⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee

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: 09221100050000)

FINAL RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the subject property for the development of a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). While the site benefits from strong federal incentives and seemingly clear environmental conditions, it faces critical, potentially fatal flaws related to grid interconnection and local zoning. The current recommendation is MAYBE, contingent on positive outcomes from immediate, high-priority due diligence tasks outlined below. The project carries a high degree of uncertainty and risk at this preliminary stage.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access & Feasibility: The site has excellent access. It is located in a modern commercial office park with direct frontage on Renaissance Drive, a paved, public road. Access from major thoroughfares like I-294 and S. Dee Road is straightforward. The existing road infrastructure appears robust and well-maintained, fully capable of supporting heavy truck traffic required for project delivery.
• Terrain Characteristics: Based on aerial imagery and the general geography of Cook County, the site is presumed to be flat with minimal grade. This is ideal for BESS development, as it will significantly reduce civil engineering and site preparation costs. No major topographical challenges are anticipated.
• Heavy Equipment Access: Access for critical heavy equipment, including semi-trucks delivering battery containers, pad-mount transformers, and switchgear, is considered excellent. The wide roads and likely spacious layout of the office park should provide ample room for maneuvering and staging during construction.
• Easement Concerns: Requires Verification. As part of a planned commercial development, the parcel is likely subject to various easements (utility, access, drainage). A full title report is required to identify any easements that could restrict the placement of BESS equipment or create conflicts with the proposed site layout. The discrepancy in reported acreage (35.02 vs. 2.97 acres) must be resolved immediately via a title search and potentially a survey to confirm the legal parcel boundaries and net buildable area.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The provided data lists the flood zone as "Unknown." A preliminary check of the FEMA Flood Map Service Center indicates the parcel is located in Zone X, an area of minimal flood hazard. This is a highly favorable designation, but it must be formally verified. If confirmed, no specialized flood mitigation measures would be required, reducing project cost and complexity.
• Wetlands: Requires Verification. The data lists wetlands as "Unknown." A preliminary desktop review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) does not show any mapped wetlands on or immediately adjacent to the parcel. However, a formal wetlands delineation by a qualified consultant will be required during the entitlement process to confirm the absence of jurisdictional wetlands and avoid potential setbacks.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The site is not located within any designated critical habitat or protected areas. Risk of encountering endangered species is considered low, simplifying the environmental permitting process.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The presence of a superfund site within two miles is noted but does not appear to impact the subject parcel directly. The key consideration is whether our parcel could qualify as a "brownfield" under IRA guidelines, which would unlock a 10% ITC adder. Given its history as an office park, this is unlikely but should be investigated during a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). This represents a potential financial upside rather than a risk.
• Pipeline Proximity: The absence of major gas pipelines within a three-mile radius is a significant safety and design advantage. It eliminates the need for specialized risk assessments,