Erie County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venango silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 106K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mill silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 51K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Venango silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Platea silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pompton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Red Hook silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Venango silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Aquolls-Eutrudepts complex, frequently flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fredon silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harborcreek-Tyner complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Canandaigua mucky silt loam | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Volusia-Fremont silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gageville silt loam, 18 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Red Hook silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, 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.