Warren and Forest Counties, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Warren and Forest Counties, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cookport silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 94K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 71K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 64K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 25 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 51K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda-Fairpoint channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda-Fairpoint channery silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 33K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Venango silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cookport silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Venango silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alvira silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cavode silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland silt loam | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cavode silt loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown soils, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hanover silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cookport silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alvira silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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.