York County, Maine
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 York County, Maine.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naumburg sand | 47K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brayton and Westbury very stony fine sandy loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 45K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adams loamy sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Scantic silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croghan loamy fine sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes, wooded | 31K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hermon sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Skerry fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 25K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chocorua peat | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raynham silt loam | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colton gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hermon sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water bodies | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 80 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skerry fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebago peat | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skerry fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hermon sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.