Sierra Point Biotech Project

As you have probably noticed, grading work has started on the Sierra Point Biotech Project.  As a precursor to future building construction, the project contractor will be performing tests to refine the pile foundation system required to support the buildings on this former landfill site.  The piles have been designed to be approximately  225 feet in depth.  The testing program involves the installation and monitoring of 16 piles.  The actual pile driving will commence on September 6th and take approximately 3 weeks to complete. This will be followed by a restrike of the piles approximately 3 weeks later to ensure accurate performance results.  Restriking will occur in mid-October and take less than one week.

If you’re not familiar with pile driving, it’s essentially done to compress the surrounding soil, causing greater friction against the sides of the piles (or, prefabricated poles) thus increasing the pole’s load-bearing capactiy.  Ancient pile driving equipment used manual or animal labor to lift heavy weights, usually by means of pulleys, to drop the weight onto the end of the pile.  Modern pile driving equipment uses various methods to raise the weight and guide the pile. 

Today, environmental regulations require that piles be designed so they do not create a pathway for landfill pollutants to migrate from the site.  Therefore, piles driven through the landfill cap are required to be properly sealed in order to ensure the cap’s integrity. 

The hours of pile driving are limited to weekdays, 8:00am to 5:00pm.  No pile driving is permitted on weekends.

The project contractor, Hathaway Dinwiddie, has designated two Noise Disturbance Coordinators who will be responsible for addressing noise issues.  The two Coordinators are also required to report back to the City any noise concerns raised and how they were addressed.  Any noise concerns independently received by the City will be referred to the Noise Disturbance Coordinators:

• John Littlefield, Senior Superintendent (408-242-7081), and
• Mario Anaya, Superintendent (415-730-9768)  

  We apologize for any inconvenience the pile driving may cause you and thank you in advance for your patience during this important testing period.