Northern Hancock and Western Washington County Area, Maine
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Northern Hancock and Western Washington County Area, Maine.
| 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 |
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.