Hanford Atomic Energy Reservation, Washington

Survey Area WA706• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Hanford Atomic Energy Reservation, Washington. 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
Xeric Torripsamments-Xeric Haplocambids-Xeric Torriorthents association, 0 to 5 percent slopes	60K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Xeric Haplocambids-Xeric Torriorthents association, 1 to 8 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Xeric Torripsamments-Dune land association, 0 to 5 percent slopes	41K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Xeric Haplocambids-Calcidic Haploxerolls association, 3 to 15 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Xeric Haplocambids-Xeric Torripsamments association, 0 to 8 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Xeric Torripsamments-Dune land association, 1 to 8 percent slopes	28K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Torrifluventic Haploxerolls-Xeric Torriorthents-Xeric Haplocambids association, 0 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Lithic Haploxerolls-Calcidic Haploxerolls-Rock outcrop association, 10 to 30 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Calcidic Haploxerolls-Xeric Haplocambids association, 3 to 25 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Lithic Haploxerolls-Rock outcrop association, 15 to 65 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lithic Xeric Haplocambids-Rock outcrop association, 10 to 65 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dune land	7K	Excessively drained		Not limited	Very limited
Water	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Calcidic Haploxerolls-Xeric Haplocambids, skeletal-Xeric Haplocambids association, 3 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Xeric Haplocambids, skeletal-Xeric Haplocambids association, 1 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Calcidic Haploxerolls-Xeric Torriorthents association, 10 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Xeric Haplocambids-Xeric Torripsamments association, 0 to 10 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Xeric Haplocambids, skeletal-Lithic Xeric Haplocambids association, 10 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Xeric Torripsamments, coarse loamy sand subsoil-Riverwash association, 0 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Xeric Torriorthents-Calcidic Haploxerolls association, 3 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat 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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 54% 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.