This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide
[[Page 56389]]
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 40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office's pilot eCFR site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr .

C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request?

Under section 408(g) of the FFDCA, as amended by the FQPA, any person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a hearing on those objections. The EPA procedural regulations which govern the submission of objections and requests for hearings appear in 40 CFR part 178. 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 EPAHQOPP20050058 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 on or before November 27, 2006.

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 your copies, identified by docket ID number EPAHQOPP20050058, by one of the following methods:

II. Background and Statutory Findings

In the Federal Register of July 6, 2005 (70 FR 38918) (FRL77193), 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 4E6863) by LG Life Sciences, Ltd., c/o Landis International, Inc., P.O. Box 5126, Valdosta, GA 316035126. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.622 be amended by establishing a tolerance for residues of the fungicide ethaboxam, N(cyano2thienylmethyl)4ethyl2(ethlyamino) 5thiazolecarboxamide, in or on grape, grape juice, and raisins at 6.0 ppm. That notice included a summary of the petition prepared by the registrant LG Life Sciences, Ltd., c/o Landis International, Inc. There were no comments received in response to the notice of filing.

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....''

EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. For further discussion of the regulatory requirements of section 408 of the FFDCA and a complete description of the risk assessment process, see http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/trac/science .

III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, 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, consistent with section 408(b)(2) of FFDCA, for a tolerance for residues of ethaboxam on grape at 6.0 ppm. Studies examining the transfer of ethaboxam to processed grape commodities (e.g., grape juice, raisins) show that some concentration of ethaboxam may occur during the production of raisins and grape juice; however, the supported tolerance of 6.0 ppm for grape is sufficient to cover the potential for residues in the processed commodities, and separate tolerances for these commodities are not needed. 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. Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the toxic effects caused by ethaboxam 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 in the electronic docket (docket ID number EPAHQOPP20050058) for this rule at http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/factsheets. .

B. Toxicological Endpoints

For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no appreciable risk, the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) from the toxicology study identified as appropriate for use in risk assessment is used to estimate the toxicological level of concern (LOC). However, the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified (the LOAEL) is sometimes used for risk assessment if no NOAEL was achieved in the toxicology study selected. An uncertainty factor (UF) is applied to reflect uncertainties inherent [[Page 56390]]
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.

The linear default risk methodology (Q*) is the primary method currently used by the Agency to quantify nonthreshold hazards such as cancer. The Q* approach assumes that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of cancer risk, estimates risk in terms of the probability of occurrence of additional cancer cases. More information can be found on the general principles EPA uses in risk
characterization at http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/trac/science. d1/trac/science.
human risk assessment is shown in Table 1. of this unit:
Table 1.Summary of Toxicological Dose and Endpoints for Ethaboxam for Use in Human Risk Assessment Dose Used in Risk Assessment, Special FQPA SF and Exposure/Scenario Interspecies and Level of Concern for Study and Toxicological Intraspecies and any Risk Assessment Effects Traditional UF
Acute Dietary (Females 1349 years of NOAEL = 30 mg/kg/day Special FQPA SF = 1 Developmental Toxicity age) UF = 100............... aPAD = acute RfD/ Rat LOAEL = 100 mg/kg/ Acute RfD = 0.3 mg/kg/ Special FQPA SF = 0.3 day based on abnormal day. mg/kg/day. liver lobation Acute Dietary (General population NOAEL = N/A Special FQPA SF = N/A No appropriate endpoint including infants and children) UF = N/A............... aPAD = acute RfD/ attributable to a Acute RfD = N/A........ Special FQPA SF = N/A. single dose identified. LOAEL = N/ A Chronic Dietary (All populations) NOAEL= 5.5 mg/kg/day Special FQPA SF = 1 Combined Chronic/ UF = 100............... cPAD = chronic RfD/ CarcinogenicityRat Chronic RfD = 0.055 mg/ Special FQPA SF = LOAEL = 16.4 mg/kg/day kg/day. 0.055 mg/kg/day. based on effects observed in the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymides, prostate, and seminal vesicles). Cancer (oral, dermal, inhalation) N/A N/A The Agency classified ethaboxam as having ``suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity.'' C. Exposure Assessment

1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. Risk assessments were conducted by EPA to assess dietary exposures from ethaboxam in food as follows:

i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk assessments are performed for a fooduse pesticide, if a toxicological study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring as a result of a oneday or single exposure. No such effects were identified in the toxicological studies for ethaboxam that pertain to the general population including infants and children; however, an effect of concern was identified for females, 1349 years of age. Therefore, a quantitative acute dietary exposure assessment was necessary for females, 1349 years of age.

ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure assessment EPA used the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model software with the Food Commodity Intake Database (DEEMFCID\TM\), which incorporates food consumption data as reported by respondents in the USDA 19941996 and 1998 Nationwide Continuing Surveys of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII), and accumulated exposure to the chemical for each commodity. The following assumptions were made for the chronic exposure assessment: Chronic dietary analysis is based on the tolerance level residues and an assumption that 100% of the crop will be treated.

iii. Cancer. The Agency classified ethaboxam as having ``suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity.'' The Agency concluded that the quantification of carcinogenic potential is not required.

2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. This petition is not associated with an application to register ethaboxam uses in the U.S. Ethaboxam is proposed for use on fruit commodities that may be imported into the U.S., thus, the source of exposure expected for ethaboxam is solely from residues in food. Consequently, an exposure assessment that includes ethaboxam residues in drinking water is not warranted at this time.

3. From nondietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is used in this document to refer to nonoccupational, nondietary exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control, termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets). Ethaboxam is not registered for use on any sites that would result in residential exposure.

4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the 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 ethaboxam and any other substances and ethaboxam 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 ethaboxam 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 the policy statements released by EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs concerning common mechanism determinations and procedures for cumulating effects from substances found to have a common mechanism on EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative. [[Page 56391]]

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

1. In general. Section 408 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 on toxicity and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. Margins of safety are incorporated into EPA risk assessments either directly through use of a MOE analysis or through using uncertainty (safety) factors in calculating a dose level that poses no appreciable risk to humans. 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 safety factor value based on the use of traditional uncertainty factors and/or special FQPA safety factors, as appropriate.

2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There is evidence of increased qualitative susceptibility in the rat developmental and reproduction studies. Considering the overall toxicity profile and the doses and endpoints selected for risk assessment for ethaboxam, the degree of concern for prenatal and postnatal effects observed in the studies is low based on the following: The developmental/offspring effects observed in the studies are well characterized and occur in the presence of maternal toxicity; a clear NOAEL has been identified in both of the studies; and there are no residual uncertainties for pre and/or postnatal toxicity. Furthermore, the toxicology endpoint established for risk assessment is based on a lower NOAEL than the reproductive NOAEL, and thus is considered protective of developmental/ offspring effects.

3. Conclusion. The Agency recommends that the FQPA safety factor be reduced to 1X because there are no/low concerns and no residual uncertainties with regard to pre and postnatal toxicity. Although there was evidence of increased qualitative susceptibility observed in rat developmental and reproduction studies, the studies submitted adequately address questions regarding pre and post natal toxicity, and the developmental/offspring effects observed in the studies are well characterized (clear NOAELs established). The toxicology endpoint established for risk assessment is based on a lower NOAEL than the reproductive NOAEL, and is considered protective of the developmental/ offspring effects observed. In addition, the toxicology endpoint established for risk assessment is also considered protective of the male reproductive alterations observed in the toxicology database. There is a complete toxicity database for ethaboxam and exposure data are complete or are estimated based on data that reasonably accounts for potential exposures.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food to ethaboxam will occupy 10% of the aPAD for the U.S. population and 4% of the aPAD for females 13 years and older.

2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that exposure to ethaboxam from food will utilize 6% of the cPAD for the U.S. population, 9% of the cPAD for all infants less than 1 year of age, and 31% of the cPAD for children 12 years of age. There are no residential uses for ethaboxam that result in chronic residential exposure to ethaboxam.

3. Shortterm risk. Shortterm aggregate exposure takes into account residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure level).

Ethaboxam is not registered for use on any sites that would result in residential exposure or residues in drinking water. Therefore, the aggregate risk is the sum of the risk from food only, which does not exceed the Agency's level of concern.

4. Intermediateterm risk. Intermediateterm aggregate exposure takes into account residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure level).

Ethaboxam is not registered for use on any sites that would result in residential exposure or residues in drinking water. Therefore, the aggregate risk is the sum of the risk from food only, which does not exceed the Agency's level of concern.

5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. The Agency classified ethaboxam as having ``suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity based on Leydig cell tumors observed in male rats.'' The Agency has determined that potential human risk to Leydig cell tumorigenesis would not be expected at exposure levels that do not cause tumors in rats. The NOAEL and LOAEL selected for the chronic reference dose (cRfD) is based on reproductive toxicity observed at lower doses than the Leydig cell tumor response. Thus, the cRfD would be protective of the cancer effects.

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, and to infants and children from aggregate exposure to ethaboxam residues.
IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

Adequate enforcement methodology (HPLC/MS) is available to enforce the tolerance expression. The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 207555350; telephone number: (410) 3052905; email address: residuemethods@epa.gov. B. International Residue Limits

There are currently no established Codex, Canadian, or Mexican maximum residue levels (MRLs) for ethaboxam.

V. Conclusion

Therefore, an imported tolerance is established for residues of ethaboxam, N(cyano2thienylmethyl)4ethyl2(ethylamino)5
thiazolecarboxamide, in or on grape at 6.0 ppm. Studies examining the transfer of ethaboxam to processed grape commodities (e.g., grape juice, raisins) show that some concentration of ethaboxam may occur during the production of raisins and grape juice; however, the supported tolerance of 6.0 ppm for grape is sufficient to cover the potential for residues in the processed commodities, and separate tolerances for these commodities are not needed.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

This final rule establishes a tolerance 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 due to its lack of significance, this rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001). This final rule does not contain any information collections
[[Page 56392]]
subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., or impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Public Law 1044). Nor does it require any special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and LowIncome Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994); or OMB review or any Agency action under Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This action does not involve any technical standards that would require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). 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. In addition, the Agency has determined that this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). Executive Order 13132 requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies that have federalism implications.'' ``Policies that have federalism implications'' is defined in the Executive order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food handlers and food retailers, not States. This action does not alter the relationships or distribution of power and responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions of section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. For these same reasons, the Agency has determined that this rule does not have any ``tribal implications'' as described in Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (65 FR 67249, November 6, 2000). Executive Order 13175, requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by tribal officials in the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications.'' ``Policies that have tribal implications'' is defined in the Executive order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and the Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.'' This rule will not have substantial direct effects on tribal governments, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, as specified in Executive Order 13175. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this rule.

VII. Congressional Review Act

The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the Agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of this final rule in the Federal Register. This final rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

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

Dated: September 13, 2006.
James Jones,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR part 180 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 180.622 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 180.622 Ethaboxam; tolerances for residues.
(a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of ethaboxam, N(cyano2thienylmethyl)4ethyl2(ethlyamino)5thiazolecarboxamide in or on the following commodity:
Parts per Commodity million Grape\1\................................................... 6.0 \1\ There is no U.S. registration as of September 27, 2006
(b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. [Reserved]
(c) Tolerances with regional registrations. [Reserved]
(d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. [Reserved]
[FR Doc. 068176 Filed 92606; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 656050S

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Bryant Crowe, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 204600001; telephone number: (703) 3050025; email address: crowe.bryant@epa.gov.