The Bypass, because of its geographic proximity to important historic sites, park lands, scenic rivers, and ecologically critical areas will have direct, indirect, and cumulative effects on the natural and human environment and the unique characteristics of the area. Although the stated purpose of The Millstone Bypass is to remove traffic signals on Route 1, it is not simply an overpass. It is a 2.3 mile new roadway and part of a larger segmented project. Not taking these interrelated connections into the traffic analysis gives faulty induced demand data. The segmentation of these projects is in violation of NEPA requirements and obscures the total social and cumulative environmental impacts.
Mercer County is considered a severe non-attainment area under the Federal Clean Air Act.
Currently, the State of New Jersey is in non-compliance with Clean Air Act requirements for reducing air pollution. This project will impact the wetlands and woodlands known as Penns Woods. The Bypass will encroach upon the Millstone River stream corridor and proposes filling wetlands in this environmentally sensitive site. It is the most widely used recreational facility in the area for walking, jogging and boating. This park is the largest uninterrupted segment of the East Coast Greenbelt.