Somerset County Area and Parts of Franklin and Oxford Counties, Maine
The most common soil here is Telos, on about 10% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Elliottsville and Colonel come next.
About 46% of the land drains well, and 43% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 66% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 89% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 52% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Somerset County Area and Parts of Franklin and Oxford Counties, Maine, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Somerset County Area and Parts of Franklin and Oxford Counties, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | D | 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 | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Danforth-Elliottsville association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 45K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monson-Elliottsville-Knob Lock complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky | 39K | 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.
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 95% 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.