T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program - FEIS Chapters - PVD

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) Evaluation5.18.2.1 Finding: No Significant Light Emissions and Visual Environment ImpactsThere are no significant light or visual impacts since neither Alternative B2 nor Alternative B4 would result inlight emissions that would create annoyance that would interfere with normal activities in the surroundingareas, and visual impacts would be consistent with the existing visual environment. The visual impacts to theeligible airport historic district and contributing elements and historical properties are discussed in Section 5.8,Historic, Architectural, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources.5.18.3 MethodologyIn order to determine if lighting from any of proposed facilities would create an annoyance to the surroundingcommunity, Alternatives B2 and B4, and the corresponding components, were analyzed based on the sourcesand locations of additional or modified lighting, in relation to the baseline ambient light (see Figure 4-37 forlocations of existing lighting). The location of proposed lighting from new on-Airport facilities, roadways, andrunway approach lighting systems in relation to surrounding neighborhoods was assessed for potential impactsto surrounding neighborhoods.According to the Environmental Desk Reference for Airport Actions, “visual or aesthetic effects are inherently moredifficult to define and assess because they involve subjectivity. Visual effects deal broadly with the extent towhich airport development contrasts with the existing environment, architecture, historical or cultural setting,or land use planning.” The visual impact analysis includes a qualitative assessment of impacts to views fromsurrounding residential neighborhoods as a result of property acquisitions and roadway changes.5.18.4 Impact AssessmentThis section addresses light emissions impacts for Alternatives B2 and B4, and the No-Action Alternative.5.18.4.1 No-Action AlternativeA variety of lighting systems are required by the FAA at airports that operate in all weather conditions. Theselighting systems are designed to permit aircraft to operate safely, both day and night.Light EmissionsAirfield and landside lighting systems at T.F. Green Airport include: rotating beacon, taxiway edge andcenterline lights, runway edge and centerline lights, runway threshold lights, runway end identifier lights(REIL), runway approach light systems, lighted runway and taxiway signs, obstruction lights, terminal buildinglighting, and parking lot and access road lighting.Under the No-Action Alternative, Taxiway M was equipped with appropriate edge and centerline lights as wellas required lighted signage. The AMF did not require any additional lighting other than typical buildingmountedlighting. Because the additional airfield and runway lighting was located on the inner portions of theairfield, away from view of any surrounding community, and the minimal amount of additional lighting for thetaxiway and the AMF, it was not anticipated that these enhancements would cause annoyance or interfere withnormal activities in the surrounding community.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-270 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc