Orange County NC Website
oo , <br /> SOILS <br /> Soils in the County range from steeply sloped, shallow to bedrock soils; <br /> alluvial soils found adjacent to streams; to well drained gently sloping soils <br /> All of these features can be found in the soils in this study area. <br /> The type of soil which characterizes au area is one of the most important <br /> natural environmental factors in determining land development. In general, as <br /> the severity of soil limitations increases in an area, construction costs will <br /> esculate because of the site preparation necessary prior to construction. <br /> Important soilsIcharacteristics that influence land use include premeability, <br /> shrink-swell potential and drainage capacity. <br /> The land in the study area south of Interstate 85 features a large amount <br /> of Georgeville and Herndon soils. These soils tend to be more suitable for <br /> septic tanks and development than many other soils in the County. There are <br /> also several large areas of Tatum soil through the study area. This type of <br /> soil is associated with the streams that flow into the Eno River and, due to <br /> slope in the area, tend to be less suitable for development. Goldston and <br /> Wilkes soils also tend to be less suitable due to slope problems. Altanista, <br /> Chewacla and Congaree soils are associated with wetness and flooding problems <br /> and are therefore poor for development. <br /> Much of the land north of Interstate 85 in the study area is developed. <br /> The areas which are not developed are generally suitable for development be-- <br /> ` cause of the large amount of Georgeville soil present. However, two of the <br /> most prominent locations which are not suitable for development are Occonee- <br /> chee Mountain and the landsalong the Eno River, Goldston soil which is found <br /> around the mountain is not suitable for development due to the slope of the <br /> land, while Tatum and Congaree soils along the river are unsuitable due to <br /> slope and flooding problems respectively. Although there are other locations <br /> where soils are marginal for development, the majority of soils located in <br /> the study area are suitable for development. <br /> To classify the soil suitability for various uses, the report entitled <br /> a Planning Guide to the Oranee Countv,_ North Carolina Soils Survey was used. <br /> This report prepared by the Orange County Planning Department and Soil Conser- <br /> vation Service combined soil types into suitability categories based on simile <br /> characteristics) These urban suitability groups are shown below matched with <br /> the soils found in the area study. <br /> Urban Suitability Groups •• <br /> 1-C Georgville 2 to 6 percent slope <br /> Herndon 2 to 6 percent slope <br />