National Petroleum Reserve - Beaufort Coastal Plain Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in National Petroleum Reserve - Beaufort Coastal Plain Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, High | 6.6M | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Water, Saline | 1.3M | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Loess Plains and Hills | 1.2M | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 1.0M | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low | 599K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Water, Fresh | 215K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Inigok, occasionally ponded-Teshekpuk complex | 204K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Barren Beaches, Bays and Lakes | 161K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| W | 126K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Nuiqsut-Poleakoon, frequently ponded complex | 113K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodfish frequently flooded-Arrakis complex | 107K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Inigok-Anajuk, occasionally ponded complex | 72K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nuiqsut, frequently ponded-Inigok, occasionally ponded complex | 57K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kikak-Tuluga, frequently flooded complex | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nuiqsut-Poleakoon, frequently flooded, frequently ponded complex | 11K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poleakoon-Kikak, frequently flooded, frequently ponded complex | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodfish-Riverwash, frequently flooded association | 7K | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Hills and Plains | 325 | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.