⚡ 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 (Cook County)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale BESS project at the subject property. The analysis is based on preliminary data and identifies critical risks, opportunities, and recommended next steps. The site presents a significant incentive opportunity but faces substantial challenges related to grid interconnection and regulatory approval.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site has direct access from Renaissance Drive, a public road within a well-developed commercial office park. Road quality is expected to be excellent, designed to handle commercial traffic, including delivery trucks. A preliminary review of satellite imagery shows no obvious obstructions like low-clearance bridges or excessively tight turns on the primary access routes.

Terrain & Buildability: Located in the greater Chicago area, the site's topography is presumed to be flat with minimal slope. This is highly advantageous, as it will likely eliminate the need for extensive civil grading, reducing site preparation costs. The primary buildability concern is not topography but the constraints of the existing development. The parcel is currently occupied by a multi-story office building and associated parking. A BESS project would likely need to be sited on a portion of the existing surface parking lot, which would require careful planning for construction logistics, safety, and aesthetics.

Heavy Equipment Feasibility: Access for heavy equipment such as cranes, transformers, and containerized BESS units appears feasible via the existing road network. The key challenge will be maneuvering equipment within the parcel boundaries without disrupting the existing office tenant operations. A detailed construction logistics plan will be essential.

Easement Concerns: As a developed commercial property, the site is certainly encumbered by multiple utility easements (power, water, sewer, communications). A current ALTA survey is required to identify the location and nature of these easements. The proposed BESS footprint and interconnection route must be designed to avoid any conflict, which could constrain the available buildable area.

2. Environmental Constraints

Flood & Wetlands: FEMA flood zone and wetlands status are currently Unknown. This is a critical data gap. A desktop screening using FEMA FIRM maps and the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) must be conducted immediately. Given the developed nature of the site, the risk of jurisdictional wetlands is moderate to low, but could exist in drainage swales or retention areas. Any presence in a 100-year floodplain (Zone A/AE) would be a major impediment, requiring costly mitigation (e.g., building up a pad for all equipment) or rendering the site unviable.

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

Brownfield/Superfund Status: While a Superfund site exists within two miles, it is unlikely to impact this property. The key consideration here is the potential for the site itself to qualify as a "brownfield" for the 10% IRA ITC