St. Clair County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 St. Clair County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkhill loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 48K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allendale-Lenawee-Toledo complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wainola-Deford fine sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latty complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bach very fine sandy loam | 20K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allendale-Hoytville complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allendale-Latty complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan, frequently flooded, and Ceresco, occasionally flooded, soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover-Parkhill loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Londo loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nappanee-Hoytville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chelsea-Covert sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Metamora-Parkhill complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pert-Sims loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latty silty clay loam | 8K | Very poorly drained | 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.