City of Methuen Master Plan

Natural Resources, Open Space, and Recreation
Soils
The following map indicates that most of Methuen’s unaltered soils fall into the Hollis-Canton and
Hinckley-Merrimac-Windsor groupings. Soil types and their limitations are as follows (note the lighter
colors on the map indicate less limitations for development):
Soils altered by urbanization—These soils have been altered by different kinds of development and
there limitations are subject to specific engineering investigations. 11.5% of Methuen is in this altered
condition.
Canton fine sandy loam and Canton fine sandy loam—These soils have severe limitations for septic
systems because of poor filtration and slight limitations for roads, residential or commercial
development except in areas with slopes greater than 8% indicated in progressively darker colors. 12.7%
of Methuen is classified as Canton fine sandy loam and 3.0% is classified as Canton fine sandy loam,
extremely stony.
Swansea and Freetown mucks—These soils have severe limitations for all types of development because
of wetness. 7.3% of Methuen is classified as Freetown or Swansea mucks.
Windsor loamy sand—These soils have severe limitations for septic systems because of poor filtration
and slight limitations for roads, residential or commercial development except in areas with slopes
greater than 8% indicated in progressively darker colors. Droughtiness is also a limitation. 7.2% of
Methuen is classified as Windsor loamy sand.
Hinckley loamy sand—These soils have severe limitations for septic systems because of poor filtration
and few limitations for other development other than slope. The darker color has slopes more than
15%. 4.7% of Methuen is classified as Hinkley loamy sand.
Scituate fine sandy loam—These soils have severe limitations for septic systems because of wetness and
moderate limitations for roads, residential or commercial development except in areas with slopes
greater than 8% indicated in the darker color that have more severe limitations. 4.3% of Methuen is
classified as Scituate fine sandy loam.
Rock Outcrop-Charlton- Hollis complex—These soils have up to 90% rock outcrops and are generally
unsuitable for most types of construction. 5% of Methuen is classified as Rock Outcrop-Charlton-
Hollis complex.
Sutton fine sandy loam—These soils have moderate to severe limitations for development because of
wetness. 4.1% of Methuen is classified as Sutton fine sandy loam
Montauk fine sandy loam—These soils have severe limitation for septic systems because of wetness and
slow percolation and moderate to severe limitations for roads, residential or commercial development.
4% of Methuen is classified as Montauk fine sandy loam.
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