Orange County Supervisors Reject Measures to Restrict Herbicide Spraying in Creeks
The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday to reject Item S-10A, a measure that would have restricted the use of chemical herbicides in county creeks. Supervisors Don Wagner, Doug Chaffee, and Janet Nguyen opposed the bill, allowing Orange County Public Works to continue its current chemical spraying campaign without mandated public notification regarding the timing or location of applications. The decision comes despite a push from the Creek Team, a grassroots group that has documented the annual release of approximately 150,000 gallons of herbicides, including glyphosate, triclopyr, and imazapyr, into local waterways.
Did You Know?
While Orange County currently utilizes chemical herbicides for flood control, neighboring San Diego County has successfully implemented a pilot program focused on manual vegetation removal, avoiding the use of these chemicals entirely.
How the Board Responded to Public Testimony
The Board of Supervisors provided one minute for public testimony on S-10A when it reached the floor at 5:30 PM, a departure from the standard three-minute allotment. Brent Linas, a founder of the Creek Team, was removed from the podium after refusing to conclude his remarks within the 60-second limit. According to Linas, the board members did not engage with the advocates, describing the experience by stating, “They won’t even look us in the eye.” The meeting also saw Supervisor Doug Chaffee adjust the agenda order, a move the Creek Team characterized as an attempt to diminish the visibility of their cause.
Why the Creek Team Campaign Matters
The Creek Team’s efforts center on the environmental impact of chemical runoff, as these herbicides drain into coastal areas used by surfers and beachgoers. The group aligns its concerns with the MAHA movement, which identifies pesticide exposure as a national health issue. While the board focused significant time on a $3.7 million corruption scandal involving former Supervisor Andrew Do, the Creek Team argued that their environmental concerns affect the broader public, including those who consume locally caught fish. The coalition, which includes representatives from Surfrider and Coastkeeper, submitted over 500 letters of support prior to the vote.
Expert Insight:
The tension between the Board of Supervisors and local advocacy groups highlights a growing conflict over environmental management in coastal regions. With the state’s coast generating $520 billion in annual economic output, the trade-off between the $85 million spent on beach nourishment and the potential costs of environmental degradation remains a primary point of contention for residents and local officials alike.
What May Happen Next
With the legislative attempt to restrict herbicide use now defeated, the county’s chemical spraying program remains in effect. The Creek Team has indicated that they intend to continue their advocacy, though the board has not hosted a public town hall on the issue since late last year. Future developments could see increased public pressure on the board, as the Creek Team seeks a path forward to address the use of glyphosate and other chemicals in flood control maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which supervisors voted against the measure to restrict herbicide spraying?
Supervisors Don Wagner, Doug Chaffee, and Janet Nguyen voted against Item S-10A.
Are there notification requirements for when the county sprays herbicides?
No. Following the vote, Orange County Public Works is not required to notify the public about the timing or location of its chemical spraying activities.
What types of chemicals are currently used in the county’s flood control efforts?
The county uses herbicides including glyphosate (Roundup), triclopyr, and imazapyr as part of its flood control maintenance.
How would you prefer local waterways to be maintained if chemical spraying were discontinued?