Flower Hill Central Corporation

Water Quality is affected by the accumulation of trash, oil, and rubber from cars, fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns, sediment from bare or poorly vegetated ground, and other pollutants entering streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. The inflow of sediment can cloud water, blocking sunlight from submerged plants. Sediment also settles to the bottom of streams, clogging the gravel beds used by fish for laying their eggs. Nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, from fertilizers, enter the water and promote unusually rapid algae growth. As this algae dies, its decomposition reduces or eliminates oxygen needed by fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life for survival. These are all examples of nonpoint source pollution, one of the significant contributors to the degradation of quality in Maryland’s waterways. Stormwater management practices help control nonpoint source pollution through the use of nonstructural and/or structural techniques to intercept surface runoff from developed areas, filter and treat this runoff and then discharge it at a controlled rate. The overriding condition that governs the quantity of stormwater runoff is the amount of impervious surfaces located on your property (driveways, roofs, carports, sidewalks, etc.). The Stormwater quality is a direct result of the accumulation of pollutants on the entire surface area. Regardless of whether your property is grassed or paved, as the use of chemicals around the home increase with fertilizers, pesticides, engine oils, de-icing materials, and similar products increases, the more degraded the stormwater runoff from your property will be. Although the effect of one property on the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff may seem insignificant, the cumulative impact from hundreds of thousands of yards across the State continues to be destructive to our water quality.

These Activities Will Minimize Stormwater Runoff from Your Property:
• Limit the number of impervious surfaces in your landscape. Use permeable paving surfaces such as wood decks, bricks, and concrete lattice to allow water to soak into the ground. Where possible, direct runoff from impervious surfaces across vegetated areas.
• Allow “thick” vegetation or “buffer strips” to grow alongside waterways to filter and slow runoff and soak up pollutants.
• Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcover. They will absorb up to fourteen times more rainwater than a grass lawn, and they don’t require fertilizer. For more information on environmentally-friendly planting and “Bayscaping,” contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

These Activities Will Reduce Fertilizer, Pesticide, and Sediment Runoff: Use natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. If you must use fertilizers or pesticides, test your soil to determine the appropriate amount. For more information, contact the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service at 1-800-342-2507. If a lawn care company services your lawn, make sure they are not applying “blanket” applications of fertilizer and pesticides. Ask if they have conducted soil tests and a pest analysis to determine appropriate applications. Re-sod or re-seed bare patches in your lawn as soon as possible to avoid erosion. Stormwater Management Regulations are regulations governing Maryland’s stormwater management program and are located in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.17.02. The Maryland Department of the Environment, Water Management Administration, is pleased to announce the adoption of the 2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual, Volumes I & II (COMAR 26.17.02.01-1). The effective date of the new regulations and the manual is October 2, 2000. The revised COMAR is available from the Office of the Secretary of State, Division of State Documents (DSD) (www.dsd.state.md.us). Supplement to the Model Stormwater Management Ordinance The Maryland Department of the Environment, Water Management Administration (MDE/WMA) has published a Supplement to the Model Stormwater Management Ordinance. This supplement contains optional content for implementing an advanced stormwater management program in Maryland. MDE provides this guidance to assist county and municipal code development as part of local land use and planning to enhance protection of receiving waters, and meet the requirements of the Water Resources Element of local Comprehensive Plans. While all local development review and approval processes are unique, MDE will use this document as a template to ensure the effective implementation of advanced stormwater management ordinances.

Montgomery County Code Enforcement Changes to be Effective in Spring 2011 – New code enforcement laws initiated by the County Executive and approved by the County Council are designed to help protect residential neighborhoods. These laws went into effect on April 24, 2011. For more information about these new laws and how they may affect you, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/good neighbors.

Many residents incorrectly assume their local sub association’s trash service will pick up items. Please check with your sub-association before placing bulk items out for trash pickup. Flower Hill will no longer incur the cost to remove items placed out by residents in your community. Each sub-association must make arrangements for removal of bulk items placed on the common area in your community.

Snow removal in the Townhouse communities are somewhat more complicated. Each townhome owner is responsible for clearing the sidewalk in front of and on the side of their unit.

The only community where the lines are quite clear is Southridge. At Southridge, the individual property owners own the walkways. The FHCC will clear connectors between townhouse groupings and entry area walkways that lead to public streets.

The condominiums are responsible for all of their walkways. FHCC will clear the long sidewalk along Snouffer School Road and Emory Grove Road, and portions of the walkway along Strawberry Knoll Road and Centerway Road. Asphalt paths that intersect the common grounds and lead to recreational areas will not be cleared except for the walks that lead to schools. Please feel free to call the FHCC office at 301-208-1314 with any questions.

Attention Pet Owners

Pet waste left to decay on sidewalks, lawns, or common areas is a stinky mess! It’s also unhealthy for people and the environment. If you don’t scoop your pet’s poop, rain can wash that waste into storm drains and streams, making them unsafe. Pet waste frequently contains bacteria and parasites, which can severely sicken people, pets, and wildlife. Nutrients in animal waste can cause algae blooms, cloudy water, and can kill fish. PICK UP WASTE AND PLACE IT IN A SEPARATE TIED-UP PLASTIC BAG FOR DISPOSAL WITH YOUR HOUSEHOLD TRASH. Residents can file a complaint with the County by calling 240-777-0311