Rappelling 700 Feet Underground To Check on Cerro Gordo's Water Source
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 พ.ค. 2024
- I rappelled 700 feet underground to check on the only known water source at Cerro Gordo, the abandoned mining town that I live in. While down there, I checked on potential connections to lower levels of the mine. I hope you enjoy!
For longer videos, check out my main channel: @GhostTownLiving
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Honestly, given how much trouble your having pumping water 700ft vertically, why not create a midpoint staging level with it's own pump, i.e. a water tank at the midpoint, with a second pump, so each pump is only lifting 350ft. As I've said every time you've had water trouble, you need to relocate the pump and/or do some landscaping to eliminate the low spot between the pump and the shaft. I'd also suggest constructing a several thousand gallon tank at the 100 or 200ft levels, with sensors at all points so you know your having a problem long before you run out of water, and have time to repair it before your out of water. Several hundred feet down for the tank so it isn't subject to freezing in the winters.
Couple float switches in each tank to prevent overfilling / running dry, and pumps with enough head pressure should be cheaper with higher flow rates as they make domestic well pumps at that spec. Pretty sure you could wire them up with relays to make only one pump kick on at a time if power is an issue, they could also be wired up to fill the tanks in sequence. Could insulate the pipework near the surface and run heat trace under the insulation controlled via thermocouple.
No need for a midpoint, just the RIGHT pump for the job and someone that knows what they are doing. He could have 5-10 gallons per minute no problem. But would the source run dry quickly?
He did mention before that the source would run dry. However, with as much moisture as their is down there now, he could probably pump at a higher rate than before.
I agree with the multi stage pumping. They've done it that exact way in sky scrapers. They STILL do it that way as a matter of fact.
Water that has been filtered through a mountain of lead... not sure I would be using that water for ANY purpose. No, I'm sure... I wouldn't be using that water for anything. It's like the opposite of a water filter for your facet. lol
I agree, 700 foot is a heck of a lot of head pressure for a pump without going in to an industrial pump, and even at that, the pressures involved can be quite substantial and cause pipe failure. Like others have suggested, a mid point would be a good idea to consider.
As for filtering thru a lead mountain, well they make water filters to deal with that.
Incredible! : )
One thing to always keep in mind, with each winter rain, as the rainwater decants through the rocks and onto the timbers, the timbers become more saturated and less strong with decay as each timber soaks up and becomes saturated with moisture. I believe this is the cause of some of the collapses over time, with earthquakes having contributed over time.
Another problem I spotted was your labored breathing as you were wearing a mask, which is highly recommended to keep those fine dust, rock, and timber particles from entering your lungs; of course, the N95 mask would better fit that purpose. The problem with that solution is the further reduction of oxygen and an increase of CO2; therefore, I'm going to recommend that you start carrying a small canister of O2 for an emergency as you traverse deeper in the mine. I have to assume that you also carry an O2 meter that alerts you when O2 levels begin to enter into the unsafe zone.
These adventures are great and fun and exciting for both you and your audience, but we must not forget for a nanosecond that you are in one of the top 5 unsafe and dangerous places or locations in the world, and that is no joke and nothing that should ever be taken for granted, toyed with or challenged. Like SCUBA diving experts always recommend that diving SHOULD always be done with a buddy, I would HIGHLY recommend and would prefer that you too always go down with a buddy, who could be responsible for all video recordings, leaving you to concentrate 100% on your path and surroundings.
BE SAFE MY FRIEND... BE VERY, VERY SAFE!
I'm a little concerned about what is in that water. Just in the first few minutes I saw corrugated tin, which will bleed zinc and rust. Then there is likely creosote on the lumber, not to mention the lead in the ore itself. I hope you are filtering for this. Also, an accumulator would allow you to have more pressure at the top. I would also add take at around the 400 foot level with a secondary booster pump. This will keep you from burning out your bottom pump.
I think the stuff in that water concerns me more than actually getting it up and out. I mean its...green. Even if you filter it...I dont think Id drink or shower or clean with it. Might be handy for mixing concrete? I dunno. I just really dont think that water thats accumulating at the near bottom of a lead mine is what Brent needs...but there also isnt much of a better solution
Has he said it's drinkable, I assume it's for showers etc not for drinking. But you are right he needs to send some of it out for testing at the source and some after it goes through the pipe. See what is in it. Surely there is a better way to get water, maybe the expense to drill a deep well but being a mining area that could still hit bad water.
@@Meekerextreme you can still absorb lead through skin contact which is my concern, mercury too
every video he ever made that mentions this water source gets these comments. they are never adressed. he should know by now.. same goes for his lack of safety measures when exploring the mines. it's fun to watch but it would not surprise me if these videos would suddenly stop getting posted.
Lead and tin are naturally insoluble with water, it is possible if the water has a corrosive agent within it. Chromium 6 and arsenic would be more likely to be in the water. These two tend to be in aquifers in California. All there can be easily tested for. Arsenic and also be filtered out.
One measure that would help quite a bit is since you were installing cables to get Internet down to 900' is to branch off at 700& run a lateral, setup a camera and remotely activated light on the water pool with a scale so you can see what the water level is and maybe look at pressures without having to physically check it every time.
or hire a midget to live down there and send him text messages everyday with a report
Super idea
Came here to say this. You could integrate all kinds of simple monitoring to take a lot of the labor out of keeping an eye on things.
Cameras good idea. Could put one on Pressure Guage
Yeah, cameras, level sensors, pressure sensors, remote lights, backup pump etc :)
If I had a mystery like this literally under my feet, I wouldn't be able to focus on doing anything else. It always amazes me how you stop down here few weeks but don't obsess about it every waking moment!
He was obsessed for two years, but in two years i think you would calm down. Also doing it in a safe way. Also you have someone with you for this.
There's a lot of investment people involved, that's what this guy does for a living.I feel sorry for anyone who sent money. Rich scammers are the worse scammers.
As a plumber, id say you need a submersible well pump for that depth. I dont think booster pumps like you have there are designed for anywhere near that much lift. You ahould be able to pump way more water with a submersible pump.
You are one of the few who apparently spots the problem........WRONG pump for the job
Yes, a deep well pump.
There are booster pumps able to handle that much head pressure, but they are costly. Submersibles for that depth aren't cheap either.
Having a midway point would probably help too...i have a feeling the pumps are not having a fun time pumping water 700 feet up in one go
@@everythingsalright1121 Sure couldn't hurt. One pump at bottom will need to be 5hp, so 220v 30 amp power, single phase, 3 phase even better.
I would be concerned that the water would have a lot of lead in it from filtering through the lead rocks. Have you ever had it tested?
That's a fact..prob why everybody left that town was lead content
My thoughts exactly, this water needs to be properly lab tested
ya that water it totally not safe to drink. theres probably so many chemicals and heavy metal in it.
Ain't no WAYYYYY anyone could get me to go down there. It'd be like trying to put a cat into a toilet. You're crazier'n hayull, Son. Thanks for sharing.
Lol
Try using colored smoke and fog it out. Have people on different levels and see where the smoke goes to
Sounds logical in a limited oxygen environment 😂
That's not a very good idea in a mine 😂
I imagine a small smoke source wouldn’t be dangerous, but it may also not be very effective if you need to see it. Maybe if you if infrared light.
For a 700 foot lift you need a new piston pump not a centrifugal , always use good quality check valves. a booster pump at the 350 level would be very helpful.
Exactly, piston pump + booster pumps in the middle. To be honest in Europe this is considered as common sense.
He has a piston pump for 700 foot part.
@@soulhaxto be honest in the US we consider it common sense to check equipment nameplates so we know he’s using a Neptune 535-S-N3HP, which is a piston pump rated to 350psi/ 25 bar. Saves us some typing. 🙄
my dream to one day see cerro gordo in person its amazing
Hope you can make it up sometime!
Really enjoyed our visit to Cerro Gordo this past weekend! It was nice to meet you finally and thank you for the two packs of Galena.
Hey Brent. Progress is awesome. WRT getting up and down when the lift isnt an option: It will work to have an equivalent weight, with the rope over a pulley, that you could hook into and then pull yourself down. I'm a Key Grip and Stunt Rigger in film, and counterweighting for "flying" artists is very common practice. Im not sure I could be as enthusiastic as you are about being under all that (loose) rock, mate! Crack on.
I turn snacks into maps for a living and one of the things I love about your channel is your use of the maps and plans in your footage.
Need more videos!!! Seriously though, thank you very much for bringing us along on your journey Brent! So very much appreciated!!!!
Most water that runs through mines is contaminated, no? Do you do testing on they water down there? I’d love to see a portion of the video about that!
Even if not potable, being able to pump domestic water is a game changer.
So exciting to find much more water!! A few more wet winters & the supply should increase!
Blessings, Brent, & thank you for taking us along.
I smiled when I saw your blue inflatable raft floating so high.😊
I think with someone like Heavy D and a water harvest specialist you could create something incredible and greatly reduce road washouts. Slow the water and retain the water.
Now that you are doing water, you remind me to offer you a suggestion to reduce constant problems with your pump. Water is heavy, so if you put a check valve every level or 80-100 feet of lift. Your pump wouldn't have to work so hard. Maybe more often if you can manage it.
Unless the pump is able to rest at those intervals, wouldn't the added resistance of the check valves make the pump work harder? I do not have experience with "deep well" pumps, but I do understand fluid dynamics and mechanical resistance to a fair degree. I would love to know more if you could explain.
@@justinrupert7233 no the check valve keeps the water from falling back down this less initial pressure to get water to the top. Same principle as the footvalve in your well just more of them. Best way to explain it is if you have 700 feet of water in your line with no check valve and you shut the pump off it will run back and blow the pump seal. So if the pump only has to hold back 80- 100 ft of water it will function more efficiently. Basically it won't need to fight so hard.
As a mechanic who specializes in electricity, it might also be worth running a 220V 3 phase down there, and getting something a bit bigger with some pressure behind it (if the lines can hold the pressure) it appears it's just a 2 phase 110V system, bigger pump won't have to work as hard as well, iv also seem some guys put heaters into their wells, theyl turn them on in the winter and let the water just slowly flow out, keeping the lines from freezing
The pump will still have to overcome the head pressure plus the cracking pressure of each check valve. What you can do is put a Tank say at the 300 ft level and pump into that.. then have a second pump at the 300 level to bring it to the surface. So 700ft pumps to the 300ft level. The 300 ft level pumps to surface. Use (2) plastic 50 gallon barrels at the 300 ft level as a reservoir. Now you can use a lighter pump that isn't working as hard.
@@AIM54A head pressure yes but with the check valves it's reduced and with the right valves there is minimal feedback. Don't forget there is a 10k gallon tank by the hotel. I've been figuring this stuff out for nearly 50 years. There is a line going in , in Virginia up a MTN side doing this .
Love every single one of your uploads! Been following since day one and love the progress you've done on the town, I can only dream of visiting such a cool and unique place and help out with my many skills to add to the years to come like you have. From the not so sunny UK 😊
I so look forward to these videos! I can't wait to see where the new level leads!
I hope you find a way. I can't wait to see the unexplored levels. Keep up the great work!
I'm finding so many comments interesting to read, as watching Ghost Town videos from Brent... there is so much to learn, if you want to be self sustaining and independent living. Such valuable comments from many...thumbs up.
I've recently been rewatching loads of old videos. I love the mine explorations. It really sparks my own love of exploration and I love getting to come along on these explorations, albeit in a roundabout manner. 😅 Stay safe, Brent! And thank you for sharing your experience with Cerro Gordo!
Glad you like them! Thanks for checking them out
The miners in Cornwall UK when they were digging far underground, did not want to remove all the local rock, just the good minerals. Therefore, they used to pile up deads, material that good for nothing and sometimes called mundick. The often used closed sections of the mine to pile up these deads as it took less effort than taking it out the mine. The deads are obvious with crafted rock piles, vs a collapse which is an assortment different size material and not neat. Can be confusing when deads get piled on wooden platform above the level and the wood gives up, give a scattered collapse of deads. It looked like that was the case on the 900ft whinze.
Stay safe and thank you for sharing your journeys with us. I always love seeing the new-to-you tunnels and diggings.
yeah i always get worried!
Glad to see you still at it. This came across my feed and I was like I know that face. Then realized it from the overnight video where they stayed in the haunted cabin
Love it I for one can't wait for the next Thanks for your efforts to bring your journey to us all. We love and support your passion.And watching your growth to a true Mine explorer from wear you were 3 years ago is impressive . Be proud Brent we are .
Thank you Brent I really like the emails that you send out. I really like it when you explore these mines the markings on the wall is just amazing thank you
I’ve missed these kinds of videoed with you exploring or working on small projects ❤
A bit more mapped. Good to hear. Thanks for showing us this. All the best
I remember becoming a subscriber to your original Channel before you had 50k Subs this is awesome
I always enjoy these videos so much. I know it's a lot of effort, but I'd really enjoy a long expedition through unexplored parts. Something like a week long journey digging through collapses (that you deem safe enough to do so of course) and checking out sections never before seen. I'd probably get myself in a precarious situation due to desire to explore the unexplored.
Brent, Have you thought, or talked about adding pumps on other levels to assist the 700-foot level pump? the head pressure to overcome is tremendous.
Remember to stay safe down there ! Take no risks, Even you already done that plenty of times. Love your videos
Bless you Brent. May you find the connection.
Yay! More mine exploration videos! Keep up the good work!
Wow, new discoveries. There may be something there to explore. Hope the water starts to flow again. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia
I think that we all can't wait to start seeing what you find on either all 5 levels below the 900. Then again just seeing what you find on a couple new levels will be great. Almost like the beginning day's of the Union Mine. A new beginning all over again.
Hi Brent, absolutely love your channels, have you thought about reaching out to a shoring expert and getting some training on re-timbering and shoring up the collapses
Whoa! A new video on the second channel. It is always nice when I video drops when we are not expecting it. I hope the water gets going again. Until next time, take care.
I love watching you solve the mysteries of where each level is. I remember when you found the Jefferson chimney and then broke through a big collapse that was an outside entrance to the 200 level. I would love to see you have a crew led by experienced miners try to dig through some of those collapses and reinforce the mines tunnels where it is needed. In areas that are wet could you use steel beams? I’m sure that is really expensive though. I would love to see you have an engineer help develop a plan for getting those collapses dug out and reinforced. I love watching your videos.
Thank you for your amazing adventures!
How have I just found this second channel!! I love these ones the most, so cool to see you go down there, I hope to see you map out every single inch!
As always Brent, fascinating stuff.
Love watching you explore the mines. I’d like to see you do a video of some of the more interesting graffiti that was left by the old miners.
Another awesome video, can't wait to get your book.
Another awesome video thank you bro for your adventures
I was just at Bridgestone HosePower in the City of Industry, it may help if your hose and fittings are better and less leaky, also if you had a tank part of the way up it might be better to pump in steps rather than just one 700 foot hose.
Always a good day when you post a new video!
Thanks for the great videos as always. Have you tried using a borescope camera to try to see past the collapses in the mine? Would be a great tool to see how much work it would take to clear it out or an easier way to see what is past a collapse
Awesome exploring, it's amazing to think that such an old mine still gives you your basic needs, water! The pump, yeah, that's a lot of height to pump up. I saw a great comment on that. Back to engineering for you :)
1” of rain x 1sqft = 0.623 gallons of water 💦
I would look into rain water harvesting
off all the roofs you have
Good idea
Excellent video Brent. Well done.
Keep up the hard work. Hopefully this winter is a little warmer than last year!
Ty foe the adventure in the m8nes. I just want to do some digging and climbing from 700 lvl and beyond. Hope to see some digging and probing, maybe checking out the wence. Great work and look forward to more or your adventures.
Thanks for making these videos, I enjoy them immensely. Is the water safe to drink or does it contain lead from the galena? Also, there is so much wood in the mine... where does it all come from as there don't see to be any trees around and I guess Cerro Gordo is above the tree line.
I wouldn't be entirely sure about the water you have there. It probably contains a lot of elements from the surrounding minerals, which is mainly galena full of lead. It probably shouldn't be a problem for construction, but it can be dangerous for other uses. At the same time, it would like to revise the way you pump the water, but there is already a lot of advice here, so I don't have to write it anymore.
Also, some new geological survey of the mine could be of great help. It could help you a lot in the further planning of the work, and especially you would find out how safe the areas in the mine are. Collapses have worried me for a long time, they are an undeniable danger, and such a survey could tell you if one is approaching or in which areas it is safe to remove collapses.
Can a reverse osmosis system filter that out? I'm in the Salt water aquarium hobby so it was just a thought. I only have to filter crap out of tap water lol
As such a small-scale operation and the vastness of these mines, I doubt he could afford a surveyor that would be able really make a true analysis. They'd probably just take his money and say it's not safe and don't ever enter it, just to protect themselves from liability.
This video leads to more questions than answers. Seems like a lot of trouble for nothing. It is fun to watch someone so passionate about something though so good for him. Do what you love.
Great vid, I hope to watch you step foot in the 1,000 level soon! I know you can do it
If you could 3D Scan and map the mine would make it so much easier to figure out where stuff is. Once is mapped you can see the un-explored areas in the computer. Saving you time in when you go down.
Also a good way to determine how much space there is between collapses
Someone is working on a map. I believe a bunch of scanning has already been done
@@Studio23Media Yes Brent has been down using some kind of scanner and it seems pretty cool and gives amazing details.
Agreed - my first thought was running drones with cameras (360 degrees) and LED lighting down each shaft. Digitize them - build a mesh and you can walk them virtually. Hell you could post it online and charge admission.
Nice work Brent,your tenacity will prevail.
A charge pump in the middle at 350 ft and a web cam to monitor the pool at 700ft should get you a supply of water. One pump is just not strong enough for the climb.😮😢
Thanks for sharing!
Let's goo been craving my next installment 🙏
I love these union mine videos, stay safe!
Would love to come out and film a video. Love your videos Brent! Long live Cerro Gordo!!
Great programme Brent 😊
would love to see you talk through your descend & ascent gear setup sometime!
Hi Brent, i love learning mining history of America from you, its so interesting :)
Thanks! There's a lot to discover
@@ghosttown2 underground is most unexplored "space" on our lovely planet for a reason! :D
Awesome vids thank you for sharing with us
I would love to visit. I have experience in mining and construction, with experience in water wells. Great job Brent
I'm just curious, have you tested the water from the mine? As the mine has so much lead in it the water could contain lead and be quite lethal to drink. Just so you don't get ill up there in your ghost town. Love from Sweden // Micke
From the color of that pool, I'd also worry about copper and maybe nickel exceeding safe levels.
From the little I know about you dropping a rope 700 feet down the shaft, would that you would have seen inconceivable to you 2 years ago and the fact repel down that rope. Genuinely as a young man at 23 you inspire me, I wish you nothing but the best.
there is an option that would probably work better than your current system and you are not going to like it. Slip the pipe and add a second pump. If you pumped the water to a pool only about 300-400 feet up and then pumped it up again from that new pool to the surface. it would reduce the amount of effort a pump needs to make.
A booster pump.
To everyone who keeps saying to have the water tested , He stated its not used for drinking water , its for flushing toilets and washing hands. Lead water is pretty safe as long as your not drinking it and or washing in it with any open wounds or cuts. Many older cities all over the world sill have lead pipes that people still drink from here in 2023, But i do agree that he does need to get an exact graph test done to see the content % of each ore and then determine the type of filtration needed.
❤❤
I think you should try and build a reservoir at a higher level, with an intermediary pump. That way you can use more readily available well pumps, have a bit of reserve if the bottom pump fails, etc. You could use simple float switches
Safe travels buddy.
Novel idea , instead of charging a visitor’s fee , make an announcement that anyone who comes up must bring 5 gallons of water . You could come probably fill that huge water tank & have water left over to spare for future use. That is once you get the hotel & music studio & anything else up & running in the future . Good luck with all your projects Brent . 😎👍
Great Video, Thanks!
I watch the mine videos at night to go to bed. 😅 Would you ever do a night time 2 hr long sleep mine exploration video? 😊 stay safe !
bazar, mad even, but soooo interesting, love it, you have such an intriguing life down in the mines
When looking at a stope like at 15:50, examine the walls. Major ore passes are going to have the walls ground smooth. That looks more like it passed about what was mined going up, but it goes.
Have you considered getting a range finder?
I believe the method of mapping a mine uses a hip chain and a compass or something like that, so a compass and range finder would be quiet a bit faster
Love the mine explorations of cerro Gordo
11:48 LOU L (or S) or LOS L (or S) --miner graffito: signing their name, or providing information, in Spanish? 🤔💭⛏⚒ The second word appears to have collapsed with the rest of that area. It may still be legible on one of the large slabs lying face down beneath it.
12:13 An ore chute above; and a possible door threshold, directly beneath it? Almost looks like the frame for a doorway or entrance...
WOW, Brent: a brave solo expedition--The More You Know! Water 💦💦💧💧💦💦 Situation on the improve! (🦆💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛There used to be so many ducks on the 700 Level? Where have they gone?!🤔💭)
My first thought was loo meaning a toilet 🤔
Considering LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION, you may have hit on it! 💩👈🏻@@voipaperi
Rad Brent! Take care, man and wear a respirator more often!
Thanks! And will do!
@@ghosttown2 Much love from Flin Flon Manitoba Canada, an over 100 year old mining town.
Great Exploration!
Imagine if you could go back and freeze the mine fully dug out with no collapses, that would be so cool to see😊😊 it's all I can think about when I watch your content, I wish there was a way to open the whole mine back up and shore the walls and everything so you just had to do basic maintenance and not have any worries😊❤
I think he's planning to take a crew down with him and see what they can clear out in a few places at least..... Gathered that from watching up to the latest video on the main channel. WiFi down there also seems like it'd be great which he just did. 😅
LOVE the new music!!!
have you consider geting a photometric/laidar scanner in there and start to make a 3d model of the mine? Would help a lot to figure out where to invest the time to clear collapses! Also would make for a really sick 3D model!
use red spray paint to indicate your route back out.. love your content. be safe down there!
Really cool to see what to find in the earth or in the mountains and it looks like you can go really deep down.
Great video great channel very interesting 😊
Always exciting!
I would love to see a 3d scanning company come out and 3d scan the current state of some of the levels. Would give you up to date maps and cool visuals for us.
I believe its eitber been done or is being done....
Yeah he was working on it but I’m not sure what has happened with it or if it’s not done yet. Definitely curious to know what has happened to it.
Wish you could post more often enjoy what you do
Hi,
a few questions.
1. How high is the lead content in (drinking?) water and what is its pH value?
2. Why is there no level monitoring of the pool yet (camera with simple level gauge)?
3. Is there a big storage container on top of the surface?
Thanks :)
He's been ignoring these comments for a while, and never talks about it. I'm quite sure it's not great and he's hiding from it.
I kept waiting for Pennywise to pop up with a handful of balloons. You are a far braver soul than I. Stay safe.
I enjoy your videos
Love the exploration! Catchment?! Could that get you by or make things a little easier?! Just a thought.