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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationVisual ImpactsThe activities proposed under the No-Action Alternative (including the Taxiway M lighting upgrade and theAMF) were not expected to change the visual environment at the Airport because they were constructed inareas currently occupied by airport facilities and were not substantially different from what exists today.However, the Current Part 150 VLAP could result in additional properties being acquired and demolished,thereby changing the visual environment in these areas.5.18.4.2 Alternative B2The following section describes lighting and visual impacts associated with on- and off-Airport components forAlternative B2.Light EmissionsConsideration is given to light emissions associated with on-Airport elements and off-Airport roadways.On-Airport Program ComponentsThe expanded passenger terminal and adjacent facilities would include additional lighting for the concourseexpansion and associated apron. It is anticipated that the additional lighting would not adversely impact thesurrounding community. The existing terminal concourse facility would continue to block general and tasklighting on the airside from the residents and businesses to the northwest, and the proposed South Service Areawould block the lighting from the residents and businesses to the south.The South Service Area would be located near an existing GSE maintenance and belly cargo facility with similarfunctions and, therefore the lighting associated with the program enhancements would not be perceived by thesurrounding community as a significant change or increase. Also, a new parking garage located between thesefacilities and the nearest residential area would shield residents from the associated light emissions.Both the new structured parking garage and the expanded surface parking lot would be located in areas alreadyused for vehicle parking. By locating the access to the parking garage facing Airport-owned land and having asolid wall or screening facing the adjacent neighborhood, it is not anticipated that additional light emissionsfrom new or expanded parking facilities would cause annoyance or interfere with normal activities.Additional light poles associated with the expansion and modification of the Airport roadway system are notexpected to cause an annoyance or interfere with normal activities because the areas currently have ambientlighting from either the existing roadways or adjacent facilities along the roadways. All new lighting fixtureswould use downcast hoods that avoid light propagation to neighboring areas.The Integrated Cargo Facility light emissions are not expected to cause significant annoyance or interfere withnormal activities. The new lighting would be similar to the cargo facility lighting at this location under theNo-Action Alternative. The facility is located on Airport property and is not near residential areas. Standardlighting of the building and employee lot would be used to enhance security of the area.Because these program components would be located on-Airport and are typical of airport-related uses, theywould not contribute to a noticeable increase in light impacts to the surrounding community.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-271 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc