PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Leaders of two environmental groups blasted the proposed East-West highway project Monday saying it would create an environmental nightmare.

The leaders of the Forest Ecology Network and RESTORE The North Woods, cited 63 conservation, recreation or historic sites that could be impacted by the project.

The problem is no specific route for the highway has been identified yet. The leaders of the group say they based their map on a 2008 proposed route and information gathered from public presentations on the plan.

"It will bring noise and light pollution, reduce water and air quality, loss of wilderness recreation and many, many other negative ecological impacts", said Jonathan Carter of the Forest Ecology Network.

Cianbro Corporation President and CEO Peter Vigue is the biggest backer of the project. He says it will have environmental impacts, but to suggest it will be risking water quality and the North Maine woods is unfounded and untrue.

He went on to say "We'll do everything required under the law to protect the environment".

A $300,000 feasibility study approved by the Maine Legislature is expected to be completed by January.

NEWS CENTER