Hanford Atomic Energy Reservation, Washington
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Hanford Atomic Energy Reservation, Washington.
| 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 |
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.