Somerset County Area and Parts of Franklin and Oxford Counties, 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 Somerset County Area and Parts of Franklin and Oxford Counties, Maine.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telos-Chesuncook-Elliottsville association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 156K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Telos complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 136K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water bodies | 110K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Telos-Monarda-Monson association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 101K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Telos-Chesuncook association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 96K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colonel-Peru-Pillsbury association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 91K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colonel-Pillsbury-Peru association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 84K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Colonel-Rawsonville association, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 82K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow-Peru-Rawsonville association, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliottsville-Monson complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 67K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 64K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucksport and Wonsqueak mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 63K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hogback-Rawsonville complex, 4 to 25 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chesuncook-Elliottsville-Telos association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 54K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monson-Elliottsville-Knob Lock complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 52K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Colonel-Marlow association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 49K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hogback-Rawsonville complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliottsville-Monson complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony | 48K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Danforth-Elliottsville association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 45K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Monson-Elliottsville-Knob Lock complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky | 39K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 92% 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.