Orange County halts herbicide application in two creeks following resident concerns.
Orange County officials have decided to halt herbicide spraying in two local creeks, San Juan Creek and Trabuco Creek, that flow into Doheny State Beach. This decision comes as part of a pilot program that began earlier this month and represents a significant shift in the county’s approach to maintaining its waterways. OC Public Works crews will now employ mechanical and manual methods for removing vegetation rather than chemical treatments.
Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley announced that the county plans to assess the effectiveness and financial implications of this organic approach by the end of the year. This evaluation may lead to the adoption of similar methods in other regions within Orange County. Foley expressed hope that collaborative efforts would provide insights into best practices from other communities dealing with similar ecological issues.
The announcement follows a considerable public backlash against herbicide usage in local waterways. Community members argue that such practices have severely damaged local ecosystems, leaving once-thriving creek beds barren. Advocacy efforts have been galvanized by social media campaigns, with residents, including leader Brent Linas of the community group Creek Team OC, declaring the county’s decision a substantial victory.
Linas, who has filed numerous public records requests regarding the county’s herbicide applications, claims the data indicates the county sprays over 100,000 gallons of herbicides annually, including controversial chemicals like glyphosate, triclopyr, and imazapyr. These claims have raised concerns about lack of oversight and public notification regarding herbicide use.
This grassroots movement gained momentum following a contentious town hall meeting held in early March, where residents voiced their frustrations with OC Public Works’ management of the county’s extensive flood channels, which span approximately 380 miles. Critics argue that it is possible to manage flood risks while preserving natural ecosystems, as demonstrated by neighboring San Diego County’s restoration efforts.
Foley supports environmentally friendly vegetation management but acknowledges the difficulties in balancing ecological health with flood safety. In response to community concerns, she announced the formation of an advisory committee tasked with developing comprehensive recommendations for integrated pest management policies, which regulate pesticide use in the county. The new operational guidelines will include restrictions on herbicide applications during critical periods for local wildlife, such as bird nesting and trout spawning seasons.
While the officials maintain that herbicides are essential for managing waterway vegetation and mitigating storm-related risks, local activists dispute this necessity. They believe that alternative strategies focused on ecosystem preservation should be prioritized. The Creek Team OC intends to extend its campaign to other water bodies in the region, including the Santa Ana River, highlighting what they view as a pressing environmental justice issue for the residents of Orange County.
