Northern Hancock and Western Washington County Area, Maine

Survey Area ME622• Maine

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Northern Hancock and Western Washington County Area, Maine. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Water bodies	107K			Not rated	Not rated
Monarda-Telos complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	96K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Colonel-Brayton-Peru association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	90K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bucksport and Wonsqueak mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes	78K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru-Tunbridge-Colonel complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	64K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony	59K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Telos-Chesuncook association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	56K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Colonel-Peru-Brayton association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	54K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brayton-Peacham association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony	54K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru-Colonel-Marlow association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	39K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hermon-Monadnock-Peru complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery	32K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Colonel-Skerry-Brayton association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	29K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Telos-Monarda-Monson association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky	28K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Danforth-Elliottsville association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	26K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Telos-Chesuncook-Elliottsville association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	26K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hermon-Skerry association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery	25K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Colton-Adams complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	22K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marlow-Tunbridge-Peru complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Becket-Skerry association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	17K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Lyman-Tunbridge complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 75% 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 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.