Farmland in central Iowa
A real Check the Land report, powered by Groundtruth, generated from public data on 2026-10-25 at Story County, Iowa · 42.10000, -93.50000. This is the content of the PDF. Download it to see the maps and layout.
What this is: a screen of mapped public data at one point and the stated radii, not the whole parcel. It is not a Phase I ESA, survey, title search, appraisal, elevation certificate or perc test.
Summary
62 of 76 checks returned a value, 14 returned absent or not applicable, 0 failed or were missing.
Hazards
- No flagFEMA Zone X at the point
Mapped as Zone X (area of minimal flood hazard). That is outside the high-risk area at this exact point; other parts of the parcel, low spots and local drainage can differ.
- ContextNo elevated wildfire flag in the mapped data
FEMA's National Risk Index models about 1 event every 5,692 years for this census tract (a tract-wide average that can understate exposure at a single spot). Insurance availability and defensible-space rules can depend on these maps. Our 'elevated' cut-off (1 event per 100 years for the tract, a CAL FIRE High or Very High zone, or a past burn at the point) is a screening rule of thumb. State hazard-zone maps are included for California only.
- ContextNo major mapped geologic hazard flags
USGS landslide susceptibility index 0 (none at this cell). Not in a mapped karst area. Seismic design category B.
Evidence: 22 values with source and dataset version
| Check | Result | Source | Dataset version | Conf. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEMA flood zone at the point | X | FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer | 19169C_STUDY1 | high |
| Flood zone subtype | AREA OF MINIMAL FLOOD HAZARD | FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer | 19169C_STUDY1 | high |
| In a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area | No | FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer | 19169C_STUDY1 | high |
| Base flood elevation | None / not applicable | FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer | not stated by source | high |
| Coastal high-hazard (V) zone | No | FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer | 19169C_STUDY1 | high |
| Wildfire frequency, census tract (FEMA NRI) | 0.0001757 per year (about 1 event every 5,692 years) | FEMA National Risk Index | December 2025 | high |
| CAL FIRE hazard severity zone | None / not applicable | CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones | not stated by source | high |
| CAL FIRE responsibility area | None / not applicable | CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones | not stated by source | high |
| Nearest historical fire perimeter (CA) | None / not applicable | CAL FIRE FRAP fire perimeters | not stated by source | high |
| Most recent burn year at the point (CA) | None / not applicable | CAL FIRE FRAP fire perimeters | not stated by source | high |
| Landslide susceptibility index (USGS) | 0 | USGS landslide susceptibility (Belair et al. 2024) | USGS Slope-Relief-Threshold landslide susceptibility (n10_su… | medium |
| Seismic design category (ASCE 7-22) | B | USGS seismic design maps (ASCE 7-22) | not stated by source | high |
| Peak ground acceleration, 2% in 50 years | 0.045 g | USGS National Seismic Hazard Model 2023 | USGS 2023 NSHM (CONUS), PGA 2% in 50 yr, Vs30 760 m/s, 0.01 … | high |
| Tornado frequency, census tract (FEMA NRI) | 0.08517 per year (about 1 event every 12 years) | FEMA National Risk Index | December 2025 | high |
| Hail frequency, census tract (FEMA NRI) | 6.257 per year (about 6.3 events per year) | FEMA National Risk Index | December 2025 | high |
| Design wind speed (ASCE 7-22) | 110 mph | ASCE 7-22 wind speeds (NOAA) | not stated by source | high |
| Nearest dam (10 km (6.2 mi)) | 3.7 mi (5.9 km) | USACE National Inventory of Dams | not stated by source | high |
| Nearest dam hazard potential (10 km (6.2 mi)) | Low | USACE National Inventory of Dams | not stated by source | high |
| High-hazard dams within 10 km (10 km (6.2 mi)) | 0 | USACE National Inventory of Dams | not stated by source | high |
| In a mapped karst area | No | USGS karst map | not stated by source | high |
| Karst type | None / not applicable | USGS karst map | not stated by source | high |
| Current drought category (US Drought Monitor) | None / not applicable | US Drought Monitor | US Drought Monitor map valid 20261020 | high |
Terrain & soils
- No flagGentle slope at the point: 0.4° (1% grade)
Flat to gently sloping where the pin is. Elevation is about 1,011 ft. Slope is measured on a ~10 m elevation grid at the pin, not across the whole parcel. Our cut-offs (8° and 15°) are screening rules of thumb.
- Look closerSoil: poorly drained
USDA maps the soil as Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes. Drainage: poorly drained. Shrink-swell: moderate. Poorly drained soils can limit septic systems and basements; a perc test is the real answer.
Evidence: 10 values with source and dataset version
| Check | Result | Source | Dataset version | Conf. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,011 ft (308 m) | USGS 3DEP elevation | 3DEP 1/3 arc-second seamless DEM | high |
| Slope at the point | 0.4° (1% grade) | USGS 3DEP elevation | not stated by source | high |
| Slope faces | SE | USGS 3DEP elevation | not stated by source | high |
| Soil map unit | Webster clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | USDA NRCS soil survey (SSURGO / gNATSGO) | SSURGO IA169 mukey 2835032 | high |
| Soil drainage class | Poorly drained | USDA NRCS soil survey (SSURGO / gNATSGO) | SSURGO IA169 mukey 2835032 | high |
| Hydrologic soil group | C/D | USDA NRCS soil survey (SSURGO / gNATSGO) | SSURGO IA169 mukey 2835032 | high |
| Shrink-swell potential | Moderate | USDA NRCS soil survey (SSURGO / gNATSGO) | SSURGO IA169 mukey 2835032 | high |
| Ponding frequency | None | USDA NRCS soil survey (SSURGO / gNATSGO) | SSURGO IA169 mukey 2835032 | high |
| Depth to restrictive layer | None / not applicable | USDA NRCS soil survey (SSURGO / gNATSGO) | not stated by source | high |
| Depth to bedrock (modelled) | 50.0 m (164.0 ft) | Pelletier et al. 2016 soil/sediment thickness | Pelletier et al. 2016 | low |
Infrastructure & access
- No flagNearest mapped road: 600th Avenue, 484 ft (148 m)
Mapped as secondary, paved. Straight-line distance from the pin. The nearest major road is 600th Avenue, 484 ft (148 m) away. A nearby road does not prove legal access or an easement.
- ContextHigh-voltage line 1.0 mi (1.6 km) away (161 kV)
Straight-line distance to the nearest mapped transmission line. The nearest substation is 3.0 mi (4.8 km) away. Public maps show only high-voltage lines. Local distribution lines that serve homes and farms are not in this data, so call the electric utility to confirm service and hookup cost.
Evidence: 23 values with source and dataset version
| Check | Result | Source | Dataset version | Conf. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest mapped road (500 m) | 484 ft (148 m) | Overture Maps transportation | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Nearest road name (500 m) | 600th Avenue | Overture Maps transportation | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Nearest road class (500 m) | secondary | Overture Maps transportation | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Nearest road surface (500 m) | paved | Overture Maps transportation | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Nearest major road | 484 ft (148 m) | Overture Maps transportation | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Nearest major road name | 600th Avenue | Overture Maps transportation | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Nearest high-voltage transmission line | 1.0 mi (1.6 km) | EIA US Energy Atlas | not stated by source | high |
| That line's voltage | 161 kilovolts | EIA US Energy Atlas | not stated by source | high |
| Nearest substation (200 km (124.3 mi)) | 3.0 mi (4.8 km) | EIA / HIFLD substations | not stated by source | high |
| Fiber reported in the area (FCC) | Yes | FCC Broadband Data Collection | FCC BDC fixed availability, Living Atlas 'December 2025 (Lat… | high |
| Nearest public water system service area (50 km (31.1 mi)) | 2,548 ft (776 m) | EPA community water system service areas | V3.0 (2026-03-17) | high |
| Nearest sewer service area (50 km (31.1 mi)) | 3.3 mi (5.3 km) | EPA sewersheds | not stated by source | high |
| Households on private wells nearby | moderate | USGS self-supplied (well) households | USGS modelled self-supplied households, 1 km, 2020 census bl… | medium |
| Depth to water, nearest USGS well (10 km (6.2 mi)) | 85 ft (25.9 m) | USGS groundwater levels (NWIS) | USGS Water Data discrete groundwater-level field measurement… | high |
| Nearest fire station (50 km (31.1 mi)) | 4.7 mi (7.6 km) | Overture Maps places | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Fire station name (50 km (31.1 mi)) | Roland Fire Department | Overture Maps places | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Nearest hospital (50 km (31.1 mi)) | 7.3 mi (11.8 km) | Overture Maps places | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Nearest school (50 km (31.1 mi)) | 1.8 mi (2.9 km) | Overture Maps places | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Nearest grocery store (50 km (31.1 mi)) | 6.0 mi (9.6 km) | Overture Maps places | 2026-10-21.0 | high |
| Nearest Census urban area | 4.8 mi (7.7 km) | Census 2020 urban areas | 2020 Census Urban Areas (TIGER/Line 2023 UAC20) | high |
| Nearest interstate gas pipeline | 3.5 mi (5.7 km) | EIA US Energy Atlas | not stated by source | high |
| Nearest public airport | 9.7 mi (15.7 km) | FAA airport records | FAA NASR airport master records via BTS NTAD Aviation Facili… | high |
| Airport name | AMES MUNI | FAA airport records | FAA NASR airport master records via BTS NTAD Aviation Facili… | high |
Environment
- ContextMapped wetland 383 ft (117 m) from the pin
Nearest NWI wetland: Riverine Intermittent Streambed Seasonally Flooded. Not at the pin, but it may be on or near the parcel. NWI maps are not a legal delineation.
- No flagNo listed contamination sites close by
No Superfund site within 8 km. No EPA brownfield within 8 km. These are federal lists only; they don't show on-site contamination. A Phase I ESA is the standard check for that.
- No flagNo protected area or critical habitat at the point
Neither PAD-US nor USFWS critical habitat maps cover the pin.
Evidence: 21 values with source and dataset version
| Check | Result | Source | Dataset version | Conf. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mapped wetland at the point (NWI) | No | USFWS National Wetlands Inventory | not stated by source | high |
| Nearest mapped wetland (500 m) | 383 ft (117 m) | USFWS National Wetlands Inventory | not stated by source | high |
| Nearest wetland type (500 m) | Riverine Intermittent Streambed Seasonally Flooded | USFWS National Wetlands Inventory | not stated by source | high |
| Mapped wetlands within 500 m (500 m) | 1 | USFWS National Wetlands Inventory | not stated by source | high |
| Mapped stream/water area at the point | No | USGS National Hydrography Dataset | NHDPlus V2 (1:100k medium resolution) fallback | medium |
| Nearest named waterbody (2 km (1.2 mi)) | None found within 2 km (1.2 mi) | USGS National Hydrography Dataset | not stated by source | high |
| Protected area at the point (PAD-US) | No | USGS PAD-US protected areas | USGS PAD-US 4.1 (Protection Mechanism Category combined laye… | high |
| Protected area name | None / not applicable | USGS PAD-US protected areas | USGS PAD-US 4.1 (Protection Mechanism Category combined laye… | high |
| Critical habitat at the point (USFWS) | No | USFWS critical habitat | USFWS ECOS critical habitat (Final + Proposed polygons, live… | high |
| Critical habitat species | None / not applicable | USFWS critical habitat | USFWS ECOS critical habitat (Final + Proposed polygons, live… | high |
| Nearest Superfund site (8 km (5.0 mi)) | None found within 8 km (5.0 mi) | EPA Superfund (SEMS) | EPA FRS SEMS Superfund interests (NPL + non-NPL; FRS_INTERES… | medium |
| Superfund sites within 8 km (8 km (5.0 mi)) | 0 | EPA Superfund (SEMS) | EPA FRS SEMS Superfund interests (NPL + non-NPL; FRS_INTERES… | medium |
| Nearest brownfield (EPA ACRES) (8 km (5.0 mi)) | None found within 8 km (5.0 mi) | EPA brownfields (ACRES) | EPA FRS ACRES brownfield interest sites (FRS_INTERESTS hoste… | medium |
| Nearest underground storage tank facility (8 km (5.0 mi)) | 3.2 mi (5.1 km) | EPA UST Finder | EPA UST Finder (frozen snapshot: states 2018-2019, territori… | medium |
| Open leaking-tank sites within 1 km (1 km (0.6 mi)) | 0 | EPA UST Finder (releases) | EPA UST Finder (frozen snapshot: states 2018-2019, territori… | medium |
| Nearest documented orphaned oil/gas well (50 km (31.1 mi)) | None found within 50 km (31.1 mi) | USGS documented orphaned wells | not stated by source | high |
| Nearest EPA risk-management (RMP) facility (10 km (6.2 mi)) | 4.5 mi (7.3 km) | EPA Facility Registry (RMP) | EPA Facility Registry Service, RMP interest layer (FRS_INTER… | medium |
| Land cover (USFS LCMS) | Grass/Forb/Herb | USFS Landscape Change Monitoring System | USFS LCMS CONUS 2025 annual (30 m) | high |
| Land use (USFS LCMS) | Agriculture | USFS Landscape Change Monitoring System | USFS LCMS CONUS 2025 annual (30 m) | high |
| Tree canopy (~120 m block) | 0% | USFS/MRLC NLCD tree canopy | USFS/MRLC NLCD Tree Canopy Cover (latest annual, 30 m) | high |
| Crop/land class (USDA CDL) | Soybeans | USDA Cropland Data Layer | USDA CDL 2025 (30 m) | high |
Missing data at this point
- CAL FIRE hazard severity zone: the point is outside California — it falls outside the California bounding box entirely, so neither CAL FIRE layer was queried. CAL FIRE FHSZ is a California-only regulatory product and does not apply
- CAL FIRE responsibility area: the point is outside California — it falls outside the California bounding box entirely, so neither CAL FIRE layer was queried. CAL FIRE FHSZ is a California-only regulatory product and does not apply
- Nearest historical fire perimeter (CA): the point is outside California; CAL FIRE FRAP perimeters are California-only
- Most recent burn year at the point (CA): the point is outside California; CAL FIRE FRAP perimeters are California-only
Dataset versions vary by source: ASCE 7-22 wind speeds (NOAA); CAL FIRE FRAP fire perimeters; CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones; Census 2020 urban areas (2020 Census Urban Areas (TIGER/Line 2023); EIA / HIFLD substations; EIA US Energy Atlas; and others listed in the PDF.
What we didn't check
- Parcel boundaries, ownership, liens, easements, deed restrictions or title
- Zoning, permitted uses, setbacks, HOA rules or permits
- Septic suitability or percolation (soil drainage is shown only as context)
- Local electric distribution lines and the cost of a service connection
- Legal or physical access across neighbouring land
- Private wells, water rights, mineral rights or oil and gas leases
- On-site contamination, buried tanks or debris (needs a Phase I ESA)
- Insurance pricing or availability
Limits
- This is a point-based screen of mapped public data at the selected coordinate and the stated search radii. It does not assess the whole parcel, its boundaries or every corner of the property.
- It is not a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, a survey, a title search, an appraisal, a flood elevation certificate, a soil test or a percolation test, and it is not legal, engineering or insurance advice.
- Maps lag reality. FEMA flood maps, wetland maps and infrastructure layers can be years old, and unmapped does not mean no risk.
- Distances are straight-line, not driving distance, and a nearby road or power line does not mean legal access, an easement or an available service connection.
- Address locations from the Census geocoder are estimated along the street and can be off by a long way in rural areas. Confirm the pin before relying on any result.
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