Jefferson County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ernest silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cavode silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cookport loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atkins-Philo complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cavode silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brinkerton soils, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda-Fairpoint very channery silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rayne-Gilpin channery silt loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brinkerton soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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 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.