Mapping and Interpretation of Histosols and Hydraquents for Urban Development

A soil survey of 20,250 ha was made for the Regional Planning Commission. Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Bernard Parishes. Medisaprists, Fluvaquents, Hydraquents, and Haplaquepts were studied. Criteria for soil classification provided by Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 1974) resulted in mapping units suitable for many interpretations for urban development. Most soils had severe or very severe limitations for urban uses but differed considerably in their potential for urban development. To provide planners with additional information the soils were ranked in order of their suitability for most urban uses. Much of the New Orleans area is at sea level or below and is dependent upon dikes and pumps for flood protection. Low elevations, poor drainage, subsidence of organic soils, and low bearing strength of semifluid soil material were found to be the main problems in use of soils for urban development. With suitable interpretations the soil survey can be an extremely useful tool for use by planners faced with decisions on urban development of Histosols and Hydraquents.