Orange County’s creeks have recently drawn scrutiny due to concerns about herbicides, particularly those containing glyphosate, washing into local communities and out to sea. This focus was prompted by a group identified as Creek Team, which highlighted the county's routine use of such chemicals and raised questions regarding their impact on water quality and the rationale for clearing creek beds of all vegetation.
Fifth District candidate Dixon stated opposition to using glyphosate-based herbicides in creek beds. Dixon argued that Orange County residents deserved stronger oversight of substances sprayed in communities and waterways. While acknowledging the need to maintain the flood control system, Dixon advocated for manual and mechanical methods wherever practical to clear flood channels while reducing chemical use. Dixon further proposed prioritizing manual and mechanical vegetation removal over chemical herbicides. She suggested the county collaborate with groups like Creek Team OC, noting their research and advocacy for safer alternatives. Dixon also recommended evaluating long-term revegetation and habitat restoration in appropriate areas to reduce repeated clearing, aiming to ensure flood channel functionality while minimizing chemical use and protecting surrounding habitats.
Fifth District candidate Foley, responding to Dixon's comments, said it was "Time to set the record straight." Foley asserted that she had fought to stop creek spraying and cancel contracts, leading to contractor penalties. She indicated initiating this effort as Costa Mesa mayor in 2017 and noted Newport Beach’s ban on synthetic herbicides. Foley also contended that Dixon had sought to weaken pesticide oversight by proposing to suspend enforcement of copper boat paint regulations, which California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation classifies as a pesticide. Foley further stated that Dixon voted against stronger pesticide notification near schools and declined a debate accepted by Foley. Regarding future policy, Foley expressed a preference for manual and mechanical removal methods, followed by organic compounds. She emphasized the need to end routine spraying of toxic chemicals in waterways, asserting that public health must be paramount, and mentioned her non-toxic advisory committee's ongoing work to present alternatives for board consideration.
Fourth District candidate Shaw emphasized that keeping creeks and waterways free of weeds is vital for flood prevention during storms, deeming it a necessity. Shaw advocated that decisions involving herbicides should be based on the best available science, applicable environmental and public-health standards, and specific site conditions. Shaw stated that protecting flood-control infrastructure is important, as is protecting residents, workers, wildlife, and water quality. Shaw suggested that where effective and economically reasonable alternatives reducing environmental or health concerns are available, the county should evaluate and use them. Shaw recommended that the county evaluate an integrated vegetation-management approach, which could include mechanical removal, targeted vegetation management, and other proven methods. Shaw noted that different creek environments might require different solutions and stressed that any selected method must maintain functional flood-control channels while considering cost, effectiveness, worker safety, and environmental impacts.
Fourth District candidate Traut stated opposition to the routine use of glyphosate in County creek beds as long as legitimate health and environmental concerns remain unresolved. Traut supported the county's current testing of manual and mechanical alternatives in San Juan and Trabuco Creeks. While recognizing the need to maintain flood control capacity, Traut stated that the county should not unnecessarily risk public health or waterways. Traut advised using safer feasible methods, studying their results, and allowing evidence to guide long-term policy. Traut would prioritize the alternatives currently being tested, including manual and mechanical vegetation management, ensuring flood-control needs are met. Traut specified that the pilot program's purpose should be to determine which methods are effective, environmentally responsible, and financially sustainable. Traut also expressed support for involving independent experts and state regulators to ensure long-term policy is based on evidence rather than assumptions.
