PARKING REMINDER

STREET PARKING IS A COVENANT VIOLATION DAY OR NIGHT AT BAKER PLANTATION. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN YOU INVITE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OVER FOR A VISIT.

THIS IS A PART OF YOUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS THAT CMG ENFORCES. IF YOU RECEIVE A VIOLATION NOTICE AND IT IS IN ERROR, PLEASE CONTACT THE HELP DESK IMMEDIATELY SO IT CAN BE NOTED ON YOUR ACCOUNT.

WHAT ARE YOU WASHING INTO THE STORM WATER IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

Common Illicit Discharge Issues

  Click on the common potential pollution sources below to learn why they are a problem and what you can do to prevent these illicit discharges.

• Car Care/Auto-repair shops
• Car washing
• Litter and illegal dumping
• Cleaning products, chemicals, paint, etc.
• Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
• Leaves and yard waste
• Septic systems and sewage
• Pet waste
• Fats, oils and grease
• Swimming pools
• Washing machines
• Medications

Car Care

Why is it a Problem? 
Motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and other car fluids are all harmful to the environment and human health.  Cars, boats, lawnmowers, and other vehicles and equipment can develop leaks if not maintained.  When maintaining your own vehicles and equipment, it is easy to spill oil and fluids if you are not careful. 

What’s the Solution?
Keep your car in good repair to prevent leaks.  Watch for leaking fluids – this can be as simple as checking your driveway for puddles and discolored spots.  When pouring fluids, use a funnel to reduce spills.  When draining fluids, catch fluids in a container instead of draining them onto the ground.  Clean up all leaks and spills using absorbent material such as kitty litter, then sweep with a broom.  Never wash away spilled fluids with water.  Take used motor oil to collection stations, usually available at recycling centers and auto repair shops.  Never dispose of oil or car fluids down storm drains.

Tips for Businesses

• Do not clean work areas with water if that water would run into storm drains.  Use absorbent materials to clean up spills, and sweep the area with a broom. 
• Do not discharge water from radiator flushing onto the ground or into storm sewers.
• If vehicles are to be stored long-term, drain gasoline, oil, and fluids first.
• Check vehicles stored outdoors for leaks.
• Dispose of used motor oil, other fluids, and their containers properly.
  ....back to list

Car Washing

Why is it a Problem? 
Soaps and detergents used to wash cars frequently contain phosphates.  Too much phosphate in ponds and streams can lead to algal blooms and fish kills.  Also, wash water from cars may contain heavy metals, oil and gasoline residue, and other gunk.  As the wash water runs down the storm drain, it carries all these pollutants into natural waterways.

What’s the Solution?
Residential car washing is usually exempt from illicit discharge laws.  However, to prevent pollution, we recommend you wash your car on the lawn instead of the driveway.  As the water filters through the grass and soil, some of the soaps and pollutants are removed.  Use environmentally friendly soaps containing low or no phosphates.  Or better yet, take your car to a commercial car wash.  These businesses are required to send wash water to waste water treatment plants instead of down the storm drain.

Charity Car Washes
While fun ways to raise money for a cause, charity car washes  can contribute phosphates to streams and rivers.  Consider other ways to raise money that do not pollute the environment.  Or, ask you local car wash businesses to support your cause by offering discount coupons for your organization to sell.  If you do decide to hold a car wash, wash cars on the grass, use low-phosphate soaps, and divert wash water away from storm drains whenever possible.

Tips for Businesses
Commercial car washes may not discharge waste water to storm sewers.  This is a violation of the illegal discharge law, and will result in a fine.  Support local charities by offering coupons in place of traditional car washes.   ....back to list

Litter and Illegal Dumping

Why is it a Problem? 
Litter and illegal dumping are harmful to the environment and degrade the beauty of our community.  This can decrease revenue from tourism, fishing, and outdoor recreation.  Wildlife can mistake litter for food, and choke or be poisoned when they try to eat it.  Electronics and appliances may contain heavy metals or harmful chemicals that leak out when exposed to rain and the elements.  Debris can also clog storm drain systems, leading to flooding.
What’s the Solution?
Littering and dumping are illegal and will result in a fine!  Reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible, and follow all local requirements for garbage and solid waste.  Click here for recycling and safe disposal options near you. 
Tips for Businesses
Keep dumpsters closed and watch for leaks.  Make sure all waste is placed in the dumpster, not just next to it.  Recycle as much as possible.  Many areas have special recycling and hazardous materials pickup options for businesses.  Click here for information for your community!    ....back to list

Cleaning Products, Chemicals, Paint, etc.

Why is it a Problem? 
Many products that we frequently use in our homes and businesses are harmful to the environment.  These products, collectively called household hazardous waste, include cleaning products, soaps, paint, batteries, pesticides, personal care products, medications, car care fluids, and other chemicals.   If you wouldn’t drink it, it shouldn’t go into our waterways.

Right: Paint in a stream in Sumter County

What’s the Solution?
Only rain down the storm drain!  Never pour out extra products onto the ground, onto the street, or into storm drains.  Many of these products are not safe to pour down the sink either.  Even empty containers may not be safe to throw in the garbage.  For cleaners and chemicals, use the minimum amount that will do the job, and consider environmentally friendly products whenever possible.  Contact your local public works office for more information on safe disposal of household hazardous waste and drop-off locations.
Tips for Businesses
Train staff in the correct handling and disposal of household hazardous wastes.  Never pour out mop water onto the ground or down a storm drain.  Dispose of extra paints, cleaning products, pesticides, chemicals, and their empty containers correctly.  Use environmentally friendly cleaners, such as vinegar and baking soda as alternatives to harsh chemicals.  In some areas certain types of businesses are eligible for special pickups of waste products.  Click here for resources in your area.     ....back to list

Pesticides, Herbicides and Fertilizers

Why is it a Problem? 
Pesticides and herbicides are poisons used to control unwanted insects, animals, or weeds, and are therefore toxic to many living things in the environment, and often a risk for human health as well.  Fertilizers contain nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) that help your lawn and garden grow.  However, if too much fertilizer is applied, the extra amount will wash of during the next rain.  Once in streams and rivers, these nutrients encourage growth of weeds, and can result in unsightly algae blooms and fish kills.
What’s the Solution?
When using herbicides and pesticides, make sure you have correctly identified the pest and chosen a product intended for that pest.  Read the label carefully and follow all instructions regarding mixing, diluting, how much to apply, method of application, and how to dispose of extra product and empty containers.  Test your soil before applying fertilizer to see which nutrients (if any) are missing.  Not all soils or plants require fertilizer.  Clemson Extension offers inexpensive soil testing as well as help diagnosing plant problems – click here for more information.  Apply only as much fertilizer as necessary.  Never apply fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides when rain is forecasted.
Tips for Businesses:

• Make sure certification and training is current for all employees who handle and apply pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
• Cleanup spills using absorbent materials, not water.
• Mixing and pouring areas should not drain to storm drains.
• Never dispose of extra chemicals or rinse water down a storm drain.
  ....back to list

Leaves and Yard Waste

Why is it a Problem? 
Leaves and yard waste can clog storm drains.  This causes flooding, which can make driving dangerous and damage property.   Also, when leaves rot in a storm drain, they release nutrients, just like fertilizers, resulting in algal blooms and fish kills.
What’s the Solution?
Keep leaves, grass, and other yard waste away from storm drains.  Compost yard waste, and leave grass clippings on the lawn as natural fertilizer.  If you do put your yard waste on the curb for collection, bag it or place it in a container to keep it from washing into storm drains in case of rain.  And please don’t use a leaf blower to blow grass and leaves into the street!     ....back to list

Septic Systems and Sewage

Why is it a Problem? 
Sewage contains bacteria that can cause illness.  Sewage also contains nutrients that lead to algae blooms and fish kills.  Septic tanks can leak if not properly maintained, and sewer pipes can leak or rupture due to clogs, damage, or other reasons.
What’s the Solution?
Don’t let fats, oil, grease, paint, food scraps, or other materials that may clog pipes go down the drain.  Homes with septic tanks should NOT have a garbage disposal.  If you have a septic tank, have it inspected and pumped every 3 to 5 years.  Know where your septic tank leach field is, and never park or drive over it.  If you smell or see signs of a sewer leak, report it to your local utility.  If you have a camper or RV, always empty it’s sanitary tank to a proper location, never down a storm drain.  A storm drain is not a sanitary sewer!
Tips for Businesses
Businesses have sewer connections too.  Watch out for leaks and report them to your utility.    ....back to list

Pet Waste

Why is it a Problem? 
Pet waste contains bacteria that can be harmful to human health.  A dog’s waste contains 2 ½ times as much bacteria as a human’s.
What’s the Solution?
Pick up pet waste every time, in the yard and on walks.  Dispose of pet waste in the household garbage, down a toilet, or build a pet waste digester in your yard.
Tips for businesses
If visitors to your business location bring their pets, provide pet waste stations with bags and disposal.  This will keep your grounds attractive and healthy for visitors.  Apartment complexes are especially encouraged to provide pet waste stations for their residents.    ....back to list

Fats, Oils, and Grease

Why is it a Problem? 
Fat, oil, and grease from cooking can clog sewage pipes, leading to sewer line breaks and human waste and bacteria entering our streams and rivers.  Fat, oil, and grease can also be harmful to wildlife and damage sensitive habitats like wetlands.
What’s the Solution?
Avoid letting fat, oil, and grease go down the drain, and never pour these into storm drains or on the ground.  Pour or wipe cooled cooking oil and grease into the garbage, instead of down the sink.  Avoid cooking foods in ways that require or generate a lot of oil and grease.  Some communities are introducing used cooking oil recycling programs.  The oil can be used to create a type of bio-fuel.  Click here for resources in your area.
Tips for Businesses
Restaurants and food preparation businesses should install grease traps and interceptors, and these should be cleaned and maintained regularly.  Always pour or wipe grease and oil into the garbage rather that letting it go down the sink.  Outdoor Dumpsters and grease and oil storage containers should be covered and located as far away from storm drains as possible.  Inspect dumpsters and outdoor storage containers for leaks and spills.  Make sure all employees understand the importance of keeping grease out of the drains. More information for restaurant owners.     ....back to list

Swimming Pools

Why is it a Problem? 
Swimming pools contain chlorine and other chemicals used to control algae, bacteria, and other organisms harmful to human health.  Chlorine is toxic to fish and other aquatic life.
What’s the Solution?
Swimming pool discharges are generally not considered illegal, but the water must be dechlorinated first.  There are two options for dechlorinating your pool:

1. Dechlorinate your pool naturally: sunlight and evaporation will naturally remove chlorine from the swimming pool in 10 days or less. 
2. Or use chemical additives to dechlorinate your pool if it is necessary for the water to be dechlorinated more quickly.  This option is much less healthy for the environment. 

Whichever option you choose, test your water to be sure dechlorination is complete.  Requirements vary by community, but generally chlorine levels should be below 0.1 mg/L before you discharge the water.  Chlorine test kits can be purchased from swimming pool supply stores.  DHEC requires these kits at all public pools.  Check the pH.  Ideally, the pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5.  A pH of less than 5 and greater than 8.5 can be harmful to aquatic life.  To minimize erosion, don’t discharge water onto bare or loose soil.  Drain the pool as slowly as is practical.    ....back to list

Washing Machine Discharges

Why is it a Problem?Laundry detergent contains phosphates which can cause algae blooms in streams and ponds.  Although the drains from washing machines should connect into your sanitary sewer pipes (the same place the water from your toilet goes), in older homes the discharge pipe may empty to a nearby storm sewer, ditch or stream.
What is the solution?
Check your plumbing, especially if you have an older home!  Make sure all drain pipes from washing machines and dishwashers connect to sanitary sewer pipes.  If they don't, find a plumber to reroute the drain pipes.  Unpermitted connections to storm sewers are illegal in nearly all areas.

Medications

Why is it a Problem?
Previously, people were advised to flush unused medications down the toilet.  Recently, scientists have found that these medications might not be removed by waste water treatment plants.  Consequently, medications flushed down the toilet may contaminate drinking water or affect fish and wildlife.   For more information from the Environmental Protection Agency, visit www.epa.gov/ppcp.
What’s the Solution?
Do not flush medications down the toilet.   Instead, crush or dissolve them with water, and mix them with an unpalatable material like kitty litter or sawdust to keep curious wildlife or children from ingesting them.  Dispose of them in the garbage.  Some communities offer drop-off locations for unused medications.  Click here for resources in your area.
Tips for Businesses
If your business is a pharmacy or drug store, provide your customers with information on the safe disposal of unused medications.  Also consider offering safe drop-offs for unused medications.    ....back to list

Tips for Watering Your Yard Effectively

Find out if your community has watering restrictions. Many communities have responded to water shortages by implementing laws that restrict how many times per week residents can water their lawns, or for how long, and/or at what times. If you live in such an area, this article can still help you, but be sure to abide by the restrictions.

Water only when your grass needs it. Water conservation isn't the only reason to limit the amount of water you give your lawn. Overwatering is also bad for your lawn's health and can contribute to the development of fungus and disease. Many people, however, don't know that they're overwatering. Some types of grass require more water than others, and environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and wind, can dramatically affect how frequently you need to water your lawn. Fortunately, the most accurate way to determine whether your lawn needs water is also the easiest: just look at the grass. When grass needs water, it will begin to take on a blue-gray tint, and the older leaf blades on the plant will begin to curl up or wilt. In addition, footprints will remain on the grass for longer than usual, as the grass won't "bounce back." When 30-50% of your lawn shows these symptoms, it's time to water. 3

Water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Frequent shallow waterings encourage weed germination, and they also cause the grass plants' roots to grow shallow, leaving the plant more susceptible to drought and to certain diseases. Watering only when your grass really needs it encourages the roots to grow deeper, but only if you apply enough water each time to penetrate the root zone. The most accurate way to determine the depth of the root zone is to dig a small hole and measure how far the roots go down. Alternatively, you can follow these general approximations: if you have a bluegrass lawn, each watering should moisten the soil to 6-8 inches, while for most other grasses, the water should penetrate 8-12 inches. You can determine how long to leave the sprinkler(s) on by using one of the following methods.

o    Turn on your sprinkler for 15 minutes. After 18-24 hours, find out how deep the water soaked in by digging a small hole in the watered area or using a probe (a probe will push easily through damp ground). You can also push a shovel into the ground and use it as a lever to spread the soil apart enough so that you can see several inches below the surface. Once you see how deep the water went in 15 minutes, you can calculate how long you need to leave your sprinkler on. For example, if the soil is damp to 4 inches below the surface and your goal is to moisten the soil to a depth of 8 inches, you'll need to leave the sprinkler on for 30 minutes (2 X 15 minutes) each time you water.

o    Estimate how much water you'll need based on your soil type. In general, 1" of water will penetrate sandy soils to 12", loamy soils to 6-8", and clay soils to 4-5". Using these estimates isn't quite as accurate as digging, but it's pretty close, especially if you have a good knowledge of your soil composition. To figure out how long you need to keep your sprinkler or sprinkler system on, calibrate your sprinklers.

Water early in the morning. When you use sprinklers, some water evaporates before it hits the ground. On a hot, windy day, the amount of water that never reaches your grass can actually be quite substantial. To reduce loss to evaporation, water sometime between 4 A.M. and 9 A.M., when the air is still cool and the wind is usually at its calmest.

Aim your sprinklers to water the lawn, not the sidewalk or street. Slight adjustments to your sprinklers can save a lot of water. Ideally, you shouldn't water your sidewalk, patio, street, or driveway at all.

6Avoid creating runoff. Even with sprinklers correctly targeted at the lawn, many people water until (or even after) water begins to run off the grass and into the street or driveway. This can waste a lot of water, and it isn't doing your lawn any good. If water starts to run off your lawn before you've been able to give it a deep watering, turn off the water for 15-20 minutes to let the ground absorb the water, and then continue watering as needed (rotating a sprinkler between one area and another will also do the trick). Some soil types absorb water more slowly than others, but runoff can also be caused by excessive thatch buildup, which can promote disease--and which is sometimes caused by routine overwatering.

7Let the rain do your work for you. Nothing looks more wasteful than running your sprinklers while it's raining. If your sprinkler system is on a timer, get and install a rain sensor that automatically turns the water off when it rains. If possible, also avoid watering if rain is expected later in the day or during the next day. Your grass should be fine, even if it looks stressed. Use a rain gauge to determine how much rain you received, and then water a bit more only if needed.

2.     8

Get a Rain Barrel. Use a rain barrel to water gardens and landscapes. A properly installed rain barrel which harvests rain water from the gutters of your home provides ample water for gardens and landscape areas. Capturing this rain water reduces the amount of runoff that may otherwise be picking up garbage, oils, fertilizers, pesticides and other pollutants that are on your lawn, sidewalk and street. Thus, this also reduces the amount of pollution getting into our rivers, lakes, streams and ocean.

Water problem areas by hand. Many lawns have one or two spots that require more water than the rest of the lawn. A south-facing slope (or, in the Southern Hemisphere, a north-facing slope), or an unshaded area in an otherwise shady lawn are two common examples of these "problem areas." If you water your entire lawn every time you need to water these hot spots, you'll likely overwater everyplace but these spots. Instead, water them by hand or use a separate sprinkler that's not attached to the rest of your irrigation system.

Helpful Hints for Mosquito Control

• Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and early evening
• Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants whenever outdoors
• Avoid wearing perfume or other scented products
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin
• Use screens on open windows

Please contact Charleston County Mosquito Control Division if you are having trouble with mosquito control.

Alligator Safety Tips

ALLIGATOR SAFETY TIPS

Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water. Never allow small children to play alone near water.

Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing or possession of alligators.

Never feed or entice alligators-it is dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food.

Inform others that feeding alligators is illegal and creates problems for others who want to use the water for recreational purposes.

Be aware of the possibility of alligator attacks when in or near fresh or brackish water bodies.

Attacks could occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings.
Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.

Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at boat ramps or fish camps. Do not throw them in the water. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators when you this, the end result can be the same as feeding.

Do not allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in waters that may contain alligators or in designated swimming areas with humans. Dogs are more susceptible to being attacked than humans because dogs resemble the natural prey of alligators.

Never remove an alligator from its natural habitat or accept one as a pet. It is illegal and very dangerous to do so. Alligators cannot become tame in captivity, and handling even small ones can result in injury.

Observe and photograph alligators only from a distance. Remember they are an important part of South Carolina’s natural history as well as an integral component of freshwater ecosystems.

Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an alligator. Alligator bites often result in serious infections.

Construction Debris

Please be aware that many of the ponds are catching the construction debris. Always alert me if there are any areas that are in desperate need for attention.
Sean with Lake Doctors will be paying close attention to this situation.

mowing reminders

Please remember that if you recieve any mowing violations, take steps to handle this matter. If this goes continuously noticed and not fixed, the association will have someone mow your yard and charge you the costs.
These covenants are in place to keep Baker a great place to live.