Essex County, Massachusetts, Southern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Essex County, Massachusetts, Southern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water, saline | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ipswich and Westbrook mucky peats, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freetown muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, smoothed | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Paxton-Urban land complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Urban land-Rock outcrop complex, sloping | 3K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Hollis complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sudbury fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scitico silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scarboro mucky fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boxford silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 65% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.