Cameron and Elk Counties, Pennsylvania

Survey Area PA607• Pennsylvania

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Cameron and Elk Counties, Pennsylvania. 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
Hartleton channery silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	118K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton channery loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	73K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Leck Kill channery silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton channery loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	38K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Cookport channery loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	36K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Buchanan silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony	30K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cookport channery loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	30K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton channery loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	29K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Wharton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	29K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cookport channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	29K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Buchanan silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	24K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wharton silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brinkerton soils, 3 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hartleton channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hartleton channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Buchanan silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hartleton channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cavode silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, 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. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.