Jefferson and Orange Counties, Texas
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 Jefferson and Orange Counties, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 75K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Urban land | 72K | D | Not limited | Not limited | |
| League clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 44K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evadale-Gist complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaumont clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labelle-Levac complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leerco muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tidal | 25K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bancker mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tidal | 23K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meaton-Levac complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zummo muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, frequently ponded | 21K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evadale-Aldine complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mollco frequently ponded-Craigen complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 19K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaumont silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 19K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnett mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tidal | 17K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caplen mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tidal | 17K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Creole mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tidal | 17K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meaton-Spindletop complex, 0 to1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orcadia-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morey-Levac complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Labelle clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 67% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 73% 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.