Bryan and Chatham Counties, Georgia
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Bryan and Chatham Counties, Georgia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tidal marsh, salty | 88K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 74K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ellabelle loamy sand | 71K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ogeechee loamy fine sand | 32K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cape Fear soils | 30K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla complex | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pelham loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 29K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stilson loamy sand | 27K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mascotte sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angelina and Bibb soils, frequently flooded | 19K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chipley fine sand | 19K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olustee fine sand | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Albany fine sand | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tidal marsh, fresh | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capers soils | 12K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pooler fine sandy loam | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leon fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wahee sandy loam | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ogeechee-Urban land complex | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% 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 86% 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.