Essex County, Vermont
The dominant drainage class is 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 Essex County, Vermont.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabot-Colonel complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 73K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabot silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 53K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Colonel complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 42K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Peru-Colonel complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 42K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Colonel-Cabot complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Peru-Wilmington complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilmington-Colonel complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 20K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wonsqueak, Pondicherry, and Bucksport mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock-Sunapee-Colonel complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunapee-Moosilauke complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock-Sunapee complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Charles silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Peru complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moosilauke very fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinsman sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croghan loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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 98% 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.