Test Pile Program Construction Update: May 23, 2016

Test Pile Program successes continue and we are now at the half-way point! Last week, the Port of Anchorage (POA) drove two more test piles to the target depth of 174 feet below mean low water (MLW) line. Previous piles had been driven to depths ranging from 133 feet to 175 feet below the MLW line. This data will be used to refine further design and construction requirements for Phase 1 in-water construction, scheduled to begin in 2018.

The POA's noise monitoring program is also showing promising results. Preliminary data collected at the Government Hill and Cherry Hill monitoring sites during previous pile-driving efforts indicates that in-air noise levels are below Municipality of Anchorage noise thresholds. The full report detailing the noise and vibration monitoring effort will be available later this fall.

This week, construction on the sixth test pile is planned for Wednesday, May 25, 2016, near Terminal 1 (Indicator Pile #7 on the map). The Derrick Barge General will move south later in the week, and one additional pile will be driven prior to the Memorial Day weekend break. Both piles will test bubble curtain noise mitigation systems as an in-water noise reduction technique. The Port remains on schedule and the last pile is currently anticipated to be installed on June 4, 2016, pending tidal or other construction constraints.

Our next e-mail update will be sent Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day holiday!