Grand Isle County, Vermont
The most common soil here is Covington, on about 9% of the land: a silty clay, smooth and very sticky when wet. Benson and Amenia come next.
About 13% of the land drains well, and 23% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 23% of it.
USDA rates 42% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 39% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 10% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Grand Isle County, Vermont, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| 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 |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 42% 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.