Stormwater runoff from the 463 acre Consolidated Drain sub-watershed is controlled by new Weir Structures so that the initial runoff, or "first flush," is diverted off-line into the Sediment Forebay. Here, coarse solids and other materials settle out of the stormwater. During high volume, intense rain events, overflow from the weirs is conveyed within restored and enhanced portions of the Consolidated Drain after the 2-year storm volume is captured in the system.

Stormwater from the forebay is directed into the Wet Detention Pond. Planted with new and existing wetland plants, this 12 acre pond captures fine silts, clays, heavy metals, grease, and some nutrients. Micropools and Micro-channels in this pond serve to convey low flows, increase the holding time and provide various wetland habitat types. Stormwater within the Wet Detention Pond is detained for at least 24 hours before it flows into the wetland treatment area.

The Wetlands area exhibits marsh grasses and other pioneer plant species selected for this area to "polish" the stormwater by uptaking additional phosphorus and other dissolved pollutants. The wetland vegetation also provides a substrate for additional microbial degradation of stormwater pollutants.

As a result of this system, the controlled flow of treated stormwater returning to the drain and ultimately discharged to Portage Creek has been cleansed and thus, protects the stream ecosystem. The water quality is significantly improved–sediments, metals, and nutrients have been largely removed. Up to 80% of the phosphorus of the incoming water is expected to be removed. Dissolved oxygen levels are increased, and the temperature of the treated stormwater has been moderated to a more tolerable level for aquatic species.