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'''Sometimes termed Underground Holding Tanks, Transfer Stations act as intermediate dumping points for faecal sludge when it cannot be easily transported to a (Semi-) Centralized Treatment facility. A vacuum truck must empty Transfer Stations when they are full.'''
A variation is the Sewer Discharge Station (SDS), which is like a Transfer station, but is directly connected to a Conventional Gravity Sewer main (for more information, refer to [[Sewer Discharge Station|Sewer Discharge Stations]]). Sludge emptied into the SDS is released either directly or at timed intervals into the sewer main to optimize the performance of the sewer and the wastewater treatment plant, and/or reduce peak loads.
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- Reduces transport distance and may encourage more community-level emptying solutions. <br> - May reduce illegal dumping of faecal sludge. <br> - Moderate capital and operating costs; can be offset with access permits. <br> - Potential for local job creation and income generation. | con=
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<br>===Adequacy===
Transfer Stations are especially appropriate for dense, urban areas where there is no alternative discharge point (e.g. faecal sludge thickening pond). Multiple Transfer Stations in a city may help to reduce the incidence of illegal sewage dumping. The quality and quantity of the faecal sludge will significantly affect the treatment technology that is subsequently required.
The system for issuing permits or charging access fees must be carefully designed so that those who most need the service are not excluded because of high costs, while still generating enough income to be sustainable and well-maintained.
===Health Aspects/Acceptance===
Transfer Stations have the potential to significantly increase the health of a community by providing an inexpensive, local solution to faecal sludge and septage disposal. By providing a Transfer Station, independent or small-scale emptiers are no longer forced to dump sludge illegally; homeowners are more motivated to have their pits emptied. Transfer Stations can be a low-cost, effective Conveyance technology for faecal sludge. When pits are emptied regularly and illegal dumping is minimized, the overall health of a community can be improved significantly. The location must be carefully chosen to maximize efficiency, while minimizing odours and disturbances to nearby residents.
===Upgrading===
Transfer stations are relatively common in North America. There, they are equipped with digital data recording devices to track quantities, input types and origin, as well as collect data from the individuals who dump there. In this way, the facilitators can collect detailed information and more accurately plan and adapt to the changing loads.
===Maintenance===
Racks (screens) must be cleaned frequently to ensure a constant flow and prevent backups. Sand and grit must also be periodically removed from the holding tank. There should be a well-organized system for emptying the transfer-station; if the holding tank fills up and overflows it is no better than an overflowing pit. The pad and loading area should be cleaned regularly to minimize odours, flies and other vectors from becoming a nuisance.
===References===
* [http://www.afdb.org African Development Fund] (2005). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19657157 Accra sewerage improvement project- appraisal report]. Infrastructure Department Central and West Regions.
* USEPA (1994). [http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/625r94002.html Guide to Septage Treatment and Disposal: EPA/625/R-94/002]. United States [http://www.epa.gov Environmental Protection Agency], Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
===Acknowledgements===
{{:Acknowledgements Sanitation}}