The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires projects involving a federal action to be evaluated for potential environmental impacts.  The NEPA process was followed during the preliminary design/environmental studies stage of the project. 

The environmental impacts for the project are identified in the Environmental Assessment (EA, revised April 2002).  Although the detailed environmental analysis identified several types of impacts, none of the environmental impacts were considered substantial and the impact of the highway construction project upon the environment can be lessened or mitigated by proactively implementing steps in the initial phase of construction.

Within the project limits, US 322 traverses 11 streams, but none are considered high quality fishing waters. Sixty wetlands areas were identified and delineated in the project area. Most of the wetlands are relatively small in size and many extend outside and beyond the limits of the US 322 project corridor. Historically, most of the wetlands in the area have been filled, graded, or otherwise disturbed as part of ongoing development. Other notable environmental resources within the study area include floodplains, a population of a Pennsylvania Rare Plant Species, scattered clusters of residential and commercial development, pockets of adjacent agricultural lands, the county-operated Clayton Park Golf Course and Park (located in Concord and Bethel townships), and seven historic properties considered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The findings of the EA were presented to the public at two public meetings held in fall 2001.  After receiving and addressing public comments regarding environmental issues associated with the preferred alternative, the EA was submitted to the Federal Highway Administration for approval.  On July 16, 2002, the Federal Highway Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) indicating that the project has no significant environmental impacts thus permitting the project to continue with the preliminary design phase.  The preliminary design was approved and Final Design activities began in 2003.