CORE Filter Socks: New Production Hub Signals Growth

In the ever-evolving world of erosion control, Millwood’s Core Erosion Control brand has emerged as a pivotal player. One of our latest undertakings, a five-month project at our Waco, TX, operation involved the creation and installation of the systems to manufacture silt socks, a vital tool in sediment control. 

This project, while successful, was not without its challenges, particularly those posed by the weather in Waco.

“The key reasons for producing CORE filter sock at the Waco facility is an abundancy of mulch, strategic location for logistics and supporting the Austin plant with the uptick in CORE orders.” Dwayne Trafka, Core Operations Manager, said. 

At the beginning of the year, a decision was made to move forward with the mission.  

Soon after the green light was given, Dwayne arranged the equipment and material to be delivered.  

He helped team members there to produce the finished CORE Erosion Control filter sock product. Dwayne utilized team member Joe Tooker, from the Austin location, to assist in the training.    

“The new machine is running top notch,” Trafka said.   

The Importance of Silt Socks

Silt socks are an essential component in erosion and sediment control strategies. These tubular fabric materials are filled with compost or other organic materials and are strategically placed to filter runoff, trap sediment and prevent soil erosion. They are highly effective in stabilizing construction sites, protecting water quality and preserving the local environment.

The Project Scope

Our Waco project was designed to address the sediment control needs of a large construction site. The project spanned five months and required a comprehensive approach, from planning and design to fabrication and installation. Our team worked diligently to ensure that the silt socks were constructed to the highest standards, using quality materials and innovative techniques.

Overcoming Weather Challenges

One of the most significant hurdles that were faced during this project was the weather. Waco is known for its unpredictable weather patterns, which can include heavy rains, severe storms and extreme temperatures. These conditions posed several challenges:

1. Delayed Timelines: Frequent rainstorms and severe weather events led to multiple delays. On numerous occasions, work had to be halted to ensure the safety of our team and the integrity of the project.
2. Site Conditions: Heavy rains caused soil saturation and erosion at the construction site, making it difficult to maintain stability and proceed with installation as planned.
3. Material Handling: Extreme weather conditions affected the handling and storage of materials. Extra precautions to protect our resources from damage, which added complexity to the project, had to be taken.

Adaptive Strategies

Despite these challenges, the team demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Several strategies were implemented to keep the project on track.

1. Flexible Scheduling: A flexible work schedule was developed, which allowed for maximimal productivity during favorable weather conditions. This approach allowed for opportunities to make up for lost time and stay within our project timeline.
2. Enhanced Site Management: To combat soil erosion and maintain site stability, additional erosion control measures were deployed. These included temporary barriers and drainage systems to manage water flow and protect the work area.
3. Robust Materials: High-quality, weather-resistant materials for our silt socks were also sourced. This ensured that the final product would withstand the harsh conditions and provide long-lasting sediment control.

Looking Forward

The Waco project underscored the importance of adaptability and preparedness in erosion control projects. At CORE Erosion Control, we continuously strive to improve our methods and strategies to tackle the challenges posed by unpredictable weather and other external factors.

Millwood’s mission is that all who come in contact with us would clearly see the love of Christ in all we do. A project this size called for teamwork and a lot of patience and will allow us to grow our CORE brand in Texas and spread His love with surrounding communities there.  

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to providing innovative solutions that protect our environment and support sustainable development. Our experience in Waco has equipped us with valuable insights that will enhance our future projects, ensuring that we continue to lead the way in erosion and sediment control.

Contact CORE Erosion Control today!