element other than those listed
in 40 CFR 723.250(d)(2)(ii).
4. The polymer is neither designed nor can it be reasonably
anticipated to substantially degrade, decompose, or depolymerize: An
adequate biodegradation study (MRID 51712502) was submitted for
oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock showing lack of biodegradation
(10.6% at 28 days, 13% at 90 days).
5. The polymer is manufactured or imported from monomers and/or
reactants that are already included on the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory or manufactured under an applicable
TSCA section 5 exemption.
6. The polymer is not a water absorbing polymer with a number
average molecular weight (MW) greater than or equal to 10,000 daltons.
7. The polymer does not contain certain perfluoroalkyl moieties
consisting of a CF3- or longer chain length as listed in 40 CFR
723.250(d)(6).
Additionally, the polymer also meets as required the following
exemption criteria specified in 40 CFR 723.250(e).
The polymer's number average molecular weight is greater than or
equal to 1,000 daltons and less than 10,000 daltons (5483 daltons).
Also, the polymer contains less than 2% oligomeric material below MW
500 (2.0%) and less than 5% oligomeric material below MW 1,000 (3.5%).
Thus, Oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with
2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock (CAS Reg. No. 2307555-89-
9) meets the criteria for a polymer to be considered low risk under 40
CFR 723.250. Based on its conformance to the criteria in this unit, no
mammalian toxicity is anticipated from dietary, inhalation, or dermal
exposure to oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether
with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock.
IV. Aggregate Exposures
For the purposes of assessing potential exposure under this
exemption, EPA considered that oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer
with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock
could be present in all raw and processed agricultural commodities and
drinking water, and that non-occupational non-dietary exposure was
possible. The minimum number average MW of oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-,
polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1),
diblock is 5,300 daltons. Generally, a polymer of this size would be
poorly absorbed through the intact gastrointestinal tract or through
intact human skin. Since oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with
oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock
conforms to the criteria that identify a low-risk polymer, there are no
concerns for risks associated with any potential exposure scenarios
that are reasonably foreseeable. The Agency has determined that a
tolerance is not necessary to protect the public health.
V. Cumulative Effects From Substances With a Common Mechanism of
Toxicity
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when considering
whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the Agency
consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative effects of
a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances that have a
common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA has not found oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with
oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock to
share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and
oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock does not appear to produce a toxic
metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that oxirane, 2-
(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock does not have a common mechanism of
toxicity with other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts
to determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to
evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's website at
<a href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative">https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative</a>.
VI. Additional Safety Factor for the Protection of Infants and Children
Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply an
additional tenfold 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 data base unless EPA concludes
that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants and
children. Due to the expected low toxicity of oxirane, 2-
(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock, EPA has not used a safety factor
analysis to assess the risk. For the same reasons the additional
tenfold safety factor is unnecessary.
VII. Determination of Safety
Based on the conformance to the criteria used to identify a low-
risk polymer, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty of no
harm to the U.S. population, including infants and children, from
aggregate exposure to residues of oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer
with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock.
VIII. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since
the Agency is establishing an exemption
[[Page 8956]]
from the requirement of a tolerance without any numerical limitation.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food
standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established a MRL for oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-
, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1),
diblock.
IX. Conclusion
Accordingly, EPA finds that exempting residues of oxirane, 2-
(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-
nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock from the requirement of a tolerance
will be safe.
X. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action establishes a tolerance under FFDCA section 408(d) in
response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and
Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this action has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this action is not
subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or
Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled
``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any
special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance in this
final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.), do not apply.
This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or Tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or
Tribal Governments, on the relationship between the National Government
and the States or Tribal Governments, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes. Thus, the Agency has
determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In addition, this
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
This action does not involve any technical standards that would
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
XI. Congressional Review Act
Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.),
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule''
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: February 8, 2022.
Marietta Echeverria,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, for the reasons stated in the preamble, EPA is amending
40 CFR chapter I as follows:
PART 180--TOLERANCES AND EXEMPTIONS FOR PESTICIDE CHEMICAL RESIDUES
IN FOOD
0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
0
2. In Sec. 180.960, amend Table 1 to Sec. 180.960, by adding in
alphabetical order the polymer ``Oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer
with oxirane, ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1), diblock,
minimum number average molecular weight (in amu), 5,300'' to read as
follows:
Sec. 180.960 Polymers; exemptions from the requirement of a
tolerance.
* * * * *
Table 1 to Sec. 180.960
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Polymer CAS No.
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* * * * * * *
Oxirane, 2-(phenoxymethyl)-, polymer with oxirane, 2307555-89-9
ether with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol] (3:1),
diblock, minimum number average molecular weight (in
amu), 5,300...........................................
* * * * * * *
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[[Page 8957]]
[FR Doc. 2022-03456 Filed 2-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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