Washington County Area, Maine
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Washington County Area, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 190K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lamoine-Buxton-Scantic complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 99K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scantic-Biddeford complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 57K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brayton-Colonel association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 50K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucksport and Wonsqueak mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 42K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Tunbridge-Abram complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 38K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Colonel complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 34K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Naskeag-Rawsonville-Hogback complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 29K | Well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Naskeag-Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 27K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Tunbridge-Colonel complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hogback-Rawsonville-Abram complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoine-Scantic-Colonel complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoine-Tunbridge-Scantic complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wonsqueak and Bucksport mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 22K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoine-Rawsonville-Scantic complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hermon-Monadnock-Skerry complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Marlow association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skerry-Colonel association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skerry-Colonel-Tunbridge complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebago and Moosabec soils | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/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 73% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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.