Franklin County Area and Part of Somerset County, Maine
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Franklin County Area and Part of Somerset County, Maine.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colonel-Peru association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 126K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow-Peru association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 68K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Marlow association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 62K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brayton-Colonel association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 36K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Tunbridge-Abram complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky | 35K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brayton-Peacham-Pondicherry association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very stony | 34K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 29K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Telos-Chesuncook association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Telos complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 23K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Tunbridge-Abram complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Berkshire-Peru association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ricker-Saddleback association, very steep | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sisk-Surplus association, moderately steep, very stony | 13K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucksport and Pondicherry mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saddleback-Mahoosuc-Sisk association, very steep, very stony | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock-Berkshire complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock-Hermon association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adams-Croghan association, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chesuncook-Elliottsville-Telos association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.