Orleans County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Orleans County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appleton silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lockport silty clay loam | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collamer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niagara silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hilton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elnora loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canandaigua soils | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Churchville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palms muck | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Odessa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Galen very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bombay fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyons soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhinebeck silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hilton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, bedrock substratum | 4K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kendaia and Appleton soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes, bedrock substratum | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovid silt loam, shale substratum, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovid silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.