The Port of Seattle will being installing and testing piles at Terminal 5 beginning the first week of January and extending through the last week in March 2016.

The work is part of the design phase of the Terminal 5 Improvements Project.

Once complete, data obtained will be used to minimize the amount of pile driving required for wharf strengthening. These tests said the Port have the potential to reduce construction related noise as well as reduce project costs.

Close to 27 piles will be installed at the margin of the Terminal 5 wharf. Work will start early, at 8:00 am and be active until 5pm weekdays and from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Saturdays. This is in compliance with the City of Seattle's noise ordinance. No work will be done on the project on Sundays.

Twelve of the 27 piles will be installed using "vibratory methods" according to the Port. The remaining fifteen will be installed using both vibratory and impact pile driving methods. That second method will produce sound that will carry to surrounding areas.

After installation, some of the piles will be tested using a method called "rapid load testing" which the Port said, sounds like half second cannon shot. It can be very loud, as loud as 145 decibels at a distance of 50 feet from the test. Nine total tests are planned, with only one per day. That work will take place weekdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

The West Seattle Herald will receive updates on the installation and testing and the Port has set up a phone number for further information 206.787.6880 and and email address Terminal5_Outreach@portseattle.org