Rule2024-16074
Trichoderma Atroviride Strain AT10; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
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
July 23, 2024
Effective
July 23, 2024
Issuing agencies
Environmental Protection Agency
Abstract
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Agrotecnolog[iacute]as Naturales S.L., 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 Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10 under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 141 (Tuesday, July 23, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 141 (Tuesday, July 23, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59645-59648]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-16074]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0221; FRL-11818-01-OCSPP]
Trichoderma Atroviride Strain AT10; Exemption From the
Requirement of a Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement
of a
[[Page 59646]]
tolerance for residues of Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10 in or on
all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and
good agricultural practices. Agrotecnolog[iacute]as Naturales S.L.,
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 Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10
under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption.
DATES: This regulation is effective July 23, 2024. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before September 23, 2024
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-2023-0221, 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 20004. 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 and OPP Docket is (202) 566-1744. Please review the
visitor instructions and additional information about the docket
available at <a href="https://www.epa.gov/dockets">https://www.epa.gov/dockets</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madison H. Le, Biopesticides and
Pollution Prevention Division (7511M), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington,
DC 20460-0001; main telephone number: (202) 566-1400; email address:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9cdeccccd8daced2f3e8f5fff9efdcf9ecfdb2fbf3ea"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dd9f8d8d999b8f93b2a9b4beb8ae9db8adbcf3bab2ab">[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. How can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a(g), 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-2023-0221 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
September 23, 2024.
The EPA's Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ), in which the
Hearing Clerk is housed, urges parties to file and serve documents by
electronic means only, notwithstanding any other particular
requirements set forth in other procedural rules governing those
proceedings. See ``Revised Order Urging Electronic Filing and
Service,'' dated June 22, 2023, which can be found at <a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-06/2023-06-22%20-%20revised%20order%20urging%20electronic%20filing%20and%20service.pdf">https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-06/2023-06-22%20-%20revised%20order%20urging%20electronic%20filing%20and%20service.pdf</a>.
Although the EPA's regulations require submission via U.S. Mail or hand
delivery, the EPA intends to treat submissions filed via electronic
means as properly filed submissions; therefore, the EPA believes the
preference for submission via electronic means will not be prejudicial.
When submitting documents to the OALJ electronically, a person should
utilize the OALJ e-filing system at <a href="https://yosemite.epa.gov/OA/EAB/EAB-ALJ_upload.nsf">https://yosemite.epa.gov/OA/EAB/EAB-ALJ_upload.nsf</a>.
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-2023-0221, 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/where-send-comments-epa-dockets">https://www.epa.gov/dockets/where-send-comments-epa-dockets</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
In the Federal Register of July 5, 2023 (88 FR 42936) (FRL-10579-
05-OCSPP), EPA issued a notice pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance
exemption petition (PP 3F9053) by Agrotecnolog[iacute]as Naturales
S.L., Ctra. T-214, s/n Km 4,125; 43762 Riera de Gai[agrave] La;
Tarragona; Spain (c/o SciReg, Inc., 12733 Director's Loop, Woodbridge,
VA 22192). The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180; be amended by
establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for
residues of Trichoderma atroviride AT10 in or on all food commodities.
That notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared by the
petitioner, Agrotecnolog[iacute]as Naturales S.L. and available in the
docket via <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. EPA received a comment on the
notice of filing. EPA's response to this comment is discussed in Unit
III.C. In addition, EPA modified the name of the active ingredient
proposed in the notice of filing to conform with microbial active
ingredient naming conventions from Trichoderma atroviride AT10 to
Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10.
III. Final Rule
A. EPA's Safety Determination
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance (the legal limit for a
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that
the exemption is ``safe.''
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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 in
residential settings but does not include occupational exposure.
Pursuant to FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in establishing or maintaining
in effect an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance, EPA must
take into account the factors set forth in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C),
which require EPA to give special consideration to exposure of infants
and children to the pesticide chemical residue in establishing a
tolerance or tolerance exemption 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. . . .''
Additionally, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D) requires that EPA consider
``available information concerning the cumulative effects of [a
particular pesticide's] . . . residues and other substances that have a
common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA evaluated the available toxicological and exposure data on
Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10 and considered their validity,
completeness, and reliability, as well as the relationship of this
information to human risk. A full explanation of the data upon which
EPA relied and its risk assessment based on those data can be found
within the document entitled ``Human Health Risk Assessment of
Trichoderma atroviride AT10, a New Active Ingredient, in the End Use
Product (EP) TRICOTEN WP, Proposed for Registration and an Associated
Petition Requesting a Tolerance Exemption'' (Trichoderma atroviride
strain AT10 EP Human Health Risk Assessment). This document, as well as
other relevant information, is available in the docket for this action
as described under ADDRESSES.
The toxicological profile of Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10 was
previously described in the ``Human Health Risk Assessment of
Trichoderma atroviride AT10, a New Active Ingredient, in the End Use
Product (EP) TRICOTEN WP, Proposed for Registration and an Associated
Petition Requesting a Tolerance Exemption''. Based upon its evaluation,
EPA concludes that, with regard to humans, Trichoderma atroviride
strain AT10 is not anticipated to be toxic, pathogenic, irritating, or
infective. Significant dietary and non-occupational exposure to
residues of Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10 are not expected as the
products will be applied in agricultural settings, other non-
occupational exposures through drift or other measures are considered
very unlikely. Even if dietary and non-occupational exposures to
residues of Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10 were to occur, there is
not concern due to the lack of adverse effects from toxicity and
pathogenicity studies. Because there are no thresholds of concern with
the toxicity, pathogenicity, or infectivity of Trichoderma atroviride
strain AT10, EPA determined that no additional margin of safety is
necessary to protect infants and children as part of the qualitative
assessment conducted.
Based upon its evaluation in the Trichoderma atroviride strain
AT10, human health risk assessment, which concludes that there are no
risks of concern from aggregate exposure to Trichoderma atroviride
strain AT10, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no
harm will result to the U.S. population, including infants and
children, from aggregate exposure to residues of Trichoderma atroviride
strain AT10.
B. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method is not required for Trichoderma atroviride
strain AT10 because EPA is establishing an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance without any numerical limitation.
C. Response to Comments
One comment was received in response to the notice of filing. EPA
reviewed the comment and determined that it was irrelevant to the
tolerance exemption in this action.
D. Conclusion
Therefore, an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is
established for residues of Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10 in or on
all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and
good agricultural practices.
IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This action establishes a tolerance exemption under FFDCA section
408(d) in response to a petition submitted to EPA. 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, 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
exemption in this action, do not require the issuance of a proposed
rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (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. As a result, 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). As such, EPA 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, EPA 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 (2 U.S.C.
1501 et seq.).
This action does not involve any technical standards that would
require EPA's consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act (15 U.S.C. 272 note).
V. 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
[[Page 59648]]
other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior
to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not
a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: June 24, 2024.
Edward Messina,
Director, 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. Add Sec. 180.1409 to subpart D to read as follows:
Sec. 180.1409 Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10; exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance.
An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for
residues of Trichoderma atroviride strain AT10 in or on all food
commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good
agricultural practices.
[FR Doc. 2024-16074 Filed 7-22-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on July 23, 2024.
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