This paper discusses the use of a soil filtration system constructed to provide additional treatment of urban stormwater following sedimentation. The system was constructed with a Clean Lakes Grant to remove solids and phosphorus from urban stormwater. The system showed severe operational problems following initial construction. During 1985, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff determined that proper system operation required corrective measures. A low cost renovation of the system was undertaken during the spring of 1986. Following filter renovation, a monitoring program studied filter efficiency in removing phosphorus and particulate matter. The renovated system operated well the first month, but following a week-long shutdown of the system, aerial hydraulic loading rate and filter efficiency decreased substantially. After three months of operation it was apparent that the renovation was only temporary because of an improper type of peat used in the system. Peat sand filters have been successfully employed for treatment of domestic wastewater and extending their use to treatment of stormwater seems feasible with proper construction. The Agency is considering using peat sand filters for treatment of stormwater in future lake restoration projects.