[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 247 (Wednesday, December 24, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77480-77483]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-30088]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0814; FRL-9919-24]
Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions; Notice of
Availability
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's proposed
interim registration review decisions and opens a public comment.
Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations
to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory
standard for registration, that is, that the pesticide can perform its
intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health
or the environment. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each
pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other
knowledge,
[[Page 77481]]
including its effects on human health and the environment.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 23, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification
(ID) number for the specific pesticide of interest provided in the
table in Unit II.A., by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit
electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted
by statute.
Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC
20460-0001.
Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the
instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. Additional
instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more
information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For pesticide specific information,
contact: The Chemical Review Manager for the pesticide of interest
identified in the table in Unit II.A.
For general information on the registration review program,
contact: Richard Dumas, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P),
Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(703) 305-8015; email address: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of
interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human
health, farm worker, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry;
pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale,
distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be
interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific
entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions
regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity,
consult the Chemical Review Manager for the pesticide of interest
identified in the table in Unit II.A.
B. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?
1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through
regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark the part or all of the
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or
CD-ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD-ROM as
CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD-ROM the
specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one
complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as
CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information
claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket.
Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with
procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
2. Tips for preparing your comments. When preparing and submitting
your comments, see the commenting tips at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/comments.html.
II. What action is the Agency taking?
Pursuant to 40 CFR 155.58, this notice announces the availability
of EPA's proposed interim registration review decisions for the
pesticides shown in the following Table, and opens a 60-day public
comment period on the proposed interim decisions.
Table--Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions
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Chemical review manager,
Registration review case name and Pesticide docket ID No. telephone number, email
No. address
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Acetic acid and sodium diacetate EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0016 Carolyn Schroeder, (703)
(Case 4001). 308-2961,
[email protected].
Fosetyl-Al (Case 0646).............. EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0379 Ricardo Jones, (703) 347-
0493,
[email protected].
Picaridin (Case 7433)............... EPA HQ-OPP-2014-0341 Ricardo Jones, (703) 347-
0493,
[email protected].
Sodium fluoride (NaF) (Case 3132)... EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0655 SanYvette Williams, (703)
305-7702,
[email protected]
.
Yellow mustard seed (Case 7618) and EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0762 Roy Johnson, (703) 347-
Sulfonic acid salts (Case 7619). 0492, [email protected].
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1. Acetic acid and sodium diacetate. Acetic acid (Proposed Interim
Decision). The registration review docket for acetic acid and sodium
diacetate (EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0016) opened in March 2008. Acetic acid and
sodium diacetate are two different active ingredients: Sodium diacetate
is a salt of acetic acid. Acetic acid is used as a preservative for
post harvest stored grains and hay intended for livestock feed.
Additionally, it is also applied as a non-selective herbicide for
control of broadleaf weeds and weed grasses. Sodium diacetate is a
fungicide and bactericide registered to control molds and bacteria. It
is applied to hay to prevent spoilage and to silage as an aid in
fermentation. EPA published the Final Work Plan in August 2008. The
Agency determined that previous human health assessments for acetic
acid and sodium diacetate were sufficient for registration review and
no human health risks of concern were identified. The Agency completed
a comprehensive ecological risk assessment for the nonselective
herbicide use of acetic acid, including an endangered species
assessment, and a qualitative ecological risk assessment for sodium
diacetate. The Agency concludes a ``no effect'' determination for
acetic acid used as a nonselective herbicide and all currently
registered uses of sodium diacetate for all non-target organisms; no
mitigation measures regarding ecological effects are included in the
proposed interim decision. The risk assessments and proposed interim
decision for acetic acid and sodium diacetate are currently available
in the docket for public comment. Acetic acid and sodium diacetate have
not been evaluated under the EDSP. Therefore, the Agency's final
registration review decision is dependent upon the results of the
evaluation of acetic acid and sodium diacetate as potential endocrine
disruptor risks. Pending the outcome of
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this action, EPA is planning to issue an interim registration review
decision for acetic acid and sodium diacetate.
2. Fosetyl-Al. Fosetyl-Al (Proposed Interim Decision). The
registration review docket for fosetyl-Al (EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0379) opened
in December 2007. Fosetyl-Al is systemic fungicide used to control
diseases caused by oomycetes such as downy mildews. It is registered
for use on agricultural crops as well as residential and commercial
areas. EPA published draft human health and ecological risk assessments
in March 2014. There are no human health risks of concern. The Agency
also completed an ecological risk assessment. The results of this
quantitative risk assessment indicates that the currently labeled rates
of fosestyl-Al pose a potential for adverse effects, i.e., risk, to
non-target terrestrial animals, including insects, birds, reptiles,
terrestrial-phase amphibians and mammals. In addition, applications may
impact sensitive species of dicotyledenous plants (dicots) in
terrestrial habitats. In order to address potential ecological risks,
the Agency is proposing changes to product labels which incorporate
certain risk mitigation measures meant to reduce these risks. These
measures include restricting aerial application of fosetyl-Al for
certain uses, reducing the total number of applications that can be
made annually for certain uses, and clarifying labels to better define
how fosetyl-Al may be applied. The Agency completed a screening-level
endangered species assessment and made a ``no effects'' determination
for the following taxa: Fish, aquatic-phase amphibians, aquatic
invertebrates, aquatic plants, and monocot plants. For all other
species the effects determinations are uncertain. Fosetyl-Al has not
been evaluated under the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP)
nor has it completed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7
consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).
Therefore, the Agency's final registration review decision is dependent
upon the result of the evaluation of potential endocrine disruptor risk
and consultation with the Service for endangered species. Pending the
outcome of these actions, EPA is planning to issue an interim
registration review decision for fosetyl-Al.
3. Picaridin. (Combined Work Plan, Preliminary Risk Assessments,
and Proposed Interim Decision). The registration review docket for
Picaridin (EPA HQ-OPP-2014-0341) is opening for public comment on a
Combined Preliminary Work Plan, Final Work Plan, Preliminary Risk
Assessments, and Proposed Interim Decision for registration review. Due
to the lack of need for additional data to support this decision, the
Agency is also issuing Preliminary Ecological and Human Health Risk
Assessments for picaridin and opening them for public comment.
Picaridin is a broad-spectrum insect repellant registered for use
against biting flies, chiggers, fleas, mosquitos and ticks. Picaridin
is labelled for use on human skin, clothing, footwear, and on horses.
EPA has completed comprehensive draft human health and ecological risk
assessments, including a screening-level endangered species assessment,
for all picaridin uses. For human health, only residential exposure was
assessed, and the Agency has not identified any risk concerns
associated with the registered uses of picaridin. Due to its use on
human skin and clothing, exposure to terrestrial non-target organisms
and plants is expected to be inconsequential. Based on the lack of
potential exposure and nontoxic effects, the ecological risk assessment
has made a ``no effect'' determination for all federally listed species
and ``no habitat modification'' of any designated critical habitat for
listed species. Picaridin has not been evaluated under the EDSP.
Therefore, the agency's final registration review decision is dependent
upon the result of the evaluation of potential endocrine disruptor
risk. Pending the outcome of this action, the Agency is planning to
issue an interim registration review decision for picaridin.
4. Sodium fluoride. (Combined Preliminary Work Plan and Proposed
Interim Decision). The registration review docket for sodium fluoride
(EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0655) is opening for public comment on a Combined
Preliminary Work Plan and Proposed Interim Decision. Sodium fluoride is
registered for use as a wood preservative to protect the groundline
portion of existing wooden utility poles. It is formulated as an
impregnated pole wrap material. This use is not expected to result in
direct or indirect dietary (food) or drinking water exposure.
Occupational and residential exposure is minimal by the dermal and
inhalation routes so no assessment is needed. Based on the lack of
potential exposure and nontoxic effects to fish, aquatic invertebrates
and birds, the ecological risk assessment has made a ``no effect''
determination for Federally listed species and designated critical
habitat. Sodium fluoride has not been evaluated under the EDSP.
Therefore, the agency's final registration review decision is dependent
upon the result of the evaluation of potential endocrine disruptor
risk. Pending the outcome of this action, EPA is planning to issue a
combined preliminary work plan and interim registration review decision
for sodium fluoride.
5. Yellow mustard seed/Sulfonic acid salts (Combined Preliminary
Work Plan and Proposed Interim Decision). The registration review
docket for yellow mustard seed and sulfonic acid salts is opening for
public comment on a Combined Preliminary Work Plan and Proposed Interim
Decision. The registration review docket for Yellow Mustard Seed/
Sulfonic Acid Salts (YMS/SAS) is opening for public comment on a
combined Work Plan, Draft Risk Assessments, and a Proposed Interim
Registration Review Decision. This product is a rodenticide for the
control of the Richardson's ground squirrel and Wyoming ground
squirrel. YMS/SAS is applied by injection under pressure as a foam into
burrows inhabited by the pest species in rangeland, ornamental
plantings, orchards, golf courses, parks, nurseries, and non-crop
rights-of-way. No risks of concern were identified. YMS/SAS have not
been evaluated under the EDSP, nor has an endangered species assessment
been conducted. The Agency's final registration review decision is
dependent upon the results of both assessments. Pending the outcome of
those assessments, EPA is issuing an interim registration review
decision for YMS/SAS.
The registration review docket for a pesticide includes earlier
documents related to the registration review of the case. For example,
the review opened with a Summary Document, containing a Preliminary
Work Plan, for public comment. A Final Work Plan was placed in the
docket following public comment on the initial docket. The documents in
the dockets describe EPA's rationales for conducting additional risk
assessments, as well as the Agency's subsequent risk findings and
consideration of possible risk mitigation measures. A proposed
registration review decision will be supported by the rationales
included in those documents. Following public comment on a proposed
decision, the Agency will issue an interim registration review
decision.
The registration review program is being conducted under
congressionally mandated time frames, and EPA recognizes the need both
to make timely decisions and to involve the public. Section 3(g) of the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C.
136a(g)) required EPA to establish by regulation procedures for
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reviewing pesticide registrations, originally with a goal of reviewing
each pesticide's registration every 15 years to ensure that a pesticide
continues to meet the FIFRA standard for registration. The Agency's
final rule to implement this program was issued in August 2006 and
became effective in October 2006, and appears at 40 CFR part 155,
subpart C. The Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2003 (PRIA)
was amended and extended in September 2007. FIFRA, as amended by PRIA
in 2007, requires EPA to complete registration review decisions by
October 1, 2022, for all pesticides registered as of October 1, 2007.
The registration review final rule at 40 CFR 155.58(a) provides for
a minimum 60-day public comment period on all proposed interim
registration review decisions. This comment period is intended to
provide an opportunity for public input and a mechanism for initiating
any necessary amendments to the proposed interim decision. All comments
should be submitted using the methods in ADDRESSES, and must be
received by EPA on or before the closing date. These comments will
become part of the docket for the pesticides included in the table in
Unit II.A. Comments received after the close of the comment period will
be marked ``late.'' EPA is not required to consider these late
comments.
The Agency will carefully consider all comments received by the
closing date and will provide a ``Response to Comments Memorandum'' in
the docket as appropriate. The final registration review decision will
explain the effect that any comments had on the decision.
Background on the registration review program is provided at:
http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-reevaluation. Information regarding
earlier documents related to the registration review of these
pesticides can be found at: http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-reevaluation/individual-pesticides-registration-review.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.
Dated: December 17, 2014.
Richard P. Keigwin, Jr.,
Director, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division, Office of Pesticide
Programs.
[FR Doc. 2014-30088 Filed 12-23-14; 8:45 am]
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