Addison County, Vermont
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 Addison County, Vermont.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vergennes clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 77K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire and Marlow soils, 20 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 55K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Covington and Panton silty clays | 40K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Berkshire complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire and Marlow soils, 3 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 36K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 25K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vergennes clay, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock land | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vergennes clay, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muck and Peat | 14K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farmington extremely rocky silt loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farmington extremely rocky silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabot silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swanton fine sandy loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Livingston clay | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vergennes clay, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Covington silty clay, flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire and Marlow soils, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 80% 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.