Franklin County, Vermont
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Franklin County, Vermont.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodstock-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 45K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Woodstock-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 35K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cabot silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 25K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 22K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstock-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Massena stony loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Woodstock fine sandy loams, very rocky, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westbury stony fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scantic silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stowe stony soils, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rumney variant silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limerick silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Binghamville silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farmington-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.