16.0 LIGHTING 16.1 INTRODUCTION

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1 16.0 LIGHTING 16.1 INTRODUCTION The following assessment of lighting impacts of the Deltaport Third Berth Project is based on the report by Catherine Berris Associates Inc. and Associated Engineering (B.C.) Limited titled Visual and Lighting Assessment of the Roberts Bank Container Expansion Deltaport Third Berth Project (2004). This report is located in its entiretly in Technical Volume 10. An assessment was made of existing lighting at the Roberts Bank port facility and its impact at various representative viewpoints in the vicinity of the facility. This information was used to indicate the magnitude of any potential effects from the proposed development STUDY AREA The study area, for the purpose of the lighting impact assessment is similar to the study area for the visual landscape impact assessment, and is shown on Figure METHODOLOGY The methodology for the lighting impact assessment consisted of two phases: inventory and analysis. In order to establish existing night illumination levels, the following preparatory work was undertaken: review of available as-built drawings for existing lighting systems installed at the Roberts Bank port facility; create photometric models for the existing facility to determine the actual lighting levels; photograph the existing lighting systems from designated viewpoints to record existing conditions; review of previous Deltaport lighting designs; and review of lighting recommendations for port and intermodal facilities as published by Illuminating Engineering Society and the Canada Labour Code. Environmental Assessment Application Page 564

2 Following the understanding of the existing night illumination levels, future lighting conditions and their potential impacts were predicted LIGHTING TERMINOLOGY A glossary of lighting terminology used in this chapter is contained in Table The terms and definitions used are derived from the Lighting Handbook produced by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) (2000). Table 16.1 Lighting Terminology glare light trespass Term light pollution /sky glow brightness reflection cutoff angle light distribution classification Definition The sensation produced by luminance within the visual field that is sufficiently greater than the luminance to which the eyes are adapted. Glare comes in three forms: discomfort, disability and nuisance. Discomfort glare is defined as glare producing discomfort that does not necessarily interfere with visual performance or ability. Disability glare is defined as the effect of stray light in the eye whereby visibility and visual performance are reduced. Nuisance glare cannot be quantified presently, but is defined as light appearing where it does not belong. Light that is produced for a particular location, but affects adjacent areas. Generally light trespass falls into two categories: unwanted light and excessive brightness. Light trespass is somewhat suggestive, as it often relates to immeasurable or indefinable factors. Light pollution or sky glow is the result of dust, water vapour and other particles in the atmosphere that reflect light that is emitted into the atmosphere. The result, particularly in urban areas, is a decrease in the ability to see the night sky. A subjective attribute of any light sensation giving rise to the perception of luminous magnitude, including the qualities of being bright, light, brilliant, dim and dark. The process whereby part of the light falling on a medium leaves that medium from the incident side. Reflection can be specular, diffuse, spread or compound in nature, and all of these effects are generated from the lighting system, depending on the local weather conditions. For example, at Roberts Bank container terminal facility on a clear calm night, light is reflected off the smooth water surface, which almost acts like a mirror. On dark stormy nights, the light from the facility is scattered by reflecting off raindrops while the water surface is no longer calm, so specular reflectance is now more diffuse or spread, thereby giving a different visual image. The angle measured up from Nadir (vertical axis), and the first line of sight at which the bare source is not visible. The intensity distribution produced by the luminaire. There are four distribution patterns which are classified as: Full Cutoff, Cutoff, Semicutoff and Noncutoff. Full Cutoff is defined as: zero candela occurs at 90 or more and no more than 10% of candela output above 80. Cutoff is defined as: no more than 2.5% candela output occurs above 90 and no more than 10% above 80. Semicutoff is defined as: no more than 5% candela output above 90 and 20% above 80. Noncutoff is defined as: no candela limitation in the zone above maximum candela. Environmental Assessment Application Page 565

3 16.5 ROBERTS BANK PORT FACILITY LIGHTING DESCRIPTION The present lighting installations at the Roberts Bank port facility consist of two light sources: high pressure sodium lamps; and metal halide lamps. High pressure sodium lamps have a higher lumen/watt (light out to power in) ratio than other light sources and therefore have a lower operating cost. Some sacrifice is, however, made in colour recognition. This is typically not an issue where visual tasks are restricted to general recognition of shapes and obstructions rather than requiring identification of small items or print. High pressure sodium lamps on high-mast poles are used to illuminate the container yards at the Roberts Bank port facility, the intermodal yards and portions of the Roberts Bank causeway. Metal halide lighting has a slightly lower lumen/watt ratio than high pressure sodium lamps, but colour recognition is better. This type of lighting is therefore used in areas where critical visual tasks are required. Metal halide lighting is used on container loading equipment at the facility Container and Intermodal Yard Lighting The Roberts Bank port facility is illuminated to a calculated average maintained level of 50 lux with an average to minimum uniformity ratio of 2.2:1. This basically meets the minimum requirements set by the Canada Labour Code, which requires a lighting system to 2:1 average to minimum uniformity ratio, and an average maintained illumination of 50 lux. High pressure sodium lamps (floodlights) mounted on 35 m poles are used to illuminate the container and intermodal yards at the Roberts Bank port facility. Red aviation warning lights and surveillance cameras are also mounted on floodlights at the facility. Typically there are 12 to 16 luminaires on each pole, with aiming angles set at various angles up to a maximum of approximately 68. As defined by the manufacturer, the existing luminaires have a cutoff distribution when the aiming angle is set to less than 62.5, with semi-cutoff and non-cutoff distribution above 63. The use of floodlights which are aimed at angles greater than the published cutoff angle can cause visual disturbance (light trespass, excessive brightness and glare) to surrounding properties. Environmental Assessment Application Page 566

4 The existing lighting systems at the Roberts Bank port facility gives rise to complaints (due mainly to nuisance glare, brightness and light pollution) from the closest neighbours 3 km away and as far as Saturna Island, approximately 25 km to the southwest of the port facility. TSI has agreed to conduct a lighting study in 2005 to determine the feasibility to re-aim the lights at the cut-off angle. Adjusting the existing lighting downward to the cutoff angle may leave darkened areas on the site which would be unacceptable from a safety and security aspect. In order to balance the requirements for the lighting design, economics and site conditions, lighting designers will sometimes find it necessary to maximise the aiming angles to provide illumination beyond the cutoff angles in order to minimize the number of poles, and locations used. The ship-to-shore gantry cranes, which are used to load and unload shipping containers, have their own lighting systems mounted on the gantry arms. When the arms are raised or lowered, the view of the facility changes as seen from local residents, causing visual disturbance. The gantry arms are also outfitted with red aviation lights, as well as white flashing warning lights, for day use. TSI has installed a lighting control system on the arms of the ship-to-shore gantry cranes to automatically shut the lighting off after 15 minutes when the arm is raised, however, it would appear that these controls have been overridden as field observations have not been able to confirm the automatic shutoff is working. This issue has been reviewed with TSI and TSI has been advised and asked to correct it. Lighting on the gantry crane superstructure (main support column) is used to raise the illumination level around the perimeter of the crane for worker and vehicle safety. This lighting is of a floodlight nature, which spills light around the crane and also reflects off the white paint of the equipment, compounding the brightness effects on the surrounding residents Causeway and Rail Yard Lighting The Roberts Bank causeway consists of a two lane undivided road (Deltaport Way) and is for the most part, un-illuminated. The exception is at intersections where localized lighting and traffic signals are installed, as well as at the overpass structure, which takes road traffic above the railroad. The marshalling yards for the railroad are also illuminated using low level pole Environmental Assessment Application Page 567

5 mounted low pressure sodium lamps to provide lighting for safety of rail yard workers and security. The causeway is continuously illuminated from the intersection of Deltaport Way and Westshore Way into the facility REPRESENTATIVE VIEWPOINTS In order to assess the potential lighting impacts of the Deltaport Third Berth Project, four representative view points based on community and public use areas and on the distance and angle from the proposed development were identified as follows (Figure 16.1): 1. Tsawwassen First Nation Village (Longhouse); 2. B.C. Ferries causeway (first pullout); 3. Fred Gingell Park on High English Bluff hillside; and 4. Low English Bluff. The lighting impact of the proposed Deltaport Third Berth Project was assessed at each viewpoint. Environmental Assessment Application Page 568

6 N km Figure Night Viewpoint Locations

7 The four representative viewpoints are described below. 1. TFN Village The TFN village is a small community including homes and small businesses, the TFN Band Office, Longhouse and Youth Centre. The marine area and the Roberts Bank port facility are most visible during the day from the Band Office and Youth Centre located on the west side of the road through the village. The night time view of the port from the Longhouse seemed to be more representative of the effects the lighting system has on the Village than the daytime view of the facility. Most of the other homes and businesses are on the east side of the road are lower in elevation. The Roberts Bank port facility is most visible from the second storey of these structures. 2. BC Ferries Causeway - The BC Ferries causeway accommodates high levels of vehicle traffic destined for the BC Ferries terminal. The speed of traffic is typically high and there are open views to the north and south. The Roberts Bank terminal is a dominant feature to the north. There are two pullouts along the causeway; one near the shore and another just prior to the terminal. These are little used and mainly serve emergency purposes. 3. Fred Gingell Park (High English Bluff Hillside) - The High English Bluff area includes single family residences along Pacific Drive and English Bluff Road, as well as Fred Gingell Park. This area is on the western edge of a large community; the remainder of the community does not have views to the west due to the flat topography of the area. Views of the Roberts Bank terminal vary from home to home at High English Bluff based on siting and foreground vegetation. Fred Gingell Park is small and has a low level of use at night. 4. Low English Bluff - There are several pockets of development along Tsawwassen Beach at the foot of English Bluff, including the Tsatsu Shores condominium complex, and housing developments along the various portions of Tsawwassen Beach Road. These areas have views of the Roberts Bank port facility, which are comparable to the view from the BC Ferries causeway. Environmental Assessment Application Page 570

8 16.7 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS Construction Night time visual impacts would be created by the following elements during construction of the proposed Deltaport Third Berth Project: lighting associated with dredging in the berth, terminal and shipping channel areas; and, lighting associated with terminal construction activities, which would vary depending on the time of day and season, as well as the construction schedule milestones. Dredging Dredging would be undertaken 24 hours/day, seven days a week for a period of nine months and would be undertaken within the allowable dredging windows established by the DFO. Dredging is proposed to start in August This timeframe would require dredging equipment and ancillary vessels to be illuminated for longer periods of the day due to shorter daylight hours during these months. A detailed construction schedule showing the timing of dredging operations is provided in Chapter 2 Project Description. During hours of darkness, the ship would be illuminated to meet industry standards for occupational health and safety. Accordingly, equipment such as dredge masts and booms (which would be raised and lowered as needed to perform their duties) would be illuminated. The dredge would be set up in the water south and east of the existing facility and would therefore be closer to the Tsawwassen residential area than any of the present operations at Deltaport. As the dredge is mobile, it would be constantly relocating on a regular basis, which would present a changing lighting scenario to the surrounding residences. Modifications to the dredge lighting systems would be specified to shield light from spilling outside the basic working footprint of the dredge. Terminal Yard Construction Terminal yard construction is proposed to start in January 2007 with completion by spring Environmental Assessment Application Page 571

9 Lighting for terminal yard construction works would typically be low level, portable floodlighting until such time as the permanent high mast yard lighting used for operations is available. Other sources of light during construction activities would result from vehicle lights and equipment lighting. These lights would likely have minimal impact on the surrounding environment, mainly due to their relatively low intensity and height. Moreover, the effects of terminal yard construction lighting would be lessened because of the overall effects of the existing high mast lighting at the facility Operation The proposed Deltaport Third Berth Project would require expansion of the existing Deltaport lighting system. This expansion would be to the east and north of the existing lighting to accommodate the expanded container yard, new wharf, and tug moorage facility. There would also be three new gantry cranes along the waterfront to facilitate the loading of ships. These crane units would have their own lighting, similar to the existing cranes. The preliminary design parameters for the container yard lighting and area around the cranes are the same as for the existing facility (i.e. an average maintained level of 50 lux, with an average to minimum uniformity ratio of 2:1) Typical poles would be unpainted, galvanized steel approximately 36 m tall. Luminaires would be either 1000 or 400 watt high pressure sodium depending on the location Analysis of Lighting Impacts - Representative Viewpoints Analysis Framework A rating system has been developed to quantify the additional effect the expansion of the facility lighting system will have over the existing lighting conditions. Ratings of Low, Moderate and High have been established: Low rating: no changes in the lighting condition is anticipated, other than an enlarged lighted area will be seen, with no overall increase in brightness or glare anticipated. Environmental Assessment Application Page 572

10 Moderate rating: there may be some additional brightness or glare seen from a particular viewpoint, but the overall lighting condition should not worsen. High rating: there will be a significant increase in the lighting system, from additional brightness and/or glare from a particular viewpoint. Analysis Results and Impacts The proposed Deltaport Third Berth Project would not increase the overall lighting levels at the facility as viewed from off site, however, as the lighting would be extended over a larger area, there may be a perception that the overall brightness of the facility is greater. Photometric measurements were taken from each of the representative viewpoints, however, no measurable readings were attainable, due to the very low level of light at each location and its distance from the source. Extraneous local lighting at each location was all that could be recorded with the instrumentation used. Photometric models were created based on using both the existing floodlight style with cutoff optic luminaires as well as using downlight style cutoff luminaires. The photometric models indicated that the use of downlight cutoff luminaires, which direct the vast percentage of light output downward toward the work area, rather than outward and upward, as is partly the case with the existing installation, would minimize sky glow and light trespass. The expanded lighting system at the facility would have different effects on the night-time visual environment from each of the representative viewpoints. Viewpoint comparisons are shown on Figures 16.2 to TFN Village - The TFN is likely to experience the most impact from the Deltaport Third Berth Project, however the overall additional impact should be low to moderate, depending on the lighting design and equipment chosen during detailed design. The village is low in relation to the lighting system, and is located the closest to the facility. The expanded lighting system would bring the lighted facility even closer to the village than it is at present. The low viewing angle and the height of the proposed poles may afford some vision of the luminaire face, which Environmental Assessment Application Page 573

11 is the main cause of glare. These issues may be difficult to resolve given present technology, however it is predicted that any glare would mainly be nuisance glare BC Ferries Causeway and Low English Bluff - The view from the BC Ferries causeway and Low English Bluff area would see an enlarged lighting area, extending eastward from the existing facility. The lighting system would not come any closer to these viewpoints, the overall lighting level would not increase and therefore it is predicted the impact of the addition to the lighting system should be low on this area. Fred Gingell Park (High English Bluff Hillside) - The view from High English Bluff area would likely be the least affected by the Deltaport Third Berth Project lighting if downlight style cutoff luminaires are employed. Overall, this area looks down on the Roberts Bank port facility, and as the light source would not generally be visible from this vantage point, most issues with the lighting, except perhaps certain reflective glare issues, should be minimized. This viewpoint would also see an enlarged lighting area, but no overall increase in lighting levels, and as a result, it is predicted the impact of the expanded lighting system on this are should be low. Environmental Assessment Application Page 574

12 Causeway and Railyard Lighting from TFN Longhouse View from TFN Longhouse Reference: Associated Engineering Figures 10 & 11 Figure Night View from TFN Longhouse

13 View from BC Ferries Causeway (Westshore Coal Terminal is on the extreme left) View from Low English Bluff (Tswwassen Beach Road) Reference: Associated Engineering Figure 11 Figure Night View from BC Ferries and Low English Bluff

14 View from Fred Gingell Park - High English Bluff (BC Ferries Terminal and Causeway in Foreground) Reference: Associated Engineering Figure 11 Figure Night View from Fred Gingell Park (High English Bluff)

15 Flora and Fauna Discussion on lighting impacts on flora and fauna is provided in Chapter 10 Marine Environment, Chapter 11 Waterfowl and Coastal Seabirds, and Chapter 12 Terrestrial Wildlife Safety and Security The main function of lighting is to provide a safe operating environment for workers who have to perform their duties when natural light is not present or sufficient. Lighting is also required for security of both the public and of property. Since the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, the security of ports has become of leading importance not only to governments, but also to business, industry and the public. Regulations have been enacted that require port facilities to institute stronger security measures to attempt to prevent the entry of materials and persons that may threaten the security of society. Video surveillance and lighting are two of the forms of security enhancements. Transport Canada has issued a Code Compliant certificate to TSI, the operator of Deltaport, to certify they meet the requirements of the International Ship and Port Requirements (ISPS), which came into effect July 1, MITIGATION MEASURES Construction Dredging Activities Modifications to the dredge lighting systems would be specified to shield light from spilling outside the basic working footprint of the dredge. Terminal Yard Construction Lighting during construction would likely have minor impacts on neighbouring communities. The following mitigation measures would, however, be adopted to minimise lighting impacts during terminal yard construction: ensure lighting equipment is pointed north and west as much as possible (to reduce impacts to residents who are typically located east and south of the Roberts Bank port facility) implement shielding on construction lighting, Environmental Assessment Application Page 578

16 developing a 24 hour environmental helpline for lighting events so that terminal personnel can identify what operations are causing the most disturbance in the community Operation The following mitigation measures would be implemented to reduce potential lighting impacts during operation of the proposed Deltaport Third Berth Project and would be detailed in the lighting design plan as part of the final Project design: the use of downlight style cut-off luminaries for the wharf and container yard areas (illustrated on Figure 16.5); the exclusive use of metal halide luminaries for wharf and container yard areas; the use of lighting control systems to reduce of the amount of lighting in selected areas during periods of low activity; incorporate the automatic light shutdown system when the boom is raised and inactive for longer than 15 minutes for the new ship to shore gantry cranes evaluate the use of innovative mounting systems for the lighting on the ship-toshore gantry cranes to minimize light throw during raising and lowering of the equipment. This would include examining options for mounting luminaries on the arms of the gantry cranes to prevent them from rotating when the arms are raised and lowered; the use of downlighting rather than floodlighting on the gantry crane superstructure; and develop a 24 hour environmental helpline for lighting events so that terminal personnel can identify what operations are causing the most disturbance in the community In addition, VPA and TSI have reviewed a number of lighting concerns raised by local residents with respect to the existing terminal. In response to these concerns, TSI has agreed to implement the following in 2005: Environmental Assessment Application Page 579

17 a review of the existing lighting equipment and sources, (based on reusing the existing pole locations); the feasibility of incorporating shielding, if appropriate; and, re-familiarize the the crane operators on the importance of ensuring the ship to shore gantry crane arm lights are off when not in operation and ensure that the automatic shutdown of the gantry arm lighting system is operating. Environmental Assessment Application Page 580

18 Existing Luminaire Widelite Aktra 1000 Watt High Pressure Sodium Alternate Downlight Style Cutoff Luminaire Luminaire with Non or Semi Cutoff Optics Luminaire with Cutoff Optics Reference: Associated Engineering Figure 13 Figure Comparison of Luminaire Effects

19 16.9 RESIDUAL EFFECTS The residual effects of the lighting system on the local area surrounding the port should be minimal providing the mitigation measured outlined herein are implemented for the Project. Implementation of some or all of the mitigation measures recommended for the existing lighting at the Deltaport should provide an overall reduction of the residual effect that lighting has on the surrounding communities, and provide some measure of relief to the outstanding concerns of the neighbours. The levels of glare would be reduced, except perhaps nuisance glare caused primarily from reflectance. The lighting as observed from the communities at High English Bluff and Low English Bluff would be restricted to the Roberts Bank port facility, with little direct light observed. Although these viewpoints would see an enlarged lighting area, there would not be an increase in overall lighting levels. The downlight style cutoff luminaires would further reduce the lighting impact, especially at Low English Bluff. Given that the TFN Village is closer to the Port than both High English Bluff and Low English Bluff, viewing angles would be greater and therefore more of the light source may be visible. With the implementation of downlight style cutoff luminaries for the Project and by re-aiming the existing Deltaport terminal lights, there would, however, be an improvement over the existing lighting conditions CONCLUSION The impact of the proposed Deltaport Third Berth Project would be low at all representative viewpoints, however, the effect on the TFN Village may be slightly higher than for the other areas given its low elevation and close proximity to the facility. It is expected that with the implementation of downlight style cutoff luminaries for the Project and luminaire re-aiming at the existing Deltaport terminal, there should be an improvement over the existing lighting conditions. Environmental Assessment Application Page 582