After public outcry, Orange County halts herbicide spraying in creeks

"Orange County officials announced they have "paused" spraying herbicides in creeks and flood channels throughout the county. The decision followed a social media campaign by residents who are concerned the chemicals cause environmental harm."

"Starting in February, posts by the community group Creek Team OC sparked an outpouring of concern among residents. They posted images of workers spraying chemicals and used artificial intelligence to make illustrations featuring surfers under the slogan "Endless Herbicides." In March, county Supervisor Katrina Foley told residents the county would halt spraying of herbicides in two creeks near Doheny State Beach."

"This week, Foley that the Orange County Public Works Department had begun a "pause" of herbicide spraying in flood channels countywide. "I'm really pleased that Public Works is taking the community's concerns seriously," Foley said. "I think anytime we can eliminate chemicals from our community, from areas where we have natural habitat, where we have people who play or swim ... we should, because it just makes our community greener and healthier.""

"Brent Linas, a San Juan Capistrano resident who started the community campaign, said he and others are ecstatic that spraying has stopped. "It's a huge, huge win for a grassroots movement that never raised a dollar and just hammered the truth," Linas said. "Now, we need to make sure it doesn't come back.""

Orange County officials paused herbicide spraying in creeks and flood channels throughout the county. The pause followed a resident-led social media campaign that raised concerns about environmental harm from the chemicals. Community posts began in February and included images of workers spraying and AI-generated illustrations with the slogan “Endless Herbicides.” In March, a county supervisor announced a halt in two creeks near Doheny State Beach. The later countywide pause was initiated by the Orange County Public Works Department. The supervisor said removing chemicals from natural habitat and areas where people swim or play would make the community greener and healthier. A resident described the outcome as a major win for a grassroots effort and urged officials to ensure spraying does not resume.

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