I am very concerned about the environmental impact of increased traffic on air quality in the Borough. Air pollution levels must be assessed (nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the findings shared with the community. Air pollution in Bucks County is currently terrible (Cite for example, the 2025 State of the Air by the American Lung association. Bucks County receives a failing grade. There is a considerable body of research demonstrated that cars – and trucks even more so – are a significant source of air pollution which is linked to many health problems such as asthma, other respiratory conditions, reduced lung function – even increased rates of myocardial infarction, progression of atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular mortality. Diesel exhaust from trucks and buses has even been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as carcinogenic to humans – even at low levels and in short-term exposures. Research by Zhang et al. (2011) has demonstrated that vehicles tend to emit more pollutants in stop-and-start driving, e.g., when transitioning between free-flow and congested conditions. These pollutants take time to disperse and end up accumulating in the air at traffic lights. This will mean increased exposure to air pollutants for the people living along and near the roadway intersection of Rt. 413 and 213.

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I am very concerned about the environmental impact of increased traffic on air quality in the Borough. Air pollution levels must be assessed (nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the findings shared with the community. Air pollution in Bucks County is currently terrible (Cite for example, the 2025 State of the Air by the American Lung association. Bucks County receives a failing grade. There is a considerable body of research demonstrated that cars – and trucks even more so – are a significant source of air pollution which is linked to many health problems such as asthma, other respiratory conditions, reduced lung function – even increased rates of myocardial infarction, progression of atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular mortality. Diesel exhaust from trucks and buses has even been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as carcinogenic to humans – even at low levels and in short-term exposures. Research by Zhang et al. (2011) has demonstrated that vehicles tend to emit more pollutants in stop-and-start driving, e.g., when transitioning between free-flow and congested conditions. These pollutants take time to disperse and end up accumulating in the air at traffic lights. This will mean increased exposure to air pollutants for the people living along and near the roadway intersection of Rt. 413 and 213.

An air quality analysis is being completed for the project to address National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Clean Air Act requirements. The study follows the guidelines provided in PennDOT’s Publication 321: Project-Level Air Quality Handbook. The Handbook provides background information and technical guidance on applicable regulations, standards, and evaluation processes that are required to be considered for projects like this one.