Final EIR for MHS BB Construction Released

• Light Pollution Remains Major Issue

BY SUZANNE GULDIMANN

The final environmental impact report for Measure BB-funded construction on the Malibu High School campus, released this week, indicates that the project will have a “significant and unavoidable impact” on dark skies, and that the light pollution generated by the development project will create permanent light pollution that will potentially change the “character” of the community.

The draft EIR received 30 comment letters expressing concern over aspects of the proposed project, which includes a 150-space parking lot, lit until 10 p.m. on school nights with 18-foot poles on a bluff overlooking the school, a new library and two-story middle school building and a new drop off area for students.

The majority of the letters expressed concerns over the impact of the parking lot lights on the area’s dark skies.

“Night lighting associated with the 150-space parking lot that would be operational until 10 p.m. on school nights with some exceptions, would result in a significant and unavoidable impact due to the night lighting’s contribution to sky glow, discussed in detail under DEIR Impact 4.1-3. As disclosed on DEIR page 4.1-82, “... Between the hours of dusk and 10 p.m. on evenings when school is in session, the proposed outdoor lighting’s contribution to sky glow would further reduce the contrast of stars and other celestial objects against the dark sky background, which are considered natural scenic resources,” the EIR states.

“To reduce the Proposed Project’s impact, mitigation measures 2 intended to direct light downward onto school property and to maintain the dark conditions of the surrounding area during the late hours of the night have been identified,” the report states.

However, “implementation of these mitigation measures would not reduce this impact to a less than significant level. Therefore, in consideration of the existing night lighting conditions in the surrounding area, the DEIR has made the appropriate significant and unavoidable impact finding.”

In addition to the parking lot and a new access road, other elements of the project include a reconfigured pick up and drop off area; a new library; a new two-story middle school building; two new tennis courts; synthetic turf for the athletic field; and improved waste water systems.

The Final EIR is available online at www.malibucity.org or www.smmusd.org

SMMUSD’s Board of Education will consider certifying the Final EIR and adopting findings, a statement of overriding considerations, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program at the SMMUSD Board meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at Malibu City Hall.