Why Orange County is pausing its use of chemical sprays<\/p>\n
Many OC residents want to halt the use of herbicides and pesticides in local flood channels that wash out into the ocean. But it\u2019s much more complicated than that.<\/p>\n
Biking on river trails, going on picnics and surfing in the ocean are activities California residents cherish every summer. But headlines about the use of toxic chemicals in flood control channels around Orange County have created anxiety for those looking forward to their favorite activities this summer.<\/p>\n
Dozens of environmental activists and Orange County residents packed the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting this week to urge the county to halt the routine use of toxins they say poison waterways and wash out into the ocean.<\/p>\n
But several supervisors said it wasn\u2019t that simple. The chemical prevents overgrowth in flood control channels, and that overgrowth could lead to backups and flooding, affecting neighborhoods and businesses during heavy rains.<\/p>\n
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Controversy over the chemical use led to an announcement last month<\/a> by Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, declaring that chemical usage would be halted for the moment. The issue then came before the board this week for further discussion.<\/p>\n Supervisors decided to study the issue and revisit it in the months ahead, and directed the OC Public Works department to evaluate methods for clearing overgrowth of vegetation that crowd flood channels, and look for alternate methods of doing so.<\/p>\n Brent Linas, founder of the Orange County Creek Team<\/a>, which has succeeded in bringing the environmental issue to the public\u2019s attention through salty Instagram posts<\/a> and other social media tactics, blasted what he described as the board\u2019s inaction.<\/p>\n He feels that the board is \u201cdeeply dysfunctional\u201d and plans on using the meeting as momentum to spread awareness about the chemicals’ negative effects on the environment. \u201cThere\u2019s palpable outrage in Orange County right now around this and we fully intend to tap into that,\u201d Linas said.<\/p>\n Foley also plans to reintroduce public noticing requirements at the next meeting June 23. The notices would alert residents to the planned use of any pesticides and herbicides. \u201cOrange County residents deserve transparency to help make informed decisions about where their families recreate,\u201d Foley said in a statement released the after the meeting<\/a>. \u201cI remain encouraged by the overwhelming public support in exploring nontoxic solutions for our waterways.\u201d<\/p>\n How to watchdog your local government<\/p>\n One of the best things you can do to hold officials accountable is pay attention. Your city council, board of supervisors, school board and more all hold public meetings that anybody can attend. These are times you can talk to your elected officials directly and hear about the policies they\u2019re voting on that affect your community.<\/p>\n