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Home My WebLink AboutH_1975_NaturalEnvironmentyi • � r r _ PW t so � y t ` �`► Iwo a 41 t ir 04 .. + ! �,.� " �' 1;'w.,,� Vii+ •�� , ,� � � ^�� i �� • P s ; fi • 8`.t • a f �1•� ' f �j+jiy J t i I r '* i` + ,/ ifs' WGIsr � x r► _ s i (be },Z 1 , ► d t k � • r ,R ~ 1 „ - .. r- • M`�; � �'� sir '�- • �� •� +•. {�/ "_' `7 '� ��. WASHINGNM COWTV Ccrrr�Wter:s tve. PZrt - Ft alerts - Comg%%6iens ve Him A slnop4is of Goats and Objectve.s, P,wbZerrts and Oppo44ww..i w, Pet ides , Acer►z Ptzut6 and Composite Ptah Magi 71&r.. Eteme t6 Lw a Use Wa.ten and Trtaatbpott-tior. Hou ing Coimmu *„i ty Fac.iUties Pate aa;d Open Saud Wa6te PCrlaz. Se omage Ptm., P&H astd Senvtcu P&n Sjaace Ptat Pto z Ptml i Sackg sound Studi cA I Hit aide HiztoticsiC _ PopuEz�ion EConorriC Hoc:Sir:g True L5 IThe Use o�,' Coywtw,,&Lj fieve£opmmt PertspeWveb Land FatUi tiu Envvtonwn4rrtctC Jc=d $QtViC2S Aw4si.b THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION The preparation of this report was financed in part through a Comprehensive Planning grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development as administered by the Maryland Department of State Planing. THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Martin L. Snook, President W. Keller Nigh, Vice -President R. Lee Downey William J. Dwyer Burton R. Hoffman Project Planner Planning Director Assistant Planner ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PLANNING STAFF Robert B. Garver Alan R. Musselman Thomas E. Van Dyke Draftsman THE WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Donald R. Frush, Chairman William E. Dorsey, Vice -Chairman W. Keller Nigh, Ex -Officio John C. Herbst Paul W. Hoffman David W. Sowers, Jr. Barbara B. Whitcomb Secretary Secretary Secretary Bonnie V. Lewis Marion L. Snyder Verna M. Brown Denise A. Coley The preparation of this report was financed in part through a Comprehensive Planning grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development as administered by the Maryland Department of State Planing. VIRGINIA Honorable Martin L. Snook Washington County Board of County Commissioners Court House Annex Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 Dear Commissioner Snook, WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION COURT HOUSE ANNEX, 24 SUMMIT AVENUE HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND 21740 The Washington County Planning Commission is pleased to submit this report entitled, The Natural Environment, to the Washington County Board of County Com- missioners as a preliminary phase of the revision of the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of this document is to recognize the natural environment, its characteristics, and the balanced interrelationships between the natural -fea- tures that exist in Washington County. This report, in conjunction with subsequent reports, is designed to be used as a guide for future development and will provide a sound basis for the Compre- hensive Plan. DRF:dac Sincerely, Donald R. Frush Chairman 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Transmittal Letter ............................... 1 Table of Contents ................................ 2 Table of Figures ................................. 5 Introduction ..................................... 6 Topography. ...................................... 8 Geology.......................................... 16 Geologic History and Formations ............. 17 Groundwater ................................. 35 Mineral Resources ........................... 41 Special Natural Geologic Features ........... 47 Geologic Land Use Determinants .............. 58 Pedology........................................• 61 Soil Development ..........................•• 62 The General Soil Areas ...................... 72 Great Soil Groups ........................... 83 Development Characteristics of Soils ........ 87 Hydrology........................................ 99 Surface Water ............................... 100 Factors Affecting Water Quality 104 2 Water Quality .. . .. . . . . . . . . .. . .. . ... ... - . . . . . 112 Flood Plains ................................ 112 Subsurface Water . .. . . . . . ..' . . . . . . . . .. . .' . . .' 115 Recharge Areas ,........,.......,....,...,,,, 125 Climatology . . . . . . . . . . . . '- . . . . . . ' ' - . . . . ' . . ' . . - . . . . 127 Temperature .. . ...- . ... '. . . '. ' . . . . . . .' . . . . ., . 129 Precipitation .,............................. 734 Snowfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . ' . ' .- , . . , . . . . . ` . ' . ' . . . . 136 Thunderstorms ............................... 138 Hail. . . . . . . . . . . - . . . ^ ^ . . . . . . , . _ . . . ` . . , . . . . . . . 137 Hurricanes '. .. .' .. .'. '. . . ,., . _. .. ,. . ^ .^_. __ . 138 Wind.,....,...................,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 138 Relative Humidity .,.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,^,,,,,,, 140 Cloudiness . . . . , ' . . . . ' . . - ' , _, . . . . . , ^ . . . _ . ` . , . 140 Solar Radiation ,. '. . . . . . . .. . .. ._ . . . .^ . ^^_. .. 141 Development Orientation . ^ .. . . . .`^ .. .. . .' .^ ,. 144 Climatic Development Characteristics . .. .. . ,, 146 Vegetation . . .^ . . .- . . . .. . . .. . . . . _. .. __ ._, . . . ._ _. . . 147 Forest Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . __. . . ^. . .. .^ ._ . . . . 152 3 Unused Fieldlands 165 Potential Agriculture .................... 165 Environmental Use of Forests 166 Wildlife...................................... 167 Summary....................................... 174 Bibliography.................................. 179 4 TABLE OF FIGURES 1. Physiographic Regions........................................... 10 2. Areas of Severe Slope........................................... 14 3. Geologic Formations............................................. 21 4. Contamination of Ground Water................................... 36 5. Natural Physical Areas........................................... 49 6. Soil Development Provinces...................................... 69 7. Soil Associations............................................... 73 8. The Hydrologic Cycle............................................ 101 9. Major Watersheds................................................ 103 10. Dissolved Solids in Surface Waters 109 11. Gaging Stations for Surface Water and Water Quality Records ..... 111 12. Flood Plains .................................................... 113 13. Ground Water Provinces.......................................... 117 14. Aquifer Productivity............................................ 120 15. Ground Water Contours........................................... 123 16. Average Annual Temperatures..................................... 131 17. Average Annual Precipitation.................................... 135 18. Wind Rose....................................................... 139 19. Solar Angle at Summer and Winter Solstice ....................... 142 20. Development Orientation......................................... 145 21. Forest Types.................................................... 150 22. Wildlife Management Areas....................................... 172 5 i N T R O D U C T O N INTRODUCTION, THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The environment "consists of all things, conditions, and forces to which living matter is sensitive and capable of responding, including changes in intensity and the direction of stimuli." The environment is a "generic" term that may be applied to the different levels of the organization of life. Thus the factors of the environment are in constant interaction among themselves. Furthermore, any one factor that may be isolated for study never acts alone in nature, and therefore is an intregal part of a continuing interrelationship of an ongoing process. The purpose of this text is to identify the factors that develop the environment in Washington County, and how they may be functionally maintained. This report is intended to be a guide so that future development may be coor- dinated with these natural determinants of the environment. The factors in- cluded in the text, are geology, pedology, hydrology, climatology, vegetation, and wildlife. In the analysis of these factors it is intended to show their interrelationship in the environment and how an ecological imbalance will af- fect all elements involved. 7 T O P O G R A P H Y TOPOGRAPHY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Washington County is situated in the Appalachian Highlands, and is comprised of two physiographic regions, the Blue Ridge Province and the Ridge and Valley Pro- vince, which includes the Great Valley. As the titles of the provinces imply, the topography of Washington County is quite varied. The topography or relief consists of ridge lines, valleys, and surface water, characterized by steep slopes, rolling foothills, wide limestone valleys, and meandering stream courses with relatively wide floodplains. The physical character of Washington County is represented by the mountainous terrain of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains; and the moder- ately level base of the Great Valley. These physical features are the product of vertical uplift and erosion. Elevations within the valleys range from 300 to 600 feet above sea level, with extremes within the County ranging 2,145 feet at Quirauk Mountain to 260 feet at Sandy Hook. The maximum relief in the County is 1,820 feet. PHYSIOGRAPHIC REGIONS ❑ Ridge and Valley Province Blue Ridge Province 0 Z 6miles Scale I i I i I the great valley ------------ ------------ The physiography of Washington County is determined by the ridges that transect it in a northeasterly direction and these are in turn transected by the Potomac River. These ridges consist of the South Mountains, Bear Pond Mountains, Pigskin or Orchard Ridge, Timber Ridge, and Sideling Hill. The topography is determined by the distribution and the geologic structure of the bedrock in relation to the various degrees of hardness of the various ma- terial in the bedrock, and its resistance to erosion. The mountainous terrain is composed of the ridge forming sandstones, and the valleys consist of the softer, more easily eroded shales and limestones. These bedrock characteristics and their geologic development distinguish the two physiographic regions from each other. The Blue Ridge Province or the South Mountain Elk Ridge area consists of hard resistant quartzite, phyllite and metabasalt. The mountainous section of the Ridge and Valley Province consists of the Powell and Fairview Mountains which are a part of the Bear Pond Mountains, Tonoloway Ridge, and Sideling Hill. All of these ridges are formed by resistant sandstone, or of a sandstone -shale conglom- 11 erate. The Great Valley (Hagerstown Valley) is predominately formed by the soluble and less resistant Beekmantown Limestone and Martinsburg Shale. Mountainous areas, due to their elevation and poor access, have remained under forest cover, thus protecting the bedrock from exposure to weathering; and reducing the velocity of the runoff. This has regulated the process of soil and bedrock erosion. The slope, or the degree of horizontal distance between two geographic locations, is the result of the physiographic determinents. Slope is an important governing factor in determining land use. It is generally agreed that level to moderately sloping sites are preferred over either steep, or extremely flat land, and furthermore, associations can be devised as to the severity of the slope and its development potential. Industrial, commercial, and multi -family development require level or almost level land, whereas, the single family dwelling can be built on moderately steeper slopes. The severity of slope is indicated by the United States Department of Agri- culture Soil Survey's rating of soils and their characteristics, of which slope is given predominate consideration. 12 The U.S.D.A.'s five slope groupings are as follows: 1) 0 - 3 % Level 2) 3 - 8 % Moderate 3) 8 - 15 % Moderate 4) 15 - 25 % Severe 5) Over 25 % Severe A slope of 15 percent is generally considered a practical limitation for moderate density development. Land with a greater slope than 25 percent is nor- mally considered as unbuildable, and is usually reserved as open space, and recreation in the utilization of our natural resources. Within Washington County the percent of severe slope is greatest in the mountainous areas in the eastern and western sections and stream and valley em- bankments. Severe slope, those greater than 15 percent, totals 87,250 acres, or nearly 30 percent of the County's land mass, and of the 30 percent, approximately 8,000 acres of land have a slope greater than 30 percent. The Hagerstown Valley, which consists of nearly half of the land area of the County, is predominately level and moderately sloping land. 13 AREAS OF SEVERE Percent or Greater Slope p 2 ♦miles Scale I 1 I I Washington County is located in the drainage basin of the Potomac River. The tributaries of the Potomac located in Washington County flow to the south and include the Antietam, Conococheague, Licking, Tonoloway, and Sideling Hill Creeks, all having a developed floodplain. Floodplains are formed by lateral erosion and the deposition of alluvial sediment in existing stream channels and adjacent stream valleys. These channels are located in areas that have less resistance to erosion, thus, the formation of stream beds or valleys. Floodplains are potentially dangerous areas for land development due to the instability of the soils, severity of adjacent slope, the probability of flooding, and increased hazard of downstream flooding. Land having prime development capabilities, on those between 0 and 15 per- cent should be used prudently, since there is a limited amount of moderately level land available within Washington County. Much of this land area is not only conducive to development potential but equally conducive to high agricultural pro- ductivity; a conflict which must be dealt with directly in the planning process. 15 GEOLOGY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Washington County, located in Western Maryland, is a region underlain by geologic formations ranging in age from granitic gneiss, metabasalt, metamorphosed phyllite and quartzite of the Precambrian and Cambrian systems, to the limestone, shale, and sandstone of the recent Paleozoic age. Some surficial deposits of the Quarternary and Recent systems are present along the Potomac River in the form of alluvium. The County has an area of 467.95 square miles which encompasses several phy- siographic provinces. The eastern section is a portion of the Blue Ridge Province, which includes the highlands referred to as the South Mountains. The Ridge and Valley Province comprises the remainder of the County and includes the Great Valley. The broad lowland, referred to locally as the Hagerstown Valley, is the largest sector of the County. To the west are a series of uplifts which are characteristic of the Ridge and Valley Province. This region is characterized by long ridges which transect the County in a northeasterly direction. The elevations within Wash- ington County range from 260 feet along the Potomac River to 2,145 feet at Quirauk Mountain. 17 The Appalachian Highlands were formed by the combination of uplift and folding at the end of the Permian Period. The development consists of a series of upfolds (anticlines) and downfolds (synclines). The present ridges are essentially the remnants of level summits, which were formerly a plain that extended throughout the region. The initial mountains that were formed at the close of the Paleozoic era underwent various forms of erosion, for millions of years. This erosion process reduced the area into a low flat plain that encompas- sed the east -central part of the United States. This plain, which is termed a peneplain, was subject to broad gentle upwarping during the Tertiary Period. This uplift and folding, caused by interior pressure, developed the area to its present level. The peneplain is the remnant of the base -level which represents a prolonged period of erosion and gradual uplift. The process took place in a series of stages over a time span of millions of years. The first stage was a per- iod of erosion that reduced the inter -ridge valleys to essentially flat plains. The second stage was an uplift that caused the streams to cut their channels deeper into the valley plains. This evolution permitted the formation of the resistant ridges with erosion forming the valleys. A final uplift caused the streams to en- trench their channels and dissect the valley floor forming the present topography. The present topography is also a result of the distribution of bedrock of varying hardness and the erosion of softer less resistant rocks. For instance, the ridgemaking sandstones are more resistant to erosion, thus forming ridges,than the softer, easily eroded, valley forming limestones and shales. The bedrock of Washington County consists of several structural provinces. The Blue Ridge Province consists of a belt approximately three miles wide extending the full length of the County. This Province is a portion of the South Mountain Anticline. The area is underlain by highly metamorphosed Pre -Cambrian granite gneiss and metabasalt, and phyllite and quartzite. The Ridge and Valley Province includes the remainder of the County to the west. This area is characterized by a series of folding, uplift, and faulting; thus exposing the various types of formations. The Hagerstown Valley (The Great Valley) is principally underlain by Cambrian and Ordovician limestone, dolomite and shale. The remainder of the Ridge and Valley Provinces or the Allegany Region is domin- ated by the resistant sandstones; and limestone and shales of the Ordovician, Devonian, and Silvrian Periods. f LEGEND Jennings Formation Martinsburg Shale Catskill (Hampshire) Formation %f,/'% Chambersburg Limestone Rockwell Formation Stones River Limestone 45-_ Purslane Formation Beekmantown Limestone Romney Shale Conochocheague Limestone Oriskany Sandstone Elbrook Limestone Helderberg Limestone Waynesboro Formation tTu I Tonok)way Formation Noon Tomstown Dolomite Wills Creek Formation111111112 Antietam Quartzite Mc Kenzie Formation Harpers Phyllite Clinton Group Weverton Quartzite Tuscarora Sandstone Loudoun Formation Juniata Formation r Catoctin Metabasalt 0 Z 4 miles Scale I 1 I I These provinces consist of a series of formations which form the physical features, and are the parent materials in the formation of soils that are associated with the underlying bedrock. The principal geologic formations and their geologic time of which Washington County is composed of are as follows: Precambrian Formations Granite Gneiss - is the oldest known formation in Washington County. This gneiss is an metamorphosed igneous rock occuring in the Pleasant Valley area, extending approximately eight miles north of the Potomac River. Cactoctin Metabasalt - an metamorphosed igneous rock occurring in two widely sepa- rated areas. The southern section extends north from Pleasant Valley to the Rohrers- ville area. The other area is located at a point east of Pondsville and extends north into Pennsylvania. Cambrian System Loudoun Formation - is a sedimentary rock, as are all Cambrian Formations in Wash- ington County. The formation occurs erratically and irregularly throughout the South 22 Mountain Anticline. It contains conglomerates plus highly altered sandstone and shale beds, having a small areal extent in the County. Weverton Quartzite - forms the crest of the South Mountain and Elk Ridge. The Weverton is characterized by well defined bedding that is accentuated by thin interbedded shale. Feldspar is a common ingredient, with magnetite being very abundant, but neither economically warrant resource recovery. The Weverton Quartzite is a good source of groundwater, but because of the mountainous topo- graphic location, few wells are located in this area. Harpers Formation (Phyllite)- is a series of shales and sandstones which have been intensely altered due to folding. The formation occurs in two long belts. The most extensive belt is situated along the western slope of South Mountain, while a secondary formation is located on the west side of Elk Ridge. This formation is characteristic of sandstone bedding toward the uppermost part of the formation. The Harpers formation produces relatively high yields of groundwater considering its elevation, and the expansive area covered. 23 Antietam Sandstone (Quartzite) - has exposures located at the base of the South Mountain Anticline and a belt east of the confluence of the Antietam Creek and the Potomac River. The formation is intensely folded and well bedded, and is char- acterized by a coarse-grained pure quartzose sandstone. Rock outcropping is commom, with poor soils accompanying the formation. For these reasons the Antietam Sandstone is not considered to be a good aquifer. Tomstown Dolomite - is a belt running adjacent to the South Mountain Anticline ranging 1 to 3 miles in width. The formation is composed principally of alter- nating massive and thin beds of dolomite and limestone, with intervening erodible shale beds; and in some locations sparse deposits of marble are present. The Toms - town Dolomite is intensely folded and deformed which has caused considerable dis- tortion. This formation is considered one of the most productive aquifers in Washington County and is characteristic of karst topography. Groundwater sup- plies for adjacent areas are supplied from aquifers from the Tomstown Dolomite Formation. Waynesboro Formation - consists of two principal sections, an uppermost unit of shales and sandstones, and an interior section of interbedded dolomite and shales with some interv.ening sandstone. This formation is characteristic of rock outcropping and intense folding. Because of the numerous exposures, this area does not provide for good develop - 24 ment potential and groundwater capabilities are at a minimum. The Waynesboro For- mation prevails in thin belts, traversing Washington County in a north -south direction, east of Hagerstown. Elbrook Limestone - consists of shaly limestone and calcareous shale, in which lamination is prevalent. The remainder of the formation is comprised of siliceous limestones and massive beds of dolomite. Elbrook Limestone is greatly deformed "occurring as part of gently plunging or overturned folds." The formation occurs in two belts, one of which is just east of Hagerstown, while the other is at the base of Powell Mountain. The Elbrook Limestone is considered of primary signifi- cance in groundwater production. Conococheague Limestone - consists of predominant banded limestone, united with either massive beds of dolomite, or finely laminated striated dolomite. The for- mation has become completely folded into numerous small anticlines and synclines, that have been interrupted by a series of faults. Two belts of the Conococheague Limestone occur in the County; one along the western foothills of the South Moun- tain uplift, and a western belt along the west boundary of the valley linestone, adjacent to the Bear Pond Mountain area. The Conococheague Limestone, which has an areal distribution, is considered a good source for groundwater. 25 Ordovician Svstem Beekmantown Group - is an expansive formation consisting of Stonehenge Limestone, the Rockdale Run Formation, and the Pinesburg Station Dolomite. The basal section of the Beekmantown Group is the Stonehenge Limestone. The intermediate section is the Rockdale Run Formation, and the uppermost formation is the Pinesburg Sta- tion Dolomite. The Stonehenge Limestone is exposed in narrow outcrop belts over a wide area of the Hagerstown Valley. It is composed of a massive nearly pure algal limestone member, with the uppermost element consisting of thin -bedded silty mechanical limestone. The Rockdale Run Formation is the most extensively exposed formation of the group. The basal section consists of mechanical, algal limestone, and dolomite. The exterior portion includes dolomite and mottled dolomite lime- stone. Nodular and irregular segments of chert are common throughout the formation. At the uppermost of the Beekmantown Formation is the Pinesburg Station Dolomite that is exposed in a series of outcrops immediately east of the Conococheague Creek, and in two secondary belts to the west. The formation consists of cherty, mostly lam- inated dolomite, accompanied by some mottled dolomite. The Beekmantown Group is the largest formation within the County and emcompasses a total area of 90 square miles, extending from the foothills of South Mountain to the base of the Powell Mountains. The water bearing properties of the formation are favorable, although some sections are not productive. 26 Stones River Limestone (St. Paul Group) - consists of the lower Row Park Lime- stone, and the overlaying New Market Limestone. The Row park Limestone is composed of granular and fine textured limestone whose composition is impure and contains large amounts of chert. The New Market is a finegrained, laminated limestone. These formations are exposed in narrow belts west of the Conococheague Valley. The formation is characteristic of bedding, that is steep, and in some cases is vertical or overtuned. The St. Paul group is of considerable purity, and its nat- ural resource recovery is warranted. The formation is considered to have more than adequate groundwater potential. Chambersburg Limestone - is a medium grained, thin -bedded, sometimes nodular, fre- quently argillaceous limestone. Narrow bands outcrop on both sides of the Cono- cocheague Creek, with maxium width of the belts being 0.5 mile. Chambersburg Limestone is greatly disturbed, and is characteristic of complex folding, over - thrusting, and normal faulting. Martinsburg Shale - this formation is intensely folded and distorted. The shale is limited to the central part of Washington County, and within its confinements is the meandering Conococheague Creek. The predominate outcrops are the axis of a syncline, with the best exposures around Pinesburg Station and Williamsport. 27 This formation is capable of yielding sufficient water for ordinary domestic use from favorably situated wells, but problems are created by the impervious char- acter of the underling shale. Juniata Formation - is a conglomerate consisting of sandstone, mudstone, and secondary conglomerated materials. The Juniata Formation is the basal unit to Tuscarora Sandstone, which is located in the central part of the County in the vicinity of Fairview Mountain. Due to the small area of outcropping, there is very limited data available on the water bearing characteristics of the formation. Silurian System Tuscarora Sandstone - is a predominate ridge -forming sandstone in the central section of the County, as may be exemplified by Bear Pond Mountain. The Tuscarora Formation is the accompaning and underlying sandstone of the Juniata Formation. The sandstone is composed of hard, dense quartzite that is massively bedded and is resistant to weathering. The sand grains are cemented by secondary silica, that results in callous rock. The water bearing properties of this sandstone are favorable, although it is not a prime aquifer. Clinton Group (Rose Hill Formation) - has exposures in the Bear Pond Mountain vicinity, and in the Hancock area. This formation is composed of shales and sandstones, with some intermittant strata of limestone. The Clinton Shale con- sists of three distinct zones: an uppermost shale, iron sandstone in the center, and basal section of sandstone beds. The resistance to weathering and erosion has allowed the formation to develop as a prominent ridge. Due to the topographic location of the Clinton Shale, little information is available on the water - bearing characteristics. McKenzie Formation - the chief components are shale and limestone. The formation is a predominant component of the Fairview Mountain and the Bear Pond Mountain. Groundwater is available, and should be adequate for domestic purposes. Wills Creek Shale - is exposed in the Bear Pond Mountain area and in a belt between Cove and Tonoloway Ridges. The Wills Creek Shale is composed of calcareous shale and mudstone, argillaceous limestone; and some intermittent sandstone strata. Groundwater is not that plentiful but numerous springs, and some productive wells may exist. 29 Tonoloway Limestone - is a fine grained laminated limestone. The formation has two sections, with the upper sequence being sufficiently pure, and warrants mineral resource recovery. The lower section is combinations of limestone, calcareous shales, and sandstone strata. The Tonoloway Limestone is common in the Hancock area. Because the formation is hard, dense, and resistant to weathering, it is a prominent ridge -forming member. Water bearing information of this formation is meager, but groundwater characteristics are favorable. Devonian System Helderberg Limestone - this formation is composed of three members: Coeymans For- mation, New Scotland Formation, and the Becraft Formation. The Helderberg consists mostly of limestone which is extremely massive. This formation is conducive to groundwater retention, and groundwater productivity is good. Springs do exist. The Helderberg Limestone is characteristic of the Coon Ridge and Moore Knob areas. Oriskany Group (Sandstone) - is generally located in the Indian Springs and Tonoloway Ridge area. This formation includes two members: the Ridgely Sandstone, the upper- most member, and the Shriver chart, which underlies the Ridgely Sandstone. It has all extremely extensive outcroppings, and is composed of highly calcareous, cherty siltstone, and conglomeratic sandstone. The Oriskany Sandstone retains sufficient groundwater for domestic and farm uses, and is a relatively good aquifer. Romney Shale - is a series of shales and a basal conglomerate. Three formations are recognized: a lower Anandaga Shale, a middle Marcellus Black Shale, and an upper Hamilton Shale. The formation is composed chiefly of gray, or sandy black shale. The Romney Shale normally consists of some argillaceous limestone in the lower portions of the formation, and some arenaceous shale and argillaceous sandstone in the upper parts. This formation is well dissected and chiefly under- lies the valleys, and is a satisfactory source of groundwater for domestic and farm use. The Romney Shale prevails in the Pigskin Ridge and the Tonoloway Ridge area. Jennings Formation - generally this formation consists of three members, the Wood- mont Shale, the Parkhead Sandstone, and the Chemung Sandstone. The formation con- tains platy shale in the basal section, and siliceous shale with interbedded silt - stone; and conglomeratic sandstone in the upper section. The formation is generally common in the Tonoloway Ridge area. The groundwater supply is adequate, accented by numerous springs. 31 Hampshire Formation (Catskill) - is a sequence consisting in the lower part of brownish -red sandstones alternating thick beds of red shale and occasional thin bands of green shale. The surficial part is of a greater thickness which consists of intermittent sandstone and shale beds. The non -marine formation is exposed as a part of the syncline underlying Sideling Hill. The exposed area is rugged, dissected by small streams, and is sparsely inhabited. Well water is obtained in sufficient quantities for limited domestic and farm use. Carboniferous System Pocono Group (Rockwell, Purslane) - is a two member formation consisting of the Rockwell Formation and the Purslane Sandstone. Exposures are limited to the crest of Sideling Hill, which continues the length of the mountains. These exposures are buff shales, containing thin coal beds at the base, with cross -bedded arkosic sandstone and conglomerate, that is overlain by thick -bedded, coarse, white sand- stone and another conglomerate. UKA Tertiary and Quaternary Deposits Mountain Wash (Alluvium) - occurs predominately at the east side of the Hagerstown Valley, and generally overlies the contact between the Antietam Quartzite and the Tomstown Dolomite. Alluvial deposits also occur on the west side of the Valley near the base of the Fairview and Powell Mountains, but these deposits are con- siderably less that the preceding deposit. Mountain alluvium is composed of a mixture of sand, silt, clay, pebbles, cobbles and boulders. This alluvium is a pro- duct of erosion and has formed alluvial fans at the base of South Mountain, Fairview and Powell Mountains. This alluvium is distributed over the Martinsburg, Elbrook, Conococheague, Stonehenge, and the Rockdale Run Formations. Groundwater information reveals that the alluvium of the eastern portion of the County is a good producer of water. Potomac River Alluvium (Stream Deposits) - are deposits located in the flood plain of the Potomac River and its larger tributaries. This deposit is also a product of erosion, and is most predominant in the Williamsport-Pinesburg area. Because of the relative impervious, and thin strata of the formation, it is not a prime aquifer, with only meager water supplies being obtained from these deposits. 33 BEDROCK CHARACTERISTICS HYDROLOGIC PROPERTIFS TOPOGRAPHY Precambrian System Aquifer S rin s• Wells Granite Gnesis Rock Outcropping Probable Moderate Moderate Limited Severe, Mountain Catoctin Metabasalt Rock Outcropping Probable Moderate Moderate Good Severe Mountain Cambrian System Loudon Formation Rock Outcroppings Probable Poor Poor Poor Severe Mountain Weverton quartzite Escarpment Formation Poor Moderate Limited Severe Mountain Harpers Formation Rock Outcroppings Probable Poor Moderate Limited Severe Mountain Antietam Sandstone Rock Outcroppings Probable, Poor 'Limited Limited Moderate Foothills Tomstown Dolomite Shallow Soil, Sinkholes jProductive Good Good Moderate Foothills Waynesboro Formation Rock Exposures & Ridges Poor Poor Poor Moderate Foothills Elbrook Limestone Rock Outcropping,Si0h oles Productive iModerateLimited Moderate Foothills Conocochea ue Limestone Sinkholes Productive Good i Good Moderate to Slight Ordovician System 1 Beekmantovin Group Rock Lxposures & Sinkholes Productive Good I Good Slight Valley Stones River Limestone Rock Exposures & Sinkholes ProductivelModerate Poor Slight Valley Chambersburg Limestone Rock Exposures & Sinkholes Poor Moderate 'Moderate Slight Valley Martinsburg Shale Few Rock Outcroppings Poor Moderate 'Moderate Slight Valley Juniata Formation Some Rock Outcroppings Poor Noderate ;Moderate Moderate Foothills Silurian System Tuscarora Formation Rock Exposures & Ridges PoorJ Poor i Poor Severe Mountain Clinton Shale Some Rock Outcroppings Poor (Moderate Poor Severe Mountain McKenzie Formation Some Rock Outcroppings Poor !Moderate !Moderate Severe Mountain Wills Creek Shale Rock Outcropping Probable Poor Moderate Moderate Severe Mountain Tonoloway Limestone Some Rock Outcropping Productive! Good Good Severe Mountain Devonian System Helderberg Limestone Rock Exposures & Sinkholes Productive Good Good Severe Mountain Oriskany Group Some Rock Outcropping Productive; Good Good Severe Mountain Romney Shale Rock Outcropping Probable Poor !Moderate Moderate Severe Mountain Jennings Formation Some Rock Outcropping Poor Moderate ModeratepSevere Mountain Hampshire Formation Some Rock Outcropping Poor Moderate :Moderate Severe Mountain Carboniferous System Pocono Group Lertiary Rock Outcro in Probable Moderate I Moderate (Moderate Severe Mountain Group Mountain Wash Some Rock Outcropping 'Productive Good Good Moderate Foothills Potomac River Alluvium Some Rock Outcropping Poor Moderate IModerate.Moderate Floodplains 34 These various formations are the result of time and geologic activity of the area. The formations, due to the location, hardness, and climate conditions, have devel- oped to the present physiography of the County. Groundwater Having a result on the character and the physiography is groundwater. Water is by far the most valuable natural resource. One should not assume that groundwater, especially uncontaminated water, is available in unlimited quantities, especially in all locations. The concentration of population in cities, and of industries in given localties has increased the demand for water beyond the amount that is stored below the ground. If the water is removed from the ground faster than the water reservoirs (aquifers) can be replenished by precipitation, the water table will be lowered, and contamination may result. Damage to groundwater reservoirs is not easily repaired. A groundwater reservoir (or aquifer) is an area underground that is a common storage area, from which wells draw for their water supply. If the water supply becomes contaminated by one source, it may be spoiled for all, and if it's overdrawn by one, it may affect the supply for all. In order to use the limited supply intelligently, it is necessary to obtain all possible 35 CONTAMINATION OF GROUND WATER "L �rM1 ...... •• ............... ............... .................. Sf R ATA ., T O p ......: ............ i5 ............... .... == ...................: ;.::...' �+'"'�.: :..... POLLUTED EFFLUENT 36 data on the depth and yield of the wells, the chemical quality, rate of recharge to the reservoir, and all other hydrologic and geological information available. As the population of an area grows, the reservoirs of available ground- water are reduced proportionately. The Washington County area consists of three Ldistinct water distribution provinces: the South Mountain and Elk Ridge, the Hagerstown Valley, and the western mountains beyond the Valley or the Hancock LIndian Springs area. LAvailable information indicates wide differences in the water bearing capacities of the geologic formations. Differences in the areal extent of the aquifer, in the thickness of the weathered zone, and the relation to topography L result in the diversity of the mean yield and the depth of the well in the various formations. The mean yields for various wells range from 60 gallons per minute to as low as 10 gallons per minute, with the depths of the wells ranging from about 40 feet to more than 400 feet, with an average depth of 104 feet. The water yielding characteristics in the South Mountain water province are generally comparable to those in other formations. The major groundwater 37 development in the Fort Richie - Cascade area consists of wells that are com- monly of a large diameter, and are equipped with turbine pumps. Springs in this water province are numerous and generally small. They occur in all of the geologic formations, however, the Weverton Quartzite is the source of many of the more productive and larger springs. The chemical quality of groundwater from this province is good and is suitable for most uses. The water yields from the Weverton and Antietam Quartzite are more mineralized than those from the Catoctin Metabasalt and the Harpers Phyllite. The spring water is lower in mineral content, and is slightly more mineralized than that from the Catoctin Metabasalt and the Harpers Formation spring water is lower in mineral content, and is slightly more acidic than well water. The Hagerstown water province includes the area between South Mountain on the east and Fairview Mountain on the west. It is located completely within the Ridge and Valley physiographic province and covers an area of 300 square miles. The hydrology of the Hagerstown Valley water province is complex due to series of folds and faults that have occurred in the limestone bedrock. This de- formation of the bedrock is responsible for the intricate system of solution channels and caverns which have developed within the strata. The groundwater travels from one limestone formation to another through the channelized systems. The limestone and dolomite that underlie the Hagerstown Valley water pro- vince not only furnish large groundwater supplies at present, but they have the potential for increased utilization in the future. The heaviest industrial groundwater use is concentrated in the vicinity of Hagerstown, where wells yield as much as 400 gallons per minute from the Conococheague and Stone- henge Limestones. The Elbrook Limestone is largely untested, but may be capable of yielding large quantities of groundwater, although it is unproductive in many areas. The western belts of the Pinesburg Station Formation, the St. Paul Group, and the Chambersburg Limestone, are not expected to produce large volumes of ground- water. The Martinsburg Shale belt in which the meandering Conococheague Creek is entrenched has no reported failures, and a large percentage of the wells drilled produce a high rate yield. Springs of moderately high flow (400 to 700 g.p.m.) are common throughout the water province. The largest springs are in the proximity of the South, Fairview and Powell Mountains. 39 The western water province includes the Fairview and Powell Mountains, ex- tending westward to the base of the eastern slope of Sideling Hill. This portion of the County consists of shales, sandstones and thin beds of limestone complexly folded, and cut by the Potomac River Valley. Although well drained, the soils have a moderate moisture -holding capacity. The movement of groundwater through the shales is controlled by fractured systems, and the deformed bedrock, thus, trans- missibility and storage capacity is inadequate for large groundwater production. The bedrock may be a better aquifer than is apparent from available data. Springs are a common source of water within the province, especially small springs and seeps in shale areas. The large springs generally originate from the limestone and sandstone bedrock. The quality of the groundwater from these formations is gener- ally suitable for most purposes, although it may contain a high iron content and are extremely hard. Finally, sub -surface water in Washington County is generally discharged within several miles from where it entered the ground. This will be determined by the characteristics of the bedrock; whether it is either broken by joints and faults and/or has solution channels which allow the water to move to surficial I 40 drainageways. The geologic structure in addition to the porosity, or the per- cent of the total volume that is occupied by water, will determine where and the amount of water that may be emitted. Mineral Resources The physiography, geologic formations, and the hydrology of the area have a distinct result on the determination of mineral resource recovery. Mineral resource recovery in Washington County is presently limited to sandstone, gravel, limestone, clay, and shale. Present resource production consists of limestone, shale, and stone aggregates, with past operations consisting of the extraction of iron ore from scattered locations. Limestone in Washington County is used to produce burned lime, granulated limestone, cement, and building stone. Approximately half of the County is underlain by limestone bedrock, with the largest single area being the Hagerstown Valley. Other areas in the western 41 part of the County contain smaller deposits of limestone. The following for- mations comprise the limestone in Washington County that is of resouhce value: 1) Tomstown Formation - recovery operations are presently inactive, although deposits in this area still exist. The limestone of this formation is excavated for use in crushed stone and the burn- ing of lime. Other quarries were used as a source of building stone and some marble. 2) Elbrook Limestone - has generally been considered a suitable source of material used in the manufacture of cement. Also, some Elbrook Limestone was used for construction materials, but the only extensive use is in cement manufacture, which may be evidenced by an existing quarry in the Beaver Creek area and by other numerous abandoned quarries in the region. 3) Conococheague Limestone - is, likewise, suitable for the produc- tion of cement and crushed stone. The only present large exca- vating operation in Washington County is located at Security, two miles east of Hagerstown. Other scattered operations were located in the County, but since have ceased production. Some 42 of the older structures have been constructed of the Conoco- cheague Limestone, but presently its use is limited to road construction and ballast. 4) Beekmantown Limestone - encompasses the largest portion of the Hagerstown Valley. Several sites have been proposed for production of the high quality stone, but no large-scale operations have been undertaken. Due to the location of the Beekmantown Group, and the present dense development in the same common area, there remains only a few scattered areas that may be commercially recovered. 5) Stones River Formation (St. Paul) - is distinguished in that it is an especially high grade limestone which could be of value as a metallurgical stone. The only sizable operation today is located at Pinesburg Station, where the calcium car- bonate content is as high as 97.9 percent. 6) Chambersburg Limestone - has considerable significance in its use for road repair. It also could be suitable for the 43 manufacture of cement. As of today, the only extractive operations exist in the Pinesburg station area. Marl The type of marl prevailing in Washington County consists of calcium carbonate. Its chemical composition and physical characteristics make it a suitable agricultural limestone. Marl deposits are of commercial grade because of three essential conditions; 1) the surface waters are rich in calcium bicarbonate, 2) a topographic environment favorable to the physical and biochemical processes that precipitate calcium carbonate, and 3) a similar environment that is unfavorable to the simultaneous deposits of salt. These conditions prevail in the plains adjoining the small streams in the south-central section of the County. Marl deposits are predominant in the vicinity of the Saint James Marsh -Run, where several extractive operations are still in existence. Shale Shale is abundant in Washington County, and is used in the manufacture of brick and for road repair. Shale is quarried near the Williamsport area for use 44 as a catalyst in the production of brick. Sometimes shale is also quarried for the manufacture of cement. Building and Ornamental Stone The blue and gray colored limestone was formerly used in construction in Washington County. The increasing cost of construction and quarrying have made limestone uncompetitive with other construction materials. Limestone was used in the construction of homes, churches, public buildings, aqueducts, bridges, and fences. Iron Ore During the Colonial period, Maryland's iron industry gained considerable prominence, but later declined with the discovery of western reserves, which were larger and purer, and with which Maryland could not compete. But Washington County had a brief but significant impact on iron ore production. Iron ore in Washington County exists in the form of limonites, which is found associated with limestones along zones where movement of rock masses have taken place. Iron ore deposits in Washington County are located within the 45 following various formations: 1) Oriskany - Helderberg Limonites 2) Romney - Oriskany Limonites 3) Cambro - Ordovician Limonites 4) Limestone - Contact Deposits 5) Residual Deposits in Limestone Iron ore production in these areas can be evidenced by the abandoned remains of the Antietam, Green Springs, and Mt. Aetna Furnaces. Ore production was curtailed in the mid -1800's and ceased operations soon after. Manganese Manganese deposits are located about three miles north of Harpers Ferry, on the north bank of the Potomac River. Here, at this location, are the remains of the mines of the Potomac Refining Company, which once quarried manganese to be used as ore in the manufacture of steel. Manganese ores are located and ex- posed along a fault line in the area. Manganese was mined here until the middle 1800's, with several attempts to reactivate the mine as late as the 1930's. 46 Silica Sand Sand is an important resource which is present but unmined in Washington County. The sand could be used in the manufacture of glass and porcelain. The Ridgely Sandstone (Oriskany) is a pure quality sandstone that is gray to white in color. The exposures are located on the Tonoloway Ridge and in the Bear Pond Mountains along with Tuscarora Sandstone. At some deposits these sandstones are pure enough to be used in the production of glass. Special Natural Geologic Features There are several outstanding examples of geologic activity within Wash- ington County. These will be discussed as: 1) Caves, and, 2) Natural Features. Due to the bedrock, the geographic location and its climatic features, Washington County is endowed with numerous caves. Some of the County is underlain by limestone that has numerous exposures due to the folding and faulting of the area. This folding, caused by extreme internal pressure, in conjunction with an annual precipitation of 45 inches, has developed into what is referred to as "karst" topo- graphy. Karst topography is common in areas with exposed carbonate (limestone) strata. This is why Washington County contains over 60 percent of Maryland's caves. 47 NATURAL PHYSICAL FEATURES OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 1. Beaver Creek Spring 2. Conococheague Creek Valley 3, Devil's Racecourse 4. Harper's Ferry Geologic Section 5. Roundtop Geologic Section 6, Weverton Cliffs ON 7, Woodmont Geologic Section CAVES 1. Antietam 19. Fairview 37, Red Hill 2. Antietam Creek 20. Flook's Fissure 3 21. Ground Hog 3 22. Grove 4 23. Holmes 4 8. Revells 3. Antietam Quarry 9. Rohrersville Column 4. Artz 0. Rohrersville-Hogman 5. Bowman 1. Rohrersville-Keedy 6. Busheys 24. Winders 4 25. Houpt 4 26. Howell 4 27. Jugtown 4 28. Keedsyville 4 29. Licking Creek 4 30. Marker 4 31. McMahons Mills 4 32. Mt. Aetna 5 2. Rohrersville King Quarry 7. Cave -in -the -Field 3. Rohrersville No. 5 8. C & 0 Canal 4. Roundtop Summit 9. Cool Hollow Well 5. Roundtop No. 5 10. Crystal Grottoes 6. Schetrompf 11. Crystal Grottoes Quarry 7. Snively 12. Dam No. 4 8. Snyder's Landing 13. Darby 9. Two Locks 14. Dargan Quarry 0. Wheeler Road Crevice 15. Dellingers 33. Mt. Aetna Quarry 5 34. Natural Well 5 35. Neck 5 1. Wilson 16 Dog House 2. Roundtop Mines 17. Drain Ditch 3. Hepburn 18. Eby 36. Pinesburg 53 NATURAL PHYSICAL AREAS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 0 2 4miles Scale I i I i I 34 7 31 15 26 4 12 48 30 8 3 14 6 23 9 2 32 27 33 24 25 5 T6 21 35 22 10 4% E 43 42 40 39 41 K The process of formation of caves is caused by ground water moving downward through the soil and rock, converting into a weak solution of carbonic acid, formed by the addition of dissolved carbon dioxide (a product of humus and plant decay). The carbonic acid forms a reaction with calcite, the principal mineral constituent of limestone, and is converted into soluble calcium bicarbonate. This slightly acidic ground water percolates through the fractures and crevices, and along bedding planes dissolving and forming channels in the limestone strata. After years of continual solutional erosion, these channels have expanded to form cavities or what we refer to as caves and sinkholes. Caves within Washington County are common in areas underlain by Tomstown Dolomite, and along streams and river beds. The most exceptional caves in Washing- ton County, among the 89 surveyed caves, are the Crystal Grottoes, the Mount Aetna Cave, Snively's Cave No. 1, and the Jugtown Cave. The Crystal Grottoes are located to the southwest of Boonsboro, and are the only commercially operated caves in the State of Maryland. The caves are formed in the Tomstown Dolomite. Some chambers of the caves are as much as 40 feet high. 50 f ,F The Crystal Grottoes were discovered in 1920 as a result of quarrying operations for road material. The Mt. Aetna cave is developed in the Tomstown Dolomite Formation. This cave is located 6.0 miles north of Boonsboro. The cave was discovered in 1931, and was operated commercially for a short period of time in 1932, but the venture t was unsuccessful The Mt. Aetna cave consists of several levels and chambers, with narrow connecting passages. The cave was sealed off in the 1960's due to vandalism. Snively's Cave No. 1 is located 1.5 miles southeast of Keedysville. The entrance is in an old abandoned quarry on the east side of the Antietam Creek. The cave at one time was much more extensive, with portions being destroyed by quarrying operations. This cave is located in the Tomstown Dolomite, and contains a beautiful, pure white flowstone resembling a frozen waterfall. This formation is among the largest and most spectacular of any cave in Maryland. Jugtown Cave is one of the larger caves in Washington County. The cave has developed at the base of South Mountain in the Tomstown Dolomite, adjacent to 51 the Antietam Quartzite. The cave extends over 600 feet containing channels and chambers, containing a subsurface stream. s � Jugtown Cavey""� Natural areas are "areas where the present natural processes predominate and are not significantly influenced either by deliberate manipulation or acci- dental interference by man." These areas are places having unique geological and ecological value, providing an intangible value of "open space." The natural areas within Washington County were developed through a series of geologic activities, over the past millions of years. 52 The Beaver Creek Spring, located 6.0 miles southeast of Hagerstown, is owned and maintained by the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources. The Beaver Creek Spring is the largest and most productive in Washington County. Flow measured from the spring at intervals over a two-year period, range from 3 million to about 5 million gallons per day. The area presently is a source of water for the Albert M. Powell Trout Hatchery. Beaver Creek Spring The Conococheague Creek Valley is centered 6.5 miles west of Hagerstown. The 4,900 acre drainage basin displays "the most beautiful meanders" of any of the 53 Potomac River tributaries in Maryland. The Conococheague Creek enters Washington County from Pennsylvania and flows twenty-two miles at a gradient of 1.8 feet per mile. The creek is entrenched approximately 100 feet into the slightly southward sloping valley floor. The elaborate and regular meanders are restricted to a narrow zone which coincides very closely with the limits of the Martinsburg Shale and the boundaries of the Chambersburg Limestone. The western meanders are not quite as curved as the eastern ones, due to resistance of the Chambersburg Limestone to mechanical erosion. The Conococheague Creek has developed a variable flood plain which is very broad in several places. Even though agricultural land is adjacent to the creek, the danger of future despoilment could be excited by residential development in the area and pollutants from upstream sources. Conococheague Creek 54 The Devil's Racecourse is located 3.5 miles northeast of Smithsburg, just off the Old Fort Ritchie Road. It is a series of unique geologic exposures, or escarpment of Weverton Quartzite. It appears to be a connected series of boulders resembling a dry bed of a river. Devil's Racecourse The Harpers Ferry Geological Section is a formation of approximately 20 acres, located in the Harpers Ferry National Park. It is an unusual geologic exposure above the Potomac River between Sandy Hook and Pleasantville. It consists of Cambrian quartzite (Weverton Quartzite), sandstone (Harpers PhylIite) and, shale formations, and is presently being preserved by the U. S. Department of the Interior. 55 Harper's Ferry Geological Section The Roundtop Geologic Section is located 3.5 miles southwest of Hancock. The uplift is an excellent geologic exposure of Silurian fossil -bearing formations. The uplift consists of Tonoloway and Helderberg Limestones. The uplift reaches to a height of 600 feet along the Potomac River. Located within this geologic section are a series of caves transversing the uplift, containing various levels each. 56 Weverton Cliffs is situated 3.0 miles west of Brunswick in Washington and Frederick Counties. This exposure consists of high cliffs which overlook the Potomac River at the southern end of South,Mountain. The escarpment is several hundred feet high, exposing the extremely hard quartzite of the Weverton Formation;, the main ridge -making element in the eastern Appalachian Mountains. 57 f L 'Ak 9 Weverton Cliffs The Woodmont Geologic Section is located 8.0 miles southeast of Hancock. It is a geologic exposure of Devonian fossil -bearing formations; beginning with the Helderburg on the east, and ending with the Jennings Shale and Sandstone Formation on the west. Geologic Land Use Determinants The geologic land use determinants consist of the following features: the bedrock, the percent of slope, the water bearing properties, and the soils formed from the geologic bedrock (parent material). The bedrock located within various regions has a direct relationship to the topography (slope), hydrology (water), and pedology (soils) and will have an effect on development of the area. The bedrock consists of the formations that are located throughout the County. Each formation is characterized by its structure and location, which determines the suitability for development. Slope, or topography, influences development potential through the structure of I the geologic formations. Each structure, through the geologic uplift and folding, M'? will have a direct result on the severity of the topography, and in addition, the resistance to erosion of the bedrock, and overlying soils, will determine the severity of the slope, the abundance of rock exposures, and/or the depth of the soil. These determinates will have an outcome on the development potential of an area, both economically and physically. The relief may also determine the water -bearing properties of various regions. The -deformation of the bedrock strata recharge cavities and channels where undergroung water is stored, or transported. If the water recharge areas are not preserved, and are allowed to become impervious as a result of intensive development, the water supplies will be depleted or contaminated. Soils, excluding alluvium are developed from the bedrock common to a certain area. The various types of bedrock, or parent material through erosion and chemical weathering, form regolith, from which the overlying soils are devel- oped. The soil types are a direct product of the underlying geologic formation, and soils are considered a primary resource in land development. Generally, it is a combination of the above factors which determine the 59 area's development potential. For example, karst topography is formed by the combination of the availability of underground water, limestone bedrock, and the location of solution channels. Areas in which sinkholes occur, are poor for development due to the instability of the bedrock. The contamination of under- ground water resources by sewage is the result of a combination of bedrock crev- ices and solution channels in conjunction with the topography and the depth of the disposal area versus the point of intake of the underground water supply. This can be complicated by the presence of anticlines or synclines located within the geologic unit. For these reasons, the points of sewage discharge should be examined carefully. Also, the availability of springs are the result of solution channels terminating at the ground surface, forming a faucet for underground water. Spring water also should be examined to determine whether it is contaminated or not. M P E D O L O G Y PEDOLOGY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY The soil is a relatively thin mantle of weathered material covering the surface of the earth. Soil is formed through a lengthy process that is deter- mined by the parent material, biological activity (humus), climate, relief, hydrology, and time. It is the interrelationship of these determinants that result in numerous soil types. In Washington County, there are various types of geologic formations, or parent materials, thus accordingly, there are a propor- tionate number of associated soil types. With the increasing knowledge of soil characteristics and limitations, there has come a realization of the significance of soils in relation to land use. The soils in the County have been formed from two general kinds of parent material. The most extensive soil is residuum formed from existing bedrock. The second type of parent material consists of sand, silt, clay, and rock fragments that were transported by the essential process of, or combination of, water,wind, and gravity. The residual material is derived from two basic types of bedrock; igneous 62 and sedimentary. The igneous rocks have been metamorphosed by heat, pressure, and internal movement to form what is commonly referred to as greenstones. This parent material has developed the soils of the Fauquier, Myersville, and High- field Series. These soil types are commonly located in the Pleasant Valley area, and the Catoctin Mountain area. Most of Washington County is underlain by sedimentary rock. These rocks consist of fine to coarse grained materials that were deposited in water, and were subsequently formed into rock by physical compaction, chemical cementation, and W other consolidation processes that take extended periods of time. These altered sedimentary rocks consist of limestone, shales, and sand- stone. Limestone in various degrees of purity is the soil forming parent mater- ial of the Hagerstown, Frankstown, Duffield, Frederick, Dunmore, Elliber, Benevola, and the Corydon soil types. The Litz soils are formed from the slightly calcareous gray shales, and the Montevallo soils are formed from acid gray shales. Berks soils have developed from acidic yellow to brown shales, the Calvin shales are formed from acid, red shales and sandstones, the Litz -Teas soils from slightly 63 calcareous red shales and sandstones. Interbedded shales, sandstones, and lime- stones, have produced the Westmoreland soils. The gray to yellow sandstones are the parent materials of the Dekalb and Leetonia soils, the red sandstones are the source of the Lehew soils. The metamorphosed micaceous schists and phyllites are the parent material of the Hazel and Chandler soils, while quartzite and quartz- itic sandstone are the source of the Edgemont soils. The Talladega soils are residuum from micaceous schists, but have been influenced by deposits of sandstone and quartzite. The second source of parent material consists of transported material (alluvium) by some source of erosion. These soil types are generally along present or former water courses, or at mountain base accumulations of colluvial debris. These allu- vial deposits are the floodplain soils of the Atkins, Chewacla, Congaree, Dunning, Huntington, Largent, Lindside, Melvin, Philo, Pope, Warners, and the Wehadkee series. The older alluvial deposits, which are now the terrace escarpments above the present floodplains, consists of the Ashton, Etowah, Holston, Monongahela, Tyler, and Waynesboro soils. The soils occurring on deposits of colluvial debris at the base of mountain slopes include those of the Braddock, Brinkerton, Buchanan, 64 Landisburg, Leadvale, Laidig, Murrill, Rohrersville, Thurmont, and Trego soils. There is some evidence that the Edgemont soils may be partially derived from the colluvial materials. The alluvial soils deposited in the inundated areas of the various water- courses are the most youthful and do not have developed horizons. Alluvium con- sists of approximately 8 percent of the soils in the County. The soils of old stream terraces, or escarpments, that were once floodplains, and are now considerable distances from existing stream beds, comprise 5 percent of the County's soils in these locations. The soils of old colluvial deposits make up 16 percent of the soil types in the County. These materials have been transported down slopes by gravity. The most mature soils are the soils of the uplands, comprising 71 percent of the land area, with the metabasalt being the oldest parent material. These soils were developed in place from materials weathered from underlying bedrock. 65 Climatic conditions of a locality help determine the type and the rate of soil development, which in turn, determines the type of vegetation. Since Washington County is located in a temperate, rather humid climate which is typical of the Middle Atlantic States, there has been a uniform effect of soil development throughout the County. Local rain -shadows and wind -shadows within the County will have a proportional effect on the rate of soil development. Temperate climates normally have leached, acid soils, with highly weathered bedrock. The weathering of the limestone bedrock forms the regolith of which the majority of soils in Washington County are formed. There are only a few places that have alkaline soil and are free of carbonates, characteristic of limestone. Instead, the majority of the soils are acid, whether they were developed from acid bedrock, or from limestone, and some soils are even extremely acidic. The fertility level ranges from very low to very high. The native vegetation, before the land was inhabited or cultivated, had an effect on soil development. The soil forming factors consisted mostly of humus from the hardwood forest cover and smaller plant growth. Hardwoods have a large demand for calcium and other basic elements. The basic elements are returned to the surface annually with the leaf fall, and the decomposition of humus. These bases enter the soil through moisture, and are recycled by the vegetation. Thus, there is a never-ending ecosystem of decomposition and plant growth. As man inhabited and developed the County, he also affected the character and composition of the soils by altering or removing the vegetative cover. By exposing the soils, acceleration of erosion and leaching became inevitable. The topography and/or the physiographic areas within the County have an influence on soil development. Within each of the physiographic regions the topo- graphy and the soil types may be associated with uplands, colluvial slopes, terrace easements, and floodplains. Soils in uplands tend to be thinner, due to erosion, than those on gentle slopes. In colluvial areas and stream terraces, the characteristic soils are the highly oxidized Braddock and Thurmont soils. These soils occupy the sloping or rolling topo- graphy where the soils are oxidized due to unrestricted run-off. The Rohrersville soils are generally found at the base of depressions that are poorly drained, where much seepage and run-off water have accumulated fine materials. All of 67 these soils have essentially the same parent material, thus their different soil characteristics are attributable to the topography. Other similar situations and relationships are true of old alluvial terraces. Holston soils which are highly oxidized, occupy the better drained areas, while Monongahela soils have developed where the topography has encouraged the formation of a dense layer of soil, and the Tyler soils have developed on fine grained materials in depressions and other low lying areas. All of these alluvial soils were formed from sandstones and shales. Here, differences in drainage have resulted in differences in profile development, and therefore are influenced by the topography. The final determinant of soil development is time. Time is the variable in con- junction with the other elements that will determine the type and rate of soil de- velopment. The length of time the parent material has been exposed to the active forces of climate vegetation will determine the amount of regolith developed. The age of the soil relates to its degree of profile development or horizonation, and is influenced by other factors as well as time. Mature soils are ones that are well defined, and have genetically related horizons. Due to differences in the topography and parent materials, soils that have been developing for similar DEVELOPMENT PROVINCES Mountain- Elk Valley -Limestone Se Valley -Shale Section O 2 4 m les scale I i I i I lengths of time, will not necessarily have reached the same stage of development. If the parent material is resistant and weathers slowly, the profile development will be moderate. In locations of severe slope, and colluvial soils, there will be no well defined horizons. The floodplain frequently has freshly deposited alluvium, preventing the development of a mature profile. Thus, the interrelation- ships of the elements of soil development may change, as the elements vary. Within Washington County these interrelationships may be consolidated into five areas having similar soil development characteristics. South Mountain -Elk Ridge Province - these soils are derived from quartzites. and slates with some being developed from metabasalt and phyllites. The area includes some colluvial and alluvial soils derived from materials of the same sources. Most of the bedrock develops soils with mediocre native fertility. These soils are shallow to bedrock, and/or have rock outcroppings. Approximately 6 percent of all the land has a gradiant greater than 25 percent. Soils in this area are stony, and erosion is a moderate problem through the 50,000 acre province. 70 Pleasant Valley Province - is located between the South Mountain and Elk Ridge Province, and contains relatively fertile soils derived primarily from meta - basalt. The valley contains 4,000 acres, of which only about 100 acres have severe slope limitations. While erosion is a moderate problem, 85 acres are severely eroded. Great Valley Limestone Province - this area includes 160,000 acres, and covers a major portion of the County. These soils are very fertile, although some are shallow to bedrock. Development is impeded by frequent outcrops of parallel bedrock exposures and some severe slope limitations. Severe erosion has occurred on only 1 percent of the area, although in general, the erosion problem is moderate. Great Valley -Martinsburg Shale Province - this belt of shallow, highly erod- ible soils lies near the western edge of the Great Valley. The soils in this area are only moderately fertile. Approximately 15 percent of the area has severe slope limitations. Erosion presents a chronic problem, and has deterior- ated much of the soil in this province that encompasses 21,000 acres. 71 Ridge and Valley Province - this region contains over 60,000 acres, covering the western section of the County. The topography is rolling, having severe slope limitations. Severe erosion prevails on 1,700 acres, limiting its agricul- tural capability. Shallow and stony soils limit the use of some areas. About one third of the land is not suited for development. Agriculture has not developed extensively• The soils are derived from sandstones and shales and have a low native fertility. Nearly 60 percent of the region is wooded. Erosion is a serious prob- lem, especially on the soils of shale origin. The General Soil Areas Within Washington County it is fairly obvious to detect the provinces, but less obvious are the kinds of soils that have developed, and the pattern in which they occur. In Washington County there are fourteen soil associations, being grouped into four divisions, according to drainage and the depth of soils. Well -Drained, Stony and Very Stony Soils Dekalb-Leetonia-Edgemont-Laidig Association, (very stony, mountainous soils) are moderately course textured to medium textured, very stony soils that are de- veloped from sandstones and quartzites. These soils are shallow and stony, located on steep, mountainous terrain throughout the County and are strongly acid and low in productivity. Soils that dominate this association are the Dekalb, Leetonia, 72 1 { 8 8 8 lr() I t 4 1+ f a,f p i t 1 n f4 4 { 13 � f 14 4 9 t II � It 4 � i1 SOIL ASSOCIATIONS WELL DRAINED, STONY AND VERY STONY SOILS 1 Dekalb- Leetonia-Edgemont-Laidig association: MODERATELY WELL TO WELL DRAINED, Very stony, mountainous soils DEEP, MEDIUM TEXTURED SOILS 2 Dekalb- Highfield association: 9 Holston- Monongahela -Huntington - Lindside association - Very steep, stony soil Soils on broad flood plains and terraces 3 Highfield-Fauquier association: Deep• stony soils WELL DRAINED, DEEP, MEDIUM TEXTURED SOILS WELL TO EXCESSIVELY DRAINED, SHALLOW, 10 Braddock- Thurmont- Edgemont- Laidig association MEDIUM TEXTURED SOUS Gravelly soils 11 Waynesboro association: Soils on high terraces 4 Berks- Montevallo association: along the Potomac River Soils on shale 12 Fouquier- Myersville - Highfield association: 5 Hazel- Chandler association: Soils on greenstone Shallow soils on schist 13 Murrill association: Well drained Soils On colluvial 6 Talladega association: deposits that contain lime Moderately deep soil on schist 14 Hagerstown -Duffield- Frankstown association: 7 Litz - Teas association: Soils of limestone valleys Shallow, steep soils or shale E Calvin- Berks- Litz- Montevallo association: Shallow soils on shale, limestone, or sandstone 0 2 4miles Scale I i I I I ■ 14 14 Edgemont and Laidig series, including several small areas of other soils. These soils are most suitable for forestry and wildlife. Dekalb-Highfield Association, (very steep, stony soils) - this association consists of very stony soils of the Dekalb and Highfield series and has developed on sandstone and greenstone (metabasalt) in the Weverton Cliffs area. These soils are relatively unproductive, being suitable only for forestry, since the series is too stony for cultivation. Highfield-Fauquier Association - these soils are developed almost entirely from greenstone or metabasalt. The soils are too stony for cultivation, they have considerable depth, low acidity, with moderate fertility and productivity. The soils are limited to the South Mountain -Elk Ridge area and are best suited for forestry and timber production. Well to Excessively Drained, Shallow, Medium -Textured Soils Berks -Montevallo Association (soils on shale) - this association consists of soils that are developed on shale. The series of Berks, and the Montevallo, dom- inate the association, with minor associations, such as the Brinkerton Series. This association occupies an area that accompanies the Martinsburg Shale, which includes a belt adjoining the Conococheague Creek. These soils are acid, shallow, and somewhat droughty, and can be agriculturally productive. 74 The Hazel -Chandler Association (shallow soils on schist) - the Hazel -Chand- ler Association is principally of shallow and very acid soils developed from mica schist and phyllite. This soil is common to Harpers Phyllite that extends northward from the Potomac River in the Elk Ridge area. These soils are so shallow and with limited productivity, that they are agriculturally insignificant. Talladega Association (moderately deep soils on schist) - these soils are lo- cated along the western part of South Mountain. These soils are similar to the Hazel -Chandler association, but are deeper and have better moisture holding capacity. Quartzite gravel of considerable quantities is located in the surficial portion of the soils. General farming is characteristic of the soils, although they may have steep slopes, and severe erosion, which has limited the suitability of the soils. Litz -Teas Association (shallow, steep soils on shale) - is a long, narrow ridge extending southward from Pennsylvania toward Smithsburg. These soils are shallow, fairly steep, underlain by non-acid, reddish and gray shales. These soils are fertile, but are droughty, thus not being very productive. 75 Calvin -Berks -Litz -Montevallo Association (shallow soils on shale, limestone, or sandstone) - this is the most extensive soil association in the division of shallow soils. It extends from Allegany County, east to Fairview Mountains. This is also the most complex soil association in the County. Some of the soils are developed from acid or non-acid shale; others from limestones of varying degrees of purity, and from sandstone, or any mixture of the bedrock. Most of these soils are shallow, with medium texture. Most associations are located on sharp ridges, separated by rather deep, small streams. The Calvin -Berks is generally good for agriculture, but the majority of the area is forested and mountainous. Moderately Well to Well Drained, Deep, Medium -Textured Soils Holston-Monongahela-Huntington-Lindside Association (soils on broad flood plains and terraces) - this association consists of soils of floodplains and terraces of the Ridge and Valley portion of the Potomac River. The Holston and Monongahela are moderately well drained soils, but the Mononogahela have a strongly developed siltpan horizon that restricts drainage. The Huntington and Lindside soils are on recent floodplains, the Huntington are well drained, but the Lindside soils have a seasonally high water table and are only moderately well drained. 76 Well Drained, Deep, Medium Textured Soils Braddock-Thurmont-Edgemont-Laidig Association (gravelly soils) - these soils are in foot -slope positions below mountains or ridges. The soils have been found in colluvial, acid rock debris, and are mostly rather gravelly. The soils are fer- tile and productive, although the gravel does create some problems. Due to their location on the slopes of South Mountain, these soils have good fertility, making them suitable for agriculture. Waynesboro Association, (soils on high terraces along the Potomac River) - consists of very old, acid alluvium, mostly gravelly, that have been deposited in rather thick beds above the Potomac River. The materials are extremely thick, and the underlying stratum has no evident effect on the soil. The soils are agricul- turally productive, although somewhat less productive than the soils of other associates in this division. Fauquier-Myersville-Highfield Association, (soils on greenstone) - consists entirely of well -drained, medium textured soils that developed in the weathered residue of greenstone rocks. These soils were developed from rocks rich in 77 basic minerals, the soils developed from them are less acid, and contain more plant nutrients than many of the soils in the County. The most prominent area is the Israel Creek drainage basin in Pleasant Valley, with traces in the South Mountain area. Murrill Association, (well drained soils on colluvial deposits that contain lime) - the soils of this association occur at the base of ridges, having moved down-slope and out over the fringes of the valley. This movement is caused by the force of gravity, and assisted by the flow of runoff waters over long periods of time. These soils are predominant at the base of the slopes of South Mountain, Fairview Mountains, and other ridge formations throughout the County. These soils are agriculturally productive because they are underlain by limestone and limestone materials. Hagerstown-Duffield-Frankstown Association, (soils of limestone valleys) - this soil association occupies most of the Great Valley limestone basin that transects the County. Other soils important within the association besides the Hagerstown, Duffield, Frankstown, are the Benevola, Corydon, Etowah, Huntington, Lindside, Melvin, Dunning and Warners. These soils comprise 46 percent of Washington County. The soils in this association are both productive and extensive, and are used for all crops, with great emphasis on corn, small grains, hay crops and pastures. The only'deterrants to even greater production are shallow to bedrock areas or rock out- croppings. The textures of these various general soil series are indicative of each indi- vidual soil type, and are determined by their grain size. The following criteria are used in identifying soil types: * channery - soil contains from 15 to 50 percent fragments of sandstone, limestone or schist ranging to six inches in length. * cherty - soils containing this flintlike rock, generally found as an impurity in limestone. * clay - small mineral soil grains under 0.002 mm in diameter, smooth and floury, or in stiff lumps when dry, plastic and sticky when wet. * gravelly - contains between 15 and 50 percent rounded or angular fragments of rock, not prominently flattened, up to 3 inches in diameter. 79 * sandy - consists of 90 percent of more sand with fragments ranging between 0.05 mm and 2.0 mm in diameter. * shaly - soil material that is 15 to 50 percent of flattened fragments of shale less than 6 inches in length. * silt - small mineral soil grains ranging from 0.002 mm to 0.05 mm in diameter. * stony - containing enough stones more than 10 inches in diameter than will interfere, but not prevent, the use of the land. Soil texture is significant in the development of a soil profile, or its morphology and can indicate the maturity of the soil development. The soils in Wash- ington County are rather well developed, having moderate to strong horizonation, excluding the colluvial and alluvial soils. Horizonation of soils is differentuated due to any one or more of the follow- ing processes: o accumulation of organic matter (humus). o leaching of carbonates and salts. o chemical weathering of parent materials into silicate clay materials. o translocation of silicate clay minerals from one horizon to another. o chemical reduction and transfer of iron. In most cases, only several of these processes and/or their interrelation- ships are involved in the development of soil horizons. The accumulation of all surficial humus has formed the A horizon. The A horizon is the product of chemical leaching and the incorporation of humus into the underlying zones. The B horizon is where material removed from the A horizon is deposited, and is called the zone of accum- ulation. The third zone, or C horizon is the regolith that is derived from the parent material, the D horizon. In Washington County, leaching has trans -located minerals in most of the soils. The carbonates have been completely leached out of the A and B horizons of all soils, except two types. The Warners and some types of Melvin soils contain lime, and therefore, have not been completly leached of all neutral soil properties. The translocation of silicate clay minerals have contrasted strongly to the development of horizons in most of the soils in the County. The silicates have become relocated in the B horizon within the soils. The effects of translocation `il are illustrated most explicitly in the soils that have a fine textured B horizon, such as those of the Fauquier, Waynesboro, Hagerstown, and particularly the Brinker - ton and Dunmore series. The solution and transfer of iron have occurred to some degree in all the soils, and particularly in wet soils. The formation of reduced iron compounds, give the soil a neutral gray color referred to as gleying. Soils characteristic of the gleying process are the Dunning, Brinkerton, Atkins, Melvin, Tyler, and Wehadkee series. The drier soils do not normally have as predominant translocation of iron occuring with movement from the A to the B horizon. Within certain areas of gently sloping and slightly depressed soils, there is an accumulation of clay minerals and silt in the sub-soil.The accumulation brings about the surficial formation of a fragipan, and is generally a part of the B horiaon. The Buchanan, Landisburg, Leadvale, Monongahela, Rohrersville, and Trego soils are examples of impeded drainage of which the formation of a fragipan has resulted by the reduction and transfer of iron within the saturated horizons. M. Great Soil Groups Soils are placed in classes to facilitate the organization and application in their use and management. Soil series that are alike in several character- istics are classified as one great soil group. The great soil groups that are presently recognized in Washington County are, Sols Bruns Acides, Podzols, Gray - Brown Podzolic, Red -Yellow Podzolic, Reddish -Brown Lateritic , Planosols, Humic Gley, Low Humic Gley, Lithosols, and Alluvium Soils. Sols Bruns Acides - are represented in Washington County by Dekalb and Lehew series. These soils have a weak horizon differentiation. These soils have a low degree of base saturation and are generally very strongly acid. Podzols - is represented only by the Leetonia series in Washington County. The A horizon is strongly leached, and the B horizon is a zone of accumulation of iron, and organic matter. The degree of base saturation is extremely low, and the soils are extremely acidic. Gray -Brown Podzolic - these soils are typical of forested, cool -temperature, humid regions. There is only one soil that is truly representative of this grouping. E'I the Duffield series, consisting of soils developed high in lime, having expansive horizonation. The Edgemont, Elliber, Frankstown, Frederick, Hagerstown, Highfield, Murrill, Myersville, and Westmoreland series consist of Gray -Brown Podzolic soils, but also ha"A cnma characteristics of the Red -Yellow Podzolic soils. These soils have a higher acid content, are more bleached and are more strongly leached than the modal Gray -Brown Podzolic soil. The Berks soils are Gray -Brown Podzolic soils, but have characteristics of Lithosols. The Berks are shallow over bedrock of shale, and contain much skeletal shale material. Red -Yellow Podzolic - representative of the Red -Yellow Podzolic soils are the Braddock, Dunmore, Holston, Thurmont, and Waynesboro series. These soils have a leached A horizon and a fine textured B horizon. These soils are generally strong or extremely strong acid. Other soils are in this classification, are characterized by a fragipan horizon below the normal B horizon. These dense, compact, structured materials obstruct the penetration of water and development of root systems. Soils with these characteristics are those of the Buchanan, Laidig, Landisburg, Leadvale, Mononga- hela and Trego series. The soils of the Etowah and Frauquier series are intergrades of the Reddish - Brown Latertic group. The B horizons are fine textured and contain free oxides of iron and aluminum. I Reddish -Brown Lateritic - these soils are closely related to the Red -Yellow Podzolic soils, and have similar geographic distribution. These soils are formed from less siliceous parent material, are generally lower in quartz, and contain alkaline elements such as calcium. The Benevola soils are characteristic of this -j group, with subsoils having a compound blocky and granular structure, and having a porous texture, with thick, well developed A horizon. Planosols - are represented in Washington County by the Rohrersville and Tyler series. Each has a dense B horizon and is poorly drained. They are characteristic of having contrasting horizons because of cementation, compaction, or high clay content. MR Humic Gley Soils - are extremely poorly drained soils, represented by the Dunning series in Washington County. This series has a prominent A horizon, having a high content of organic matter, with a strong reduced or mottled B horizon, occupying recent floodplains. Low-Humic Gley Soils - are poorly drained soils, with a thin surface horizon, that is moderately high in organic matter. The Brinkerton series represents this group, having high moisture content and water table. There is general textural differentation between the various horizons. Lithosols - soils representing this group in Washington County are Chandler, Hazel, and Montevallo series. Lithosols generally are confined to steep slopes, and areas where geologic erosion has continually removed the soil. These soils have no defined soil morphology, and consist of imperfectly weathered masses of rock fragments. The Corydon series is a Lithosol, with additional characteristics of Gray - Brown Podzolic soils, consisting of shallow clay loam, underlain by and developing from limestone. 36 The Calvin and Litz -Teas are intergraded with Sols Bruns Acides, having a weakly developed B horizon. The Talladega soil would be a true Lithosol, but only variants exist in Washington County. Alluvial Soils - soils representing this group are the Chewacla, Congaree, Huntington, Largent, Lindside, Philo, Pope, and Warners series. These soils gen- erally are moderately well drained to poorly drained. There is little horizoni- zation, and consist of recent alluvial deposits.The Atkins, Melvin, and Wehadkee have characteristics of Low-Humic Gley soils, but are composed of recently depos- ited floodplain sediments. Development Characteristics of Soils Washington County is still rural in nature, but its population is increasing and in recent years there has been a rapid increase in residential and commercial uses of the land. Accompanying the increase in population, is the increased need for information about soil conditions that will affect non-farm uses. The most common need is for information about the limitations of soils for disposal of sewage Nh effluent from septic tanks, building foundations, streets, and parking lots. The following are the principal uses and the properties that limit the soils of the County in their suitability for construction purposes: o Filter fields for sewerage disposal: permeability of soil, depth to a seasonably high water table, depth to bedrock, or the impervious layer, and hazard of flooding. o Sewerage Lagoons: soil permeability, depth to bedrock or other imper- vious layer, slope, stoniness, hazard of flooding. o Homes with basements: depth to water table, depth to bedrock (assuming a five foot excavation for basement), kind or hardness of bedrock, hazard offlooding, stoniness or rockiness (the suitability of a soil for the foundation should be investigated on site.) o Streets and parking lots: wetness and depth to water table, slope, hazard of flooding, depth to bedrock, kind of bedrock. o Sanitary landfill: depth to water table, depth to hard bedrock, stoniness, permeability, slope, soil texture, hazard of flooding. o Agricultural: texture of the surface layer, .permeability of sub- soil, slope, degree of erosion, moisture holding capacity, depth to water table, natural drainage. o Recreational uses: depth to water table, wetness, the hazard of flooding, soil permeability, texture, content of gravel and stones, slope. WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL CHARACTERISTICS SUMMARY CHART Soil Agricul-Suitability Seasonal Flood Material Depth Slope S.C.S. Type tural for Septic High Water Plain Characteristics to % Limitation Other Symbol Capability Systems Table Bedrock Rating Unit 1 4' No V a r i a h I a n _ Moderately Wet 1 Not suitable 0-1 Yes '0-5 Spvprp High water table BaA f 2 Fair -Good - No Fine clay 3-6' 0-3 Moderate BaB2 2 "' - No 3-6' 3-8 '" Occasional outcrops P BaC2 3 - No 3-6' 8-15 " a " " 8-15 Severe Severely eroeed BcB2 2 Poor -Fair - No Shallow to bedrock 2-3' 0-10 radib a gu-'Ilies BcC2 3 "1.- No at 2-3' 10-20 ,t BcC3 4 - No 110-2' 10-20 Eroded S outcrops BcD2 4 " " - No " at 2-3' 20-30 It Severely eroded BeB 3 v " - No It 2-3' 0-8 - BeB2 3 - N -o " 2-3' 3-8 ` - BeC2 4 - No 2-3' 8-15 " BeD2 6 - No 2-3' 15-25 Bk32 2 - No 2-3' 0-10 BkC2 3 " - No 1'It2-3' 10-20 " BkC3 4 " - No It 0-2' 10-20 " BkD2 a - No 2-3' 20-30 " BoE.3 7 Not suitable - No 0-2' 20-45 Shallow b steep Ba' �� " _ " " 30-60 " 10- BrE2 2 Good - No " Variable 3-8 b11gnt - BrC2 3 - No " 8-15 Moderate _ Br, _ ,° 15-25 Severe - R`3 Not suitable 11? - - High water tAblg iun i 2 Poor 2 a No Fraoipdn 0-3 Bua2 2 21 No " " 3-8 '"caerately ret BuC2 3 2'No "s 8-15 � No 1 " 1 19-99 Ca32 2 Fair - No " Z-4' 3-10 CcB2 2 Poor -Fair - No Shallow to bedrock 2-3' 3-10 " CcC2 3 - No 2-3' 10-20 " Severely eroded CcD 4" - No " 2-3' 20-30 " CcD2 4- No 2-3' 20-30 Erosion Cc -r 5 �� - Flo 2-3' 30-45 " CcF 7 " - No " " 2-3' 45-60 " Severe slope CT•B2 3 - No Shallow to bedrock 2-3' 0-10 WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL CHARACTERISTICS SUMMARY CHART Soil Agricul- Suitability Seasonal Flood Material Depth Slope S.C.S. Type Lural for Septic High Water Plain Characteristics to S Limitation Other Sy -1,01 Capability Systems Table Bedrock Rating Unit CmC2 4 - " Shallow to Bedrock 2-3 10-20 Severe CmC3 6 " " - ' " If 1-2 10-20 " Severe Erosion C m D 61 L2-3 20-30 Potential Erosion Cmc 7 7 - �� 2-3 30-45 " CnB2 2 "' " - " 0-10 Zlevery CnC2 3 "' 10-20 CnC3 4 `" '° 3-20 Severely Eroded CnD2 4 " 20-30 Potential Erosion CnF2 7 "' /1 If IT 30-60 CoB2 3 ° It It AT 0-10 Moderate Moderately Eroded CoC2 4 " It No " " 10-20 IN Co D26 11IN"' INIf 20-30 Severe Potential Erosion CoE3 7 11 No"' IN20-45 CoF 7 "` it 30-60 " Cra 2 - 3- 0-10 Severe CrB2 2 - 3-4 3-10 it CrC2 4 - 3-4 10-20 otential Erosion CrD 6 " - No It 3-4 20-30 " es 2 Not Suitable - Yes Micaeous Variab a HighMater a e Ct 2 °' 1-2' Yes Poor Stability No" " IT Cu 5 If 1-2 Yes Stones -Boulders I`" " If CV s 114 Yes if IN 11 to CwA 3 Poor - No Limestone Ledges 1-3 0-3 Outcrops Cw62 3 - 1-3 3-8 everely Eroded CwC2 CX 4 7 - " 1-3 8-15 rosion & Outcrols - Rockiness 0-3 0-15 " Outcrops CE2 6 - Rockiness - 3-45 rosion & Out DeD 7 Fair -Good - Shallow to Bedrock 2-4 0-25 oderate-Sev. DeE 7 " " - " 2-4 25-45 Severe DeF 7 " " - " " of 2-4 45-60 is Severe Slope DkD 7 - '" 2-4 0-75 Moderate-Sev. DkE 7 " " _ _' 2-4 25-45 Severe Severe Slope DrA 0r62 1 2 Good -IN" No " 4-7 0-3 Slight - 4-7 3-8 51otential Erosion DnC2 3 " - " " 4-7 8-15 Moderate otential Erosion DmD2 i 4 " _ " " 4-7 15-25 Severe S WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL CHARACTERISTICS SUMMARY CHART Soil Agricul-Suitability Seasonal Flood Material Depth Slope S.C.S. Tv7e tural for Septic High Water Plain Characteristics to % Limitation Other Sy�-561 Capability Systems Table Bedrock Rating Unit __T-77 4 ! Good - No Shallow to Bedrock 2-6 8-25 Moderate-Sev. Severe Erosion DuC 7 Poor -Fair - " Rockiness 0-6 0-15 " " Outcrops DVC 6 Fair -Good - " 0-6 3-15 Severe -Mod. Outcrops Dv ---2 6 Q _ 1 _ 1i — -4r — r 1 t DyB2 2 '" - Fine Clay 5-8 3-8 Severe DvC2 3 - " " • 5-8 8-15 " Dz b Not Suitable U—I! Yes Very Poor Stability Variable I Moderatelyet EaC Z Good - No Shallow to Bedrock 3-5 0-I2 Moderate-Sev.Potentia Erosion EdD2 3 " - " " " 3-5 5-20 go .1 Erosion EdE2 4 - " 3-5 20-35 Severe Potential Erosion t-dF2 6 - 3-5 35-60 Severe Slope_ EgA 5 - '" 3-5 0-5 Outcrops EgD 6 IP"' 3-5 5-35Moderate-Sev. toniness-Erosn. EcF 7 - "` 3-5 35-60 1 Severe Severe Slope E`152 2 - 3-5 5- 12 Moderate Eros ion EhD2 3 - "` 3-5 12-25 Severe EhE2 6 IF3-5 25-45 '" evere Slope,Erow EhF 7 - " It 3-5 45-55 " Fri i . oL .)uILaDIe variabl Severe 3everely Eroded En 7 Not Suitable " otential Erosion Er 7 Not Suitable '' everely Eroded Es 7 Not Suitable 'ctA I Good 4+ Variable 0-3 Slight Et32 2 4+ `" Variable 3-8 Slight otential Erosion EtC 3 4+ Variable 8-15 Moderate EtD2 4 4+ Variable 15-25 Severe Severe Slope EwA 1 4+ " Variable 0-3 Slight EwB2 2 4+ "' Variable 3-8 Slight EwC.2 3 5+ 8-15 1 Moderate FaB - 5+ 0-5 Slight Fa62 2 - 5+ 5-10 Slight FaC2 3 - '" 5+ 10-20 Moderate otential Erosion FaE2 4 - 5+ 20-35 Severe Severe Slope FrE 6 Fair - Stones 1-6 5-35 oderate-Sev. FsA 1 Good - 5+ 0-3 Moderate FsB2 2 - 1-6 3-10 Moderate Erosion Fs C2 FtC2 FuD FuE FvC2 FvC3 FvE2 FwA F6 2 Fw33 FwC2 FwC3 Fw D2 Fw03 Fw:2 Fw:3 Fy82 FyC2 FyC3 FyD2 FyD3 F HaB2 HdB3 HaC2 HaC3 HaD2 HaD3 HbD2 HcD2 HdE HeA HeB2 He'2 HeD2 Agricul- tural Capability unit 3 4 7 7 6 7 6 1 2 3 3 4 4 6 6 2 3 4 4 6 6 2 3 3 4 4 6 7 7 7 1 2 3 4 WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL CHARACTERISTICS SUMMARY CHART Suitability Seasonal Flood Material Depth for Septic High Water Plain Characteristics to Systems Table I Bedrock Good _ No oderate=Sev. 5+ Poor - Severely Eroded 2 Poor -Fair u w Erosion Severe Rockiness n Eroded Fair - Good otential Erosion Severe everely Good - evere Slope otential Erosion 0-5+ Good - Moderate otential 0-5+ Good - Erosion Moderate 2-4 Good - " 0-5+ Good - Severe evere Slone 2-4 Good - 0-5+ Good - 2-4 Good Good - - " 0-5+ 2-4 Good - "' Shallow to Bedrock 4-6 Good - " 4-5 Good _ �� " w Good to 4-6 Good t Good _ ccasiona Ledges -i Good - 2-7 Good - 1k 1-6 Good - 2-7 Good - �� a 1-6 Good _ " 2-1 Good - 1-6Rockiness Fair - „ 0-7 Fair - Rockiness 0-7 Not Suitable - Rockiness 0-5 Good - Occasional Ledges 0-7 Good - " " 'i 2-7 Good - " 2-7 Good - w 2-7 Slope S.C.S. % Limitation Rating 10-20 3-20 0-25 25-45 3-15 8-15 15-45 0-3 3-8 0-8 8-15 8-15 15-25 15-25 25-45 25-45 0-8 8-15 8-15 15-25 15-25 25-45 �` 0-8 3-8 8-15 8-15 15-25 15-25 0-25 0-25 25-45 0-3 0-8 8-15 15-25 Moderate -Se evere evere n Other Erosion Outcrops evere Slope Outcrops everely Eroded evere Slope oderate-Sev. otential Erosion Slight oderate=Sev. Moderate Severe Severely Eroded oderate-Sev. otential Erosion Severe Severely Eroded Severe otential Erosion Severe everely Eroded Severe evere Slope otential Erosion Severe evere Sl.& Ersn. Moderate otential Erosion Moderate lotential Erosion Moderate Severely Eroded Severe Severe everely Eroded Severe evere Slone Slight otential Erosion Slight lotential Erosion Moderate Moderate Severely Eroded Severe evere Sloped Severe everelyy Eroded Severe xtremely Rocky Severe xtremely Rocky Severe evere Slope Slight Slight lotential Erosion Moderate otential Erosion Severe evere Slope 5C;1 Tvae S1. 01 Hf32 HfC2 Hf32 HgC2 H g c- 2 A C2 HhC3 �c 'H.kF Hl. Hr E2 Hr: 32 HnC2 HnC3 Hr2 H: �3 Fn X03 Ho32 HCr2 Ho.2 Hai Ha0 H H r:. H r32 HrC2 '- H r D 2 Hr23 rr2 Hsi HsC2 HSC3 4 t A H:52 H t C 2 Agricul- tural Capability Unit 1 2 3 4 6 6 6 7 6 7 3 4 6 6 7 WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL CHARACTERISTICS SUMMARY CHART Suitability Seasonal Flood Material Depth Slope S.C.S. for Septic 1 High Water Plain Characteristics to % Limitation Other Systems Table Bedrock Rating Good - No Occasional Ledges 2-7 0-3 Slight Good - No 2-7 0-8 Slight Potential Erosion Good - 2-7 8-15 Moderate Good - 2-7 15-25 Severe Severe Slope Fair - Rockiness 0-7 3-15 Severe Outcrops Fair - Rockiness 0-7 15-45 Severe Fair - Rockiness 0-7 3-15 Severe Rocky Fair - Rockiness 0-6 8-15 Severe Severe Erosion Fair - Rockiness i5-45 Severe S ope Not Suitable - Rockiness 45-55 Severe Slope Fair - 0-3 Stoniness lot Suitable Occasional Ledges 25-45 Severe Sloe Not Suitable - Shallow Bedrock 1-2 0-10 Severe Not Suitable - Shallow Bedrock 1-2 10-20 Severe Potential Erosion Not Suitable - Shallow Bedrock 1 10-20 Severe Severe Erosion Not Suitable - Shallow Bedrock 1-2 20-30 Severe Severe Slope Not Suitable - Shallow Bedrock 1 20-30 Severe Sev. Sl. & Eros. Not Suitable Shallow B dr ck 1-2 30-45 Severe Severe Slope _ Good - Shallow Bedrock 4-6 0-5 Slight Good - "' Shallow Bedrock 4-6 5-10 Slight Erosion Good - " Shallow Bedrock 4-6 10-20 Moderate-Sev.Potential Erosion Good - Shallow Bedrock 4-6 20-35 Severe Severe Slope Good - Shallow Bedrock 4-6 0-5 Moderate Stoniness Good - Shallow Bedrock 4-6 5-30 Moderate-Sev. Slopingg Good Shallow Bedrock 4-6 30-45 1 Severe Severe Slo e Good 4+ Shallow Bedrock Variable 0-3 Slight Good 4+ Shallow Bedrock Variable 0-8 Slight otential Erosion Good 4+ Shallow Bedrock Variable 8-15 Moderate loderately Eroded Good 4+ It Variable 15-25 Severe 5otential Erosion Good 4+ Variable 8-25 oderate-Sev. Severely Eroded Good 4+ Variable 25-45 Severe ievere Slope Good 4+ Variable 3-8 Slight Good 4+ Variable 3-15 light -Mod. lotential Erosion Good 4+ Variable 8-15 Moderate everely Eroded Good 4+ Variable 0-3 Slight Good 4+ Variable 3-8 Slight otential Erosion Good 4+ Variable 8-15 Moderate otential Erosion WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL CHARACTERISTICS SUMMARY CHART Soil Agricul- Suitability Seasonal Flood Material Depth 1 Slope S.C.S. Type tural for Septic High Water Plain Characteristics to % Limitation Other Sy-,no1 Capability Systems Table Bedrock Rating Uni t Hu 1 Not Suitable 4+ Yes Variable - Severe ligh Water Table Hv I Not Suitable 4+ Yes Variable - Severe ligh Water Table Hw I Not Suitable 4+ Yes Variable - Severe ligh Water Table Hx I _ Fair 4+ Yes Variable -- Severe i h Water Table La I Good 8+ - Stones Variable 0-3 Slight LaB2 2 Good 8+ No Stones Variable 3-8 Slight Potential Erosion LaC2 3 Good 8+ No Stones Variable 8-15 Moderate Potential Erosion LaD2 4 Good 8+ No Stones Variable 15-25 Severe otential Erosion LbD 6 Good 8+ No Stones Variable 8-25 loderate-Sev.,Stoniness& St.S1 Lb'72 7 Good + No Stone VAHahlP 15-45 Severeutero D&Sev.51. LcB2 2 Poor 1 No Fragipan Variable 3-8 Slight Potential Erosion LcD2 3 Poor 1 No Fra i an Variable 8-75 Moderate-Sev. Potential Erosion e Not Suitable es Poor Stabi it arta e - Sligfit a n later Table 2 Poor 2 - Fragi pan V a r i a b I a 0-3 LgA •oderate - Sev.� L 32 2 Poor 2 No Fra ipan Variable 3-8 ^oderate - Sev.; Some Erosion Lm 2 Not Suitable 1-2 Yes, Variable -S 11 1aic^ Mater Table Ln 2 Poor 1-2 Variable - " „i^h Water Table LoB2 2 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 3-10 Severe otential Erosion LoC2 3 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 10-20 Severe otential Erosion LoC3 4 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1 10-20 Severe Severe Erosion LsB 3 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 0-20 Severe otential Erosion LsB2 3 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 3-10 Severe otential Erosion LsC2 6 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 10-20 Severe rosion & Sev.Sl. LsC3. 6 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1 10-20 Severe everely Eroded Ls D2 7 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 20-30 Severe evere Ero. & Sl. LsD3 7 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1 20-30 Severe evere Ero. & S1. LsE2 7 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 30-45 Severe Severe Slope LsE3 7 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1 30-45 Severe evere Ero. & S1. LsF 7 Poor - No I Shallow Bedrock 1-2 45-60 Severe Severe 510 e LtB 2 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 0-8 Severe LtC2 3 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 3-15 Severe crre Erosion LtC3 4 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1 8-15 Severe Severe Erosion LtD2 4 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 15-25 Severe Severe Slope LtD3 6 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1 15-25 Severe Severe Erosion LtE2 6 1 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 25-45 Severe Severe Slope Me 3 Not Suitable U-1 Yes Very Poor Stability Variable - Severe igh Water Table WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL CHARACTERISTICS SUMMARY CHART Soil Agricul- Suitability Seasonal Flood Material Depth Slope. S.L.S. 7yoe tural for Septic High Water Plain Characteristics to % Limitation Other S; --'c Capability Systems Table Bedrock Rating j Unit V;:;2 2 Poor 2 No Fragipan Variable 3-8 Severe Potential Erosion ".-32 3 Poor 2 No Fragipan Variable 8-15 Severe Potential Erosion 2Poor 2 No Fragipan Variable 0-3 Severe Moderately Wet '!h,32 2 Poor 2 No Fragipan Variable 3-8 Severe otential Erosion MhC2 3 Poor 2 No Fragipan Variable 8-15 Mh�2 4 Poor 2 No Fraclipan Variable 15-25 Severe evere Sl.& Eros. sr�c s Poor - No Shallow bedrock 1-z u-iu severe Jotential Erosion 470'2 4 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 10-20 Severe 2otential Erosion M7.C3 6 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1 10-20 Severe Severely Eroded '-�,2 6 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1-2 20-30 Severe otential Erosion Y.----3 7 Poor - No Shallow Bedrock 1 20-30 Severe Severe Sl.&Eros. Good 6+ - Variable 0-3 Slight X032 2 Good 6+ - Variable 0-8 Slight otential Erosion !"c"2 3 Good 6+ - Variable 8-15 Moderate No:2 4 Good 6+ - Variable 15-25 Severe ritical Slope 3 6 Good 6+ - Variable 8-25 Severe everely Eroded Noc2 6 Good 6+ - Variable 25-45 Severe Severe Slo e Xr3 2 Good 6+ - Variable 0-8 Slight MrC2 3 Good 6+ - Variable 3-15 light -Mod. otential Erosion Xr03 4 Good 6+ - Variable 8-15 Moderate Dotential Erosion MrD2 4 Good 6+ - Variable 15-25 Severe otential Erosion Flr:3 6 Good 6+ - Variable 15-25 Severe ieverely Eroded Ms' 1 Good 6+ - Variable 0-3 Slight M!Z32 2 Good 6+ - Variable 0-8 Slight otential Erosion MS C2 3 Good 6+ - Variable 8-15 Moderate Some Erosion Good - - Shallow Bedrock 5-7 0-3 Slight Yv32 2 Good - - Shallow Bedrock 5-7 3-10 Slight kvC2 3 Good - - Shallow Bedrock 5-7 10-20 oderate-Bev. otential Erosion `v -D2 4 Good - - Shallow Bedrock 5-7 20-30 Severe otential Erosion �vE2 6 Good - - Shallow Bedrock 5-7 30-45 Severe evere Eros.& S1. M0033 3 Good - - Shallow Bedrock 3-6 3-10 Moderate Severely Eroded 'i -w3 6 Good - - Shallow Bedrock 3-6 10-30 oderate-Sev. Severely Eroded Mx=. 1 Good - - Shallow Bedrock 5-2 0-3 Slight ?'x32 2 Good - - Shallow Bedrock 5-2 3-10 Slight lotential Erosion MxC2 3 Good - - Shallow Bedrock 5-2 10-20 oderate-Sev. Potential Erosim 1+yE2 6 s Good � - - Shallow Bedrock , 3-2 3-30 oderate-Sev. toniness&Outcrp. WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL CHARACTERISTICS SUMMARY CHART Soil Agricul- Suitability Seasonal Flood Material Depth Slope S.C.S. Tvoe tural for Septic High Water Plain Characteristics 'to % Limitation Other Sy;-bo1 Capability Systems Table Bedrock Rating lEroded,Stony,Slp Unit :iv r27 Good - - Shallow Bedrock 3-7 30-55 Severe Pg 2 Not Suitable 1 Yes Variable - Severe High Water Table Ph 2 Not Suitable 1 Yes Poor Stability Variable - Severe High Water Table n Not 5 u i t a b I a Yes Variab e - Severe High W ater a e Po 1 Not Suitable Yes Variable - Severe High Water Table Pp 2 Not Suitable Yes Variable - Severe High Water Table Ps 1 Not Suitable Yes Variable - Severe High Water Table Pt 5 Not Suitable Yes Stones Variable - Severe Hioh Water Table R 7 'lot Suitable No Rockiness Severe Severely Eroded Ro3 3 Not Suitable 0-1 No Poor Stability Variable -0--8 Severe Potential Erosio r Not Suitable No tones, ou ers - Severe Severe Slope, oc Ss 8 :lot Suitable No Stones, Boulders 0-35 Severe Shallow Bedrock TaC2 3 Good - No Shallow Bedrock 4+ 0-20 Moderate-Sev Potential Erosio iaC3 4 Good - No Shallow Bedrock 2-3 10-20 Moderate-Sev Severe Sl.& Eros Ta' TaC.2 4 6 Good - No Shallow Bedrock 4+ 20-30 Severe Severe Slope e 3 Not Suitable I - No Variable Variable 0-25 Severe Si.& Era TnB2 2 Good 5+ No Variable 3-8 Slight Some Erosion ThC2 3 Good - No Variable 8-15 Moderate Some Erosion rA c oor z No Fragipan aria e - evere 19odera e ly e TrC2 3 Poor 2 No Fra i an Variable 3-15 Severe Potential Eros. T 5 3 Not Suitable 0-1 No Very Poor Stability Variable 0-8 Severe Moderately Wet m z N of S u 1 t a b I e 1-2 Yes P o o r Stabi it V a r i ab 1 e 0-8 Severe Hi.gh WaterTab-la WbA 1 Good 4+ No Variable 0-3 Slight WbB2 2 Good 4+ No Variable 0-8 Slight Potential Erosio WtC2 3 Good 4+ No Variable Moderate Some Erosion `WbC3 3 Good 3+ No Variable 3-15 Slight -Mod. Sev. Slp.& Eros. 11bD2 4 Good 4+ No Variable 15-25+ Severe Potential Erosio 'tD3 6 Good 4+ No Variable 15-25 Severe Severely Eroded WtE2_ 6 Good 4+ No Variable 25-45 Severe Severe Slo e V;^ ood + N o aria e 0-8 S 1 ig t ,0C2 3 Good 4+ No Variable 3-15 Slight -Mod. Potential Erosio .4cC3 4 Good 3+ No Variable 8-15 Moderate 10 12 4 Good 4+ No lVariable 15-75 Severe Sev. Sl .,Erosio wh 3 Not Suitable 0-1 Yes Poor Stability Variable Severe High Water Table Soilyre Agricul- Suitability T tural for Septic Syracl Capability Systems Unit W7732 2 Good W^C2 3 Good Wr.C3 4 Good Wm.D2 4 Good WD3 6 Good WASHINGTON COUNTY SOIL CHARACTERISTICS SUMMARY CHART Seasonal Flood Material Depth High Water Plain Characteristics 'to Table I Bedrock No Shallow to Bedrock 4 Shallow to Bedrock 4 Shallow to Bedrock 3 Shallow to Bedrock 4 Slope S.C.S. % Limitation Other Rating 3-10 Moderate Potential Erosion 10-20 Mod. -Severe Potential Erosion 3-20 'Mod. -Severe Erosion 20-30 Severe Erosion 20-30 Severe Sev. Eros.S SID. H Y D R O L O G Y HYDROLOGY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Hydrology "is the science of dealing withthe properties, distribution, and circulation of water on the surface of the land, in the soil and bedrock, and in the atmosphere". In addition to these processes, evapotranspiration, con- densation, evaporation, precipitation, and air mass movement form an intricate system referred to as the hydrological cycle. Hydrology is divided into two cat- egories, surface water and subsurface water. Surface Water Washington County is situated entirely within the drainage basin of the Potomac River. The aggregated area drained by the river is 14,670 square miles of which Washington County represents about 3 percent. The Potomac River enters Washington County at its confluence with Sideling Hill Creek, flowing 83 miles forming the County's southern boundary. The Potomac River's elevation at Sideling Hill is 510 feet and 260 feet above sea level at Weverton, having a gradient of 3 feet per mile. In it's course, the Potomac transects both the Ridge and Valley and the Blue Ridge physiographic regions, and is the terminous of the nine drainage basins in the County, most having their origin in Pennsylvania. The Potomac's water is a calcium sulfate 100 101 INSOLATION AIR MASS 8O'JN0ARY Z O_ MARITIME a CONTINENTAL AIR AIR u oc V N Q Z O a H a Z d Z 0 u p r - a oc ON INTERCEPTI~ °C d - 4 O RUNOFF a IVd Z a z O W 19 O Q d WATER BODIES— _ 4 to _ 00 3 VEGETATION W D Z SOILS O OCEANS O THE HYDROLOGIC CYCLE 101 type at the Hancock area; but the tributaries are a calcium bicarbonate type; thus as the concentration becomes higher, the River slowly transforms into a calcium bicarbonate type. The primary tributaries to the Potomac are as follows: 1) Antietam Creek Basin - the watershed drains approximately 40 percent of the County (187 square miles) flowing 36.6 miles to the south, having a gradient of 7.9 feet per mile. Approximately two thirds of the Antietam's basin is in Washington County, draining the Hagerstown Valley and the South Mountain -Elk Ridge regions. The entire basin is underlain by limestone and dolomite formations, and is an alkaline, calcium bicarbonate type water. 2) Conococheague Creek Basin - is a geologically young meandering stream, draining 65 square miles in Washington County. The Conococheague flows 22 miles at a gradient of 1.8 feet per mile. The basin forms the western part of the Hagerstown Valley and is underlain by shales and limestone. The water is of a calcium bicarbonate type having a ph ranging from 6.9 to 9.6. Generally the water is hard, reflecting the nature of underlying geologic formations. 3) Licking Creek Basin - drains the Bear Pond Mountain and the Pig- skin Ridge area, which includes a drainage basin of 27 square miles. Generally, the water is hard reflecting it's origin in the Jennings formation. 102 MAJOR WATERSHEDS Antietam Creek St. James - Marsh Run Conococheague Creek Little Conococheague Licking Creek Tonoloway Little Tonoloway Sideling Hill Creek Israel Creek 0 R A I N A G E A R E A (SO. MILES) WITHIN TOTAL WASHiNG7214 Cg LUNTY 292 187 20 20 563 65 18 16 214 27 114 2 26 16 104 9 14 14 0 2 4miles Scale I I I I I 4) Tonoloway Creek Basin - is almost entirely in Pennsylvania and drains from alluvium and the Jennings formation. The water is moderately hard. and is a calcium bicarbonate type. 5) Little Tonoloway Creek Basin - drains alluvium and Jennings shale, is a soft water and a calcium bicarbonate type. 6) Sideling Hill Creek Basin - forms the western natural boundary of Washington County. The basin drains predominately shales, and some sandstone ridges. The water is soft, and is a calcium bicarbonate type. 7) Other watersheds include the Little Conococheague Creek, St. James Marsh Run Creek, and the Israel Creek, all of which are tributary to the Potomac. The nine watersheds form and are part of the dendritic stream pattern of the Potomac River. Factors Affecting Water Quality The chemical and physical characteristics of surface water is variable, depending upon environmental factors to which the water is exposed. 104 Meteorlogical - nearly all water begins as precipitation entering the stream as direct runoff or as groundwater discharge. Precipitation, on contact with the atmosphere, enables gases, mineral matter, and dust particles to become dissolved, adopting chemical properties. When the rainwater reaches the surface it further dissolves mineral matter, and transports non -dissolved material as sediment. The amount and type of dissolved material are variables that will determine the effect that the runoff will have on the surface water. In locations where rapid direct runoff occurs, the net effect is largely the dilution of the water already in the streams. Geological - the quality of surface water may be determined by the mineralogy of the bedrock where it originates. The principal chemical character- istics of water are usually determined by the geologic conditions of its course of flow. The quantity of minerals that become dissolved depends upon the time of contact, the lithologic character of the geologic formations and their solu- bility, and the chemical quality of the water. Groundwater from bedrock that forms the aquifer exerts a strong influence during dry periods when stream flow is maintained by sub -surface sources. Ground- water that is present during periods of high rainfall, due to its lengthy contact with the bedrock, is more mineralized than surface runoff, thus increases the dissolved 105 solids content of the streams. Dissolved mineral constituents of water, their origin, and their significance as they effect water are as follows: Constituent ilica (Si02) Iron (Fe) I ,Manganese (Mn) Source or cause Dissolved from practically all rocks and soils, usually in small amounts from 1-30 ppm. High concentrations, as much as 100 ppm. generally occur in highly alkaline waters. Dissolved from practically all rocks and soils. May also be derived from iron pipes, pumps, and other equip- ment. More than 1 or 2 ppm of soluble iron in surface waters usu- ally indicate acid wastes from mine drainage or other sources. Dissolved from some rocks and soils Not so common as iron. Large quan- tities often associated with high iron content and with acid waters. 106 Significance Forms hard scale in pipes and boilers. Carried over in steam of high pres- sure boilers to form deposits on blades of steam turbines. On exposure to air, iron in ground water oxidizes to reddish -brown sed- iment. More than about 0.3 ppm stains laundry and utensils reddish - brown. Objectional for food proces- sing, beverages, dyeing, bleaching, ice manufacture, brewing, and other processes. Federal drinking water standards state that iron should not exceed 0.3 ppm. Larger quanti- ties cause unpleasant taste and favor growth of iron bacteria. Same objectional features as iron. Causes dark brown or black stain. Federal drinking water standards state manganese should not exceed 0.05 ppm. Constituent Source or cause Significance i Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) Bicarbonate (HCO3) and Carbonate (CO3) Sulfate (SO4) Dissolved from practically all soils and rocks, but especially from lime- stone, dolomite and gypsum. Calcium and magnesium are found in large quantities in some brines. Magnes- ium is present in large quantities of -sea water. Dissolved from practically all rocks and soils. Found also in ancient brines and sewage. Action of carbon dioxide in water on carbonate rocks such as lime- stone and dolomite. Dissolved from rock and soils con- taining gypsum, iron sulfides, and other sulfur compounds. Usually present in mine waters and in some industrial wastes. 107 Cause most of the hardness and scale -forming properties of water; soap consumint. Water low in cal- cium and magnesium desired in electroplanting, tanning and dyeing, and in textile manufacturing. Large amounts in combination with chloride give a salty taste. Moder- ate quantities have little effect on the usefulness of water for most purposes.Sodium salts may cause foaming in steam boilers and a high sodium ratio may limit the use of water for irrigation. Bicarbonate and carbonate produce alkalinity. Bicarbonates of cal- cium and magnesium decompose in steam boilers and hot water facili- ties to form scale and release corrosive carbon dioxide gas. In combination with calcium and magne- sium cause carbonate hardness. Sulfate in water containing calcium forms hard calcium sulfate scale in steam boilers. In large amounts, sulfate in combination with other ions gives bitter taste to water. Some calcium sulfate is considered beneficial in the brewing process. Federal drinking water standards recommend that the sulfate content should not exceed 250 ppm. Constituent Source or cause Significance hloride (Cl) Dissolved from rocks and soils. Pre- sent in sewage and found in large amounts in ancient brines, sea water, and in industrial brines. In large amounts in combination with sodium gives salty taste to drinking water. In large quantities increases the corrosiveness of water. Federal drinking water standards recommend that the chloride content should not exceed 250 ppm. uoride (F) Dissolved in minute quantities Fluoride in drinking water reduces from most rocks and soils. the incidence of tooth decay .cher, the water is consumed during the per- iod of enamel calcification. How- ever, it may cause mottling of the teeth depending on the concentration of fluoride, the age of the child, amount of drinking water consumed, and susceptibility of the individual. (Maier, F.J., 1950, Fluordination of public water supplies, Jour. Am. Water Works Assoc., v.42, part 1, p. 1120-1132) itrate (NO3) Decaying organic matter, sewage, Concentrations much greater than the and nitrates in soil. local average may suggest pollution. There is evidence that more than about 45 ppm of nitrate (NO3) may cause a type of methemoglobinemia in infants, sometimes fatal. Water of high ni- trate content should not be used in baby feeding (Maxcy, K. F., 1950 Nat. Research Council Bull. San. Eng., p. 265, App. D). Nitrate has shown to be helpful in reducing intercrys- talline cracking of boiler steel. It encourages growth of algae and other organisms which produce undesirable tastes and odors. DISSOLVED NATURAL SOLIDS SURFACE WATERS ROCKS (chiefly silicate Pied~ Province ( rival Designations - represent range in dissolved solids in 1 0 2 •miles scale I 1 I I Surface Water Characteristics Gaging Station Drainage Area at Station Average Discharge CFS (cubic feet per Extremes in Dischar a Water Temp. PH Factor Max . &Date Min . &Date Max. Min. second 6125 Little 16.9 sq. mile 16 yrs. 15.3 CFS 1,470 CFS No Flow N/A N/A Tonolway 10/15/54 Creek near Hancock 6130 Poto- 4,073 sq. mile 39 yrs. 3,906 CFS 340,000 CFS 180 CFS 4°c 0°c 7.2 - 8.7 mac River 03/18/36 10/04/32 uly at Hancock 29'5 6135 Lick- 158 sq. mile 11 yrs. 166 CFS 20,000 CFS 3.0 CFS N/A N/A ing Creek 03/18/36 08/08/30 nr. Sylvan Penna. 6145 Conoco 494 sq. mile 13 yrs. 550 CFS 17,000 CFS 21 CFS 30% 0°c 7.4 - 8.2 cheague Crk. 11/22/52 08/08/66 uly at Fairview 79'69 Md. 6178 Marsh 18.9 sq. mile 8 yrs. 9.46 CFS 146 CFS .40 01/31/66 N/A N/A Run at 02/13/71 (Frozen) Grimes 180 Potoma 5,936 sq. mile 32 yrs. 5,662 CFS 335,000 CFS 170 CFS iver at 3/19/36 8/01/66 N/A N/A hepardstwn. 190 Antie- 93.5 sq. mile 9 yrs. 102 CFS 2,040 CFS 11 CFS N/A N/A 6.9 - 8.7 am Cr. nr. 7/29/70 01/30/66 aynesboro 195 Antie 281 sq. mile 48 yrs. 257 CFS 12,600 CFS 37 CFS 281c 0°c 7.4 - 8.3 am Cr. nr. 7/20/56 01/30/66 July Sharpsburg 1963 110 5130 613 GAGING STATIONS FOR SURFACE WATER AND WATER QUALITY RECORDS 0 6125 Little Tonoloway Creek near Hancock. Maryland 06130 Potomac River at Hancock. Maryland. 06135 Licking Creek near Sylvan, Pennsylvania. 06145 Conococheague Creek at Fairview, Maryland. 0 6t78 Marsh Run at Grimes. Maryland. 96180 Potomac River at Shepherdstown, West Virginia 06190 Antietam Creek near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. 416195 Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland. 0 2 4miles Scale I i I i I 6145 I V 6176 6195 6180 � \ n Water Quality The fresh surface waters of Maryland are satisfactory for most indus- trial, agricultural, and municipal purposes. The chart on the following page summarizes the surface water at various gaging stations situated at diverse loca- tions in the County. In addition, the accompanying maps show the location of the gaging stations, and illustrates the range of dissolved solids in surface waters in relation to the geologic formations of the County. Flood Plains Flood plain, "is the area of land when bankfull stage in the water- course is exceeded". Flood plains are the product of lateral erosion, rainwash, and deposition. The Soil Conservation Service defines the flood plain as area "composed of recent alluvium found adjacent to present stream courses .........'° The recent alluvium lacks the distinctive horizon development characteristics of soils on stable land surfaces; because they receive periodic deposits of fresh sediment from the flood waters that flow over them during floods. The following soils are identified as alluvial in Washington County as a result of periodic inundation and desposition. 112 0 Z 4miles Scale I i I i I I"Idp J�YIIIUU I JU I I NdIII e mpprox. txzent Acres AsB Ashton fine sandy loam 78 At Atkins silt loam 1164 Cs Chewacla gravelly sandy loam 206 Ct Chewacla silt loam 311 Cu Chewacla stony silt loam 157 Cv Congaree silt loam and gravelly loam 86 Dz Dunning and Melvin silty clay loam 1896 Hu Huntington fine sandy loam 1507 Hv Huntington gravelly loam 671 Hw Huntington silt loam 1439 Le Largent silt loam 157 Lm Lindside silt loam 2435 Me Melvin silt loam 146 Pg Philo gravelly sandy loam 430 Ph Philo silt loam 1254 Pn Pope fine sandy loam 1293 Po Pope gravelly loam 436 Pp Pope gravelly sandy loam 446 Ps Pope silt loam 442 Pt Pope stony gravelly loam 87 Wa Warner's loam 1646 Wh Wehadkee silt loam 183 16970 During periods of flooding, high water bench marks' were established in Washington County. These high water marks represent the highest elevations reached during the June 22 and 23, 1972 flood (Hurricane Agnes). From this data, stream profiles may be produced including stream beds and high water elevations. These 114 established high water elevations may be used in determintng the probability of a flood in a formerly inundated area depending on variables such as size of water- shed, pervious vs. impervious surfaces, the quantity of runoff, the intensity of runoff, and the time of concentration of precipitation. The unavoidable increase in impervious cover of the land through addi- tional construction substantially increases precipitation runoff, thus increasing the probability and extent of flooding. Additional development in the flood plain is not only hazardous, but perpetuates the situation by restricting the free flow of the intensifying volumes of water. Subsurface Water Ground water is water in the zone of saturation. Water in the earth above the zone of saturation is referred to as soil water, or capillary moisture. All of the bedrock in Washington County is, to some extent, considered to be a groundwater reservoir, though there is a wide latitude of the water bearing capacities. Natural factors contributing to and controlling the productivity are seasonal and annual precipitation, forest and vegetation cover, and the thickness and permeability of the soil and subsoil. Approximately 20 to 50 percent of precipitation filter through 115 the soil zone into ground water reservoirs. Groundwater is retained in the zones or spaces in the earth's soils and bedrock. The volumetric ratio of these pores to the solid material is the poros- ity of the bedrock, expressed in a percentage. The permeability of a porous mat- erial is its ability to transmit water through pores. Most of the bedrock in Washington County is well consolidated and most of the primary or original pores have become imporous due to sedimentation. This process has forced the water to circulate mainly through secondary openings such as solution channels, cavities, fractures, and bedding planes. This groundwater movement is usually in the dir- ection of the slope of the hydrolic gradient. In Washington County the underground water generally drains to the south or toward the Potomac River. Groundwater is stored in aquifers, which is "a rock formation or stra- tum that is capable of storage of underground water and will yield water in suf- ficient quantity to be of consequence as a source of supply." 116 GROUND PROVINCES Mountain -Elk Hagerstown Hancock -Indian 0 Z 4miles Scale I I I I In determining groundwater properties, Washington County is divided into four groundwater provinces having similar hydrological and geological char- acteristics: 1) South Mountain -Elk Ridge- this province consists chiefly of cry- stalline bedrock and a thin soil cover having a generally rugged terrain with ra- pid water runoff. 2) Hagerstown Valley- this province is predominantly limestone bed - rack with variable soil cover and rolling to undulating terrain. Generally the flow of these streams is sustained largely by springs. 3) Hancock -Indian Springs- this province consists of shale, sand- stone, and shaly limestone bedrock with a generally thin, but sometimes variable soil cover. The terrain is mountainous to rolling, with rapid runoff and numer- ous small springs. 4) Sideling Hill- this province is chiefly sandstone and shale, with a thin rocky soil cover, and trellis drainage pattern between the parallel moun- tain ridges having rapid runoff. All of these properties and their interrelationships are the determinants for subsurface water. These groundwater provinces have water bearing characteristics ki and specific capacities fall between 25 and 50 percent of the formations in their well yielding capacities. The yield of wells in these areas range from less than 1 G.P.M. to about 320 G.P.M. In these areas there is a 6 percent, or 1 out of 17 chance that the well may be expected to yield 50 G.P.M. or more. Secondary aquifers are located the South Mountain -Elk Ridge and Sideling Hill Ground Water Provinces. Tertiary aquifers are the poorest within Washington County. These in- clude those geologic formations in which the average yields and specific capaci- ties of wells fall in the lower 50 percentile of the formations ranked accordingly to their water yielding characteristics. The yields in this unit range from less than 1 to 200 G.P.M. In these areas there is only a 2 percent or 1 out of 50 chance of getting a well producing 50 G.P.M. or more. Tertiary aquifers are located in all groundwater provinces excluding 121 Ground Water Province Aquifer (Recharge & Productivity) Geologic Formation 1. South Mountain - Elk Ridge Secondary Granite Gneiss Cactocin Metabasalt Tertiary Loudon Formation Weverton Quartzite Harpers Formation (Phylite) Antietam Sandstone Quartzite 2. Hagerstown Valley Primary Tomstown Dolomite Elbrook Limestone Conococheague Limestone Beekmantown Limestone Stone River Limestone St. Paul Group) Tertiary Waynesboro Formation Chambersburg Limestone Martinsburg Shale 3. Hancock - Indian Springs Primary Tonoloway Limestone Helderberq Limestone Oriskany Sandstone Tertiary Martinsburg Shale Juniata Formation Tuscarora Sandstone Clinton. Group (Rose Hill Formation) McKenzie Formation Wills Creek Shale Romney Shale Jennings Formation Hampshire Catskill Formation 4. Sideling Hill Secondary Pocono Group Rockwell Formation Purslane Sandstone Tertiary Catskill Formation Jennings Formation 122 0 2 4miles Scale I I I I the Hagerstown Valley. The availability of groundwater is related to two characteristics: the porosity or the percent of total volume occupied by the water, and the transmis- sibility or the rate at which groundwater moves, which is determined by locality. These characteristics may fluctuate due to the following conditions: 1) frequency and intensity of precipitation sufficient to recharge the groundwater reservoirs. voirs. 2) changes in rate and amount of evapotranspiration. 3) changes in rate and amount of withdrawals of water from reser- 4) changes in the amount of pressure on a artesian aquifer. The interrelationships form what is referred to as the zone of satura- tion. The upper surface of the zone is referred to as the water table from which springs originate. Thus the springs productivity is proportioned to the topography and the water table level. The water table is generally consistant with the pro- file of the land, although it tends to be closer to the surface in low areas, than the higher elevations. 124 It is the areas at which the water table becomes exposed on contact with the surface, or emerges through a geologic fracture to form a spring. In Washing- ton County the Hagerstown Valley contains most of the large springs, although some are flashy, and have short periods of high flow after recent precipitation. Generally most of the springs have a productivity of 1 to 100 G.P.M. although a higher magnitude of springs do exist. Major Springs - Hagerstown Valley Group or Formation Number of Springs (100-199 m) Number of Springs (200-699 Number of Springs Total Chambersburg m) 0 (699 m or more St. Paul (Stones River) 0 3 1 2 Rockdale Run d Beekmantown Stonehenge 7 7 6 0 0 3 13 Conococheague 5 4 2 9 Elbrook 6 0 312 Toms town 8 8 3 3 9 Total 34 21 12 19 67 Recharge Areas Generally all of Washington County is a recharge area to some degree, although certain areas are more predominant than others. Aquifer recharge areas are the areas of which surface water percolates through the ground and bedrock; 125 and through gravitational hydrolics recharges subsurface water storage areas. The limestone formations are the most prominent aquifers in the County and also these same formations are the recharge areas. The Tomstown Dolmite due to its eleva- tion, location on the westward side of South Mountain, its abundance of solution channels and crevices characteristic of karst topography, and presence of colluvial soils on the surface percolate water into subsurface cavaties, which in turn recharge existing aquifers in the Hagerstown Valley. These aquifers are the water supply for the springs and wells used as potable water in the Hagerstown Valley Province of Washington County. 126 L L q L L L c I L L L L L L L C L M A T O L O G Y CLIMATOLOGY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY "The state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place is expressed in terms of temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, percent of sky cover, wind direction and velocity, humidity, fog, frost, etc." These elements and their summary on a day to day basis determine the climate of a geographic area. These elements are subject to modifications that are imposed by geographic features of the area. Washington County is located in a belt known as the "belt of the prevail- ing westerlies." The prevailing direction of wind is generally from some westerly direction, and therefore, the weather experienced in the area comes predominantly from a similar direction. These westerly wind patterns are characterized by warm and cold air masses. The warm air masses originate over the tropical areas of North America, while the cold air masses evolve from the arctic regions. The action between warm and cold masses, and within the air masses, produces local weather patterns. 128 These air masses are further modified by the geographic features that are distinctive of an area. These features consist of the character of the soil, the configuration of the land, elevation, soil covering, water bodies, mountain barriers, latitude, humidity, and local wind patterns; all exert influences on the composite picture of the climate. Temperature Due to the location of Washington County in two physiographic regions, with elevations ranging from 260 feet to 2145 feet, there is also a proportional variance in mean temperatures. Temperatures decrease about 3.60F, for each 1000 feet of increase of elevation. With Washington County's elevation varying about 2000 feet, a temperature variation of about six degrees can be expected between the extreme elevations. The average annual temperature ranges from 50OF or less in the higher eleva- tions to 540F in the southern area of the County. are as follows: 129 Mean temperature variations Mean Maximum Temperature (OF) January 38-440 Mean Minimum Temperature (OF) January 23-260 Mean Maximum Temperature (OF) July 86-900 Mean Minimum Temperature (OF) July 60-650 Extreme maximum temperatures for Washington County are generally near 1050, but on August 6, 1918 a maximum of 1090 was recorded at Keedysville. Most of the County's lowest temperatures have been about 250 below zero. The coldest extreme ever recorded was January 13-14, 1912. On the 13th the temperature dropped to 270 below zero at Chewsville. Excluding the extreme temperatures, Washington County has a moderate or temperate climate with annual averages between 52 and 53 degrees. The coldest period is generally the end of December to the beginning of February. The warmest period includes the last part of June and all of July and August. Freeze Data The average date of the last freeze (32 degrees) in the spring ranges from May 1 at Hagerstown to May 8 at Hancock, while the first freeze being Oct- ober 2, at Hancock. The following tables give the probability (percent) of the 130 0 2 4 miles Scale I I I i last spring and first fall occurrences of temperatures of 32 , 24 , and 16 F at Hagerstown and Hancock. Last Spring Occurrence Station Elevation Temperature 90% 67% 50% 33% 10% Hagerstown 560' 32 or Below Apr.16 Apr.26 May 1 May 6 May 16 24 or Below Mar.17 Mar.29 Apr.15 Apr.12 Apr.24 16 or Below Feb. 9 Feb.24 Mar. 3 Mar.10 Mar.25 Hancock 428' 32 or Below Apr -26 May 4 May 8 May 12 May 20 24 or Below May 26 Apr. 4 Apr. 8 Apr.12 Apr.21 16 or Below Feb.28 Mar.10 Mar -15 Mar.20 Mar.30 First Fall Occurrence Station Elevation Temperature 90% 67% 50% 33% 10% Hagerstown 560' 32 or Below Oct.25 Oct.16 Oct.11 Oct. 6 Sep.27 24 or Below Nov.22 Nov.10 Nov. 4 Oct.29 Oct.17 16 or Below Dec.16 Dec. 6 Dec. 1 Nov.26 Nov.16 Hancock 428' 32 or Below Oct.18 Oct. 7 Oct.12 Sep.27 Sep.16 24 or Below Nov.12 Nov. 3 Oct.30 Oct.26 Oct.17 16 or Below Dec.14 Dec. 2 Nov.26 Nov.20 Nov. 8 132 Frost Line The frost line is that portion of the earth's surface that becomes frozen, due to external temperatures; or is susceptible to the expansion and contraction of the freezing and thawing process. In Washington County, the frost line extends approximately 30 inches below exposed surfaces. Growing Season The growing season is the number of days between the last 32 degree freeze in the spring and the first in the fall. This period is generally con- sidered to be safe from frost for growing vegetation. The growing season varies in length due to the local geography: Location 1) Hagerstown (Chewsville) 2) Keedysville 3) Green Spring Furnace 4) Clear Spring 5) Hancock 6) Tonoloway Length in Days 163 164 171 176 156 151 Extremes in the length of the growing season in Washington County range from 224 days at Clear Spring, to 111 days at Hancock. 133 l LI Precipitation The precipitation in Washington County is rather evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 37.27 inches. The average annual precipitation varies throughout the County due to the topography and atmospheric lifting patterns (micro-rainshadows). Location 1) Edgemont 2) Hagerstown (Chewsville) 3) Keedysville 4) Williamsport 5) Green Spring Furnace 6) Clear Spring 7) Hancock 8) Tonoloway Annual Precipitation 41.49 36.90 38.10 39.36 37.06 40.87 36.09 36.94 Long term averages indicate the period of June and July is the wettest while February is the driest. During the growing season, April thru September, the middle half of August is normally the wettest and the last part of July and the first part of August is the driest. Extremes include 12.99 inches of pre- cipitation in April to .08 inches in March. Washington County next to Allegany County, has the smallest average annual precipitation in the State, which is due to their location in the Allegheny Mountain rainshadow. 134 Snowfall The average annual snowfall for most of the County is between 25 and 30 inches, with most measurable snowfall occurring between November and March. Location Annual Average * Average Snowfall Number of Days 1) Edgemont 33.2 10 2) Hagerstown (Chewsville) 28.6 14 3) Keedysville 26.2 10 4) Williamsport 26.8 11 5) Green Spring Furnace 28.4 12 6) Clear Spring 34.8 16 7) Hancock 26.9 10 8) Tonoloway 27.3 10 * 0.1 of snow or more, these averages may change due to abnormal years of snowfall and the period in which the averages are compiled. Thunderstorms During the warmer months of the year thunderstorms are common during the afternoon or early evening hours. Thunderstorms are the result of the adiabatic cooling, 5.50F/1000 feet, and the saturation of previously warm unsaturated air. This rising air, or convection, soon becomes saturated, and condensation in the 136 form of clouds begins. This circulation of air produces converging streams of air forcing the vertical currents of air to higher attitudes, consequently further cooling and saturating the air. This action causes different charges of electricity to develop in various portions of the clouds until a discharge takes place. The discharge is a lightning flash, that is accompanied by an explosive volume of air produced by the intense heat. The winds are formed by the warm air masses replacing the rising cooling air, sometimes being destructive. Thunderstorms average in the County about 30 times annually but the average varies by geographic areas. Location 1) Hagerstown (Chewsville) 2) Keedysville 3) Green Spring Furnace 4) Clear Spring 5) Hancock 6) Tonoloway Hail Average Number of Thunderstorms 35 15 17 29 14 15 Hail is a product of thunderstorms and is produced by the rapidly rising saturated air. Concentric layers are added to original frozen pellets until the 137 weight of the hailstone overccmes the lifting power of the upward moving air within the thunderstorm. Hail occurs during the spring and summer months, with occurrences averaging one or two times annually. Hurricanes Hurricanes and tropical cyclones affect Washington County on a average of about 1.5 a year, usually during the period of August through October. Hurri- canes, due to the intensity and duration of precipitation have caused major flooding in the area; but this flooding is generally restricted to lowlands, and floodplains along the Potomac River and its tributaries. Generally the excessive winds of the hurricane diminish after passing inland and does not have a damaging affect in Wash- ington County. Wind Washington County is subject to the prevailing westerly winds, with the windiest period during late winter and early spring. Southerly winds are common during the warmer seasons and are generally more calm averaging less than five miles per hour. The average annual wind speed is, approximately nine (9) miles per hour, but winds may reach 50 to 60 miles per hour and even higher during severe 138 WIND ROSE 0 5 10 15 �f1lrilfll[11�lII�,rilllilllllr� PERCENTAGE OF TIME 139 i-4 5-8 9-12 ! > 13 { MILES PER HOUR DATA: HAGERSTOWN , NIARY LAN D JAN. - DEC. 1965 thunderstorms, hurricanes, and intense winter storms. Tornadoes are rare in the regional area of which Washington County is located, although the latent possibility does exist of their occurrence. Relative Humidity Relative humidity is the ratio of the actual vapor pressure to the satura- tion vapor pressure at a specific temperature expressed as a percent, or the ratio of the amount of moisture in the atmosphere to the amount of moisture for satura- tion of the air. The average relative humidity is the lowest in the late winter and early spring, and is the highest in late summer and early fall. The relative humidity usually reaches its maximum in the early morning and drops to its minimum by mid- afternoon. The relative humidity of Washington County is generally between 74 and 80 percent with an annual average of approximately 77 percent. Cloudiness The average annual sky cover in Washington County is 59%, but this ranges during the year from a low of 48% in October to a high of 69% in January. The 140 greatest percentage of clear skies (0 to .3 sky cover) occurs in September and October while the greatest percentage of cloudy skies (.8 to 1.0) is in January and May. These percentages vary from various locations due to meteorological conditions. * All figures represent averages Solar Radiation As the earth revolves around the sun, with the axis of the poles, inclined at 23.5°, there is a disparity of the solar angle of 470. The solar angle ranges from 26.5° at the winter solstice, 73.50 at the summer solstice, and at 500 on the vernal and autumnal equinox. The seasons are directly related to the positions of the sun and the earth and the solar angle of the sun's rays. Proportionate to these factors are the latitude of a geographic area, and the amount of insolation received. 141 Location Clear Days Partly Cloudy Cloudy 1) Hagerstown (Chewsville) 138 155 73 2) Keedysville 178 99 88 3) Green Spring Furnace 205 80 79 4) Clear Spring 156 130 77 5) Tonoloway 182 91 92 * All figures represent averages Solar Radiation As the earth revolves around the sun, with the axis of the poles, inclined at 23.5°, there is a disparity of the solar angle of 470. The solar angle ranges from 26.5° at the winter solstice, 73.50 at the summer solstice, and at 500 on the vernal and autumnal equinox. The seasons are directly related to the positions of the sun and the earth and the solar angle of the sun's rays. Proportionate to these factors are the latitude of a geographic area, and the amount of insolation received. 141 Washington County's Position At Summer & Winter Solstice IF. 23 1/j N doi 1 I Tangent Parallel Oblique ofC s � `'r�=cer I Vertical Tt I o�q��QfC Oblique C. Tangent SUMMER JUNE 21 731/. S sunrise Parallel Of S U N Of ( Not to scale with Earth) The The Sun \11 f Sun -----APPROX. LOCATION Of WACO. SOLAR ANGLE AT SUMMER AND WINTER SOLSTICE 142 !F231�N Tangent ' Oblique�o - Vertical � •ger Oblique oA,�Caf -•, � Cq�r c°rn Tangent 1 Sfv,23% WINTER DECEMBER 21 ''S n on Sunrise r E 6 .W N Insolation is the amount of radiation received at the earth's surface. For Wash- ington County, whose latitude ranges from 390 20' to 390 45', the insolation is 153,000 calories per square centimeter. Development Orientation Location and orientation are prime factors in development. Orientation is most crucial in the middle latitudes. The following factors should be taken into consideration in location of development. 1) Elevations - temperature is directly related to elevation. For every 1,000 feet in elevation the average temperature will decrease 3.60. The minimum range in Washington County, excluding various micro -climatical differences is 6.480 2) Slope - the direction the slope faces, and its orientation to the solar angle is important. - southeast slopes are desirable for protection against westerly winds, and to maximize insolation. - south and east are desirable also for similar reasons, while west and north slopes respectively are the least desirable. 143 GARAGE, HOUSE, HIGHER ELEVATIONS TO THE NORTH OR NORTHWEST DEVELOPMENT ORIENTATION CONIFEROUS TREES TO THE NORTH JUNE 0�4r ' DEC. LARGE GLASS WINDOWS TO THE SOUTH ROOF OVERHANG -r„ TO THE SOUTH a DEC IDIOUS y,3 TREES TO THE SOUTH 144 ROOF OVERHANG AND CONTROL OF INSOLATION -valley bottoms have insolation limitations, and are frost pockets while moderate limitation slopes are more favorable. 3) wind - wind speeds may be 20 percent greater on a ridge crest than on flat or level ground. 4) convectional currents - referred to as cold air floods are a result of thermal heating and cooling and the local topography. Positions at the foot of long open slopes are notoriously cold and damp due to the settling of cold air. 5) construction orientation and landscaping of the critical areas of dwellings can have various assets. - roof overhang on the south side to protect against summer sun. - west side screening such as planting or garage to protect against summer afternoon "sun -heat". - screening to the northwest in addition to summer protection will shield against winter wind. This may be done with evergreens, high ground to the north, a garage, or an adjacent house. - large glass windows are suitable only on the south side, reduced size windows on the north and unprotected windows to the west are worst of all, be- cause of winter winds and summer sun. 145 - deciduous trees should be preferable on south or southwest sides, providing shade in the summer, and as the trees lose their leaves in the fall, will allow maximum insolation to reach the dwelling. Climatic Development Characteristics Washington County has numerous climatic assets, having a mean temperature of 540F, an average growing season of approximately 160 days, and an average annual precipitation of 38 inches. These characteristics are conducive to a favorable climate. Washington County has a growing season that is not plagued with violent storms which can destroy crops by wind and flood damage. Precipitation during the growing season averages 4 inches per month, with infrequent droughts, is more than adequate for agricultural production. With a mean temperture of 540F and the small probability of storm damage by wind and/or flood is an asset for residential, commercial, and industrial development. The climate is beneficial in heating and air conditioning expenses with a small probability of loss of property by destructive storms. Snowfall occurs only 10 days per year, thus the monetary loss due to climatical related shutdowns is minimal. 146 V E G E T A T O N VEGETATION (FLORA) OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Washington County is one of the four mountainous counties located within the State of Maryland. This region is characterized by a moderate climate and deciduous trees, but in some locations coniferous vegetation may be quite predom- inant. The well established understory of shrubs and herbs are richly diversi- fied, with flowering attuned to the spring season, prior to the leafing out of and consequent shading by the tree canopy. The climate of the County is moder- ate with a definite winter period, characterized by some snow, rain, and cold weather; with an evenly distributed precipitation. The ecosystem within Washing- ton County is relative to the location and elevation of a given area which has a direct result on the temperature and possible rain shadow areas in the County These variables will affect the environmental growth of the area and will deter- mine the type of forest growth at different localities. Virgin forests originally covered nearly half of the conterminous United States, continuous from the Atlantic Coast to eastern prairies. Today the eastern virgin forests are more than 90 percent depleted. When Washington County was first settled the entire area was under forest cover. As settlement progressed the forestland slowly receded, especially in the fertile Hagerstown Valley, until 148 presently only 24 percent or 114 thousand acres remain wooded. Much of the orig- inal forests, that were cut over and burned, have regrown, but the new timber is inferior to the virgin stand. Today the land of Washington County is devoted to farming, development, and open fieldlands, while forest are only indigenous to two sections, one along the eastern boundry, consisting of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the western sec- tion that includes the Ridge and Valley Province. These forest areas embrace the Hagerstown Valley which contain only a minute percentage of scattered woodland. The forests of the mountainous regions, both to the east and west, have been con- fined to the rocky ridge, and steep slope areas. Forestlands are a valuable natural resource and serve as a benefactor �f to other natural resources of the County. Forestlands help preserve and stablize ecosystems, soils, reduces the amount of water runoff, retards erosion, protects aquifer recharge areas, protects and preserves wildlife habitats, is a barrier to strong winds and wind erosion, and recycles oxygen and filters and humidifies the air. The interrelationships of these assets of forestlands provides an aesthet- ically pleasing environment. The forestlands of Washington County are almost entirely second growth, 149 principally oak, hickory, maple, tulip poplar, and gum, with other species in small proportions. Virginia or soul pine and white pines are intermixed with the westernmost part of the County. The Chestnut formerly comprised a large portion of the hardwood stands, particularly in the eastern part. The Chestnut has dwin- dled considerably due to the Chestnut blight, and has given way to other species such as chestnut oak, scarlet oak, and black oak. The forest and wooded areas are generally seperated into three general categories, which are determined by the soil and moisture content, slope, elevation, and micro—climate. 1) Ridge Type- are well -drained forest cover located along the top and upper portions of ridges or mountains. Here the soils are the thinnest and driest, and the growth and quality of the forests are inferior. The forests that are characteristic of the ridge type are the chestnut oak and scarlet oak. 2) Slope Type- consists of the forests along the slopes and foot- hills of the mountains and ridges. The soils along the slopes are deeper, and re- tains moisture, which makes these areas more conducive to forest growth. The principal species are the chestnut, black oak, and white oak, on the upper slope; and on the lower slopes white oak, red oak, hickory, locust, maple, elm, dogwood, and tulip poplar. 150 �r j6 ©� o 7 FOREST TYPES t E7 Upland Brush i ® Evergreen Forest ❑ Orchards Deciduous Forest Mixed Forest p 2 4miles Scale I I I I 3) Bottom Type- consists of a much smaller percentage of the forest area. These forests are poorly drained and are found along the level valley areas, near ravines and stream channels. The principal species of the bottom type are the ash, elm, willow and sycamore combined with some maple, white oak, red oak and hickory. These various geographic differences have a significant effect, both qualitive and quantitive, on the growth of forests, but the soil types of a part- icular region will have an equal effect on forest growth. Forests grow better on soils that contain some lime, than those soils that are entirely acid. For example, sandy and somewhat droughty soils are more suitable for germination of the seed of the hardwood. Also as a seedbed, severely eroded soils that have exposed subsoils are inferior for germination to uneroded soils that have a friable, granular surface. Red maple, alder, black gum, hemlock and willow identify wet ground that is poorly drained. The oak and hickory association grows on warm, dry land while pitch pine and scrub oaks are signs of very dry land, having perfect drainage. Red cedars indicate generally poor soil and lime- stone bedrock outcroppings. The forestlands of Washington County are almost entirely second growth, 152 with the original virgin forest having been cut during early settlement. In some areas of the County, the forests have been cut as many as three times. These cut- tings have generally been made in a distructive manner, and have left the forests in a poor condition. There are 80 species of trees indeginous to Washington County, and with- in the following list are some types which are not predominant, but attain mature form and therefore, are included as native to the area: Evergreen (Coniferous) Common Names White Pine Pitch Pine Virginia Pine Table Mountain Pine Shortleaf Pine Hemlock Red Cedar Common Names Butternut Black Walnut Mockernut Hickory Pignut Hickory Small Pignut Hickory Bitternut Hickory Big Shellbark Hickory Botanical Names Pinus strobus (Linncaus) Pinus rigida (Miller) Pinus virginiana (Miller) Pinus pungens (Lambert) Pinus echinats (Miller) Tsuga canadensis (Linnaeus) (Carriers) Juniperus virginiana (Linnaeus) Deciduous Botanical Names Juglans cinerea (Linnaeus) Juglans nigra (Linnaeus) Hicora alba (Linn) (Britton) Hicora glabra (Miller) Hicora ovalis (Wangenheim) (Sudworth) Hicora cordiformis (Wangerheim (Britton) Hicora laciniosa (Michaux f.) Sargent) 153 Deciduous Common Name Botanical Name Shagbark Hickory Hicoria ovata (Miller)(Britton) Cottonwood Populus deltoides (Marshall) Aspen Populus tremuloides (Michaux) Large Toothed Aspen Populus grandidentats (Michaux) Black Willow Salix nigra (Marshall) Blue Beech Carpinus caroliniana (Walter) Hop Hornbeam Ostrya virginiana (Miller)(Koch) Black Birch Betula lenta (Linnaeus) Yellow Birch Betula lutea (Michaux) River Birch Betula nigra (Linnaeus) Smooth Alder Alnus rugosa (DuRoi)(Sprengel) Beech Fagus grandifolia (Eberhart) Chestnut Castnea dentata (Marshall)(Borkhausen) Chinquapin Castanea pumila (Linneaus)(Miller) White Oak Quercus alba (Linnaeus) Chestnut Oak Quercus montana (Willdenow) Post Oak Quercus stellata (Wangenheim) Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor (Wildenow) Northern Red Oak Quercus borealis maxima (Marshall)(Ashe) Southern Red Oak Quercus rubra (Linnaeus) Pin Oak Quercus palustris (Muenchhausen) Shingle Oak Quercus imbricaria (Michaux) Scrub Oak Quercus ilicifolia (Wangenheim) Black Jack Oak Quercus marilandica (Muenchhouse) Black Oak Quercus velutina (La Marck) Willow Oak Quercus phellos (Linnaeus) Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea (Muenchhausen) Chiquapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii (Englemann) American Elm Uimus americana (Linnacus) Slippery Elm Ulmus fulva (Michaux) Hackberry Celtis occidentalis (Linnaeus) Red Mulberry Morus ruba (Linnaeua) Cucumber Magnolia acuminata (Linnaeus) 154 Common Name Tulip Poplar Paw Paw Sassafras - Witch Hazel Sycamore Mountain Ash Service Berry Thorn Wild Black Cherry Fire Cherry Sweet Cherry Red Cherry Black Locust Staghorn Sumach Holly Red Maple Sugar Maple Silver Maple Striped Maple Black Maple Mountain Maple Box Elder Basswood Black Gum Dogwood Persimmon White Ash Black Ash Red Ash Deciduous Botanical Name Liriodendron tulipifera (Linnaeus) Asimina triloba (Linnaeus) Sassafras variifolium (Salisbury)(Kuntze) Hamamelis virginiana (Linnaeus) Platanus occidentalis (Linnaeus) Sorbus americana (Marshall) Amelanchier canadensis (Linnaeus)(Medicus) Crataegus species Prunus serotina (Ehrhart) Prunus pennsylvania (Linnaeus) Prunus avium (Linnaeus) Cercis canadensis (Linnaeus) Robinia pseudoacacia (Linnaeus) Rhus hirta (Linnaeus)(Sudworth) Ilex opaca (Afton) Acer r.ubrum (Linnaeus) Acer saccharum (Marshall) Acer saccharum (Linnaeus) Acer pennsylvanicum (Linnaeus) Acer nigrum (Michaux) Acer spicatum (La Mark) Acer negundo (Linnaeus) Tilla species Nyssa sylvatica (Marshall) Cornus florida (Linnaeus) Diospyros virginiana (Linnaeus) Fraxinus americana (Linnaeus) Fraxinus nigra (Marshall) Fraxinus pennsylvania (Marshall) 155 Common Name Red Pine Paulownia Silver Poplar Honey Locust Ailanthus Oaage Orange Weeping Willow Introduced Species Botanical Name Pinus resinosa (Solander) Paulownia tomintosa (Thurnberg) (Stendel) Populus alba (Linnaeus) Gleditsia tricanthos hesfontaine) innacus) Ailanthus glandulosa Toxylon pomiferum (Rafinesque) Salix Babylonica Of the numerous species of trees in Washington County the oaks consti- tute over half the lumber cut for commercial use. Other trees used commercially consist of the locust and poplars. 1) White Oak- is the strongest and most durable oak, having a close grain and located throughout the County. White oak includes chestnut, oak, swamp white oak, and post oak. 2) Red Oak- consists of the northern and southern red oak, black oak, scarlet oak, and the pin oak. The red oak is a hard, strong, coarse grained high quality wood. 3) Tulip Poplar- also yellow poplar, is divided into two classes, yellow and white poplar. The yellow poplar contains a large percentage of yellowish heart wood, while the white poplar contains a considerable amount of sapwood. The difference in species is primarily due to the rate of growth and 156 various soil conditions. 4) Black Locust- this species is common throughout the County. The black locust is a coarse grained, heavy, hard, strong, durable wood that grows along the peripheral areas of woods, fields, and in fence rows rather than in the forests. However, forest grown black locust is a better quality wood due to the slower growing conditions. The forests of Washington County have suffered seriously in the past from destructive agents, consisting of forest fires, insects, diseases, and wasteful cutting and management policies. Forest fires are the most serious hazard to forestland, destroying the seed and seedlings, and burning the cambrium or the living section of the tree, causing the bark to peel off and exposing the interior wood to decay and rendering the tree practically worthless. Also destroyed is the leaf litter which is a nat- ural protection of the soil. The effect of the forest fires is not only in the destruction of timber and seedlings, but also reduces the capacity of mountain forests to conserve rainfall runoff, and protects the soils from erosion. Insects and Diseases (Blights) are numerous, but are normally kept in check by the balance of nature and seldom present a serious problem to forest 157 destruction. The insects and disease affecting the forest of Washington County are: 1) white pine weavel— attacks the white pine forests and is quite pre- valent in the area. 2) Chestnut blight- eliminated practically all chestnut growth within the County by the 1930's. 3) Dutch Elm disease- due to scattered locations of elms within the County, it is not considered serious. 4)Gypsy Moth- is an insect attacking a majority of all species of trees and is a present enemy of local forests, as well as the northeastern•United States. The control of forest -tree insects and diseases is difficult. Therefore, preventive measures should be used to protect the present forests. Management- the purpose of forestry is to grow successive timber crops on forest lands and maintain their productiveness. Selective cutting of useless and deformed trees will help reduce the quanity of inferior trees and will increase the quality of the timber. 158 Tree Types and Landscaping Qualities Full Rate Soil Type Growth of Preference Trans- Description Size Growth or plantable Limitation Round or oval shape with dense, ascending branches, with smooth Acer Rumrum 60'x40" Rapid, over Prefers wet No light gray bark on young wood. (Red Maple) 2' per year or moist Has a multitude of flowers in soil. early spring with brilliant scarlet, orange, yellow leaves in early fall. May be located in sun or shaded areas. Short trunk and upright branches, form dense, compact, oval crown, Acer Saccharum 75'x40" Medium, Well No large deep -cut leaves, smooth (Sugar Maple) 1'-2' per drained dark green, whitish beneath; year. soil turning brilliant yellow, orange and scarlet in autumn. Lacy yellow flowers in spring, needs pure air and full sun. Finest of Maples. Tall stem, compact, long oval head with regular outline, stout Fraxinus Americana 80'x50" Medium, Tolerates No ascending branches, fairly high (White Ash) 1'-2' per most soils off the ground. Has large pin - year. nate leaves, a dense, rich texture striped with light and shade. Grass will grow beneath it. A stately tree, turns deep purple or yellow in autumn. Seeds self vigorously, must be sprayed for oyster scale. 159 Full Rate Soil Type Growth of Preference Trans- Description Size Growth or plantable Limitation Roundheaded, loose branching, lacy Gleditsia Triacanthos 70'x30" Medium, Tolerates No compound foliage, feathery out- Inermis Moraine 1'-2' per most line, open beneath, light shade. (Moraine Locust) year. soils. No thorns or pods on this species. Leaves appear late in spring and fall off in early autumn. Long lived. Juniperus Virginiana 60'x20" Slow, less Tolerates (Eastern Red Cedar) than 1" per most soils year. excluding swamp areas. Narrow, upright, compact. Can vary from a tall tree to a bush, No depending on soils and precipita- tion. Tiny scalelike or pointed green leaves, aromatic, persis- tent for several years, gradually turning brown, giving a rusty overtone. A dark, fine, but rather open textured bark that is thin, red and stringy. Has dark blue berries that attract birds. Has tall straight stem, with short branches high from the Liriopendrom Tulipifera 150'x70" Rapid, over Rich, No ground. Has an elongated but (Tulip Tree) 2' per year. moist soils. irregular outline. Broad, shining leaves, pale beneath, turning clear yellow in autumn. Has an open, spotted trembling texture. Tulip -like flowers in June, a greenish -yellow in color with orange markings. Is long lived. 160 1Full Rate Soil Type Growth of Preference Trans- Description Size Growth or plantable c Limitation Erect, cylindrical or pyramidal with rounded crown, but shade Nyssa Sylvatica 80'x40" Medium, Rich acid May be pos- may be variable. Has short, (Black Gum) 1'-2' per moist to sible when rigid, crooked, horizontal, year. wet soil young. twiggy branches. Has a bold winter outline. Rough dark bark, leaves are leathery dark green, ense, shining; turning brilliant red in autumn. Has fruit that will attract birds. Shallow root that wind; may uproot tree if exposed. Pinus Resinosa 75'x40" Medium, Tolerates (Red Pine) 1'-2' per most soils year. even rocky, sandy soil. Pinus Strobus 100'x40" Medium Moist, well (White Pine) 1'-2' per drained soils. year 161 Tall straight pyramidal tree, branched to ground, becoming wide No spreading when reaching maturity. Stiff drooping branches with reddish scaly bark. Has a rather open outline and interior. Long, shining dark green, course needles, with open needly charled texture. Long lived, and hardy. Needs full sun. First asymmetrical pyramid; later becoming tall and cylindrical; No finally maturing to a picturesque wide -spreading outline in old age Horizontal open branches in reg- ular whorls from a tall dark gray stem. Long, fragrant, soft Full Rate Soil Type Growth of Preference Trans- Description Size Growth or plantable Limitation Pinus Strobus (White Pine) (continued) grant soft green needles in mas- sive horizontal planes of a softly shaded, sculptural texture. Ground beneath will be carpeted with brown needles, intersecting with twisting roots. Needs sun, will be long-lived, may grow very tall, subject to weevil and white pine blister rust. A majestic tree. Roundheaded, upright stem, spreading branches, deep shade Plantanus Occidentalis 90'x60' Rapid, over Best in rich, No beneath. Mottled gray and creamy (Sycamore) 2' per year moist soil but trunk. Dense foliage, large will adjust. maple -like leaves, light green, easily clipped, although subject to anthracnose and canker. A rounded, ragged outline, large, crooked, wide -spreading branches, Quercus Alba 80'x60' Slow, less Grows best in May trunk and branch structure visually (White Oak) than 1' dry, gravelly, be dominant. Broadens with age, re - per year. sandy soil, done quires growing room, long lived. but will in Rough light gray bark, deeply cut, adapt to early dark green leaves, turning russet others. stages wine -red in autumn. Leaves in clusters on branches, persistent in winter. 162 Full Rate Soil Type Growth of Preference Size Growth or Limitation Trans- plantable Description An irregular, roundheaded tree, with a short, massive, ridged Quercus Borealis 70'x40' Rapid, over Tolerates No trunk, dividing into seperate (Northern Red Oak) 2' per year most soils stout branches, fairly high off the ground. Has finely cut leaves, medium green, turning dark red in autumn, having a course, branchy texture. Quercus Palustrus 75'x40' Medium, Grows best (Pin Oak) 1'-2' per in moist soil year. will not tolerate alkaline soil Salix Babyloncia 40'x40' Rapid, over Requires (Weeping Willow) 2' per year moist soils 163 No Stately, erect, cylindrical, with numerous, slender, hori- zontal branches, fairly high off the ground. Lower portions will drop off with age. Has dense, deep -cut, shining leaves that turn red in autumn. Roundtopped and full, with long, No pendulous branches, graceful, billowy and picturesque. The foliage is fine and narroe, set on fine branches, easily moving in a breeze. Leaves appear early in spring, and will fall in a drought. Is weak -wooded, cracks easily, subject to storm damage. Roots will penetrate and clog sewers and drains within 50 feet. Are subject to diseases and pests, requires much maintenance. Use only in special situations, for graceful and symbolic habit. Type Tsuga Canadensis (.Eastern Hemlock) Ulmus Americana (American Elm) Full Growth Size WOO' 100'x80' Rate of Growth Medium, 1'-2' per year Medium, 1'-2' per year Soil Preference Trans- Description or plantable Limitation Pyramidal but rather open, feath- Deep, moist No ery outline, scattered horizontal Soil branches on tall stem. Persistent to ground, many small, dropping branchlets. Fine, short needles, dark green above, light green be- low. Has a fine feathery texture, open at the edge, dark at the stem. Ridged red -brown bark. Dark shade beneath. Long-lived, shade tolerant, favors cool north slopes, needs maintenance, then grows dense. Used as hedges and mass plantings for buffers. Are tol- erant of polluted air. Tolerates most Yes soils. 164 Stately, vase shaped, high branches, no equal urban tree. Disappearing due to fatal diseases. May be considered a good specimen of a shade tree for aligning streets and use in recreational areas and parks. Unused Fieldlands Washington County contains some 41,000 actes of unused fieldiands. This is approximately 13 percent of the total land area, that was previously cul- tivated or pastured, but was abandoned due to erosion, rockiness, and/or econom- ics. Presently this land has become revegetated with primary successional plants such as blackberry, sassafras, persimmon, hawthorne, mountain laurel, honeysuckle, native grass and other shrub plants. In time this revegetation will be followed by reforestation. This natural process of revegetation provides for a high value wildlife habitat. Potential Agriculture Washington County is an agriculturally prime area due to its location in a temperate climate, with an evenly distributed rainfall, and productive soils. The County has a highly diversified agricultural industry which includes; field corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, soybeans, potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes, and other vegetables in varying quantities. Washington County, which has numerous microclimates, is also well suited for fruit tree farming; principally consisting of apples and peaches with some scattered pears, cherries, grapes, and plums. 165 Environmental Use of Forests Generally the natural vegetation of the area will influence the design of the accompanying development. By developing the area to its highest and most optimum use, the existing environment may be preserved, captured or accentuated. By taking an inventory of the existing wooded areas, the design will exploit the natural character of the land by retaining forested areas for buffers and open spaces. Since the forests are a natural element in design they may be used to preserve privacy, shelter from the sun and wind, and help retain water in reduction of soil erosion. In addition forest may be used as a natural bar- rier as a buffer between incompatable environmental functions. The various species of trees offer numerous types which may be adopted to individual circumstances, and this can be futher developed by the location and spacing of trees. Generally trees are planted at a minimum of 25 feet apart, but 40 to 50 feet is considered more appropriate since the final effects may not be seen for 30 or even 50 years, and what seems pleasant and organized now may be later desperate overcrowding. Trees are chosen for their ecological preferences and their maintenance along with their texture, form, and color. 166 W L D L F E WILDLIFE (FAUNA) OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Wildlife, today, is no longer considered for its economical values, but is recognized as an important phase of the ecological balance of nature, and its recreational assets. The preservation of wildlife and their habitats in Washing- ton County must be maintained as to preserve the equilibrium in the balance of nature. Waterfowl in Washington County is mostly of a transitory nature. Water- fowl native to the County are Grebs, Loons, Mergansers, Canvasbacks, Geese, Red- heads and Mallard ducks. The natural habitat for waterfowl is the Potomac River - tributaries, adjacent marsh areas, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Shore and Marsh Birds Habitats for these species are rapidly declining, with occasional wet farm fields and the Potomac River remaining as the only nesting areas. Shore and Marsh species include the Plover, Snipe, King, and the Virginia Rails. Predatory Birds and Mammals Predatory animals, are animals that prey upon other animals (omnivorous). . : Predatory birds and mammals include Owls, Hawks, Buzzards, Eagles, Red and Grey Fox, Bobcat, Groundhogs, Racoons, Opossum, Beaver, Muskrat, Skunk, and Woodchi,ck. Forest- lands, fieldlands, marshlands, and stream valley areas are generally favorable hab- itats for mammals, and under normal conditions the ecological balance of these spe- cies may be maintained. Migratory Birds There are approximately 250 species of migratory or song birds that migrate to and from Washington County. Generally most vegatation and plant cover is a sufficient habitat for these species. Reptiles, Fish, etc. Habitats for these species are aquatic areas, and wetlands. Snakes native to Washington County include the Black Snake, Garter Snake, Rattlesnake, Copperhead, and water snakes, Amphibians are common in the Potomac River Basin. Aquatic species include the Pace, Club, Shiner, Darter, Minnow, Sunfish, Sucker, Bass, Crappie, Trout, Pickerel, Bullhead, Catfish, Carp, and Eel. Small Game Species Washington County has an ecological environment that is a habitat for 169 numerous game species. These species include deer, squirrel, rabbit, turkey, pheasant, grouse, quail, woodcock, dove fox, racoon, geese, and duck. The hab- itats for these species are generally forested and wetland areas. Habitat Habitat "is a place or type of site where an animal naturally or normally lives, or is found." Habitats are identified as deciduous forest, ever- green forest, mixed forest, orchards, upland brush, and wetlands. The following chart identifies the wildlife habitats and the species native to the respective habitats. This chart, in addition to the map "Forest Types", can be used to identify wildlife habitats. In seeking to reserve these lands, it is essential to understand the relationship between each habitat and the various species. "Not all habitats are valued equally by the species; and the different levels of importance of habitats, are fundamental considerations in wildlife management." Wildlife Management Effective wildlife management consists of preserving those habitats conducive to promulgation of wildlife species. Those areas within Washington County that are preserved as wildlife sanctuaries consist of Indian Springs 170 Species (Game and Fur Bearing Species in Washington County) Habitat* White- Gray Fox Cotton- Wild Pheas- Ruffed Bob- Wood- Morn- Gray Red Rac- Opos- Beaver Musk- Skunk Wood- Rails Snipe tail and Red Squirrels tail Turkey ant Grouse white cock ing Fox Fox coon sum rat chuck Deer Squirrels Rabbit Quail Dove I Decid- S T uous Forest S P P S S S S T P S S S S S T Ever- green Forest T T T S S S T S S T T T Mixed Forest S T S S S S S S S T T S T T Orchards S S S T T T T Upland Brush S T S P S P T P T S S S S S S S Wet- lands S T T T S T T S T S T T S I P - Primary T - Tertiary S - Secondary No entry means neglible importance *Refer to forest types in vegetation section 171 Wildlife Management Area and Sideling Hill Wildlife Management Area which are maintained by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 173 SUMMARY OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF WASHINGTON COUNTY The Natural Environment is a background study that is designed to iden- tify the complex systems which consist of a series of interrelated dynamic processes. The elements that form the system in overlying layers are topography, geology, pedology, hydrology, climatology, vegetation, and wildlife. These natural charac- teristics have been inventoried, interpreted, and evaluated in a manner as to dis- cribe the interrelationships that exist in Washington County. Washington County encompasses four hundred sixty-seven square miles, two physiographic provinces, nine drainage basins, and has a vertical relief of two thousand one hundred forty-five feet. Thus, in summerizing Washington County, there are diverse features to be reviewed. The topography is the product of the processes and interrelationships that have been developing through extended periods of time. Washington County has an undulating relief that is characterized by mountains and valleys. The geologic distribution of the numerous types of bedrock consists of ridgeforming sandstone, quartzite, metabasalts, and the erodable dolomites, lime- stones, and shales that are conterminous to the valleys. The bedrock is the basal 175 unit in the development of the topography; and is primary in the formation of drainage basins, subsurface hydrology, and soil types. The pedology of Washington County is dominated by Gray -Brown, and Red - Yellow Podzolic soils, although to a lesser extent some other soil groups do exist. These soils are the product of the parent material, climate, biological activity, topography, hydrology, and time. In Washington County, the residual material is formed from either igneous or sedimentary bedrock. These soils are identified by locational patterns and soil development characters, or soil asso- ciations. The interrelationship of these soil forming characteristics has given Washington County fourteen soil associations ranging from very stony, or shallow, to deep well drained soils. In Washington County, the most agriculturally pro- ductive soils are located in the limestone valleys. A decisive factor in the development of the natural environment is hydrology, which is the discipline dealing with the properties in the distribu- tion, and circulation of water. This intricate system is referred to as the hydrologic cycle. The discussion of hydrology is classified as surface and sub- surface water. Washington County is located entirely within the Potomac River Basin and consists of nine major watersheds including the Antietam, Conococheague, 176 Licking, Tonoloway, Little Tonoloway, Sideling Hill, Little Conocochegue, Saint James -Marsh Run, and Israel Creeks. Adjacent to these stream courses are flood plains which are the product of lateral erosion, and deposition of sediment. The valleys of Washington County, to some extent, are considered to be groundwater reservoirs, with the limestone and dolomite bedrock formations being the most prominent aquifers. These aquifers are recharged by surface water Per- colating through surficial layers of soil, and into solution channels by a pro- cess referred to as gravitational hydrolics. The climate in Washington County is favorable, with the average annual temperatures ranging from 50OF to 540F, with extremes in the County ranging from 1090F to 250 below zero. The growing season ranges from approximately 150 to 170 days. Precipitation is generally evenly distributed, having an average annual precipitation of 37.27 inches. A product and contributor to the environmental characteristics is the vegetation. Although virgin forests are depleted, good second growth forestlands are located in the eastern and western sections of the County. There are 80 spe- cies of trees indeginous to Washington County, which includes both evergreens and 177 deciduous species, while the unused fieldlands contain successional overgrowth. These types of vegetation are habitats for wildlife. Habitats are identified as deciduous, evergreens, mixed, orchards, upland brush, and wetlands. Wildlife that is generally indigenous to habitats in Washington County are waterfowl, shore and marsh birds, predatory birds and mammals, migratory birds, reptiles, and fish. It is intended that this study will provide a base of knowledge, and identify the intricate interrelationships that exist in the natural environment. This information will be used as a guide for the development of plans and poli- cies in the uses of land, environmental protection of the natural processes, and maintenance of a high quality of life in Washington County. 178 BIBLIOGRAPHY - THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Topography 1. The Physical Features of _Washington County, Maryland Geolog- ical Survey, Baltimore, Maryland, 1951. 2. Soil Survey of Washington County, Maryland, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Maryland Agri- culture Experiment Station, October 1962. Geology 1. Geography and Geology of Maryland; Harold E. Volkes; Maryland Geologic Survey, Bulletin 19, Baltimore, Maryland, 1968. 2. Geologic Map of Washington County, Scale 1:63,360; Edward B. Mathews; Maryland Geologic Survey, 1941. 3. The Physical Features of Washington _County, Maryland Geolog- ic Survey, Baltimore, Maryland; ~1951. 4. The Water Resources of Allegany and Washington Counties; Turbit H. Slaughter and John M. Darling; Maryland Geologic Survey, Bulletin 24; Baltimore, Maryland; 1962. 5. Caves of Maryland; Richard Franz and Dennis Slifer; Maryland Geological Survey, Educational Series No. 3; Baltimore, Maryland, 1971. 6. Hydrogeology of the Carbonate Rocks, Frederick and Hagerstown Valleys, Maryland; Larry J. Nutter; Maryland Geological Survey, Report of Investigations No. 19; Baltimore, Maryland, 1973. .0 9. Water Resources Data for Maryland and Delaware, Part 1 Surface Water Records, United States Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, 1971. 10. Water Resource Data for Maryland and Delaware, Part 2 Water Quality Records, United States Department of the Interior, Geological Survey. 1971. 11. Antietam Creek, Flood Plain Information/Washington County, Maryland; Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Baltimore, Maryland, 1972. 12. Ground -Water Aquifers and Mineral Commodities_ of Maryland, Mary and State Planning Department, Maryland Geologic ur- vey, Baltimore, Maryland Publication No. 152, May 1969. 13. Design With Nature, Ian L. Mcharg, Doubleday Company Inc., Garden City, New York, 1969. Climatology 1. Marylands Weather; Byron L. Ashbaugh, and G.N. Brancato; Board of Natural Resources, Second Edition, Education Ser- ies No. 38, March 1958. 2. The Physical Features of Washington County, Maryland Geologic Survey, Baltimore, Maryland, 1951. 3. Climates of the States, Maryland; No. 60-18, W.J. Moyer, United States Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C., 1968. 4. Climatic Summary of the United States -Supplement for 1951 Through 1960 No. 86-15, Maryland and Delaware United Statesepar-tmentOT—Commerce, Washington, D.L. 1964. 183 5. Monthly Normals of Temperature, Precipitation, and Heating and Cooling Degree Days, 1941-70, No. 85, Delaware-Mary- iand, United States Department of Commerce, National Climate Center, Asheville, N.C., 1973. 6. Monthly Averages of Temperature and Precipitation for State Climatic Revisions, 1941-70, No. 85, Delaware -Maryland, United States Department of Commerce, National Climatic Center, Asheville, N.C., 1973. 7. Climatogical Summary, Hagerstown(Chewsville-Bridgeport) and Hancock(Fruit Lab) No. 20-18, United States Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C., 8. Air Pollution_ in Washington County, Maryland, Maryland State Department of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, January, 1970. 9. Planning Design Criteria, Joseph DeChiara, Lee Koppelman, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, 1969. Vegetation 1. The Forests of Washington County; F.W. Besley; Maryland State Board of Forestry; Baltimore, Maryland, January 1922. 2. The Physical Features of Washington County, Maryland Geolog- ical Survey, Baltimore, Maryland, 1951. 3. The Timber Resources of Maryland; Roland H. Ferguson, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station, Bulletin NE -7; Upper Darby, IPennsylvania, 1967. 4. Soil Survey of Washington County, Maryland, U.S.Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Maryland Agriculture Experiment Station, October, 1962. 184