Orange County’s creeks have recently drawn scrutiny due to concerns about herbicides entering local communities and waterways. Activists, known as Creek Team, brought attention to the county's consistent use of herbicides containing glyphosate, raising questions about its environmental impact and the practice of clearing creek beds of vegetation.
Candidates for Orange County Supervisor have articulated their positions on existing county policies and proposed future directions for managing these vital waterways. A central point of discussion revolves around balancing flood control necessities with environmental and public health concerns.
Assemblywoman Dixon, representing the Fifth District, stated her opposition to using glyphosate-based herbicides in creek beds. She criticized Supervisor Foley for continuing to fund county herbicide application contracts, asserting that residents deserved greater oversight of chemicals sprayed in their communities and waterways. Dixon advocates for maintaining flood control systems through manual and mechanical methods wherever practical, aiming to reduce chemical use while keeping flood channels clear. She also suggested working with groups like Creek Team OC, who have researched safer alternatives, and exploring long-term revegetation and habitat restoration in appropriate areas to prevent repeated clearing.
Supervisor Foley, also of the Fifth District, responded to Dixon's comments by stating she actively fought to stop creek spraying and cancel contracts, noting that her complaint led to contractor penalties. Foley indicated she began addressing this issue as Costa Mesa mayor in 2017. She also cited Dixon's past actions, such as an attempt to weaken pesticide oversight concerning copper boat paint regulations and a vote against stronger pesticide notification near schools. Foley declined to comment on a debate invitation accepted by Dixon.
Regarding her preferred approach, Supervisor Foley favors manual and mechanical removal methods, followed by organic compounds. She emphasized the need to end routine spraying of toxic chemicals in waterways, prioritizing public health. Foley noted that her non-toxic advisory committee continues to develop alternatives for the board’s consideration.
Shaw, a candidate for the Fourth District, underscored the importance of keeping creeks and waterways free of weeds to prevent flooding during storms, identifying it as a necessity rather than a luxury. Shaw believes decisions involving herbicides should be based on the best available science, applicable environmental and public-health standards, and the specific conditions of each site. While protecting flood-control infrastructure is crucial, Shaw also stressed the importance of protecting residents, workers, wildlife, and water quality. She suggested the county should evaluate and implement effective and economically reasonable alternatives that reduce environmental or health concerns.
Shaw also proposed an integrated vegetation-management approach, which could include mechanical removal, targeted vegetation management, and other proven methods, acknowledging that different creek environments might require varied solutions. Any chosen method, according to Shaw, must ensure flood-control channels remain functional while considering cost, effectiveness, worker safety, and environmental impacts.
Traut, another Fourth District candidate, stated his opposition to the routine use of glyphosate in county creek beds as long as legitimate health and environmental concerns remain unresolved. He supported the county's current testing of manual and mechanical alternatives in San Juan and Trabuco Creeks while investigations and expert reviews proceed. Traut affirmed the necessity of maintaining flood control capacity but cautioned against unnecessarily risking public health or waterways. He advocated for using safer feasible methods, studying their results, and allowing evidence to guide long-term policy.
Traut would prioritize the alternatives currently being tested by the county, including manual and mechanical vegetation management, while ensuring flood-control needs are met. He views the pilot program's purpose as determining which methods are effective, environmentally responsible, and financially sustainable. Traut also supports involving independent experts and state regulators to ensure that long-term policy is based on evidence rather than assumptions.
The discussion among candidates highlights a collective recognition of the need for effective flood control while exploring methods that reduce chemical impact on Orange County's environment and residents.
