Light Pollution

[30A Skunkape]

Does anyone know if there is a definition of what constitutes light pollution in Walton County? I see that this is going to be discussed at the BCC meeting December 9th. We have a situation in Grayton that is getting out of control, and I am not talking about anywhere by the beach. We are being treated to needless uplighting of trees and a driveway which literally kills the pretty night sky we enjoyed before the 'improvement' (not to mention the homeowner cutting the Mediacom cable in the process:roll

 

[Camellia]

I hear you. I have called Chelco about those lights in Grayton, and think we should keep the pressure on them to eliminate needless and energy consuming lights that shine all through the night. It is really disturbing on the lake; the reflection creates light pollution. Who is benefitting from this light at 2 a.m.?
If local homeowners want lights on at night for protection, they should install
motion detector lights rather than powerful Chelco vapor lights.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Lighting Ordinance is still in the works for WalCo. Enforcement will be the biggest obstacle (IMO).

 

[John R]

Lighting Ordinance is still in the works for WalCo. Enforcement will be the biggest obstacle (IMO).

actually like decibels, lumens are quantifiable by a meter. I guess that would mean the deputies would need to know how to use them also.

 

[scooterbug44]

If it's shining on the lake, mayhap it is close enough to the gulf to be subject to DEP guidelines for lights.

Dunno if the overpowered pickups can help, but if it's more than a 30 watt and a direct light to the gulf I say call the FDEP for a turtle light violation.

There's safety or security lighting and then there's pollution and this certainly seems to fall into the latter category. :angry:

 

[30ashopper]

Wasn't there some sort of ordinance passed a while back to deal with the Wings establishments? I believe they were getting fined regularly which is why they now tone down their lights during business hours and shut them down at night.

 

[Beach Runner]

Here's a link http://www.co.walton.fl.us/default.asp?id=53. Go to the Click here to view a complete, searchable copy using the search key "light."

Here's a link to "Resolutions and Ordinances." I'd help you search, but it's way past my bedtime.

 

[BeachSiO2]

Does anyone know if there is a definition of what constitutes light pollution in Walton County? I see that this is going to be discussed at the BCC meeting December 9th. We have a situation in Grayton that is getting out of control, and I am not talking about anywhere by the beach. We are being treated to needless uplighting of trees and a driveway which literally kills the pretty night sky we enjoyed before the 'improvement' (not to mention the homeowner cutting the Mediacom cable in the process:roll

Yes, the meeting next week is discussing a new lighting ordinance for Sowal; however, it is limited to the Wildlife Protection Zone. The wildlife protection zone is approximately the beach and dune areas and the ordinance is a mitigation component of the County's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) which is needed to secure an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) and stems from the post hurricane armoring that occurred. I am not sure that it will address your specific issue due to its location but if you want a meeting with fireworks, it could be an interesting meeting to attend. It will likely be a come early stay late type of meeting.

 

[30A Skunkape]

I hear you. I have called Chelco about those lights in Grayton, and think we should keep the pressure on them to eliminate needless and energy consuming lights that shine all through the night. It is really disturbing on the lake; the reflection creates light pollution. Who is benefitting from this light at 2 a.m.?
If local homeowners want lights on at night for protection, they should install
motion detector lights rather than powerful Chelco vapor lights.

I am talking about a private residence. It looks like they did some landscaping and couldn't be content enjoying the fruits of their labor during daylight hours. All night long, and maybe all day too for all I know, the lot is illuminated by ground lights aimed skyward It kills the night sky. Also, since the lights went on I no longer hear the owls that used to congregate in the woods along Western Lake-I am not sure of cause and effect, however.

 

[30A Skunkape]

Yes, the meeting next week is discussing a new lighting ordinance for Sowal; however, it is limited to the Wildlife Protection Zone. The wildlife protection zone is approximately the beach and dune areas and the ordinance is a mitigation component of the County's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) which is needed to secure an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) and stems from the post hurricane armoring that occurred. I am not sure that it will address your specific issue due to its location but if you want a meeting with fireworks, it could be an interesting meeting to attend. It will likely be a come early stay late type of meeting.

Do you have a map of 'the zone'? This is on the bank of one of the little fingers of Western Lake.