Somerset County Area and Parts of Franklin and Oxford Counties, Maine

Survey Area ME619• 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 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	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

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.

Histosols

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

Inceptisols

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

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.