⚡ 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 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, Park Ridge, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential development of a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the subject property. The analysis identifies significant opportunities, primarily related to IRA incentives, but also flags critical risks concerning grid interconnection and local permitting that must be addressed before committing further resources.

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property is located within a developed commercial office park in Park Ridge, a mature suburb of Chicago. Overall access is considered excellent.

• Road Access & Delivery Feasibility: The site has direct access from Renaissance Drive, a paved, public road. Its proximity to Interstate 294 suggests that major transportation routes are readily available for equipment delivery. The existing road network appears robust and designed to handle commercial traffic, which is a significant advantage.
• Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for the Chicagoland area, the topography is expected to be exceptionally flat. This will minimize the need for extensive civil work and grading, reducing site preparation costs and timelines. A formal topographical survey is still required for detailed engineering design.
• Heavy Equipment Access: Access for heavy equipment, including mobile cranes, transformers, and containerized BESS units, appears feasible. However, a route survey should be conducted to verify bridge weight limits and turning radii on the final approach roads leading to the site.
• Easement Concerns: Given the developed nature of the area, there is a high probability of existing utility, access, or drainage easements encumbering the parcel. A full title report is a critical next step to identify any such restrictions that could constrain the BESS footprint and final site layout. Requires Verification.

2. Environmental Constraints

The environmental profile presents both opportunities and significant unknowns that require immediate investigation.

• FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown. This is a critical data gap. Any designation within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone A, AE) would likely render the site undevelopable for critical infrastructure like a BESS or require cost-prohibitive mitigation measures (e.g., elevating all equipment). This must be investigated immediately via the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
• Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is also unknown. A desktop review using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step. If potential wetlands are identified, a formal wetlands delineation will be necessary to determine their boundaries and any required setbacks, which could severely limit the buildable area.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The initial data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on or near the site. This is a positive finding that reduces the risk of lengthy and complex consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: While there is a Superfund site within two miles, the subject parcel itself is not listed. However, its location in a commercial/industrial corridor means it could potentially qualify as a "brownfield site" under IRA guidelines, which could unlock a 10% ITC bonus. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is required to evaluate past land use and determine if the site meets the definition. This is a potential financial advantage.
• Pipeline Proximity: The absence of major gas pipelines within a three-mile radius is a significant safety and design advantage, eliminating concerns related to pipeline setbacks and explosion risk analysis.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

Interconnection is the single greatest risk and uncertainty for this project. The provided data is critically incomplete.

• Nearest Substation: Data is missing. Identifying the nearest Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) distribution substation, its distance, and its available capacity is the most urgent priority. Without a viable Point of Interconnection (POI), the project is not feasible. The project's viability is entirely dependent on the proximity and health of the local distribution grid.
• Transmission Line Proximity: A 138kV ComEd transmission line is located 1.5 miles away