Grand Isle 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 Grand Isle County, Vermont.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 72K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Covington silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benson rocky silt loam, over shaly limestone, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kendaia silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amenia silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benson rocky silt loam, over shaly limestone, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swanton fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amenia silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kendaia very stony silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Livingston silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benson very rocky loam, over massive limestone, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nellis silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Benson rocky silt loam, over shaly limestone, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kars fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 874 | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Amenia very stony silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 725 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benson very rocky loam, over massive limestone, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 599 | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Covington silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 595 | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benson rocky loam, over massive limestone, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 530 | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elmwood fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 436 | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 38% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 39% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.