Sanilac 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 Sanilac County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkhill loam and clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 101K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 77K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 70K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill loam and mucky loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Londo loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saverine and Iosco fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guelph loam and silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tonkey and Bach fine sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan, frequently flooded, and Ceresco, occasionally flooded, soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guelph loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Melita and Arenac loamy sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Guelph loam and silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McBride fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlette loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Guelph loam and silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, slightly eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Houghton and Palms mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle and Linwood mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iosco sandy loam and Covert loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coral fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guelph loam and silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% 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 87% 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.