Erie County, New York
The most common soil here is Mardin, on about 6% of the land: a channery silt loam, smooth, like flour. Volusia and Niagara come next.
About 14% of the land drains well, and 53% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 77% of it.
USDA rates 88% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 81% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 10% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Erie County, New York, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Erie County, New York. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mardin channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Odessa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Niagara silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niagara silt loam, till substratum | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Churchville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Derb silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orpark silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland soils complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents and Udifluvents, frequently flooded | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orpark silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darien silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Odessa complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Canandaigua silt loam | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cosad loamy fine sand | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Erie channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% 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 88% 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.