Westmoreland 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 Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wharton silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Gilpin channery silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wharton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dormont silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macove-Gilpin channery silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guernsey silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monongahela silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dormont silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rayne channery silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksburg silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% 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.