HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-19-11 Planning & EDC Meeting Agenda
MEETING NOTICE
City of Ithaca
Planning & Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 – 7:00 p.m.
Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street
A. Agenda Review
B. Special Order of Business
C. Public Comment and Response from Committee Members
D. Announcements, Updates and Reports
1. Workforce Diversity Report – Planning and Development Department
2. Comprehensive Plan Update
3. Collegetown Update
4. Intermunicipal Planning Efforts
E. Action Items
1. Neighborhood Incentive Fund Application – Fall Creek Block Party
(memo and resolution)
2. Proposed Design Review Ordinance – Approval to Circulate
(concept memo attached; lead agency, environmental review, and proposed
ordinance to be distributed separately)
3. Response to Hydrofracking: Gas Drilling Ban for City-owned Land
(resolution)
F. Discussion Items
G. Approval of Minutes
H. Adjournment
Questions about the agenda should be directed to Jennifer Dotson, Chairperson,
(jdotson@cityofithaca.org or 351-5458) or to the appropriate staff person at the Department
of Planning & Development (274-6550). Back-up material is available in the office of the
Department of Planning & Development. Please note that the order of agenda items is
tentative and subject to change.
If you have a disability and require accommodations in order to fully participate, please
contact the City Clerk at 274-6570 by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, October 18, 2011.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PHYLLISA A. DeSARNO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6559
Email: planning@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
Fax: 607-274-6558 Fax: 607-274-6558
TO: Planning & Economic Development Committee
From: Megan Wilson, Planner
RE: Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund
DATE: October 3, 2011
Attached is an application for the Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund (NIIF)
from residents of Fall Creek pertaining to the neighborhood’s annual block party held on
September 11, 2011. The application has been submitted by Maria Costanzo, a
neighborhood resident and an organizer of the event. This event has been held annually
several years and is intended to promote a sense of community within the neighborhood.
In past years, the Neighborhood Improvement Incentive funds have supported
celebrations in many city neighborhoods that focus attention on neighborhood
empowerment and solidarity. Expenditures related to the event include food and
compostable tableware, both of which meet criteria for reimbursement. Residents of the
Fall Creek neighborhood donated their time for promotion of the event, set up, food
preparation, and clean up. By putting together this event on behalf of the neighborhood,
the residents are furthering the aims of the fund to support resident initiatives that serve
to strengthen city neighborhoods.
Planning & Economic Development Committee
October 19, 2011
RESOLUTION: Request for Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Funds for the Fall Creek
Block Party, September 2011
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council established the Neighborhood Improvement
Incentive Fund in 1995 to provide financial assistance to city residents seeking to
improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, the fund is intended to support residents' interest in community improvement and to
encourage, not replace volunteerism, and
WHEREAS, the funds are intended to be used for projects or events that provide a general
neighborhood benefit and not for the limited benefit of individuals or a select few
residents, and
WHEREAS, activities specified by the Council as eligible for the funding include but are not limited
to items such as neighborhood clean-ups, planting in public places, and organizing
neighborhood events like neighborhood block parties or meetings, and
WHEREAS, neighborhood groups are required to submit a completed application specifying other
project donations, estimated volunteer hours, estimated costs to be covered by the fund
and signatures of residents in the immediate neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, to streamline the process the Council has delegated authority to approve applications to
the Planning & Economic Development Committee, and
WHEREAS, each neighborhood group is eligible to receive up to $300 per year as a reimbursement
award payable on the submission of original receipts or invoices for approved activities,
and
WHEREAS, the City cannot reimburse residents for sales tax expenses, and
WHEREAS, an application has been submitted for reimbursement funds to off-set $167.53 in expenses
from the Utica Street neighborhood’s annual block party, and
WHEREAS, while the event is sponsored by the Utica Street residents, notice was circulated
throughout the neighborhood and the event provides opportunities for socializing with
diverse groups residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Planning, and Economic Development Committee approves the funding request
from Maria Costanzo, on behalf of the Utica Street neighborhood, for an amount not to
$167.53 for reimbursement upon presentation of original invoices and/or receipts.
j:\forms, faxes, & letterhead\forms\neighborhood improvement incentive fund (niif) application.doc
Date: _______________ App. #__________
(Office Use)
APPLICATION
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT INCENTIVE FUND
Applicant Information
Neighborhood Group/Ward #: ____________________________________________________
Applicant Contact: ______________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________ Telephone: _____________
......................................................................................................................................................
Project Description
Describe the entire project and indicate those elements for which you are seeking incentive funds. Who
will benefit from the project, and how? Does the project involve any donated materials or labor? What
is the project schedule?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________
Project Budget
List any additional sources of cash, approximate value of any donations and approximate hours of
donated labor. For projects under $100, it is required that you obtain signatures of five neighborhood
residents; for projects over $100, twenty signatures are required.
Total Cash
$___________
Amount Requested
$___________
Donated Labor
_________________hrs
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
Donated Materials
list items_____________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PHYLLISA A. DeSARNO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6559
Email: planning@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
Fax: 607-274-6558 Fax: 607-274-6558
To: Planning & Economic Development Committee
From: Megan Gilbert, Planner
Date: October 13, 2011
RE: Proposal to Adopt the City of Ithaca Design Review Ordinance
The purpose of this memo is to provide information regarding the proposal to adopt the City of
Ithaca Design Review Ordinance. The proposed ordinance would revise the City’s existing
mandatory non-binding design review procedure to improve the efficiency of the process for
applicants and staff. It would repeal the existing §325-41, Design Review, and establish a new
chapter (Chapter 160) within the City Municipal Code. It would also abolish the Design Review
Board and assign the responsibility of design review to the Planning & Development Board. In
addition, the proposed ordinance would establish two procedures for design review: (1) a limited
review procedure for smaller proposals by the Director of Planning & Development; and (2) a
full review procedure for larger projects by the Planning and Development Board.
Under the proposed ordinance, mandatory non-binding design review would apply to all
proposals for:
• New construction, exterior alterations, addition or removal of exterior signs, or additions
to any structure within the zones designated B-1b; B-2c; B-2d; all CBD zones, including
CBD-60, CBD-85, CBD-100, and CBD-120; C-SU; WF-1; WF-2; and on any parcel
within the 2009 Collegetown Study Area as designated on the map entitled “2009
Collegetown Urban Plan & Conceptual Design Guidelines Study Area,” dated October
2011, a copy of which is on file in the Ithaca City Clerk’s Office.
• New construction, exterior alterations, or additions to any structure 60 feet in height or
greater in any zone.
• Demolition of any primary structure within any zone, and demolition of any portion of
any structures within the zones designated B-1b; B-2c; B-2d; all CBD zones, including
CBD-60, CBD-85, CBD-100, and CBD-120; C-SU; WF-1; WF-2; and on any parcel
within the 2009 Collegetown Study Area.
• New construction of a primary structure on a parcel within any zone within two years
following a demolition of a primary structure on that parcel.
• Changes to the site, such as the addition of new or alterations to existing hardscape
elements, including but not limited to paving, retaining walls, or fences on any parcel
within the 2009 Collegetown Study Area.
1
The proposed ordinance would extend mandatory non-binding design review to the recently
adopted waterfront zoning districts WF-1 and WF-2 and to all parcels within the 2009
Collegetown Study Area. However, any parcel within the 2009 Collegetown Study Area on
which a single-family home is and will remain the primary use would be exempt from the design
review requirement. Structures that are locally designated landmarks or within a locally
designated historic district are also exempt, as they are subject to binding review by the Ithaca
Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Staff will attend the Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting on Wednesday,
October 19, 2011 to seek permission to circulate the proposed ordinance for comment. The draft
ordinance and environmental review will be distributed separately early next week. If you have
any questions or comments, please contact Megan Wilson at mwilson@cityofithaca.org or 274-
6560.
2
10/13/11
An Ordinance Amending The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca to Add
Chapter 160, Entitled “Design Review”
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of
Ithaca, as follows:
ORDINANCE NO.
Section 1. Section 41 of Chapter 325, Zoning, of the Municipal Code
of the City of Ithaca is hereby repealed, and all subsequent articles
nd sections shall be hereby renumbered accordingly. a
Section 2. A new chapter (Chapter 160) entitled “Design Review”, is
hereby added to the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, to read as
follows:
§ 160-1. Title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as
the “City of Ithaca Design Review Ordinance.”
§ 160-2. Purpose and Intent.
A. This section is intended to promote the
general public welfare by:
1. Promoting desirable urban growth and
development;
2. Promoting excellence of architectural
and urban design;
3. Preserving and enhancing community
resources such as historic architecture
and neighborhood character;
4. Achieving compatibility with adjacent
properties.
B. The intent of this chapter is to provide for
the review of plans for construction,
exterior alterations, additions, or
demolition of structures in certain zones of
the City or under certain conditions, which
zones and conditions are hereby deemed
special in nature in terms of architectural
character, intensity of existing use and
development, sensitivity to the effect of
change in use, or other reason.
§ 160-3. Definitions.
A. Definitions of specific terms or words as used
in this chapter shall conform to the
definitions of the same terms in the Site Plan
Review Ordinance, Chapter 276, §276-2, and the
Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 325, §325-3.
B. In addition to the definitions in Chapter 276
and Chapter 325, the following terms shall be
Page 1 of 5
10/13/11
used in this chapter as they are defined in
this section:
MANDATORY DESIGN REVIEW
The required review of plans for
construction, exterior alterations,
additions, or demolition of structures
§ 160-4. Applicability.
Mandatory design review shall apply to all
proposals for:
A. New construction, exterior alterations,
addition or removal of exterior signs, or
additions to any structure within the zones
designated B-1b; B-2c; B-2d; all CBD zones,
including CBD-60, CBD-85, CBD-100, and CBD-
120; C-SU; WF-1; WF-2; and on any parcel
within the 2009 Collegetown Study Area as
designated on the map entitled “2009
Collegetown Urban Plan & Conceptual Design
Guidelines Study Area,” dated October 2011,
a copy of which is on file in the Ithaca
City Clerk’s Office.
B. New construction, exterior alterations, or
additions to any structure 60 feet in height
or greater in any zone.
C. Demolition of any primary structure within
any zone, and demolition of any portion of
any structures within the zones designated
B-1b; B-2c; B-2d; all CBD zones, including
CBD-60, CBD-85, CBD-100, and CBD-120; C-SU;
WF-1; WF-2; and on any parcel within the
2009 Collegetown Study Area.
D. New construction of a primary structure on a
parcel within any zone within two years
following a demolition of a primary
structure on that parcel.
E. Changes to the site, such as the addition of
new or alterations to existing hardscape
elements, including but not limited to
paving, retaining walls, or fences on any
parcel within the 2009 Collegetown Study
Area.
§ 160-5. Mandatory Non-Binding Design Review.
Design review recommendations shall not be
binding, unless such recommendation shall also be
incorporated into a decision by the Board of
Zoning Appeals or as a condition of site plan
approval by the Planning and Development Board.
Page 2 of 5
10/13/11
§ 160-6. Exemptions.
A. Any action pertaining to any structure
locally designated as a landmark or within a
locally designated historic district shall
be reviewed by the Ithaca Landmarks
Preservation Commission, and is therefore
exempt from the requirement for design
review. All decisions of the Ithaca
Landmarks Preservation Commission are
binding.
B. Any action pertaining to any parcel within
the 2009 Collegetown Study Area on which a
single-family home is and will remain the
primary use shall be exempt from the
requirement for design review.
§ 160-7. Limited Design Review Procedure.
A. The Building Commissioner or his or her
designee shall determine whether design
review is required when an application for a
building permit or demolition permit is
submitted. If the determination is made
that design review is required, the Building
Commissioner shall transmit the application
to the Director of Planning and Development.
B. Upon receipt of the application, the
Director of Planning and Development or his
or her designee shall determine whether the
proposal shall be subject to a limited or
full design review.
C. The Director of Planning and Development or
his or her designee shall have the authority
to conduct a limited review of proposals of
Type II actions. All proposal for Type I or
Unlisted actions must go to the Planning and
Development Board for full review.
D. If a proposal may cause public controversy,
the Director of Planning and Development may
refer the proposal to the Planning and
Development Board for full review.
§ 160-8. Full Design Review Procedure
A. The Building Commissioner or his or her
designee shall determine whether design
review is required when an application for a
building permit or demolition permit is
submitted. If the determination is made
that design review is required, the Building
Commissioner shall transmit the application
to the Director of Planning and Development.
B. Upon receipt of the application, the
Director of Planning and Development or his
Page 3 of 5
10/13/11
or her designee shall determine whether the
proposal shall be subject to a limited or
full design review.
C. Any individual or group proposing new
construction or development anywhere within
the City of Ithaca may request an informal
design review and advisory recommendation.
D. When the proposal is determined to be
subject to full design review, the
individual or group making the proposal
shall submit an application to the
Department of Planning and Development with
the following information (as appropriate):
1. Name and contact information of the
applicant;
2. Location and photographs of the
property;
3. Building permit application number;
4. Architectural plans, site plans and
drawings of building facades;
5. Lists and/or samples of materials to be
used;
6. Where the proposal includes signs or
lettering, a scale drawing showing the
type of lettering to be used,
dimensions, colors, method of
illumination, and a plan showing the
sign’s location on the property;
7. Any other information necessary to
visualize the proposed work.
E. The Planning and Development Board shall
review the proposal within 45 days from
receipt of the completed application. The
failure of the Planning and Development
Board to act within 45 days of the filing of
an application, unless an extension is
mutually agreed upon by the applicant and
the Board, shall be deemed to constitute
approval.
F. All design review recommendations shall be
communicated in writing no later than 10
business days after the meeting at which the
recommendations are made. A copy shall be
sent to the applicant by mail and a copy
filed with the Building Commissioner.
Section 3. The City Planning and Development Board and the City Clerk
shall update the District Regulations Chart, as referred to in §325-8,
in accordance with the amendments made herewith.
Page 4 of 5
10/13/11
Section 4. Effective date. This ordinance shall take affect
immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of notices as
provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
Page 5 of 5
J:\GROUPS\Planning and Econ Dev Committee\2011 Planning and Economic Development Committee\10
October\LeadAgencyRes_DesignReview_10_19_2011.doc
10/18/11
Proposed Resolution
Planning & Economic Development Committee
October 19, 2011
An Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca to Add Chapter 160,
“Design Review” – Declaration of Lead Agency for Environmental Review
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be
established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state
environmental law, and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the
lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and
funding or carrying out the action, and
WHEREAS, the proposed adoption of the “City of Ithaca Design Review Ordinance” is an
“Unlisted” Action pursuant to the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Ordinance,
which requires environmental review under CEQR; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself lead
agency for the environmental review of the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Municipal
Code to add Chapter 160, “Design Review.”
CITY SHORT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (SEAF) CITY SHORT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (SEAF)
Project Information: To be completed by applicant or project sponsor. Project Information: To be completed by applicant or project sponsor.
1. Applicant/Sponsor: 1. Applicant/Sponsor:
City of Ithaca City of Ithaca
2. Project Name: 2. Project Name:
Adoption of the “City of Ithaca Design
Review Ordinance”
Adoption of the “City of Ithaca Design
Review Ordinance”
3. Project Location: City of Ithaca
4. Is Proposed Action:
X New Expansion
Modification/Alteration
5. Describe project briefly:
• Repeal of Section 41, Design Review, of Chapter 325, Zoning of the Municipal
Code.
• Continuation of mandatory non-binding design review for certain proposals
(identified in the proposed legislation) in specifed zoning districts throughout the
City, as previously included under §325-41, Design Review.
• Establishment of mandatory non-binding design review for certain proposals in
the WF-1 and WF-2 zoning districts and on any parcel in the 2009 Collegetown
Study Area.
• Establishment of limited and full design review procedures.
6. Precise Location (road intersections, prominent landmarks, etc., or provide map):
city-wide
7. Amount of Land Affected:
Initially: 6.1 Sq. Miles Ultimately: 6.1 Sq. Miles
8. Will proposed action comply with existing zoning or other existing land use
restrictions?
X Yes No If no, describe briefly:
9. What is present land use in vicinity of project:
X Residential X Industrial Agricultural X Parkland/Open Space
X Commercial Other _________________
Describe:
10. Does action involve a permit/approval or funding, now or ultimately, from
governmental agency (federal/state/local): Yes X No
If yes, list agency name and permit/approval type:
11. Does any aspect of the action have a currently valid permit or approval?
Yes X No
If yes, list agency name and permit/approval type:
12. As a result of proposed action, will existing permit/approval require modification?
j:\groups\planning and econ con dev committee\2011 planning and economic development committee\10 october\design review seaf
form_10_17_2011.doc
dev committee\2011 planning and economic development committee\10 october\design review seaf
form_10_17_2011.doc
j:\groups\planning and econ dev committee\2011 planning and economic development committee\10 october\design review seaf
form_10_17_2011.doc
Yes X No
I certify the information provided above is true to the best of my knowledge.
DATE: 10/17/11
PREPARER'S SIGNATURE: ____________________________
PREPARER'S TITLE: ___Planner_________________________
REPRESENTING: __City of Ithaca________________________
j:\groups\planning and econ dev committee\2011 planning and economic development committee\10 october\design
review seaf part ii_10_17_2011.doc
SHORT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM
Part II
To Be Completed By Staff
In order to answer the questions in this Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), the preparer is to use
currently available information concerning the project and the likely impacts of the action.
Name of Project: Adoption of the “City of Ithaca Design Review Ordinance”
Yes No
1. Will project result in a large physical change to the project site or physically alter
more than one acre of land?
□
2. Will there be a change to any unique or unusual land form found on the site or to any
site designated a unique natural area or critical environmental area by a local or state
agency?
□
3. Will the project alter or have any effect on an existing waterway? □
4. Will the project have an impact on groundwater quality? □
5. Will the project affect drainage flow on adjacent sites? □
6. Will the project affect any threatened or endangered plant or animal species? □
7. Will the project result in an adverse effect on air quality? □
8. Will the project have an effect on visual character of the community or scenic views
or vistas known to be important to the community:
□
9. Will the project adversely impact any site or structure of historic, pre-historic, or
paleontological importance or any site designated a local landmark or in a landmark
district?
□
10. Will the project have an effect on existing or future recreational opportunities? □
11. Will the project result in traffic problems or cause a major effect to existing
transportation systems?
□
12. Will the project cause objectionable odors, noise, glare, vibration, or electrical
disturbance as a result of the project's operation during construction or after
completion?
□
13. Will the project have any impact on public health or safety? □
14. Will the project affect the existing community by directly causing a growth in
permanent populations of more than 5 percent over a one-year period OR have a
negative effect on the character of the community or neighborhood?
□
15. Is there public controversy concerning the project? □
If any question has been answered YES, a completed Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) is
necessary.
PREPARER'S SIGNATURE: ____________________________________ DATE: _10/17/11_
PREPARER'S TITLE: ___Planner_________________________________
REPRESENTING: _____City of Ithaca_____________________________
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2009 Colleg e town Urban Plan & Conceptual Design Guidelines Study Area
2009 C olle getow n Study A rea
Waterways
Parcels Ü
Octob er 2011
10/17/11 Revised
Draft Resolution Prohibiting the Leasing of City of Ithaca-Owned Land for Hydraulic-
fracturing Natural Gas Drilling and Extraction
WHEREAS, it is increasingly clear that drilling for natural gas using high-volume slick-
water hydraulic-fracturing (hydrofracking) may have severe adverse impacts on
communities and the environment, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca owns property and land within the City of Ithaca for
various uses and purposes including: areas of preservation including the Six Mile Creek
and Ithaca Falls Natural Areas, parkland for public recreation and amusement such as
Cass Park and Stewart Park, as well as land for other City facilities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca also owns property and land outside the City of Ithaca for
various uses and purposes, including a portion of “substitute” parkland in the southwest
area of the City; and
WHEREAS, the State of New York gives local governments the authority to enact local
laws, ordinances, and policies not inconsistent with the provisions of the State
constitution or any general law; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is vested with the authority and power to regulate,
manage, and control its property under General City Law; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca has authority to approve or deny
any lease(s) of City owned land and whereas the Board of Public Works has the authority
to grant approval or deny any temporary easement(s), not exceeding a year, of City
owned land under the City Municipal Code Chapter 170, entitled “Use of City Real
Property”; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has historically demonstrated and continues to support its
commitment to preserving the beauty, quality, use, and ecologic and environmental
integrity of all land within the City of Ithaca, but especially land owned by the City of
Ithaca, through establishment and passage of Code provisions supporting City programs
such as the Conservation Advisory Council, Parks Commission, Natural Areas
Commission, City Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council, and Shade Tree Advisory
Committee, and the City’s urban forestry program;
WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek watershed is the primary watershed for the City of Ithaca
and whereas a portion of Six Mile Creek watershed is owned by the City as a Natural
Area;
WHEREAS, the activity of drilling on and transporting natural gas from City-owned
lands, with the attendant well pads, roads, pipelines, and ancillary facilities, may damage
their value by alienating the public from use and enjoyment of such land, threatening
water resources, impairing habitat value for forest-dwelling species, removing natural
vegetation cover, and allowing invasive species to become established; and
WHEREAS, such activity would undoubtedly place added stress on species that may
increasingly come under stress from the impacts of natural gas drilling, and
WHEREAS any economic boost to the City from leasing City-owned land for
development and sale of natural gas is short term, and will foreclose the long-term benefit
to the City of tourism and enjoyment of City-owned lands by residents of Ithaca and its
surrounding areas, and
WHEREAS, it is clear that from a long-term environmental, economic, and social
perspective the value and integrity of City-owned lands will be much greater if left
unimpaired by the impacts of gas drilling than if such drilling is allowed to occur, now
therefore be
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca will not lease or in any way consent to the use of any
City-owned lands, whether located within or outside the City of Ithaca, for high-volume,
slick-water hydraulic-fracturing to extract natural gas.
2