⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for APN 09221100050000 (1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the property located at 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL, for its potential as a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. The analysis covers key development pillars including site characteristics, environmental constraints, grid infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and financial incentives.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access: The site is located within a well-developed commercial office park, fronting Renaissance Drive. Based on satellite imagery, access appears to be excellent via paved, multi-lane roads connected to major thoroughfares like I-294. This existing infrastructure is a significant advantage, suggesting that public roads are built to a high standard capable of handling heavy vehicle traffic.

Equipment Delivery: The primary access roads appear suitable for the delivery of heavy and oversized equipment, including lowboy trailers carrying 40-foot battery containers, switchgear, and large power transformers. However, on-site circulation within the office park's parking lots and driveways requires verification. A turning radius analysis will be necessary to ensure semi-trailers can navigate from the public road to the final project footprint without issue.

Topography: The site is in Cook County, Illinois, an area known for its extremely flat terrain. The property appears to be graded and level, consistent with its current use as a commercial development. This is highly favorable, as it will minimize civil engineering and site preparation costs. Extensive grading or earthwork is not anticipated.

Easement Concerns: A significant discrepancy exists between the listed 35.02 acres and the Regrid parcel data of 2.97 acres. Assuming the 2.97-acre parcel is correct, it is likely part of a larger, master-planned development. It is critical to verify if any cross-access easements, utility easements, or other restrictive covenants exist that could limit our development area or access rights. An ALTA survey and title report are required to clarify these points.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Requires Verification. This is a critical, immediate diligence item. Any designation within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone AE) would introduce significant design challenges and costs, requiring all equipment to be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). A location within a floodway would likely be a fatal flaw.

Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is Requires Verification. A desktop review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step. Given the developed nature of the site, jurisdictional wetlands are less likely, but drainage features or small pockets could exist. If NWI indicates potential wetlands, a formal wetland delineation would be required, which could trigger setback requirements (typically 50-100 feet) and reduce the buildable area.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitats or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the site. This significantly de-risks the project from a federal Endangered Species Act perspective. This should be confirmed with a preliminary environmental screening.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property is not listed as a brownfield, but one Superfund site is noted within a two-mile radius. This poses a low-to-moderate risk of potential contaminant migration, which must be assessed via a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). Conversely, this presents a major opportunity. The existing multi-story office building may contain materials (e.g., asbestos) that, upon demolition, could qualify the site as a "brownfield" under IRA guidelines. If this classification is achieved, the project would be eligible for the 10