Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio Counties, West Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio Counties, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westmoreland silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks soils, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Strip mines | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gilpin silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Berks channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindside silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cut and fill land | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Huntington silt loam | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Made land | 2K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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.