Dirty Jobs (2005) s01e18 Episode Script

I am Mike rowe And this is my job.
I explore the country looking and this is my job.
I explore the country looking for people who aren't afraid to I explore the country looking for people who aren't afraid to get dirty.
For people who aren't afraid to get dirty.
I'm ready.
Get dirty.
I'm ready.
Aah! Not ready.
I'm ready.
Aah! Not ready.
Hardworking men and women who aah! Not ready.
Hardworking men and women who earn an honest living doing the hardworking men and women who earn an honest living doing the kinds of jobs that make earn an honest living doing the kinds of jobs that make civilized life possible for the kinds of jobs that make civilized life possible for the rest of us.
Civilized life possible for the rest of us.
Now get ready to get dirty! Rest of us.
Now get ready to get dirty! Coming up on "dirty jobs" Now get ready to get dirty! Coming up on "dirty jobs" Cayote, Texas human coming up on "dirty jobs" Cayote, Texas human population, a couple dozen.
Cayote, Texas human population, a couple dozen.
Turkeys, 60,000.
Population, a couple dozen.
Turkeys, 60,000.
Good god.
Oh, man.
Turkeys, 60,000.
Good god.
Oh, man.
Then I meet Dr.
Gobbler.
Good god.
Oh, man.
Then I meet Dr.
Gobbler.
You are in up to your eyes in then I meet Dr.
Gobbler.
You are in up to your eyes in poo.
You are in up to your eyes in poo.
That's a nice way of saying poo.
That's a nice way of saying it.
That's a nice way of saying it.
But this doctor doesn't help it.
But this doctor doesn't help turkeys get well.
But this doctor doesn't help turkeys get well.
He turns them into compost.
Turkeys get well.
He turns them into compost.
Then I carbo-load in Colorado at he turns them into compost.
Then I carbo-load in Colorado at a potato farm.
Then I carbo-load in Colorado at a potato farm.
This one develops new breeds of a potato farm.
This one develops new breeds of potatoes to sell to other this one develops new breeds of potatoes to sell to other growers.
Potatoes to sell to other growers.
And all we're doing in the growers.
And all we're doing in the lab is cloning.
And all we're doing in the lab is cloning.
All we're doing is cloning.
Lab is cloning.
All we're doing is cloning.
Some are big, some are small, all we're doing is cloning.
Some are big, some are small, some are just plain weird.
Some are big, some are small, some are just plain weird.
It's purple! Some are just plain weird.
It's purple! But they're all dirty.
It's purple! But they're all dirty.
And later I visit a waste-water but they're all dirty.
And later I visit a waste-water treatment plant to replace a and later I visit a waste-water treatment plant to replace a lift pump.
Treatment plant to replace a lift pump.
What does the lift pump lift? Lift pump.
What does the lift pump lift? Sewage raw sewage.
What does the lift pump lift? Sewage raw sewage.
Turns out that just getting sewage raw sewage.
Turns out that just getting there really is half the fun.
Turns out that just getting there really is half the fun.
Welcome to hell.
Captions by vitac captions paid for by discovery communications, inc.
Welcome to cayote, Texas, and good luck finding it.
It's barely a dot on the map.
Good luck finding it.
It's barely a dot on the map.
There's a church here, a couple it's barely a dot on the map.
There's a church here, a couple dozens residents, a herd of there's a church here, a couple dozens residents, a herd of goats, and that's about it.
Dozens residents, a herd of goats, and that's about it.
Oh, yeah, they've got some goats, and that's about it.
Oh, yeah, they've got some turkeys, too.
Oh, yeah, they've got some turkeys, too.
Like 60,000 of them.
Turkeys, too.
Like 60,000 of them.
"Before entering, practice like 60,000 of them.
"Before entering, practice disease control.
" "Before entering, practice disease control.
" Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Disease control.
" Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
If you listen very carefully, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
If you listen very carefully, you can hear the sound of if you listen very carefully, you can hear the sound of turkeys in the air.
You can hear the sound of turkeys in the air.
That is turkeys, right, romero? Turkeys in the air.
That is turkeys, right, romero? Yes, sir.
That is turkeys, right, romero? Yes, sir.
They are turkeys.
Yes, sir.
They are turkeys.
Romero is the farm manager they are turkeys.
Romero is the farm manager here.
Romero is the farm manager here.
I'm the farm manager.
Here.
I'm the farm manager.
Okay.
I'm the farm manager.
Okay.
And what are we going to do okay.
And what are we going to do today? And what are we going to do today? We're gonna go meet some big today? We're gonna go meet some big turkeys, some little turkeys.
We're gonna go meet some big turkeys, some little turkeys.
This time little turkeys, and turkeys, some little turkeys.
This time little turkeys, and we're gonna do some work, some this time little turkeys, and we're gonna do some work, some tasks we do every day.
We're gonna do some work, some tasks we do every day.
Great.
Tasks we do every day.
Great.
What's in your hand there? Great.
What's in your hand there? Your booties.
What's in your hand there? Your booties.
Booties? Your booties.
Booties? Like you're wearing there? Booties? Like you're wearing there? Yes, sir.
Like you're wearing there? Yes, sir.
I should put these on, huh? Yes, sir.
I should put these on, huh? Put them on.
I should put these on, huh? Put them on.
This is for biosecurity put them on.
This is for biosecurity purposes.
This is for biosecurity purposes.
Biosecurity? Purposes.
Biosecurity? That way you can disinfect biosecurity? That way you can disinfect your feet there.
That way you can disinfect your feet there.
My feet aren't infected.
Your feet there.
My feet aren't infected.
[ Laughs .]
Just in case.
My feet aren't infected.
[ Laughs .]
Just in case.
Maybe they are.
Who knows? [ Laughs .]
Just in case.
Maybe they are.
Who knows? So, we're gonna go inside, we're maybe they are.
Who knows? So, we're gonna go inside, we're gonna see some little Turkey So, we're gonna go inside, we're gonna see some little Turkey what do you call them, chicks? Gonna see some little Turkey what do you call them, chicks? Poults.
What do you call them, chicks? Poults.
Poults.
Poults.
Poults.
Poults.
Poults.
Poults.
How old are the poults we're poults.
How old are the poults we're gonna see? How old are the poults we're gonna see? Eight days old.
Gonna see? Eight days old.
Eight days old? Eight days old.
Eight days old? Let's go see some little eight days old? Let's go see some little turkeys.
Let's go see some little turkeys.
Some poults.
Turkeys.
Some poults.
Holy cow! Look at this.
Some poults.
Holy cow! Look at this.
How do you like it? Holy cow! Look at this.
How do you like it? I think this is big.
How do you like it? I think this is big.
What is this, like 20,000 square I think this is big.
What is this, like 20,000 square feet? What is this, like 20,000 square feet? Yeah, 20,000.
Feet? Yeah, 20,000.
Look at them.
Yeah, 20,000.
Look at them.
They're everywhere.
Look at them.
They're everywhere.
Are they scared of us? They're everywhere.
Are they scared of us? No, they just run around.
Are they scared of us? No, they just run around.
Wow.
No, they just run around.
Wow.
Look at that.
Wow.
Look at that.
They're eating in their little look at that.
They're eating in their little pens here.
They're eating in their little pens here.
And here's the green stuff you pens here.
And here's the green stuff you were talking about.
And here's the green stuff you were talking about.
Yes, sir.
Were talking about.
Yes, sir.
Tell me again what you do.
Yes, sir.
Tell me again what you do.
You dye their feed green? Tell me again what you do.
You dye their feed green? Yes, to attract them to the you dye their feed green? Yes, to attract them to the feed, 'cause they don't know yes, to attract them to the feed, 'cause they don't know what feed is when they got here.
Feed, 'cause they don't know what feed is when they got here.
But they like the color green what feed is when they got here.
But they like the color green for some reason.
But they like the color green for some reason.
Can't tell you why they like for some reason.
Can't tell you why they like the green, but they go to it.
Can't tell you why they like the green, but they go to it.
All right, let's dye some the green, but they go to it.
All right, let's dye some food.
All right, let's dye some food.
Okay.
Food.
Okay.
Mix it up.
Okay.
Mix it up.
Mm-hmm.
Mix it up.
Mm-hmm.
The lush grasses and foliage mm-hmm.
The lush grasses and foliage the turkeys eat in the wild are the lush grasses and foliage the turkeys eat in the wild are green.
The turkeys eat in the wild are green.
So they're instinctively drawn green.
So they're instinctively drawn to the color.
So they're instinctively drawn to the color.
So, what do we do with them now? To the color.
So, what do we do with them now? You take them, put them every so, what do we do with them now? You take them, put them every five feet.
You take them, put them every five feet.
Within a few days, the poults five feet.
Within a few days, the poults will learn to eat out of their within a few days, the poults will learn to eat out of their food dishes.
Will learn to eat out of their food dishes.
And then the food will no longer food dishes.
And then the food will no longer need to be dyed.
And then the food will no longer need to be dyed.
Maybe you'd like to sit on my need to be dyed.
Maybe you'd like to sit on my shoulder like the pirate bird.
Maybe you'd like to sit on my shoulder like the pirate bird.
There we go.
Maybe not.
Shoulder like the pirate bird.
There we go.
Maybe not.
I once read that turkeys were so there we go.
Maybe not.
I once read that turkeys were so dumb, when it rains, if they I once read that turkeys were so dumb, when it rains, if they look up, they can drown.
Dumb, when it rains, if they look up, they can drown.
Is that true? Look up, they can drown.
Is that true? Yes, sir.
Is that true? Yes, sir.
Green food.
Yes, sir.
Green food.
Oh, they're all over that, yeah.
Green food.
Oh, they're all over that, yeah.
Just like an all-you-can-eat oh, they're all over that, yeah.
Just like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Just like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
It's not so much that they're buffet.
It's not so much that they're stupid they just don't know.
It's not so much that they're stupid they just don't know.
They don't know.
Stupid they just don't know.
They don't know.
They take a little longer.
They don't know.
They take a little longer.
We didn't know, right, they take a little longer.
We didn't know, right, first couple days we were born? We didn't know, right, first couple days we were born? We don't know where the milk is, first couple days we were born? We don't know where the milk is, you know? We don't know where the milk is, you know? We got to be shown.
You know? We got to be shown.
They're not without their charm, we got to be shown.
They're not without their charm, but I was expecting more they're not without their charm, but I was expecting more gobbling.
But I was expecting more gobbling.
They don't they're too gobbling.
They don't they're too young for that.
They don't they're too young for that.
We got some more, and they young for that.
We got some more, and they gobble a lot.
We got some more, and they gobble a lot.
Take me to the gobblers.
Gobble a lot.
Take me to the gobblers.
Okay.
Take me to the gobblers.
Okay.
[ Gobbling .]
Okay.
[ Gobbling .]
Hello.
[ Gobbling .]
Hello.
Good god.
Hello.
Good god.
Oh, man.
Good god.
Oh, man.
They're not as cute as they are oh, man.
They're not as cute as they are when they're little.
They're not as cute as they are when they're little.
Big difference.
When they're little.
Big difference.
What are we gonna do in here? Big difference.
What are we gonna do in here? We're going to clean the what are we gonna do in here? We're going to clean the waters.
We're going to clean the waters.
Just go like this.
Waters.
Just go like this.
Have to move it to a drier just go like this.
Have to move it to a drier place.
Have to move it to a drier place.
Oh, I can do that, sure.
Place.
Oh, I can do that, sure.
Turkeys congregate around their oh, I can do that, sure.
Turkeys congregate around their watering stations.
Turkeys congregate around their watering stations.
And this is where they usually watering stations.
And this is where they usually pee and poop.
And this is where they usually pee and poop.
To prevent the poo from piling pee and poop.
To prevent the poo from piling up, the waste cakes need to be to prevent the poo from piling up, the waste cakes need to be turned every day.
Up, the waste cakes need to be turned every day.
Oh, that's really nasty in turned every day.
Oh, that's really nasty in there.
Oh, that's really nasty in there.
Ohh! There.
Ohh! It stinks.
Ohh! It stinks.
I know.
It stinks.
I know.
Do you know? I know.
Do you know? I know.
Do you know? I know.
You can still smell it? I know.
You can still smell it? Somebody has to do it.
You can still smell it? Somebody has to do it.
Hey! Somebody has to do it.
Hey! [ Coughing .]
Hey! [ Coughing .]
Ugh.
[ Coughing .]
Ugh.
Okay? Ugh.
Okay? No.
Okay? No.
No? No.
No? I didn't like what you did.
No? I didn't like what you did.
What did I do? I didn't like what you did.
What did I do? You have to remove the cake what did I do? You have to remove the cake first.
You have to remove the cake first.
Move the cake? First.
Move the cake? Move the cake away.
Move the cake? Move the cake away.
Oh.
That's cake? Move the cake away.
Oh.
That's cake? Yes, sir.
Oh.
That's cake? Yes, sir.
That goes away.
All right.
Yes, sir.
That goes away.
All right.
Little better.
That goes away.
All right.
Little better.
Little better? Little better.
Little better? What do I do with the cake now? Little better? What do I do with the cake now? Just leave it there.
What do I do with the cake now? Just leave it there.
Leave it there? Just leave it there.
Leave it there? I thought I had to smash up the leave it there? I thought I had to smash up the cake.
I thought I had to smash up the cake.
All right.
Cake.
All right.
Cake.
All right.
Cake.
Happy birthday.
Cake.
Happy birthday.
Romero! Happy birthday.
Romero! What happened here? Romero! What happened here? Do you know what it is? What happened here? Do you know what it is? It's a dead bird.
Do you know what it is? It's a dead bird.
I pretty much had figured it's a dead bird.
I pretty much had figured that out.
I pretty much had figured that out.
But I'm wondering what happened that out.
But I'm wondering what happened to him.
But I'm wondering what happened to him.
Just died.
To him.
Just died.
Died by himself.
Just died.
Died by himself.
He just died on his own.
Died by himself.
He just died on his own.
You get a certain number he just died on his own.
You get a certain number they're gonna die here.
You get a certain number they're gonna die here.
They're not going to make it.
They're gonna die here.
They're not going to make it.
How many do we have in here? They're not going to make it.
How many do we have in here? In this, we've got about how many do we have in here? In this, we've got about 14,000 birds.
In this, we've got about 14,000 birds.
That's not bad.
14,000 birds.
That's not bad.
One out of 14,000.
That's not bad.
One out of 14,000.
Are there more? One out of 14,000.
Are there more? There's more around.
Are there more? There's more around.
You have to go look at them and there's more around.
You have to go look at them and pick them up.
You have to go look at them and pick them up.
Well, is that part of the job pick them up.
Well, is that part of the job that you do, too? Well, is that part of the job that you do, too? It is.
It's a daily task.
That you do, too? It is.
It's a daily task.
How many die every day? It is.
It's a daily task.
How many die every day? Approximately 10 per house.
How many die every day? Approximately 10 per house.
Oh, no.
Approximately 10 per house.
Oh, no.
Is it bad that I'm holding him oh, no.
Is it bad that I'm holding him like this? Is it bad that I'm holding him like this? Are there diseases and things like this? Are there diseases and things you worry about? Are there diseases and things you worry about? No, don't worry about you worry about? No, don't worry about diseases.
No, don't worry about diseases.
All is natural here.
Diseases.
All is natural here.
All right.
All is natural here.
All right.
A little bit of natural avian all right.
A little bit of natural avian flu coming my way.
A little bit of natural avian flu coming my way.
Who's dead? Flu coming my way.
Who's dead? Come on, give it up.
Who's dead? Come on, give it up.
They're tough to find.
Come on, give it up.
They're tough to find.
They kind of blend in.
They're tough to find.
They kind of blend in.
Who's not moving? They kind of blend in.
Who's not moving? Who's not m Who's not moving? Who's not m you're not moving.
Who's not m you're not moving.
You're dead.
You're not moving.
You're dead.
All the turkeys on this farm are you're dead.
All the turkeys on this farm are females.
All the turkeys on this farm are females.
The females are less aggressive females.
The females are less aggressive than the males, and they're the females are less aggressive than the males, and they're easier to raise.
Than the males, and they're easier to raise.
Uh-oh, what do we have here? Easier to raise.
Uh-oh, what do we have here? This one I'm fairly certain has uh-oh, what do we have here? This one I'm fairly certain has shuffled off his mortal coil.
This one I'm fairly certain has shuffled off his mortal coil.
They are easiest to identify by shuffled off his mortal coil.
They are easiest to identify by their conspicuous lack of they are easiest to identify by their conspicuous lack of motion.
Their conspicuous lack of motion.
If these hens live to the ripe motion.
If these hens live to the ripe old age of 15 weeks, they'll if these hens live to the ripe old age of 15 weeks, they'll weigh about 13 to 15 pounds and old age of 15 weeks, they'll weigh about 13 to 15 pounds and then be sold as whole birds like weigh about 13 to 15 pounds and then be sold as whole birds like the kind you might cook for then be sold as whole birds like the kind you might cook for Thanksgiving.
The kind you might cook for Thanksgiving.
But your male turkeys can weigh Thanksgiving.
But your male turkeys can weigh up to 42 pounds.
But your male turkeys can weigh up to 42 pounds.
They're often used in processed up to 42 pounds.
They're often used in processed Turkey meats, like the kind sold they're often used in processed Turkey meats, like the kind sold in grocery stores.
Turkey meats, like the kind sold in grocery stores.
I think the dead one freaks them in grocery stores.
I think the dead one freaks them out.
I think the dead one freaks them out.
Come on, dead Turkey.
Out.
Come on, dead Turkey.
And you are definitely a dead come on, dead Turkey.
And you are definitely a dead Turkey.
And you are definitely a dead Turkey.
Where are you? Turkey.
Where are you? I can smell you.
Where are you? I can smell you.
Hunting for dead turkeys at high I can smell you.
Hunting for dead turkeys at high noon.
Hunting for dead turkeys at high noon.
A new low And a dirty job.
Noon.
A new low And a dirty job.
Ooh! Romero, it smells a little a new low And a dirty job.
Ooh! Romero, it smells a little better out here.
Ooh! Romero, it smells a little better out here.
Three, four, five Better out here.
Three, four, five Six, seven dead turkeys.
Three, four, five Six, seven dead turkeys.
We got seven.
Six, seven dead turkeys.
We got seven.
Where do we take seven dead we got seven.
Where do we take seven dead turkeys? Where do we take seven dead turkeys? Going to the composting pile.
Turkeys? Going to the composting pile.
It's at the end of the farm.
Oh, god! What in the hell is this? We put the dead birds here what in the hell is this? We put the dead birds here on layers, and then we cover we put the dead birds here on layers, and then we cover them with litter.
On layers, and then we cover them with litter.
Litter? Them with litter.
Litter? Litter.
Litter? Litter.
And then they start the process litter.
And then they start the process of decomposing.
And then they start the process of decomposing.
What is litter? Of decomposing.
What is litter? This.
What is litter? This.
This is litter? This.
This is litter? Manure, yeah.
This is litter? Manure, yeah.
What am I standing in here? Manure, yeah.
What am I standing in here? What is that? What am I standing in here? What is that? Well, it's all the drainage what is that? Well, it's all the drainage from the dead turkeys.
Well, it's all the drainage from the dead turkeys.
Liquid, blood.
From the dead turkeys.
Liquid, blood.
All the moisture.
Liquid, blood.
All the moisture.
That one is blood.
All the moisture.
That one is blood.
See? You can see it there.
That one is blood.
See? You can see it there.
This all looks like tar to see? You can see it there.
This all looks like tar to me.
This all looks like tar to me.
Oh, yeah.
Oh, crap.
Me.
Oh, yeah.
Oh, crap.
Ohh.
Ohh! Oh, yeah.
Oh, crap.
Ohh.
Ohh! This is liquid Turkey.
Ohh.
Ohh! This is liquid Turkey.
This is a Turkey that's turned this is liquid Turkey.
This is a Turkey that's turned into, like, a milkshake a this is a Turkey that's turned into, like, a milkshake a Turkey shake.
Into, like, a milkshake a Turkey shake.
[ Gobbling .]
Turkey shake.
[ Gobbling .]
When something decomposes, [ gobbling .]
When something decomposes, really all it's doing is when something decomposes, really all it's doing is rotting.
Really all it's doing is rotting.
But when something composts, rotting.
But when something composts, it's very different.
But when something composts, it's very different.
The poo from a Turkey is it's very different.
The poo from a Turkey is basically water and bacteria.
The poo from a Turkey is basically water and bacteria.
So when you spread the poo from basically water and bacteria.
So when you spread the poo from a Turkey on top of the body of a so when you spread the poo from a Turkey on top of the body of a dead Turkey, you essentially a Turkey on top of the body of a dead Turkey, you essentially start a chemical reaction on a dead Turkey, you essentially start a chemical reaction on a microbial level, thereby start a chemical reaction on a microbial level, thereby initiating the composting microbial level, thereby initiating the composting process.
Initiating the composting process.
It's complicated.
Process.
It's complicated.
In the end, you wind up with a it's complicated.
In the end, you wind up with a fertilizer that people actually in the end, you wind up with a fertilizer that people actually pay for.
Fertilizer that people actually pay for.
But for my money, it's still a pay for.
But for my money, it's still a Turkey shake.
But for my money, it's still a Turkey shake.
So, romero, tell me again.
Turkey shake.
So, romero, tell me again.
Who comes and gets all this so, romero, tell me again.
Who comes and gets all this stuff? Who comes and gets all this stuff? Well, his name is David, but stuff? Well, his name is David, but he likes to be called well, his name is David, but he likes to be called Dr.
Gobbler.
He likes to be called Dr.
Gobbler.
Dr.
Gobbler? Dr.
Gobbler.
Dr.
Gobbler? Yeah.
I'm afraid these turkeys Dr.
Gobbler? Yeah.
I'm afraid these turkeys are beyond medical help.
Yeah.
I'm afraid these turkeys are beyond medical help.
You're a very dirty man.
Are beyond medical help.
You're a very dirty man.
Thank you so much.
You're a very dirty man.
Thank you so much.
Have a great day.
Thank you so much.
Have a great day.
The composting process only have a great day.
The composting process only begins at the Turkey farm.
The composting process only begins at the Turkey farm.
To finish things, you need a begins at the Turkey farm.
To finish things, you need a professional.
To finish things, you need a professional.
I think this is the place.
Professional.
I think this is the place.
A professional like Dr.
Gobbler, I think this is the place.
A professional like Dr.
Gobbler, who knows how to take a load of a professional like Dr.
Gobbler, who knows how to take a load of half-composted poo and turn it who knows how to take a load of half-composted poo and turn it into something you'll want to half-composted poo and turn it into something you'll want to buy.
Into something you'll want to buy.
It's kind of magical, really, buy.
It's kind of magical, really, in a stinky kind of way.
It's kind of magical, really, in a stinky kind of way.
Thank you, Kevin.
In a stinky kind of way.
Thank you, Kevin.
That wasn't Dr.
Gobbler.
Thank you, Kevin.
That wasn't Dr.
Gobbler.
That was Kevin.
That wasn't Dr.
Gobbler.
That was Kevin.
And this is one of Dr.
Gobbler's that was Kevin.
And this is one of Dr.
Gobbler's trucks.
And this is one of Dr.
Gobbler's trucks.
He has a few of them.
Trucks.
He has a few of them.
At the moment, this one is full he has a few of them.
At the moment, this one is full of 20 tons of Turkey litter, at the moment, this one is full of 20 tons of Turkey litter, which is, we've already of 20 tons of Turkey litter, which is, we've already established, a fancy name for which is, we've already established, a fancy name for Turkey poo.
Established, a fancy name for Turkey poo.
And this is the good doctor Turkey poo.
And this is the good doctor himself.
And this is the good doctor himself.
How are you? Himself.
How are you? I'm doing great.
How are you? I'm doing great.
How about you, Mike? I'm doing great.
How about you, Mike? I'm well.
How about you, Mike? I'm well.
The doctor is in, it seems, and I'm well.
The doctor is in, it seems, and you are in up to your eyes in the doctor is in, it seems, and you are in up to your eyes in crap? You are in up to your eyes in crap? That's a nice way to say it.
Crap? That's a nice way to say it.
What am I going to do with that's a nice way to say it.
What am I going to do with you today? What am I going to do with you today? We're going to unload 20 tons you today? We're going to unload 20 tons of poop.
We're going to unload 20 tons of poop.
We're gonna let you get on that of poop.
We're gonna let you get on that loader.
We're gonna let you get on that loader.
We're gonna let you turn it and loader.
We're gonna let you turn it and mix it into a finished pile.
We're gonna let you turn it and mix it into a finished pile.
John deere 544.
Mix it into a finished pile.
John deere 544.
Down there? The 544.
John deere 544.
Down there? The 544.
Yes, sir.
Down there? The 544.
Yes, sir.
Some improvements up from the yes, sir.
Some improvements up from the 543, as I recall.
Some improvements up from the 543, as I recall.
Absolutely.
543, as I recall.
Absolutely.
It was a little sticky absolutely.
It was a little sticky through the lower gears.
It was a little sticky through the lower gears.
This has got an through the lower gears.
This has got an air-conditioned cab so you'll this has got an air-conditioned cab so you'll feel comfortable in this one.
Air-conditioned cab so you'll feel comfortable in this one.
Good.
Feel comfortable in this one.
Good.
Yeah.
Good.
Yeah.
Dr.
Gobbler doesn't rely on a yeah.
Dr.
Gobbler doesn't rely on a dump truck.
Dr.
Gobbler doesn't rely on a dump truck.
He uses a truck like this with dump truck.
He uses a truck like this with live bottom-floor technology.
He uses a truck like this with live bottom-floor technology.
This technology is perfectly live bottom-floor technology.
This technology is perfectly suited for the task at hand this technology is perfectly suited for the task at hand because it squeezes the poo out suited for the task at hand because it squeezes the poo out of the end of the truck.
Because it squeezes the poo out of the end of the truck.
It pushes the poo from the end.
Of the end of the truck.
It pushes the poo from the end.
Ingenious.
It pushes the poo from the end.
Ingenious.
Driving the John deere 544 was a ingenious.
Driving the John deere 544 was a piece of a cake.
Driving the John deere 544 was a piece of a cake.
Just like driving a car Piece of a cake.
Just like driving a car Except you're turning a giant just like driving a car Except you're turning a giant mound of poo to keep the compost except you're turning a giant mound of poo to keep the compost pile at just the right mound of poo to keep the compost pile at just the right temperature.
Pile at just the right temperature.
[ Tractor beeping .]
Temperature.
[ Tractor beeping .]
That's the sound of me backing [ tractor beeping .]
That's the sound of me backing up, baby.
That's the sound of me backing up, baby.
Backing it up.
Up, baby.
Backing it up.
Turning the compost pile helps backing it up.
Turning the compost pile helps keep it in just the right turning the compost pile helps keep it in just the right temperature range not too keep it in just the right temperature range not too hot, not too cold.
Temperature range not too hot, not too cold.
If you don't turn your pile, you hot, not too cold.
If you don't turn your pile, you could end up with a product if you don't turn your pile, you could end up with a product that's actually harmful to could end up with a product that's actually harmful to plants.
That's actually harmful to plants.
[ Coughing .]
Plants.
[ Coughing .]
[ Spitting .]
[ Coughing .]
[ Spitting .]
[ Sighs .]
[ Spitting .]
[ Sighs .]
Gary will now aid me in closing [ sighs .]
Gary will now aid me in closing the door to the John deere Gary will now aid me in closing the door to the John deere 544j.
The door to the John deere 544j.
A critical oversight that has 544j.
A critical oversight that has led to another mouthful of poo a critical oversight that has led to another mouthful of poo in my storied career.
Led to another mouthful of poo in my storied career.
What did you think? In my storied career.
What did you think? That's a great job.
What did you think? That's a great job.
You're hired, man.
That's a great job.
You're hired, man.
For a beginner, you do a great you're hired, man.
For a beginner, you do a great job.
For a beginner, you do a great job.
I'll be a beginner all my job.
I'll be a beginner all my life.
I'll be a beginner all my life.
This is the biggest Turkey life.
This is the biggest Turkey probe I have ever seen.
This is the biggest Turkey probe I have ever seen.
What are we looking at here? Probe I have ever seen.
What are we looking at here? This is a temperature Gage.
What are we looking at here? This is a temperature Gage.
This is what we take our this is a temperature Gage.
This is what we take our temperatures for our compost.
This is what we take our temperatures for our compost.
We have a desired temperature temperatures for our compost.
We have a desired temperature for them to reach.
We have a desired temperature for them to reach.
It tells us when to turn the for them to reach.
It tells us when to turn the pile and when it's getting too it tells us when to turn the pile and when it's getting too hot.
Pile and when it's getting too hot.
Inside these mounds, bacteria hot.
Inside these mounds, bacteria is slowly breaking down the inside these mounds, bacteria is slowly breaking down the Turkey poo.
Is slowly breaking down the Turkey poo.
It's moving up nicely.
Turkey poo.
It's moving up nicely.
99 105.
It's moving up nicely.
99 105.
As the microorganisms work, they 99 105.
As the microorganisms work, they generate heat.
As the microorganisms work, they generate heat.
Got 120.
Generate heat.
Got 120.
At the end of the process, it is got 120.
At the end of the process, it is this heat that kills the at the end of the process, it is this heat that kills the bacteria itself.
This heat that kills the bacteria itself.
Look at that.
Bacteria itself.
Look at that.
It's still creeping up.
Look at that.
It's still creeping up.
Now it's getting close to 130.
It's still creeping up.
Now it's getting close to 130.
It's getting about where I now it's getting close to 130.
It's getting about where I said it would.
It's getting about where I said it would.
Yeah, it's coming along.
Said it would.
Yeah, it's coming along.
All right.
Yeah, it's coming along.
All right.
So, when this is to the point all right.
So, when this is to the point where you're ready to put it in so, when this is to the point where you're ready to put it in a bag and sell it, what does it where you're ready to put it in a bag and sell it, what does it look like? A bag and sell it, what does it look like? We'll walk over to this other look like? We'll walk over to this other pile, which is closer to that we'll walk over to this other pile, which is closer to that point.
Pile, which is closer to that point.
As you can see, it's much point.
As you can see, it's much blacker and it has a lot of as you can see, it's much blacker and it has a lot of little sticks and wood and blacker and it has a lot of little sticks and wood and things in it.
Little sticks and wood and things in it.
So when it goes through the things in it.
So when it goes through the screener, it's gonna come out so when it goes through the screener, it's gonna come out very nicely.
Screener, it's gonna come out very nicely.
After the compost cooks for very nicely.
After the compost cooks for eight months, it's dumped into after the compost cooks for eight months, it's dumped into this screener, which filters eight months, it's dumped into this screener, which filters out rocks and twigs.
This screener, which filters out rocks and twigs.
Finally this former bird poo is out rocks and twigs.
Finally this former bird poo is ready to be bagged and shipped finally this former bird poo is ready to be bagged and shipped to a store near you.
Ready to be bagged and shipped to a store near you.
Well, there it is.
To a store near you.
Well, there it is.
Dr.
Gobbler's cure for your well, there it is.
Dr.
Gobbler's cure for your unhealthy soil.
Dr.
Gobbler's cure for your unhealthy soil.
Look at that.
Unhealthy soil.
Look at that.
The Turkey made it to the table look at that.
The Turkey made it to the table after all.
The Turkey made it to the table after all.
Not on a platter perhaps, but after all.
Not on a platter perhaps, but maybe to a garden near you where not on a platter perhaps, but maybe to a garden near you where it will play an integral role in maybe to a garden near you where it will play an integral role in helping the green beans and the it will play an integral role in helping the green beans and the potatoes and the other savory helping the green beans and the potatoes and the other savory side dishes make it to your next potatoes and the other savory side dishes make it to your next Thanksgiving dinner.
Side dishes make it to your next Thanksgiving dinner.
I always did prefer the dark Thanksgiving dinner.
I always did prefer the dark meat.
I always did prefer the dark meat.
Today I have come to a potato meat.
Today I have come to a potato farm in gunnison, Colorado.
Today I have come to a potato farm in gunnison, Colorado.
Gunnison is in the rocky farm in gunnison, Colorado.
Gunnison is in the rocky mountains.
Gunnison is in the rocky mountains.
In fact, the continental divide mountains.
In fact, the continental divide is about 20 miles behind me.
In fact, the continental divide is about 20 miles behind me.
It gets cold here.
Really cold.
Is about 20 miles behind me.
It gets cold here.
Really cold.
In fact, it's almost too cold to it gets cold here.
Really cold.
In fact, it's almost too cold to harvest potatoes.
In fact, it's almost too cold to harvest potatoes.
Almost.
Harvest potatoes.
Almost.
Milk ranch specialty potatoes almost.
Milk ranch specialty potatoes is not your average spud farm.
Milk ranch specialty potatoes is not your average spud farm.
Nestled at the foot of the is not your average spud farm.
Nestled at the foot of the rockies, verlin rockey and his nestled at the foot of the rockies, verlin rockey and his son, Craig, actually invent new rockies, verlin rockey and his son, Craig, actually invent new strains of potatoes in their son, Craig, actually invent new strains of potatoes in their homemade laboratory and then strains of potatoes in their homemade laboratory and then raise them in their fields to homemade laboratory and then raise them in their fields to produce so-called seed potatoes raise them in their fields to produce so-called seed potatoes to sell to other farmers who produce so-called seed potatoes to sell to other farmers who want to grow the unique milk to sell to other farmers who want to grow the unique milk ranch potato breeds themselves.
Want to grow the unique milk ranch potato breeds themselves.
From the lab to the storeroom ranch potato breeds themselves.
From the lab to the storeroom shelf, the whole process of from the lab to the storeroom shelf, the whole process of developing a new potato can take shelf, the whole process of developing a new potato can take several years of developing a new potato can take several years of trial-and-error scientific several years of trial-and-error scientific experiments and a lot of digging trial-and-error scientific experiments and a lot of digging around in the dirt.
Experiments and a lot of digging around in the dirt.
And I'm here today to do a around in the dirt.
And I'm here today to do a little digging myself.
And I'm here today to do a little digging myself.
So, that is the potato field in little digging myself.
So, that is the potato field in question and this is the potato so, that is the potato field in question and this is the potato proprietor.
Question and this is the potato proprietor.
Proprietor or farmer or proprietor.
Proprietor or farmer or whatever you want to call me.
Proprietor or farmer or whatever you want to call me.
Well, I'm gonna call you whatever you want to call me.
Well, I'm gonna call you verlin rockey, because I'm told well, I'm gonna call you verlin rockey, because I'm told that's your god-given name.
Verlin rockey, because I'm told that's your god-given name.
That works good.
That's your god-given name.
That works good.
Well, it's a pleasure to meet that works good.
Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, sir.
Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, sir.
Glad to meet you, Mike.
You, sir.
Glad to meet you, Mike.
Look at your hand.
Glad to meet you, Mike.
Look at your hand.
Look at the hands of a potato look at your hand.
Look at the hands of a potato farmer.
Look at the hands of a potato farmer.
Good grief, man, you have been farmer.
Good grief, man, you have been in the dirt all your life, good grief, man, you have been in the dirt all your life, haven't you? In the dirt all your life, haven't you? Yes, sir.
Haven't you? Yes, sir.
I knew we were going to get yes, sir.
I knew we were going to get along.
I knew we were going to get along.
Verlin is a potato farmer on a along.
Verlin is a potato farmer on a mission.
Verlin is a potato farmer on a mission.
A mission to build a better mission.
A mission to build a better potato.
A mission to build a better potato.
And that work starts at his potato.
And that work starts at his homemade laboratory, where, in a and that work starts at his homemade laboratory, where, in a sanitized environment, he homemade laboratory, where, in a sanitized environment, he creates new breeds of spuds in sanitized environment, he creates new breeds of spuds in petri dishes that will creates new breeds of spuds in petri dishes that will eventually be planted and raised petri dishes that will eventually be planted and raised in his fields.
Eventually be planted and raised in his fields.
Come on in.
In his fields.
Come on in.
The lab.
Come on in.
The lab.
Verlin, it really is very cozy.
The lab.
Verlin, it really is very cozy.
What do you have going here? Verlin, it really is very cozy.
What do you have going here? It's just room for one guy.
What do you have going here? It's just room for one guy.
Yeah, and here we are.
It's just room for one guy.
Yeah, and here we are.
We're two full-grown man.
Yeah, and here we are.
We're two full-grown man.
What am I looking at? We're two full-grown man.
What am I looking at? Petri dishes and beakers and what am I looking at? Petri dishes and beakers and test tubes? Petri dishes and beakers and test tubes? We call this vessel here a test tubes? We call this vessel here a ga-7 jar.
We call this vessel here a ga-7 jar.
And this particular ga-7 jar has ga-7 jar.
And this particular ga-7 jar has nine plants in it.
And this particular ga-7 jar has nine plants in it.
What I want to do is take these nine plants in it.
What I want to do is take these nine plants, and all we're doing what I want to do is take these nine plants, and all we're doing in the lab is cloning.
Nine plants, and all we're doing in the lab is cloning.
All we're doing is cloning.
In the lab is cloning.
All we're doing is cloning.
That's like space-age stuff.
All we're doing is cloning.
That's like space-age stuff.
I thought you were that's like space-age stuff.
I thought you were cross-pollinating.
I thought you were cross-pollinating.
But you're actually Cross-pollinating.
But you're actually the cross-pollination takes but you're actually the cross-pollination takes place when you have a plant the cross-pollination takes place when you have a plant growing in soil and it has place when you have a plant growing in soil and it has flowers and so on.
Growing in soil and it has flowers and so on.
Your cross-pollinating does flowers and so on.
Your cross-pollinating does that.
Your cross-pollinating does that.
It's taking place there.
That.
It's taking place there.
So, out in the dirt, we it's taking place there.
So, out in the dirt, we cross-pollinate.
So, out in the dirt, we cross-pollinate.
Here in the lab, this is cross-pollinate.
Here in the lab, this is state-of-the-art cloning.
Here in the lab, this is state-of-the-art cloning.
You're a scientist is what state-of-the-art cloning.
You're a scientist is what you're telling me.
You're a scientist is what you're telling me.
Grab a petri dish, and I'll you're telling me.
Grab a petri dish, and I'll let you carry that.
Grab a petri dish, and I'll let you carry that.
We'll take you over to the let you carry that.
We'll take you over to the greenhouse, and we'll put that we'll take you over to the greenhouse, and we'll put that in some dirt.
Greenhouse, and we'll put that in some dirt.
"Red la soda.
" In some dirt.
"Red la soda.
" To the greenhouse, then.
"Red la soda.
" To the greenhouse, then.
In the greenhouse, verlin's son, to the greenhouse, then.
In the greenhouse, verlin's son, Craig, is busy planting his in the greenhouse, verlin's son, Craig, is busy planting his dad's experiments in trays of Craig, is busy planting his dad's experiments in trays of soil, for the first generation dad's experiments in trays of soil, for the first generation of plants will be grown under a soil, for the first generation of plants will be grown under a watchful eye.
Of plants will be grown under a watchful eye.
Basically, I'm taking the watchful eye.
Basically, I'm taking the plants from this petri dish basically, I'm taking the plants from this petri dish here, and I plant each one.
Plants from this petri dish here, and I plant each one.
I space them out just like that.
Here, and I plant each one.
I space them out just like that.
The stuff that was cloned in I space them out just like that.
The stuff that was cloned in the lab is being planted in the the stuff that was cloned in the lab is being planted in the greenhouse.
The lab is being planted in the greenhouse.
Planted in the greenhouse greenhouse.
Planted in the greenhouse right here.
Planted in the greenhouse right here.
In about three months, then, right here.
In about three months, then, what we'll have is what we call in about three months, then, what we'll have is what we call mini-tubers.
What we'll have is what we call mini-tubers.
This is what we're trying to mini-tubers.
This is what we're trying to produce out here is these this is what we're trying to produce out here is these mini-tubers.
Produce out here is these mini-tubers.
A mini-tuber.
All right.
Mini-tubers.
A mini-tuber.
All right.
Tuber's just another word for a mini-tuber.
All right.
Tuber's just another word for potato, right? Tuber's just another word for potato, right? Potato.
Potato, right? Potato.
All right.
Potato.
All right.
And what we're going to do is all right.
And what we're going to do is harvest these in our little and what we're going to do is harvest these in our little homemade harvester, and then harvest these in our little homemade harvester, and then we'll store them in our cellar, homemade harvester, and then we'll store them in our cellar, and we'll plant them in the we'll store them in our cellar, and we'll plant them in the field next year.
And we'll plant them in the field next year.
So, when you plant the field next year.
So, when you plant the potato in the field, is it this so, when you plant the potato in the field, is it this big or is it bigger? Potato in the field, is it this big or is it bigger? That's what we plant there.
Big or is it bigger? That's what we plant there.
Is this a potato or a seed? That's what we plant there.
Is this a potato or a seed? It's a potato.
Is this a potato or a seed? It's a potato.
But we call it a seed potato it's a potato.
But we call it a seed potato because we specifically grew it but we call it a seed potato because we specifically grew it to plant.
Because we specifically grew it to plant.
To harvest the seed potatoes, to plant.
To harvest the seed potatoes, we take the planter trays to to harvest the seed potatoes, we take the planter trays to Craig's homemade harvester we take the planter trays to Craig's homemade harvester machine.
Craig's homemade harvester machine.
What I want you to do now is machine.
What I want you to do now is flip that switch and we will run what I want you to do now is flip that switch and we will run this through the shaker table.
Flip that switch and we will run this through the shaker table.
[ Rumbling .]
This through the shaker table.
[ Rumbling .]
It's loud.
[ Rumbling .]
It's loud.
The vibrating contraption shakes it's loud.
The vibrating contraption shakes free all of the dirt, leaving the vibrating contraption shakes free all of the dirt, leaving only the seed potatoes, which, free all of the dirt, leaving only the seed potatoes, which, come spring, will be planted in only the seed potatoes, which, come spring, will be planted in the milk ranch experimental come spring, will be planted in the milk ranch experimental field to produce the first crop the milk ranch experimental field to produce the first crop of a new breed of spuds.
Field to produce the first crop of a new breed of spuds.
That's good.
Of a new breed of spuds.
That's good.
And that's the way that that's good.
And that's the way that works.
And that's the way that works.
Playing around with these works.
Playing around with these mini-tubers is good fun.
Playing around with these mini-tubers is good fun.
But there's a crop of potatoes mini-tubers is good fun.
But there's a crop of potatoes waiting out there in the cold but there's a crop of potatoes waiting out there in the cold hard soil, and it's time to go waiting out there in the cold hard soil, and it's time to go to harvest them.
Hard soil, and it's time to go to harvest them.
How would you like to take to harvest them.
How would you like to take this and run it over there and how would you like to take this and run it over there and park it for me? This and run it over there and park it for me? I'd love to.
Park it for me? I'd love to.
The first thing we have to do is I'd love to.
The first thing we have to do is set up the conveyor belt that the first thing we have to do is set up the conveyor belt that we'll later use to sort the set up the conveyor belt that we'll later use to sort the potatoes from the rocks.
We'll later use to sort the potatoes from the rocks.
And to that end, verlin has a potatoes from the rocks.
And to that end, verlin has a mighty little machine called a and to that end, verlin has a mighty little machine called a bobcat that can do some of the mighty little machine called a bobcat that can do some of the heavy lifting.
Bobcat that can do some of the heavy lifting.
He can drive standing up.
Heavy lifting.
He can drive standing up.
He's fancy.
He can drive standing up.
He's fancy.
He's verlin, the potato he's fancy.
He's verlin, the potato magician.
He's verlin, the potato magician.
Okay, it's all yours.
Magician.
Okay, it's all yours.
Verlin puts me to work okay, it's all yours.
Verlin puts me to work removing the soil and rocks from verlin puts me to work removing the soil and rocks from yesterday's potato harvest from removing the soil and rocks from yesterday's potato harvest from under the conveyor belt.
Yesterday's potato harvest from under the conveyor belt.
Want to get some of this? Under the conveyor belt.
Want to get some of this? With a never-ending supply of want to get some of this? With a never-ending supply of dirt coming in with each load of with a never-ending supply of dirt coming in with each load of spuds Dirt coming in with each load of spuds I will wreck this device.
Spuds I will wreck this device.
I will destroy the machine.
I will wreck this device.
I will destroy the machine.
Potato farming is a I will destroy the machine.
Potato farming is a never-ending game of muck potato farming is a never-ending game of muck management.
Never-ending game of muck management.
Keep me away from the bobcat.
Management.
Keep me away from the bobcat.
You're getting some good keep me away from the bobcat.
You're getting some good video for the folks back home.
You're getting some good video for the folks back home.
It's gonna be hysterical.
Video for the folks back home.
It's gonna be hysterical.
My dad's gonna be very proud.
It's gonna be hysterical.
My dad's gonna be very proud.
Now that the prepwork is done, my dad's gonna be very proud.
Now that the prepwork is done, it's time to put the bobcat away now that the prepwork is done, it's time to put the bobcat away and get the big tractor out to it's time to put the bobcat away and get the big tractor out to do the real work digging a and get the big tractor out to do the real work digging a potato crop out of the ground.
Do the real work digging a potato crop out of the ground.
Today we're harvesting a crop potato crop out of the ground.
Today we're harvesting a crop of verlin's latest invention Today we're harvesting a crop of verlin's latest invention purple potatoes.
Of verlin's latest invention purple potatoes.
We'll be using an ingenious purple potatoes.
We'll be using an ingenious device Craig built called a we'll be using an ingenious device Craig built called a chain-digger that can dig an device Craig built called a chain-digger that can dig an entire row of potatoes up in a chain-digger that can dig an entire row of potatoes up in a few dirty minutes of work.
Entire row of potatoes up in a few dirty minutes of work.
It will move the dirt and few dirty minutes of work.
It will move the dirt and potatoes and rocks up on that it will move the dirt and potatoes and rocks up on that digger chain.
Potatoes and rocks up on that digger chain.
The soil will fall through the digger chain.
The soil will fall through the digger chain.
The soil will fall through the digger chain.
The potatoes and rocks will fall digger chain.
The potatoes and rocks will fall into our bin collection over the potatoes and rocks will fall into our bin collection over there.
Into our bin collection over there.
While Craig drives the there.
While Craig drives the tractor through the field While Craig drives the tractor through the field So, this whole thing's gonna be tractor through the field So, this whole thing's gonna be full of rocks and dirt and so, this whole thing's gonna be full of rocks and dirt and potatoes, basically.
Full of rocks and dirt and potatoes, basically.
And some vines, yeah.
Potatoes, basically.
And some vines, yeah.
Verlin and I ride along and some vines, yeah.
Verlin and I ride along on the back and start tossing verlin and I ride along on the back and start tossing out rocks and vines that get on the back and start tossing out rocks and vines that get pulled in by the conveyor belt.
Out rocks and vines that get pulled in by the conveyor belt.
You're just trying to get pulled in by the conveyor belt.
You're just trying to get some of the vines out.
You're just trying to get some of the vines out.
You don't have to get all of some of the vines out.
You don't have to get all of them out.
You don't have to get all of them out.
It just makes our job easier them out.
It just makes our job easier later on.
It just makes our job easier later on.
Occasionally the chain-digger later on.
Occasionally the chain-digger makes an archaeological occasionally the chain-digger makes an archaeological discovery.
Makes an archaeological discovery.
Ancient Indian artifact? Discovery.
Ancient Indian artifact? This ground used to be an old ancient Indian artifact? This ground used to be an old stagecoach stop.
This ground used to be an old stagecoach stop.
Really? Stagecoach stop.
Really? The corrals for the livestock really? The corrals for the livestock was right up here.
The corrals for the livestock was right up here.
I've gone through those corrals was right up here.
I've gone through those corrals with my equipment.
I've gone through those corrals with my equipment.
And they had milk cows here.
With my equipment.
And they had milk cows here.
They would milk the cows, and and they had milk cows here.
They would milk the cows, and then when the stage came by, they would milk the cows, and then when the stage came by, they would throw their 5-gallon then when the stage came by, they would throw their 5-gallon cans of milk on the stage.
They would throw their 5-gallon cans of milk on the stage.
And they'd go to lake city with cans of milk on the stage.
And they'd go to lake city with cans of milk.
And they'd go to lake city with cans of milk.
And that's why the gulch is cans of milk.
And that's why the gulch is named milk ranch gulch.
And that's why the gulch is named milk ranch gulch.
"Shut up, Mike, and eat your named milk ranch gulch.
"Shut up, Mike, and eat your potato.
" "Shut up, Mike, and eat your potato.
" I don't want to eat the potato.
Potato.
" I don't want to eat the potato.
"Why not?" I don't want to eat the potato.
"Why not?" Because it's purple! "Why not?" Because it's purple! Mike, we've got enough because it's purple! Mike, we've got enough potatoes here now.
Mike, we've got enough potatoes here now.
We're basically full.
Potatoes here now.
We're basically full.
I'm gonna sit here as elegantly we're basically full.
I'm gonna sit here as elegantly as I can on a giant pile of I'm gonna sit here as elegantly as I can on a giant pile of potatoes.
As I can on a giant pile of potatoes.
Go ahead and sit up on the potatoes.
Go ahead and sit up on the side there.
Go ahead and sit up on the side there.
In other words, get your ass side there.
In other words, get your ass out of the potatoes.
Donna, you married into this? Yeah.
What's your favorite potato dish? Turns out sorting the rocks from the potatoes is a family affair.
So verlin, Craig, Craig's wife, the potatoes is a family affair.
So verlin, Craig, Craig's wife, Donna, and their son, Joshua, so verlin, Craig, Craig's wife, Donna, and their son, Joshua, all join in as we make sure Donna, and their son, Joshua, all join in as we make sure nothing but the best spuds make all join in as we make sure nothing but the best spuds make their way into the harvest nothing but the best spuds make their way into the harvest basket.
Their way into the harvest basket.
Do you like to eat purple basket.
Do you like to eat purple potatoes? Do you like to eat purple potatoes? Yeah.
Potatoes? Yeah.
No, you don't.
Yeah.
No, you don't.
Yeah.
No, you don't.
Yeah.
You do not.
Yeah.
You do not.
Yeah.
You do not.
Yeah.
You wouldn't eat that, would yeah.
You wouldn't eat that, would you? You wouldn't eat that, would you? [ Laughing .]
You? [ Laughing .]
That is one crazy [ laughing .]
That is one crazy purple-potato-eating kid.
That is one crazy purple-potato-eating kid.
I think I'm a natural.
Purple-potato-eating kid.
I think I'm a natural.
Yeah.
I think I'm a natural.
Yeah.
Uh-oh.
Yeah.
Uh-oh.
Now, that seemed pretty fast.
Uh-oh.
Now, that seemed pretty fast.
You got to look further down now, that seemed pretty fast.
You got to look further down than in right in front of you.
You got to look further down than in right in front of you.
Mike, you're missing too than in right in front of you.
Mike, you're missing too many.
Mike, you're missing too many.
Look at this.
Many.
Look at this.
I don't mean to point look at this.
I don't mean to point fingers, but that kid right I don't mean to point fingers, but that kid right there is not doing his job.
Fingers, but that kid right there is not doing his job.
Okay.
There is not doing his job.
Okay.
It's like he doesn't care, okay.
It's like he doesn't care, dad, you know what I mean? It's like he doesn't care, dad, you know what I mean? Oops.
Dad, you know what I mean? Oops.
They're getting by me.
Oops.
They're getting by me.
[ Sighs .]
They're getting by me.
[ Sighs .]
Again.
[ Sighs .]
Again.
I'm like Lucille ball here.
Again.
I'm like Lucille ball here.
It's been a long journey from I'm like Lucille ball here.
It's been a long journey from the test tube to the potato it's been a long journey from the test tube to the potato cellar.
The test tube to the potato cellar.
But that's where these spuds cellar.
But that's where these spuds are about to end up.
But that's where these spuds are about to end up.
Put away for the season, they'll are about to end up.
Put away for the season, they'll hibernate through the winter put away for the season, they'll hibernate through the winter months here before being sold to hibernate through the winter months here before being sold to other farmers across the months here before being sold to other farmers across the country as seed potatoes in the other farmers across the country as seed potatoes in the spring Country as seed potatoes in the spring If they aren't eaten by the spring If they aren't eaten by the rockeys first.
If they aren't eaten by the rockeys first.
So this is the potato bunkhouse.
Rockeys first.
So this is the potato bunkhouse.
This is the bunkhouse.
So this is the potato bunkhouse.
This is the bunkhouse.
We call it a potato cellar.
This is the bunkhouse.
We call it a potato cellar.
This is where they're gonna go we call it a potato cellar.
This is where they're gonna go to sleep.
This is where they're gonna go to sleep.
Should we be whispering? To sleep.
Should we be whispering? I'd hate to wake them.
Should we be whispering? I'd hate to wake them.
That's a joke.
It wasn't funny.
I'd hate to wake them.
That's a joke.
It wasn't funny.
I'd take it back if I could.
That's a joke.
It wasn't funny.
I'd take it back if I could.
I'm laughing.
I'd take it back if I could.
I'm laughing.
Yeah, you're laughing on the I'm laughing.
Yeah, you're laughing on the inside.
Yeah, you're laughing on the inside.
Okay.
Inside.
Okay.
Well, the sun has set here in okay.
Well, the sun has set here in the Colorado rockies, and the well, the sun has set here in the Colorado rockies, and the rockeys are preparing for bed.
The Colorado rockies, and the rockeys are preparing for bed.
Potato farmers get up early.
Rockeys are preparing for bed.
Potato farmers get up early.
But they left me a huckleberry potato farmers get up early.
But they left me a huckleberry or two to contemplate along with but they left me a huckleberry or two to contemplate along with some banana fingerlings and a or two to contemplate along with some banana fingerlings and a cat named tuffy, who seems to be some banana fingerlings and a cat named tuffy, who seems to be everywhere at all times.
Cat named tuffy, who seems to be everywhere at all times.
And, Donna, look, you've put everywhere at all times.
And, Donna, look, you've put together a little snack for me and, Donna, look, you've put together a little snack for me at the end of a long day.
Together a little snack for me at the end of a long day.
What do you have? At the end of a long day.
What do you have? Mike, this is what we call what do you have? Mike, this is what we call star-spangled fries.
Mike, this is what we call star-spangled fries.
Star-spangled fries? Star-spangled fries.
Star-spangled fries? I don't know whether to salute star-spangled fries? I don't know whether to salute them or eat them.
I don't know whether to salute them or eat them.
Thanks a lot.
Them or eat them.
Thanks a lot.
Can I split them with the cat? Thanks a lot.
Can I split them with the cat? He likes them, too.
Can I split them with the cat? He likes them, too.
Here, kitty-kitty.
He likes them, too.
Here, kitty-kitty.
Little red, white, and blue for here, kitty-kitty.
Little red, white, and blue for you.
Little red, white, and blue for you.
Good.
Good boy.
You.
Good.
Good boy.
If he gets a hair ball, i'm good.
Good boy.
If he gets a hair ball, i'm gonna feel terrible.
If he gets a hair ball, i'm gonna feel terrible.
Very nice.
Gonna feel terrible.
Very nice.
Thank you.
Very nice.
Thank you.
That'll be all.
Thank you.
That'll be all.
[ Laughs .]
That'll be all.
[ Laughs .]
That that'll be all.
[ Laughs .]
That that'll be all.
That kills me.
That that'll be all.
That kills me.
After a day spent farming that kills me.
After a day spent farming potatoes, I developed a greater after a day spent farming potatoes, I developed a greater respect for the humble French potatoes, I developed a greater respect for the humble French fry, the mere potato chip, the respect for the humble French fry, the mere potato chip, the common baked potato.
Fry, the mere potato chip, the common baked potato.
But there was still one question common baked potato.
But there was still one question that had yet to be answered.
But there was still one question that had yet to be answered.
Do you say patato? That had yet to be answered.
Do you say patato? Some people say patato, do you say patato? Some people say patato, some people say potato.
Some people say patato, some people say potato.
It's patato in england.
Some people say potato.
It's patato in england.
It's pretentious, I think.
It's patato in england.
It's pretentious, I think.
Tamato's nice, but patato I it's pretentious, I think.
Tamato's nice, but patato I never signed off on.
Tamato's nice, but patato I never signed off on.
For the last 10,000 years or so, never signed off on.
For the last 10,000 years or so, polite society has been trying for the last 10,000 years or so, polite society has been trying to figure out what to do with polite society has been trying to figure out what to do with our poop.
To figure out what to do with our poop.
For the most part, we dump it our poop.
For the most part, we dump it into the ocean.
For the most part, we dump it into the ocean.
Now, we do some things to the into the ocean.
Now, we do some things to the poop before we dump it into the now, we do some things to the poop before we dump it into the ocean.
Poop before we dump it into the ocean.
Important things.
Ocean.
Important things.
Complicated things.
Important things.
Complicated things.
Would you like to know what complicated things.
Would you like to know what those things are? Would you like to know what those things are? Well, I'm going to tell you those things are? Well, I'm going to tell you anyway.
Well, I'm going to tell you anyway.
This vast facility is on anyway.
This vast facility is on San Francisco's western shore this vast facility is on San Francisco's western shore near the zoological gardens in San Francisco's western shore near the zoological gardens in San Francisco state university.
Near the zoological gardens in San Francisco state university.
You won't find it on any tourist San Francisco state university.
You won't find it on any tourist maps, though.
You won't find it on any tourist maps, though.
It's one of two waste-water maps, though.
It's one of two waste-water treatment plants serving the it's one of two waste-water treatment plants serving the city, and it processes 43 treatment plants serving the city, and it processes 43 million gallons of raw sewage city, and it processes 43 million gallons of raw sewage every day.
Million gallons of raw sewage every day.
This is the westside pumping every day.
This is the westside pumping station.
This is the westside pumping station.
We're not even 100 yards from station.
We're not even 100 yards from the pacific ocean and down there we're not even 100 yards from the pacific ocean and down there you can see an awful lot of raw the pacific ocean and down there you can see an awful lot of raw sewage.
You can see an awful lot of raw sewage.
Every time somebody on the west sewage.
Every time somebody on the west side of town flushes their every time somebody on the west side of town flushes their toilet, it comes here on its way side of town flushes their toilet, it comes here on its way to get treated.
Toilet, it comes here on its way to get treated.
The flow, as you might notice, to get treated.
The flow, as you might notice, can get kind of high from time the flow, as you might notice, can get kind of high from time to time.
Can get kind of high from time to time.
The westside pumping station is to time.
The westside pumping station is a very dirty place.
The westside pumping station is a very dirty place.
Other words beginning with "d" a very dirty place.
Other words beginning with "d" that describe this place are other words beginning with "d" that describe this place are dark and dangerous.
That describe this place are dark and dangerous.
Not a good place to wander dark and dangerous.
Not a good place to wander unescorted.
Not a good place to wander unescorted.
I needed a guide.
Unescorted.
I needed a guide.
You must be Chuck.
I needed a guide.
You must be Chuck.
I am.
You must be Chuck.
I am.
Um, no need to shake.
I am.
Um, no need to shake.
This is pump chamber number 1, um, no need to shake.
This is pump chamber number 1, and that is a door that fills this is pump chamber number 1, and that is a door that fills me with alarm.
And that is a door that fills me with alarm.
Correct.
Me with alarm.
Correct.
What's on the other side of correct.
What's on the other side of the door? What's on the other side of the door? Sewage raw sewage.
The door? Sewage raw sewage.
What is our job today? Sewage raw sewage.
What is our job today? Replacing a lift pump.
What is our job today? Replacing a lift pump.
It's a 300-horse, replacing a lift pump.
It's a 300-horse, 25-million-gallon-a-day pump it's a 300-horse, 25-million-gallon-a-day pump that feeds the 25-million-gallon-a-day pump that feeds the oceanside treatment plant.
That feeds the oceanside treatment plant.
What does the lift pump lift? Oceanside treatment plant.
What does the lift pump lift? Wastewater.
What does the lift pump lift? Wastewater.
I have been outfitted with wastewater.
I have been outfitted with some materials that I can't I have been outfitted with some materials that I can't fully explain, including this.
Some materials that I can't fully explain, including this.
What is that? Fully explain, including this.
What is that? It's a personal gas stick.
What is that? It's a personal gas stick.
We're monitoring the air here so it's a personal gas stick.
We're monitoring the air here so you don't die.
We're monitoring the air here so you don't die.
Such gas as methane.
You don't die.
Such gas as methane.
It monitors hydrogen sulfide.
Such gas as methane.
It monitors hydrogen sulfide.
15 parts per million will kill it monitors hydrogen sulfide.
15 parts per million will kill you.
15 parts per million will kill you.
Manages co, which is carbon.
You.
Manages co, which is carbon.
And it monitors oxygen level.
Manages co, which is carbon.
And it monitors oxygen level.
We're standing in bad things.
And it monitors oxygen level.
We're standing in bad things.
What am I looking at here? We're standing in bad things.
What am I looking at here? Anything anybody throws in a what am I looking at here? Anything anybody throws in a toilet.
Anything anybody throws in a toilet.
I see a lot of latex.
Toilet.
I see a lot of latex.
I see some plastic applicators.
I see a lot of latex.
I see some plastic applicators.
I see a reservoir tip.
I see some plastic applicators.
I see a reservoir tip.
That's interesting.
I see a reservoir tip.
That's interesting.
Yeah, those are always nice.
That's interesting.
Yeah, those are always nice.
What are the hazards that I yeah, those are always nice.
What are the hazards that I should be most aware of before what are the hazards that I should be most aware of before we open the portal to hell? Should be most aware of before we open the portal to hell? Engulfment.
We open the portal to hell? Engulfment.
Drowning.
Engulfment.
Drowning.
Hazardous atmosphere.
Drowning.
Hazardous atmosphere.
That's kind of general.
Hazardous atmosphere.
That's kind of general.
Slips and falls.
That's kind of general.
Slips and falls.
Right.
Slips and falls.
Right.
And exposure to hazardous right.
And exposure to hazardous atmosphere, which means and exposure to hazardous atmosphere, which means hepatitis, tuberculosis.
Atmosphere, which means hepatitis, tuberculosis.
People have perished in hepatitis, tuberculosis.
People have perished in situations like this? People have perished in situations like this? People have been known to die situations like this? People have been known to die mostly because of the hazardous people have been known to die mostly because of the hazardous atmosphere.
Mostly because of the hazardous atmosphere.
All right.
Atmosphere.
All right.
You're gonna spin this in a all right.
You're gonna spin this in a counterclockwise direction.
You're gonna spin this in a counterclockwise direction.
Yeah.
Counterclockwise direction.
Yeah.
It's a little stiff.
Yeah.
It's a little stiff.
Counterclockwise, that's it's a little stiff.
Counterclockwise, that's this way, right? Counterclockwise, that's this way, right? Yeah, almost.
This way, right? Yeah, almost.
It's the other way.
Yeah, almost.
It's the other way.
Oh, this is clockwise, isn't it's the other way.
Oh, this is clockwise, isn't it? Oh, this is clockwise, isn't it? Is this clockwise or it? Is this clockwise or counterclockwise? Is this clockwise or counterclockwise? I'm sorry.
It is.
Counterclockwise? I'm sorry.
It is.
My apologies.
I'm sorry.
It is.
My apologies.
Oh, god! My apologies.
Oh, god! It's just the beginning.
Oh, god! It's just the beginning.
What's the purpose of this it's just the beginning.
What's the purpose of this thing again? What's the purpose of this thing again? We have a head of water.
Thing again? We have a head of water.
As you can see, it's about this we have a head of water.
As you can see, it's about this high.
As you can see, it's about this high.
So we've got to force that door high.
So we've got to force that door against that water.
So we've got to force that door against that water.
How do I do that? Against that water.
How do I do that? We're gonna walk this board.
How do I do that? We're gonna walk this board.
All right.
We're gonna walk this board.
All right.
[ Grunts .]
All right.
[ Grunts .]
Ohh! [ Laughs .]
[ Grunts .]
Ohh! [ Laughs .]
Nice, isn't it? Ohh! [ Laughs .]
Nice, isn't it? Beautiful smell, isn't it? Nice, isn't it? Beautiful smell, isn't it? What are you doing? Beautiful smell, isn't it? What are you doing? I'm trying to blow the debris what are you doing? I'm trying to blow the debris away from the door opening.
I'm trying to blow the debris away from the door opening.
The debris.
Away from the door opening.
The debris.
Is that what we call it now? The debris.
Is that what we call it now? That's what we're calling it.
Is that what we call it now? That's what we're calling it.
Oh, I see the poo.
That's what we're calling it.
Oh, I see the poo.
Oh, that's a lot of poop.
Oh, I see the poo.
Oh, that's a lot of poop.
What do you see? Oh, that's a lot of poop.
What do you see? We were getting a high what do you see? We were getting a high hydrogen sulfide alarm.
We were getting a high hydrogen sulfide alarm.
So we got too much hydrogen hydrogen sulfide alarm.
So we got too much hydrogen sulfide down here? So we got too much hydrogen sulfide down here? It cleared.
Sulfide down here? It cleared.
Now we're okay? It cleared.
Now we're okay? Yeah.
Now we're okay? Yeah.
And we remained okay for yeah.
And we remained okay for about two minutes.
And we remained okay for about two minutes.
Has a slashing motion across the about two minutes.
Has a slashing motion across the neck ever meant something good? Has a slashing motion across the neck ever meant something good? We need to get out.
Neck ever meant something good? We need to get out.
We need to get out? We need to get out.
We need to get out? What kind of problems we got? We need to get out? What kind of problems we got? Hydrogen sulfide alarm again.
What kind of problems we got? Hydrogen sulfide alarm again.
We need to leave because hydrogen sulfide alarm again.
We need to leave because there's too much hydrogen coming we need to leave because there's too much hydrogen coming off the poo.
There's too much hydrogen coming off the poo.
[ Coughing .]
Off the poo.
[ Coughing .]
When sewage, being sewage, [ coughing .]
When sewage, being sewage, decays, it produces when sewage, being sewage, decays, it produces hydrogen sulfide.
Decays, it produces hydrogen sulfide.
And hydrogen sulfide is a hydrogen sulfide.
And hydrogen sulfide is a gas.
And hydrogen sulfide is a gas.
Hydrogen sulfide's a gas.
Gas.
Hydrogen sulfide's a gas.
First thing it does it hydrogen sulfide's a gas.
First thing it does it neutralizes your senses.
First thing it does it neutralizes your senses.
You can't smell it.
Neutralizes your senses.
You can't smell it.
Oh, we haven't got to that you can't smell it.
Oh, we haven't got to that stage yet.
Oh, we haven't got to that stage yet.
I think I can smell it.
Stage yet.
I think I can smell it.
We can smell a little bit in I think I can smell it.
We can smell a little bit in there.
We can smell a little bit in there.
But it went up when the there.
But it went up when the alarm sets, it's key to get out but it went up when the alarm sets, it's key to get out of there.
Alarm sets, it's key to get out of there.
First thing it does is paralyze of there.
First thing it does is paralyze your senses and then it first thing it does is paralyze your senses and then it paralyzes your breathing and you your senses and then it paralyzes your breathing and you drown.
Paralyzes your breathing and you drown.
How come mine didn't go off? Drown.
How come mine didn't go off? The other guy was standing how come mine didn't go off? The other guy was standing back in the door opening where the other guy was standing back in the door opening where there wasn't any air moving.
Back in the door opening where there wasn't any air moving.
You do smell this, right? There wasn't any air moving.
You do smell this, right? People say you get used to you do smell this, right? People say you get used to it.
People say you get used to it.
I've been doing this for 11 it.
I've been doing this for 11 years, I'm not used to it.
I've been doing this for 11 years, I'm not used to it.
No.
I've been done here 11 years, I'm not used to it.
No.
I've been done here 11 minutes, I'm not used to it no.
I've been done here 11 minutes, I'm not used to it either.
Minutes, I'm not used to it either.
And I don't ever want to be.
Either.
And I don't ever want to be.
This is called a bar screener.
And I don't ever want to be.
This is called a bar screener.
A bar screener is basically a this is called a bar screener.
A bar screener is basically a series of mechanical rakes, and a bar screener is basically a series of mechanical rakes, and they're designed to get all the series of mechanical rakes, and they're designed to get all the stuff out of the sludge in the they're designed to get all the stuff out of the sludge in the pumping station that shouldn't stuff out of the sludge in the pumping station that shouldn't have gone down the drain.
Pumping station that shouldn't have gone down the drain.
Sticks and stones and dead rats have gone down the drain.
Sticks and stones and dead rats and plastic products and rubber sticks and stones and dead rats and plastic products and rubber products and all kinds of and plastic products and rubber products and all kinds of goodies.
Products and all kinds of goodies.
This is basically step one in goodies.
This is basically step one in the pretreatment process.
This is basically step one in the pretreatment process.
It's a dirty step.
The pretreatment process.
It's a dirty step.
We had to evacuate the entrance it's a dirty step.
We had to evacuate the entrance to the pumping chamber when our we had to evacuate the entrance to the pumping chamber when our gas detectors registered a high to the pumping chamber when our gas detectors registered a high level of hydrogen sulfide Gas detectors registered a high level of hydrogen sulfide four parts per million.
Level of hydrogen sulfide four parts per million.
15 minutes later, it was clear four parts per million.
15 minutes later, it was clear enough to go back.
15 minutes later, it was clear enough to go back.
Our lucky day.
Enough to go back.
Our lucky day.
So, basically, the hydrogen our lucky day.
So, basically, the hydrogen levels are now under control.
So, basically, the hydrogen levels are now under control.
The oxygen is where it should levels are now under control.
The oxygen is where it should be.
The oxygen is where it should be.
The raw sewage is flowing with be.
The raw sewage is flowing with just extreme prejudice, it the raw sewage is flowing with just extreme prejudice, it seems.
Just extreme prejudice, it seems.
Yes.
Seems.
Yes.
Now what do we do? Yes.
Now what do we do? Now we have to get this door now what do we do? Now we have to get this door open.
Now we have to get this door open.
As you can see in there, that's open.
As you can see in there, that's what we call rag balls.
As you can see in there, that's what we call rag balls.
Rag balls? What we call rag balls.
Rag balls? Rag balls.
Rag balls? Rag balls.
It's anything thrown down the rag balls.
It's anything thrown down the sewer again.
It's anything thrown down the sewer again.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Sewer again.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
This is pretty bad.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
This is pretty bad.
That's as bad as anything this is pretty bad.
That's as bad as anything I've ever seen in my adult life.
That's as bad as anything I've ever seen in my adult life.
In fact, it felt like a I've ever seen in my adult life.
In fact, it felt like a nightmare.
In fact, it felt like a nightmare.
But our gas detectors reminded nightmare.
But our gas detectors reminded us yet again that it was all too but our gas detectors reminded us yet again that it was all too real.
Us yet again that it was all too real.
We might have to clear the real.
We might have to clear the area for a bit.
We might have to clear the area for a bit.
Yeah, we're gonna have to area for a bit.
Yeah, we're gonna have to walk out just to make sure.
Yeah, we're gonna have to walk out just to make sure.
We need to get out and let walk out just to make sure.
We need to get out and let it air out.
We need to get out and let it air out.
So we got three parts per it air out.
So we got three parts per million out here and four in so we got three parts per million out here and four in there.
Million out here and four in there.
Right? There.
Right? How many do we want? Right? How many do we want? I prefer none.
How many do we want? I prefer none.
About 15 parts per million, I prefer none.
About 15 parts per million, though, is when it starts to about 15 parts per million, though, is when it starts to getting very dangerous.
Though, is when it starts to getting very dangerous.
Oh, well, we were okay.
Getting very dangerous.
Oh, well, we were okay.
Now we're down to 2.
5.
Oh, well, we were okay.
Now we're down to 2.
5.
These are very important.
Now we're down to 2.
5.
These are very important.
They're called odor control these are very important.
They're called odor control units.
They're called odor control units.
And without these, the air here units.
And without these, the air here at the plant would smell really and without these, the air here at the plant would smell really bad.
At the plant would smell really bad.
This time, we only had to wait bad.
This time, we only had to wait nine minutes to go back in.
This time, we only had to wait nine minutes to go back in.
Now we could enter the pumping nine minutes to go back in.
Now we could enter the pumping chamber.
Now we could enter the pumping chamber.
For a sewage-treatment-plant chamber.
For a sewage-treatment-plant worker, this would have been a for a sewage-treatment-plant worker, this would have been a good thing.
Worker, this would have been a good thing.
For a TV host, mmm, not so good.
Good thing.
For a TV host, mmm, not so good.
I'm going to walk out on the end for a TV host, mmm, not so good.
I'm going to walk out on the end of that plank? I'm going to walk out on the end of that plank? Yeah, walk slowly.
Of that plank? Yeah, walk slowly.
Check it.
Bounce a little.
Yeah, walk slowly.
Check it.
Bounce a little.
Aah! Check it.
Bounce a little.
Aah! So, that's the problem.
Aah! So, that's the problem.
Our door is hopelessly jammed in so, that's the problem.
Our door is hopelessly jammed in poo.
Our door is hopelessly jammed in poo.
There was just enough space to poo.
There was just enough space to squeeze through the doorway.
There was just enough space to squeeze through the doorway.
But it had to be open wider in squeeze through the doorway.
But it had to be open wider in case we needed to make an but it had to be open wider in case we needed to make an emergency exit.
Case we needed to make an emergency exit.
There's simply nothing to touch.
Emergency exit.
There's simply nothing to touch.
Stand back, everybody.
Oh, god! Welcome to hell.
Oh, yeah.
Welcome to hell.
Oh, yeah.
This thing is called a lift oh, yeah.
This thing is called a lift pump.
This thing is called a lift pump.
Lift pump.
Pump.
Lift pump.
And how many lift pumps are lift pump.
And how many lift pumps are in the pumping station? And how many lift pumps are in the pumping station? In this section, there's in the pumping station? In this section, there's four, and there's three more in in this section, there's four, and there's three more in the other side.
Four, and there's three more in the other side.
And the job today is to the other side.
And the job today is to replace a broken lift pump.
And the job today is to replace a broken lift pump.
How often do they break? Replace a broken lift pump.
How often do they break? Um, not often.
How often do they break? Um, not often.
They're very dependable.
Um, not often.
They're very dependable.
Durable.
They're very dependable.
Durable.
This one isn't actually durable.
This one isn't actually broken.
This one isn't actually broken.
What we have is a new rebuild up broken.
What we have is a new rebuild up top that we're making sure works what we have is a new rebuild up top that we're making sure works properly before wet weather gets top that we're making sure works properly before wet weather gets here.
Properly before wet weather gets here.
During the time a lift pump here.
During the time a lift pump is being replaced, the facility during the time a lift pump is being replaced, the facility has to shut down.
Is being replaced, the facility has to shut down.
So every minute is critical.
Has to shut down.
So every minute is critical.
Toilets are still flushing all so every minute is critical.
Toilets are still flushing all over the West Side and sewage toilets are still flushing all over the West Side and sewage continues to enter the plant.
Over the West Side and sewage continues to enter the plant.
That's why the pump chambers are continues to enter the plant.
That's why the pump chambers are five stories tall to handle a that's why the pump chambers are five stories tall to handle a potential backup if the pumps five stories tall to handle a potential backup if the pumps are offline for an extended potential backup if the pumps are offline for an extended period.
Are offline for an extended period.
This is called a volute and period.
This is called a volute and inside of it is an impeller that this is called a volute and inside of it is an impeller that turns.
Inside of it is an impeller that turns.
Is that the opposite of a turns.
Is that the opposite of a propeller? Is that the opposite of a propeller? It's inside instead of propeller? It's inside instead of outside.
It's inside instead of outside.
Oh, I gotcha.
Outside.
Oh, I gotcha.
So it's an inboard lift pump, oh, I gotcha.
So it's an inboard lift pump, basically.
So it's an inboard lift pump, basically.
It creates a suction through basically.
It creates a suction through the bottom It creates a suction through the bottom Pumps out this side through that the bottom Pumps out this side through that pipe Pumps out this side through that pipe Sends it over to oceanside pipe Sends it over to oceanside plant.
Sends it over to oceanside plant.
We have to get a shackle hooked plant.
We have to get a shackle hooked to the top here.
We have to get a shackle hooked to the top here.
There's a hoop here to hook the to the top here.
There's a hoop here to hook the shackle in.
There's a hoop here to hook the shackle in.
So we have to wash that off.
Shackle in.
So we have to wash that off.
The westside pump station is so we have to wash that off.
The westside pump station is very dirty on the inside, but the westside pump station is very dirty on the inside, but relatively clean on the outside.
Very dirty on the inside, but relatively clean on the outside.
The goal is to keep as much of relatively clean on the outside.
The goal is to keep as much of the poo as they can within the the goal is to keep as much of the poo as they can within the plant and out of sight The poo as they can within the plant and out of sight Hepatitis a.
Plant and out of sight Hepatitis a.
Which is why I'm hosing down hepatitis a.
Which is why I'm hosing down this lift pump before it's which is why I'm hosing down this lift pump before it's hoisted out.
This lift pump before it's hoisted out.
Knock the poo off.
Hoisted out.
Knock the poo off.
Ugh.
Knock the poo off.
Ugh.
Ohh! Ugh.
Ohh! Good.
Ohh! Good.
All right.
Good.
All right.
All right, I think it's in.
All right.
All right, I think it's in.
In San Francisco, the waste all right, I think it's in.
In San Francisco, the waste treatment process is completely in San Francisco, the waste treatment process is completely automated except for one step Treatment process is completely automated except for one step replacing a lift pump.
Automated except for one step replacing a lift pump.
That also happens to be the replacing a lift pump.
That also happens to be the dirtiest step.
That also happens to be the dirtiest step.
And thus, here I am.
Dirtiest step.
And thus, here I am.
[ Laughs .]
And thus, here I am.
[ Laughs .]
Makes you glad you're not down [ laughs .]
Makes you glad you're not down there now, doesn't it? Makes you glad you're not down there now, doesn't it? I certainly was.
There now, doesn't it? I certainly was.
But down below, cameraman Doug, I certainly was.
But down below, cameraman Doug, not so glad.
Well, it's a whole lot cleaner than it was.
But You can't get everything.
Than it was.
But You can't get everything.
Out with the old lift pump, in but you can't get everything.
Out with the old lift pump, in with the new.
Out with the old lift pump, in with the new.
Though a new lift pump stops with the new.
Though a new lift pump stops being new pretty much as soon as though a new lift pump stops being new pretty much as soon as it's put in.
Being new pretty much as soon as it's put in.
I'm basically ready to leave.
It's put in.
I'm basically ready to leave.
God! I'm basically ready to leave.
God! I'm right behind you.
God! I'm right behind you.
Now that the new pump was I'm right behind you.
Now that the new pump was installed and working, I had to now that the new pump was installed and working, I had to time to see what else they do installed and working, I had to time to see what else they do to the poo before dumping it in time to see what else they do to the poo before dumping it in the ocean.
To the poo before dumping it in the ocean.
All the waste here at the plant the ocean.
All the waste here at the plant is either solid or liquid.
All the waste here at the plant is either solid or liquid.
And every step of the treatment is either solid or liquid.
And every step of the treatment process, to some degree anyway, and every step of the treatment process, to some degree anyway, involves separating the two.
Process, to some degree anyway, involves separating the two.
This is called a gravity belt, involves separating the two.
This is called a gravity belt, and here you can see the sludge this is called a gravity belt, and here you can see the sludge thickens up as it goes down and here you can see the sludge thickens up as it goes down there toward the end.
Thickens up as it goes down there toward the end.
The sludge, or the solid part, there toward the end.
The sludge, or the solid part, is on its way to something the sludge, or the solid part, is on its way to something called a digester, and the is on its way to something called a digester, and the liquid is on its way for called a digester, and the liquid is on its way for aeration.
Liquid is on its way for aeration.
The digesters remove harmful aeration.
The digesters remove harmful pathogens from solid waste and the digesters remove harmful pathogens from solid waste and reduce its volume.
Pathogens from solid waste and reduce its volume.
Once these biosolids have been reduce its volume.
Once these biosolids have been digested, they're trucked to once these biosolids have been digested, they're trucked to one of four landfill sites in digested, they're trucked to one of four landfill sites in the bay area or used as a soil one of four landfill sites in the bay area or used as a soil substitute for agriculture.
The bay area or used as a soil substitute for agriculture.
After water's been aerated, it substitute for agriculture.
After water's been aerated, it comes here for final after water's been aerated, it comes here for final clarification.
Comes here for final clarification.
And down there is the finished clarification.
And down there is the finished product.
And down there is the finished product.
In a few moments, this water is product.
In a few moments, this water is going to be pumped 4 1/2 miles in a few moments, this water is going to be pumped 4 1/2 miles out into the pacific ocean and going to be pumped 4 1/2 miles out into the pacific ocean and dumped.
Out into the pacific ocean and dumped.
It's 95% treated, so it won't dumped.
It's 95% treated, so it won't hurt the fish and it won't hurt it's 95% treated, so it won't hurt the fish and it won't hurt the birds.
Hurt the fish and it won't hurt the birds.
In fact, the say the water the birds.
In fact, the say the water that's been 95% treated is in fact, the say the water that's been 95% treated is almost good enough to drink.
That's been 95% treated is almost good enough to drink.
Then, again, I know where the almost good enough to drink.
Then, again, I know where the water's been.
Then, again, I know where the water's been.
And I'm not thirsty.
Water's been.
And I'm not thirsty.
As I sit here atop this giant and I'm not thirsty.
As I sit here atop this giant pile of poo, it occurs to me as I sit here atop this giant pile of poo, it occurs to me that "dirty jobs" would not be pile of poo, it occurs to me that "dirty jobs" would not be possible without you.
That "dirty jobs" would not be possible without you.
Specifically, without your possible without you.
Specifically, without your ideas.
Specifically, without your ideas.
So if you have an idea for a ideas.
So if you have an idea for a dirty job that you think we so if you have an idea for a dirty job that you think we should know about, I beseech dirty job that you think we should know about, I beseech you, go to should know about, I beseech you, go to discovery.
Com/dirtyjobs and tell you, go to discovery.
Com/dirtyjobs and tell us all about it.
Discovery.
com/dirtyjobs and tell us all about it.
It's a very nice website.
Us all about it.
It's a very nice website.
I go there all the time myself.
It's a very nice website.
I go there all the time myself.
You should try it.
I go there all the time myself.
You should try it.
Thank you very much for you should try it.
Thank you very much for watching.
Thank you very much for watching.
And remember, stay dirty.
[ Chirping .]
Fowl.
What we get is a nice compound, what we call a biosolid.
The biosolid is then shipped out on trucks to areas like solano county.
And later on, they get used as soil so we can grow agriculture on it.
You just made all that up, didn't you? Pretty much.
And by the way, drowning really is the leading cause of death at wastewater treatment plants.
So always swim with a buddy.