⚡ 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 Project "Renaissance" (1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential acquisition and development of a distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at 1480 Renaissance Drive in Park Ridge, Cook County, Illinois. The analysis is based on the provided property data and preliminary desktop research. Significant data gaps exist, which are highlighted as critical path items for further investigation.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access: The property benefits from excellent access. It is located within a developed commercial office park and fronts onto Renaissance Drive, a paved public road. This road connects to major local thoroughfares, providing straightforward access to Interstate 294, which is less than a mile away. This existing, high-quality infrastructure is a significant advantage for construction logistics.

Equipment Delivery: The existing road network appears suitable for heavy truck traffic. However, a detailed logistics study is required to confirm that the entire delivery route, from the interstate to the site, can accommodate the weight and turning radii of trucks carrying heavy equipment such as multi-ton transformers, switchgear, and containerized battery systems. Bridge weight limits and overhead line clearances on local roads must be verified.

Topography: Based on aerial imagery and the general geography of the Chicago metropolitan area, the site is presumed to be flat with minimal grade. This is ideal for BESS development, as it will significantly reduce the need for extensive civil work and site grading, thereby lowering construction costs and timelines.

Easement Concerns: As a parcel within an established commercial development, there is a moderate risk of existing utility, access, or drainage easements encumbering the property. A preliminary title report is an essential next step to identify any such restrictions that could limit the buildable area or dictate equipment placement.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown. This is a critical data gap. If the site is located within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone AE), development could be prohibited or require costly mitigation, such as elevating all equipment pads and control houses above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This could render the project economically unviable.

Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. While the site appears to be developed land, a desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is required immediately. If potential wetlands are identified, a formal wetland delineation will be necessary. Any confirmed wetlands would trigger significant state and federal setback requirements, reducing the buildable acreage.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitats or protected areas on or near the site. This significantly de-risks the project from a wildlife permitting perspective.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The parcel itself is not identified as a brownfield. Therefore, it does not currently qualify for the 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder. The presence of a superfund site within two miles is a potential risk. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is mandatory to ensure no soil or groundwater contamination has migrated to our parcel and to establish a baseline for environmental liability.

Pipeline Proximity: No major gas pipelines are identified within a three-mile radius, which is a positive safety and layout consideration.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

Nearest Substation & Distribution Feeder: CRITICAL DATA GAP. Information