NIGHT SKY AND DARK ENVIRONMENTS: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR ARTIFICIAL LIGHT AT NIGHT ON BLM-MANAGED LANDS TECHNICAL NOTE 457 67 5.6.9 Use Enclosed Flare Systems for Gas Flaring Associated with Oil and Gas and Similar Operations Enclosed flare systems are also called combustors or thermal oxidizers. Although gas flaring does not occur all the time, when it does occur, it happens for several reasons such as for an emergency or due to equipment issues. Flaring may occur with both oil and gas wells and at various points in the life cycle of the well. When light pollution is a concern, operators may voluntarily commit to enclosed flare systems at permitting. Incorporate enclosed flare systems in the surface use plan of operations (SUPO). Enclosed flare structures are insulated vertical cylinders (a combustion chamber) containing a burning head. The cylinder shields the light, noise, and heat release. There is no visible flame or flame tower protruding above surrounding structures. Gas flaring systems are used for air pollution abatement as well as for aesthetic effects (EPA 2003; Ohio EPA 2014). Notes: Enclosed flare systems add to a project cost yet add minimal operation and maintenance costs (Attaway and Coyle 2016; Baker Furnace, Inc. 2015). 5.6.10 Where Decreased Visibility Is Desired, Reduce Reflectivity of Illuminated Surfaces Where decreased visibility is desired, reduce the reflectivity of illuminated surfaces by darkening them with metallic black-out paint or other dark coatings and using matte finish. This practice reduces the brightness of trespass light and glare and is especially effective when surfaces are wet from irrigation, rain, or snowmelt. Notes: Technical requirements of the surface may dictate the color or finish. Purchase and apply paint and other coatings and maintain as required. Darkening highly reflective surfaces may be difficult or impossible in some situations, if, for example, the surface is subject to extremely high temperatures and cannot be painted/ coated. Consider the presence of snow when deciding where and when to light, because snow on the ground may reflect light upward strongly. Enclosed flare systems have no visible flame, and their use minimizes ecological and aesthetic effects, while reducing emissions. The light-colored surfaces of this solar facility reflect light and increase contrast with the surrounding dark environment.
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