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

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential development of a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the subject property. The analysis identifies significant opportunities, primarily related to IRA incentives, but also flags critical deficiencies, most notably the lack of a viable interconnection point, that must be resolved before committing further resources.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Feasibility: The property is located at 1480 Renaissance Drive in a well-developed commercial/office park in Park Ridge, IL, adjacent to major transportation corridors including I-294. Access is provided via public, paved roads which appear to be in good condition and suitable for standard construction traffic. The commercial nature of the area suggests that roads are designed to accommodate large delivery trucks.

Terrain Characteristics: The topography in this region of Cook County is characteristically flat. While a formal topographical survey is required for detailed engineering, significant grading is not anticipated, which should help control civil construction costs. The existing site appears to be developed with an office building and associated parking, suggesting a previously graded and stable surface.

Heavy Equipment Access: Access for heavy equipment, including mobile cranes for setting transformers and battery containers, appears feasible. However, a detailed logistics plan must verify turning radii from public roads onto the site and confirm that no local road weight restrictions would impede the delivery of heavy components like a 25-ton step-up transformer or 30-ton battery enclosures.

Easement Concerns: As a developed commercial parcel, the site is certainly encumbered by existing utility easements (power, water, sewer, communications). A full title report and ALTA survey are required to identify the location and nature of these easements. They present a significant constraint on the usable area for the BESS layout and could conflict with proposed equipment pads or access routes. A critical discrepancy exists in the provided data: "Total Acres" is listed as 35.02, while "Parcel Acres (Regrid)" is 2.97. This must be resolved via a title report immediately. This analysis assumes the more conservative 2.97 acres is correct.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is listed as Unknown. This is a critical data gap. A review of the FEMA Flood Map Service Center is an immediate next step. If the site is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone AE), development costs will increase substantially due to the need to elevate all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, and permitting may become more complex. Any significant flood risk could be a fatal flaw.

Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is Unknown. A desktop review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is required. If potential wetlands are identified, a formal wetland delineation will be necessary. Cook County and the US Army Corps of Engineers have strict regulations, and any jurisdictional wetlands would require significant setbacks, reducing the buildable area.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: No critical habitats or protected areas are noted in the provided data. Given the site's location in a dense, developed commercial area, the risk of encountering endangered species is considered low. However, this should be confirmed via a desktop screening.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The data indicates one Superfund site within a 2-mile radius. The subject property itself is not identified as a brownfield. This means it is not eligible for the 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder. The proximity of a Superfund site presents a risk of potential soil or groundwater contamination migrating onto the property. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is mandatory to assess this risk and establish a baseline environmental condition.

Pipeline Proximity: The absence of major gas pipelines within a 3-mile radius is a significant safety