⚡ 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 Ridge" - 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential acquisition and development of a battery energy storage system (BESS) at the subject property in Park Ridge, Cook County, Illinois. The analysis identifies key site attributes, risks, and recommended next steps to advance the project.

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property exhibits excellent characteristics for site access and buildability. Located in a developed commercial office park immediately adjacent to Interstate 294, the site has direct frontage on Renaissance Drive, a paved public road. This high-quality access is a significant advantage for both construction and long-term operations and maintenance.

• Equipment Delivery: The proximity to a major interstate and the robust road infrastructure within the office park suggest no significant impediments to the delivery of heavy equipment. Large tractor-trailers carrying battery containers, pad-mount transformers, and switchgear should be able to access the site with ease.
• Terrain Characteristics: Based on regional topography and aerial imagery, the site is presumed to be flat with minimal grade, which is ideal for BESS development. This will minimize civil engineering and earthwork costs, which can be substantial on sloped sites. Requires Verification via a formal topographic survey.
• Easement Concerns: As a developed commercial parcel, the site is almost certain to be encumbered by existing utility and access easements (e.g., for power, water, sewer, and telecommunications). While access easements are not a concern due to public road frontage, utility easements could conflict with the proposed BESS layout and constrain the buildable area. A title commitment and ALTA survey are required to identify and map these encumbrances.

2. Environmental Constraints

The environmental profile of the site presents both opportunities and significant unknowns that must be addressed immediately. While the absence of critical habitats is a positive, the lack of data on flood and wetland risk is a major concern.

• FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This is a critical data gap. The property is located approximately 0.5 miles east of the Des Plaines River, elevating the risk that it could be within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Development within an SFHA would require significant design modifications, such as elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, adding substantial cost and complexity. A FEMA FIRM panel review is a high-priority action item.
• Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is Unknown. Given the proximity to the river, a desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is required, to be followed by a formal wetland delineation if the screening indicates potential risk. Any identified wetlands would trigger setback requirements, reducing the net buildable acreage.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The data indicates one brownfield or superfund site within a two-mile radius. This presents a dual-edged consideration. If the subject parcel itself can be classified as a brownfield (e.g., through a Phase I/II ESA identifying recognized environmental conditions), it could qualify for the valuable 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder. Conversely, contamination from a nearby site could pose a risk to our project through soil or groundwater