Fayette County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well 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 Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macove-Gilpin channery silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 28K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dormont-Culleoka complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guernsey silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dormont silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dormont-Culleoka complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksburg silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meckesville channery silt loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wharton silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wharton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksburg silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Gilpin channery silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton-Clymer complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. 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.