⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Team

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for "Project Renaissance"

PROPERTY: 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, Park Ridge, Cook County, IL (APN: 09-22-110-005-0000)

FINAL RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential acquisition and development of a distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the subject property. The site possesses a significant financial advantage through its qualification as an Energy Community, but this is counterbalanced by critical, unresolved risks related to grid interconnection and local zoning. The project should not proceed beyond the initial, low-cost due diligence steps outlined below without clear, positive resolution of these fundamental issues.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site has direct frontage on Renaissance Drive, a public, paved road within a well-maintained commercial office park. Satellite imagery review confirms the location is immediately adjacent to Interstate 294, providing excellent regional access for equipment delivery. The existing road network appears capable of handling heavy truck traffic.
• Terrain Characteristics: The topography in Park Ridge and the surrounding Cook County area is exceptionally flat. This is a significant advantage, as it will minimize civil engineering and site grading costs, which are often substantial on sloped sites. A formal topographical survey is still required, but we anticipate minimal challenges.
• Heavy Equipment Feasibility: Access for critical heavy equipment, including a large mobile crane for setting transformers and offloading containerized BESS units, appears feasible. The internal roads of the office park are wide. Action Item: A constructability review must confirm turning radii and the absence of low-hanging overhead lines or road weight restrictions.
• Easement Concerns: The parcel is part of a larger planned development. There is a high probability of existing utility, access, or drainage easements burdening the property. A full title commitment review is mandatory to identify any easements that could conflict with the proposed BESS equipment layout and reduce the buildable area.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This represents a critical information gap. Development within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A or AE) would necessitate elevating all equipment pads and control systems above the Base Flood Elevation, adding significant cost and complexity. If the site is in a regulatory floodway, development may be prohibited entirely. This must be verified immediately via FEMA's Map Service Center.
• Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is Unknown. A desktop review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step. Any potential wetlands identified would trigger state (Illinois EPA) and federal (USACE) setback requirements, which could severely constrain the buildable envelope on this relatively small 2.97-acre parcel.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The provided data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on site, which is a positive finding. This is consistent with the developed, commercial nature of the surrounding area. A check of the USFWS IPaC system is recommended for formal documentation.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: While a Superfund site exists within two miles, the subject property itself is not listed as a brownfield. Therefore, it is unlikely to qualify for the 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder. The nearby site poses a low risk of contaminant migration, but this should be formally assessed in a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).