Western Aroostook County Area, Maine
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well 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 Western Aroostook County Area, Maine.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telos-Chesuncook-Ragmuff association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 303K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Telos-Monarda-Monson association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 209K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 138K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Telos complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 120K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daigle-Aurelie-Ragmuff association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 115K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ragmuff-Monson complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 110K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daigle-Ragmuff-Perham association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 90K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aurelie-Burnham association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 86K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daigle-Aurelie association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 80K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chesuncook-Elliottsville association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 80K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ragmuff-Winnecook-Monson association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 63K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monson-Elliottsville complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky | 46K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucksport and Wonsqueak mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 39K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chesuncook-Ragmuff-Telos association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 32K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnecook-Thorndike complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 27K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Danforth-Masardis-Peacham association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Colonel-Rawsonville association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Masardis-Adams complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Telos-Chesuncook association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.