Document ID: EPA-HQ-OPP-2019-0639-0005
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Pesticide Tolerances: MCPA ((4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy) acetic acid)
Posted Date: 2021-04-13T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 13, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19145-19149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-07517]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2019-0639; FRL-10020-79]

MCPA; Pesticide Tolerances

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of MCPA in 
or on tea and intermediate wheatgrass forage, grain, hay, and straw. 
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 13, 2021. Objections and 
requests for hearings must be received on or before June 14, 2021, 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-2019-0639, is available at http://www.regulations.gov 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 https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

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: 
RDFRNotices@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. 
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:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     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 EPA's 
tolerance regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through the Government 
Publishing Office's e-CFR site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl.

C. How 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-2019-0639 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 
June 14, 2021. 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-2019-0639, 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 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.

II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance

    In the Federal Register of April 15, 2020 (85 FR 20910) (FRL-10006-
54), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 
9E8797) by IR-4, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 500 
College Road East, Suite 201W, Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition 
requested that 40 CFR 180.339 be amended by establishing tolerances for 
residues of the herbicide MCPA ((4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy) acetic 
acid), both free and conjugated, resulting from the direct application 
of MCPA or its sodium or dimethylamine salts, or its 2-ethylhexyl ester 
in or on the following agricultural commodities: Tea, plucked leaves at 
0.3 parts per million (ppm); Wheatgrass, intermediate, forage at 20 
ppm; Wheatgrass, intermediate, grain at 1 ppm; Wheatgrass, 
intermediate, hay at 115 ppm; and Wheatgrass, intermediate, straw at 25 
ppm. That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by 
Nufarm, the registrant, which is available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. A comment was received on the notice of filing but 
was unrelated to the chemical MCPA, this action, or pesticides in 
general.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has 
modified the levels at which the wheatgrass tolerances are being 
established as well as the commodity

[[Page 19146]]

definition for tea. The reasons for these changes are explained in Unit 
IV.C.

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. . . 
.''
    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 MCPA including exposure 
resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's 
assessment of exposures and risks associated with MCPA 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.
    The kidney is the major target organ following MCPA exposure. In 
the subchronic inhalation toxicity study, respiratory tract effects 
were observed following repeat inhalation exposure. Additional toxic 
effects include neurotoxicity, which was observed in the acute and 
subchronic neurotoxicity (ACN/SCN) studies and in a rat developmental 
toxicity study. The developmental neurotoxicity study (DNT) did not 
identify developmental neurotoxicity.
    Quantitative susceptibility was observed in the rat developmental 
toxicity study with MCPA acid based on increased incidence of skeletal 
retardation and decreased fetal body weight at a dose that was a 
maternal no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL). There was also 
quantitative susceptibility in the 2-generation rat reproductive 
toxicity study with MCPA acid as evidenced by decreased lactational pup 
body weight at an offspring lowest observed adverse effect level 
(LOAEL) corresponding to a parental NOAEL. Qualitative susceptibility 
was noted in the DNT study based on increased pup mortality and 
decreased body weights at the same LOAEL as the maternal LOAEL 
(decreased body weight and food consumptions).
    MCPA is classified as ``Not Likely to Be Carcinogenic to Humans'', 
based on long-term studies in rats and mice, and there are low 
mutagenicity concerns. There is no concern for immunotoxicity.
    Additional information on the toxicological profile can be found at 
http://www.regulations.gov in the document titled ``MCPA. Human Health 
Risk Assessment to Support a New Use on Intermediate Wheatgrass and the 
Establishment of a Tolerance without a U.S. Registration for Tea'' 
(hereinafter ``MCPA Human Health Risk Assessment'') in docket ID number 
EPA-HQ-OPP-2019-0639.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA 
identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of 
concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the 
pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no 
appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for 
derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed 
based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to 
determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) 
and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified 
(the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with 
the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a 
population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe 
margin of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes 
that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the 
Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of 
the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the 
general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete 
description of the risk assessment process, see http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/assessing-human-health-risk-pesticide.
    A summary of the toxicological endpoints for MCPA used for human 
risk assessment can be found in the MCPA Human Health Risk Assessment.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary 
exposure to MCPA, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned-for 
tolerances as well as all existing MCPA tolerances in 40 CFR 180.339. 
EPA assessed dietary exposures from MCPA 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. Such effects were identified 
for MCPA.
    In conducting the acute dietary exposure assessment, EPA used the 
2003-2008 food consumption data from the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture's (USDA) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 
What We Eat in America (NHANES/WWEIA). The acute dietary exposure 
assessment is unrefined and is based on tolerance-level residues and 
100 percent crop treated (PCT).
    ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure 
assessment, EPA used the 2003-2008 food consumption data from the 
USDA's NHANES/WWEIA. The chronic dietary exposure assessment is 
unrefined and is based on tolerance-level residues and 100 PCT.
    iii. Cancer. MCPA is classified as ``Not Likely to Be Carcinogenic 
to Humans'' therefore, a cancer assessment is not needed.
    iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. EPA did not use 
anticipated residue or PCT information in the dietary assessment for 
MCPA. Tolerance level residues and 100 PCT were assumed for all food 
commodities.
    2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening 
level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk 
assessment for MCPA in drinking water. Further information regarding 
EPA drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be 
found at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/about-water-exposure-models-used-pesticide.

[[Page 19147]]

    Based on the Pesticide in Water Calculator (PWC), for the acute 
dietary risk assessment, EPA used an estimated drinking water 
concentration (EDWC) of 236 ppb into the DEEM-FCID Model. For the 
chronic exposure assessment, EPA used a value of 208 ppb.
    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).
    MCPA is currently registered for uses that may result in 
residential handler and post-application exposures, including 
commercial and residential use on lawns, as well as commercial use on 
ornamental turf and trees, golf courses, and parks.
    For the residential exposure scenarios, the most conservative, or 
worst case, residential adult and child scenarios have been selected to 
be included in the aggregate risk assessment. The scenarios are as 
follows:
    Adult aggregate assessment: Granular formulations: dermal post-
application exposure from high contact activities on treated lawns (Day 
0 turf transferable residue (TTR)) at both the 1.85 lb acid equivalent 
(ae)/A and 1.5 lb ae/A rate.
    Liquid formulations: dermal post-application exposure from high 
contact activities on treated lawns (average TTR) at both the 1.5 lb 
ae/A and 1.25 lb ae/A rate.
    Children 11 to <16 years old and children 6 to <11 years old 
aggregate assessments: Liquid formulations: dermal post-application 
exposures from golfing (Day 0 TTR) on treated turf.
    Children 1 to <2 years old aggregate assessment: Granular 
formulations: combined (dermal plus incidental oral) post-application 
exposures from high contact activities on treated lawns (Day 0 TTR) at 
both the 1.85 lb ae/A and 1.5 lb ae/A rate.
    Liquid formulations: combined (dermal plus incidental oral) post-
application exposures from high contact activities on treated lawns 
(average TTR) at both the 1.5 lb ae/A and 1.25 lb ae/A rate.
    Further information regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic 
inputs for residential exposures may be found at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/standard-operating-procedures-residential-pesticide.
    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 MCPA and any other 
substances and MCPA 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 MCPA has a common mechanism 
of toxicity with other substances.

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 (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default 
value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when 
reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different 
factor.
    2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. In the developmental rat 
study with MCPA acid, quantitative susceptibility was demonstrated 
based on increased incidence of skeletal retardation and decreased 
fetal body weight at a dose that was a maternal NOAEL. MCPA acid, 
however, did not produce developmental toxicity in rabbits. 
Quantitative susceptibility was also evident in the 2-generation 
reproduction study in rats with MCPA acid, in which lactational pup 
body weight decrements were noted at a dose in offspring that was a 
parental NOAEL. Qualitative susceptibility was noted in the 
developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) study with MCPA acid based on 
increased pup mortality and body weights at the same LOAEL as the 
maternal LOAEL (decreased body weight and food consumptions). There was 
no evidence of quantitative or qualitative susceptibility in the 
developmental rat studies with MCPA dimethylamine (DMA) salt and MCPA 
ester forms.
    Considering the overall toxicity profile and the doses and 
endpoints selected for risk assessment, the degree of concern for the 
effects observed in the studies are low because the developmental/
offspring effects observed in the studies are well characterized and 
clear NOAELs/LOAELs have been identified in the studies for the effects 
of concern. Additionally, the endpoints and PODs selected for risk 
assessment are protective of potential developmental/reproductive 
effects.
    3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the 
safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the 
FQPA SF were reduced to 1X, except for acute dietary (general 
population) and inhalation scenarios where a 10X SF is retained for 
extrapolation of a LOAEL to a NOAEL. That decision is based on the 
following findings:
    i. The toxicity database for MCPA is complete.
    ii. Evidence of neurotoxicity was observed in the acute and 
subchronic neurotoxicity studies in rats, as indicated by various 
clinical signs of neurotoxicity. There were no developmental neurotoxic 
effects in the rat DNT study. There is a low degree of concern for the 
potential neurotoxic effects of MCPA since clear NOAELs were identified 
for the effects described above, there were no adverse 
neuropathological effects, and the endpoints chosen for risk assessment 
are protective of any potential neurotoxicity.
    iii. As noted above, quantitative susceptibility was demonstrated 
in the developmental rat study, but not in rabbits. Quantitative 
susceptibility was also evident in the 2-generation reproduction study 
in rats. However, the degree of concern for the effects observed in the 
studies is low for the reasons summarized in Unit III.D.3.ii.
    iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure 
databases. The Agency has used high-end assumptions in the dietary 
exposure assessment, including the use of 100 PCT and tolerance-level 
residues, and upper-bound estimates of potential exposure through 
drinking water. In addition, the residential exposure assessment was 
conducted using chemical-specific data (where available) and the 
Agency's 2012 Residential SOPs; as such, residential exposures are 
unlikely to be underestimated.

E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety

    EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide 
exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the 
acute PAD (aPAD) and

[[Page 19148]]

chronic PAD (cPAD). For linear cancer risks, EPA calculates the 
lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the estimated aggregate 
exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term risks are evaluated 
by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water, and residential 
exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE exists.
    1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into 
account acute exposure estimates from dietary consumption of food and 
drinking water. Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit 
for acute exposure, EPA has concluded that acute exposure to MCPA from 
food and water will utilize 29% of the aPAD for all infants less than 1 
year old, the population group receiving the greatest exposure.
    2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this 
unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to 
MCPA from food and water will utilize 28% of the cPAD for all infants 
less than 1 year old, the population group receiving the greatest 
exposure.
    3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into 
account short-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food 
and water (considered to be a background exposure level). MCPA is 
registered for uses that could result in short-term residential 
exposure, and the Agency has determined that it is appropriate to 
aggregate chronic exposure through food and water with short-term 
residential exposures to MCPA.
    For the granular formulation exposure scenarios, the short-term 
aggregate MOEs using Day 0 residues for adults and children 1 to less 
than 2 years old are not of concern, at 230 and 120, respectively.
    Some residential exposure scenarios on treated turf (liquid 
formulations) resulted in risk estimates of concern for adults and 
children when using the day of application (Day 0; screening level) 
residues from the chemical specific turf transferable residue (TTR) 
data. For these scenarios, aggregate assessments using risk estimates 
resulting from refinement of the TTR values (i.e., using average 
modeled TTR values) were conducted.
    For the liquid formulation scenarios using Day 0 residues, the 
short-term aggregate MOEs are as follows: for children 6 to <11 years 
old the MOE = 330, and for children 11 to <16 years old, the MOE = 390. 
These MOEs are equal to or above the LOC (100) and are therefore not of 
concern. For the liquid formulation scenarios using average TTR (a 
refinement in the risk assessment), the short-term aggregate MOEs are 
not of concern for adults (MOE = 210) and for children 1 to <2 years 
old (MOE = 100) using 11-day average TTR. As noted above, a MOE equal 
to or greater than 100 is not of concern.
    4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure 
takes into account intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic 
exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure 
level).
    An intermediate-term adverse effect was identified; however, MCPA 
is not registered for any use patterns that would result in 
intermediate-term residential exposure. Intermediate-term risk is 
assessed based on intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic 
dietary exposure. Because there is no intermediate-term residential 
exposure and chronic dietary exposure has already been assessed under 
the appropriately protective cPAD (which is at least as protective as 
the POD used to assess intermediate-term risk), no further assessment 
of intermediate-term risk is necessary, and EPA relies on the chronic 
dietary risk assessment for evaluating intermediate-term risk for MCPA.
    5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. MCPA is classified as 
``Not Likely to Be Carcinogenic to Humans''; therefore, EPA does not 
expect MCPA exposures to pose an aggregate 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 MCPA residues.

IV. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    For enforcement of tolerances for residues of MCPA, Pesticide 
Analytical Manual (PAM) Vol. II lists PAM Vol. I Sections 221.1, 421, 
and 422. No limit of quantitation is specified. It is noted that 
Section 221.1 has now become Section 402 (gas chromatography (GC) 
method for acids and phenols) and Sections 421 and 422 (thin-layer 
chromatography (TLC) methods) no longer exist. The Residue Chemistry 
Chapter of the Registration Standard dated 8/31/1981 noted that the PAM 
Vol. I method is adequate for enforcement of tolerances for residues of 
MCPA in livestock commodities as-is, but recommended that the method be 
modified with a hydrolysis step for enforcement of MCPA tolerances for 
plant commodities. The current PAM Vol II methods are adequate for the 
enforcement of MCPA on plants and livestock commodities and no further 
modifications are required at this time

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).
    There are no Codex MRLs for MCPA in or on tea or intermediate 
wheatgrass.

C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances

    EPA is establishing the tolerance on ``tea, dried'' rather than 
``tea, plucked leaves'' to be consistent with Agency nomenclature.
    The petitioner proposed tolerance levels for wheatgrass commodities 
based on the current tolerance levels for wheat commodities in 40 CFR 
180.339. While EPA agrees that it is appropriate to base the tolerance 
levels for wheatgrass commodities on the tolerance levels for wheat 
commodities, given the similarities in crops, the Agency has reviewed 
the tolerances for wheat, grain and wheat, hay and determined that the 
current tolerances are too high. Upon review, crop field trial studies 
reflecting the use of MCPA showed residue levels that were lower than 
current tolerances. The OECD calculation procedure recommended 
tolerance levels of 0.2 ppm for wheat, grain and 40 ppm for wheat, hay. 
This discrepancy was identified during Registration Review; see ``MCPA. 
Second Revision: Draft Human Health Risk Assessment in Support of 
Registration Review'', which is available in docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-
0180. Moreover, the current Codex MRLs for wheat, forage, hay and straw 
are set at 50 ppm. Therefore, EPA intends to revise the existing wheat 
tolerances to reflect this analysis and to harmonize with Codex MRLs 
when updating the MCPA tolerances as part of Registration Review. 
Applying the same logic to the wheatgrass commodities, EPA is 
establishing those tolerances at 0.2 ppm for intermediate wheatgrass, 
grain and at 50 ppm for intermediate wheatgrass, forage, hay, and 
straw.

V. Conclusion

    Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of MCPA in or on 
Tea, dried at 0.3 ppm; Wheatgrass, intermediate, forage at 50 ppm; 
Wheatgrass,

[[Page 19149]]

intermediate, grain at 0.2 ppm; Wheatgrass, intermediate, hay at 50 
ppm; and Wheatgrass, intermediate, straw at 50 ppm.

VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action establishes tolerances 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 tolerances 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).

VII. 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: April 7, 2021.
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.  180.339, amend paragraph (a)(1) by designating the table as 
Table 1 to paragraph (a)(1) and adding in alphabetical order to newly 
designated Table 1 to paragraph (a)(1) entries for ``Tea, dried''; 
``Wheatgrass, intermediate, forage''; ``Wheatgrass, intermediate, 
grain''; ``Wheatgrass, intermediate, hay'' and ``Wheatgrass, 
intermediate, straw'' to read as follows:

Sec.  180.339   MCPA; tolerances for residues.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *

                       Table 1 to Paragraph (a)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Parts per
                          Commodity                             million
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
Tea, dried...................................................        0.3
 
                                * * * * *
Wheatgrass, intermediate, forage.............................         50
Wheatgrass, intermediate, grain..............................        0.2
Wheatgrass, intermediate, hay................................         50
Wheatgrass, intermediate, straw..............................         50
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2021-07517 Filed 4-12-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P