Bay County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Bay County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tappan loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 81K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Londo loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Londo-Poseyville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tappan-Poseyville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belleville loamy sand | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone sand, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corunna-Tappan sandy loams | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquents, sandy and loamy | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone fine sand, loamy substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tobico fine sand | 6K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rousseau fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poseyville loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Essexville loamy sand | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Tappan complex | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Londo-Selfridge complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone-Tobico fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cohoctah loamy fine sand | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guelph-Menominee complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.