Chautauqua County, New York
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 Chautauqua County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Busti silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 93K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fremont silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 60K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chautauqua silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 46K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chautauqua silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niagara silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, loamy substratum | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fremont silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Busti silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fremont silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Canandaigua silt loam, loamy substratum | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ashville silt loam | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Erie silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Busti silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Schuyler silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barcelona silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 95% 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.