⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Investment Committee
FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst
DATE: October 26, 2023
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for "Project O'Hare" (1480 RENAISSANCE DR, Park Ridge, IL 60068)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL. The analysis covers key site attributes, risks, and opportunities to inform a go/no-go decision.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Feasibility: The site exhibits excellent road access. It is located in a modern office park immediately adjacent to Interstate 294 and major arterial road W Touhy Avenue. Access to the parcel is via Renaissance Drive, a paved, multi-lane commercial road capable of handling heavy truck traffic. Delivery of large equipment, including battery containers, inverter skids, and the main power transformer, appears feasible from a public infrastructure standpoint.

Terrain & Topography: The property is in Cook County, an area known for its flat topography. As a developed commercial site, the parcel has been graded and is level, presenting no topographical challenges for construction. Stormwater management infrastructure is presumed to be in place for the existing development, though it would need to be re-evaluated for a BESS project.

On-Site Maneuverability: While public road access is strong, on-site access presents a significant challenge. The parcel is approximately 3 acres and is almost fully developed with a multi-story office building and associated surface parking. Heavy equipment will need to navigate an active parking lot. The available space for a construction laydown area is severely limited, which will increase construction complexity and cost.

Easement Concerns: Existing utility easements for power, water, and communications are expected. A new easement will be required for the generator tie-in line (gen-tie) to the point of interconnection (POI). If the POI is on a nearby distribution line along a public right-of-way, the easement path may be straightforward. However, any path crossing third-party private property would introduce significant risk and potential delays.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown and represents a critical data gap. A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) analysis must be conducted immediately. If the site is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A, AE), it could render the project unviable or require costly mitigation, such as elevating all equipment pads and control houses above the Base Flood Elevation.

Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. While less likely on a developed urban parcel, a desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is a necessary first step. If the screening indicates potential wetlands, a formal field delineation would be required, which could constrain the buildable area.