Penobscot County, Maine
The dominant drainage class is 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 Penobscot County, Maine.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 221K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plaisted loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 178K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water bodies | 108K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Howland loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 107K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 49K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dixmont very stony silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 48K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peat and Muck | 43K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hermon sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 39K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Biddeford mucky peat, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 37K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike-Winnecook complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 36K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike-Winnecook complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Thorndike association, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 32K | Excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Plaisted loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Howland silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 27K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bangor very stony silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Biddeford-Scantic-Lamoine complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 24K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canaan extremely rocky sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike channery silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike-Winnecook complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canaan extremely rocky sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 68% 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 87% 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.