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1. Flood Prevention Is OCFCD’s Primary Mission
The Orange County Flood Control District was formed in 1927 “to provide for the control and conservation of flood and storm waters, and for the protection of harbors, waterways, public highways and property” in Orange County. OCFCD’s highest priority is the safety of human life and property, which requires taking proactive measures to prevent flooding.
- Orange County Public Works (OCPW), on behalf of OCFCD, is responsible for more than 380 miles of flood control channels that are vital for directing flood waters away from neighborhoods and safely to the ocean.
- Vegetation within flood channels slows down flood flows, which in turn causes floodwaters to rise within the channel. This could result in channel overtopping that could lead to dangerous flooding that threatens the lives and property of our residents.
- To protect the lives and property of the surrounding communities from the devastating impacts of flood damage, OCPW conducts essential, routine flood channel maintenance following a structured Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to ensure the channels can safely convey flood water.
- This routine maintenance has included herbicide use because mechanical removal is disruptive to the channel bottom and, in soft bottom channels, could increase sediment in the water that can harm aquatic species. Plus, it risks propagating the spread of invasive vegetation during removal through seeds or pieces of the plants that then grow roots. Mechanical and hand removal is labor-intensive and more expensive than the use of herbicides.
The San Juan and Trabuco Creek Channels:
- Were originally designed in the 1960s to operate without the presence of vegetation. When the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created in the 1970s, the design standard became the 100-year flood, defined as a flood event that has a 1% chance -- a 1-in-100 chance -- of occurring in any given year. Even when completely clear of vegetation, these channels do not have the capacity needed for a 100-year storm. These floods are severe and used by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to set the base flood elevation for floodplain management and insurance requirements.
- Have a history of significant storms and flood events, including in 1998 when residents were evacuated, in 2005 when the levee was nearly breached, and in 2010 when significant damage to the channel walls occurred that prompted emergency repairs while flood flows were still occurring in the channel.
- Are being invested in due to the potential for flooding of adjacent areas. Since 2009, OCPW has invested nearly $80 million in capital improvements along San Juan and Trabuco Creek Channels to reduce the risk of levee failure.
- Were originally designed in the 1960s to operate without the presence of vegetation. When the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created in the 1970s, the design standard became the 100-year flood, defined as a flood event that has a 1% chance -- a 1-in-100 chance -- of occurring in any given year. Even when completely clear of vegetation, these channels do not have the capacity needed for a 100-year storm. These floods are severe and used by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to set the base flood elevation for floodplain management and insurance requirements.
2. The County Operates Under Strict Federal and State Regulations
OCPW is required to operate in accordance with state and federal regulations. OCPW embraces the strict federal and state oversight that holds OCPW accountable.
- While the State Water Resources Control Board is actively drafting a new Statewide Aquatic Weed and Algae Control permit, they have confirmed OCPW’s 2013 permit is under "administrative continuance" (40 C.F.R. section 122.6), meaning it remains fully valid and legally enforceable. OCPW is working with the State Water Resources Control Board on the new permit.
- Aquatic application of herbicides is evaluated by licensed Pest Control Advisors (PCA). We are committed to the highest standards of operational excellence, and our contractor oversight and auditing procedures ensure all safety, testing, and reporting protocols are strictly followed.
- The vegetation management practices align with state and federal Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting requirements and oversight.
3. OCPW is committed to Continuous Improvement, Transparency, and Accountability
OCPW is committed to maintaining public trust through continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability. OCPW acknowledges the community concerns regarding herbicide use and is evaluating operational approaches within regulatory requirements and public safety considerations.
- OCPW is continuously evaluating and seeking ways to improve our Integrated Pest Management program and takes all community concerns and regulatory audits seriously.
- OCPW is currently evaluating alternatives to herbicide use in the San Juan and Trabuco Creek channels including the use of mechanical and manual vegetation-management options. Use of alternative methods requires OCPW to obtain necessary approvals from regulatory agencies.
- To enhance transparency, OCPW is developing a dedicated hub on our website to provide the community with direct access to data, FAQs, and updates regarding our flood control channel maintenance and evaluation of alternative vegetation-management methods.