⚡ 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 (APN: 09221100050000)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at the subject property. The site presents a compelling opportunity due to a confirmed federal incentive adder, but carries significant risks related to grid interconnection and local permitting that must be addressed before committing further development capital.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Feasibility: The property is located in a well-developed commercial office park in Park Ridge, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Access is excellent via public, paved roads, including Renaissance Drive and South Potter Road. These roads appear to be constructed to a commercial standard, capable of handling heavy truck traffic. Satellite imagery review indicates sufficient turning radii for tractor-trailers delivering BESS containers and the main power transformer.

Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for the Cook County region, the topography of the parcel appears to be exceptionally flat with minimal grade. This is ideal for BESS development, as it will significantly reduce civil engineering and site preparation costs. No major earthwork is anticipated.

Heavy Equipment Access: Access for critical heavy equipment, including a 100-ton crane for transformer placement and flatbed trucks for battery enclosures, appears feasible without major modifications. Proximity to major highways (I-294, I-90) is a logistical advantage for equipment delivery.

Easement Concerns: Requires Verification. As an existing commercial lot, there are likely pre-existing utility easements for electricity, water, and communications. A title search is required to identify these. A new, exclusive utility easement will need to be negotiated with the landowner (IMPERIAL REALTY CO) for the interconnection route (gen-tie line) from the BESS to the point of interconnection (POI). If only a portion of the parcel is leased, a dedicated access easement will also be required.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown and represents a critical data gap. An immediate desktop review on the FEMA Map Service Center is required. If the site is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A, AE), development costs could increase substantially due to requirements for elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, or the site may be rendered undevelopable. Given the developed surroundings, it is likely in Zone X (low risk), but this must be confirmed.

Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. A desktop screening using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the necessary first step. If potential wetlands are identified on or near the parcel, a formal wetland delineation would be required, and state/local setback requirements could constrain the buildable area.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The initial screen shows no critical habitat or protected areas on site, which is a significant positive. A formal check of the USFWS IPaC database is recommended to confirm and document this finding.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property is not a listed Superfund site. However, the data notes one listed site within a 2-mile radius. This presents both a minor risk and a major opportunity. The risk is potential contamination migration, which should be assessed via a Phase