GEORGE NEWS - Concerns about the impact of a very bright light beam on the roof of the Astron filling station in Wilderness were first brought to the attention of George Municipality (GM) last year, but were not addressed.

Wilderness resident Prof Christo Fabricius approached George Herald two weeks ago, upset that his complaint with the GM had still not elicited any action.

 His concerns were with some higher lying properties that were right in the line of the light's glare.

"I am convinced that Astron's light pollution is in violation of several clauses in Section 8 of the Outdoor Advertising Management and Control by-law," said Fabricius, who'd lodged his complaint in October. 

Subsequent communications between him and the officials, and the filling station, were to no avail, even though the municipality had confirmed to Fabricius that an application by Astron for an advertising lighting permit was still being processed.

According to Section 8, written permission from the GM is needed before an advertising sign is connected to electricity supply, and floodlighting must be positioned so that it minimises light spill. Illumination should also not have a detrimental effect on a residential building or the character of the neighbourhood.

Fabricius said Astron had ignored numerous appeals regarding the removal of the light that has been an unpleasant disturbance to their night-time view and was causing sleep disruption. He pointed out the negative effect of artificial lighting on people's health, saying that recent scientific research has found a strong link between exposure to artificial lighting and Alzheimer's disease.

After the newspaper's queries to GM and Astron two weeks ago, on Tuesday 24 June, Astron responded that it has made adjustments to the light and that it was coupled to a timer that would deactivate it at 18:00 and reactivate it at 06:00. "No concerns were raised regarding the Astron name sign, so it remains unchanged."

The GM also responded on Tuesday, saying that the premises was inspected following the complaint and that the issue has been resolved. Additionally, the Planning and Development Directorate is investigating potential by-law or legislative contraventions related to luminance. If any are found, further action will follow.

"The municipality is also reviewing by-laws to better address such issues. Astron's manager has expressed full co-operation to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations," said the municipality.

Protect our night sky

DarkSky International (Ida), an association that is the recognised authority on light pollution, has developed a model lighting ordinance (MLO) that can be used by government authorities as a guide when creating by-laws regarding lighting.

In South Africa, this is largely ignored.

According to Dr Arne Witt, an international environmental expert from Wilderness, a group of concerned local residents have suggested to the George Municipality (GM) in the past that a lighting by-law be introduced. 

"We even offered to pay an expert to develop one and said to the GM they could adapt it as required. This was rejected. 

"Apparently the issue was raised at a broader national meeting and the participants from ministries said they would be interested in developing a national lighting law, or something along those lines. This obviously never happened."

He said artificial light at night (Alan) is known to contribute to ill health in people, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers such as breast cancer, and anxiety and depression. 

"Light pollution is also known to have a serious negative impact on biodiversity, especially insects, many of which play a critical role in terms of food production by pollinating our food crops."

This bright light beam is now being switched off at night.

Joan Musto, also from Wilderness, says the amount of lighting in Wilderness has increased significantly in recent years due to development. "People should keep in mind that when you put up lighting, you are making a decision for your neighbour. When we moved here, I used to take a walk at night with my star book, but now the view of the night sky is so downgraded, it is not really worth it."

Another Wilderness resident, Lerika Cross, says she would also like to see light pollution being better regulated. 

"It is possible. In Betty's Bay, a light pollution campaign by residents in the early 2000s led to the inclusion of stipulations in the local by-laws that protect non-intrusive lighting. 

"I am also in contact with a Hermanus resident, Dr Pierre de Villiers, who took existing by-laws and submitted proposed amendments to the Overstrand Municipality in line with the Ida draft by-laws in an effort to reduce light pollution in their area."

Throughout the world, there have been various success stories where the dark sky has been protected - also in nature areas. More information is available at darksky.org.

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