Light pollution is rapidly becoming a problem for residents of North Georgia. The practice of using unshielded lighting fixtures is rapidly claiming the night sky. The glare caused by using the incorrect lighting fixtures not only increases sky glow, but creates a dangerous environment where excessively bright light blinds night drivers.
It is estimated that most lighting wastes almost 40% of the light produced by allowing it to scatter up into the sky instead of down on the ground where it is needed. Couple this with the estimate that about 40% of lighting is unneccessary, it is easy to see that bad lighting is wasting a huge amount of energy. Wasting this much energy gives Georgia Power the ammunition they need to "land grab" private property to keep up with demand.
This web site has been created to educate and inform residents about the problems and sources of light pollution in North Georgia. Businesses will be used as examples to illustrate both the problems as well as the successes. There are also solutions to Dawson County's light pollution problems. We would like to reiterate... this site is meant to educate, not to harass or harm any business.
A complete survey of lighting practices in Dawson County is planned. Presently, however, the main focus is on the area that is in most need and that is the GA 400 corridor. The sky glow from this area has doubled in the past 5 years.
Each business that is surveyed will be given a Lighting Grade, from A to F where A is Excellent Lighting and F is Poor Lighting. This grading level is developed with the following criteria:
Also planned is a lighting level evaluation, although cooperation from the owner is desired for this evaluation.