Dear Editor:

I am writing to express my gratitude, and that of the West Harbor Pond Watershed Association, for Matt Stilphen’s excellent article on our September 26th presentation to the Boothbay Harbor Board of Selectmen updating them on the situation with the broken siphon in West Harbor Pond.

I would like to take this opportunity clarify two points in the article. The article omits to mention the presence of the Sewer District at the September 20th photographic examination of the siphon. But the Sewer District’s participation was absolutely crucial. It was their camera that was used in the examination, and their crew, Gary Farnham and David Pratt, who operated it. Even more important, however, it was Chris Higgins, district superintendent of the Sewer District, who first suggested to the WHPWA that we investigate using “trenchless” technology to repair the siphon. We are extremely grateful for their assistance and expertise.

I would also like to clarify another, minor point: the six grant requests submitted by the WHPWA went to five different entities, including DEP, rather than all going to DEP.

Merritt Blakeslee

West Harbor Pond Watershed Association