⚡ 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 APN 09221100050000 (Park Ridge, IL)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, Cook County, Illinois. The analysis evaluates the site's suitability based on key development criteria.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Feasibility: The property has frontage on Renaissance Drive, a publicly maintained road within a commercial office park. Satellite imagery review indicates these are wide, well-paved asphalt roads capable of handling commercial traffic. Access from major highways, specifically Interstate 294, is excellent, which is a significant advantage for logistics during construction.

Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for the Chicago metropolitan area, the site appears to be exceptionally flat with minimal grade. This is highly favorable, as it will significantly reduce civil engineering and site preparation costs. Extensive grading or earthwork is not anticipated.

Heavy Equipment Access: The existing road network appears fully capable of supporting the delivery of heavy equipment, including mobile cranes, transformers, and containerized BESS units. A detailed route survey is still required to confirm bridge weight limits and turning radii from the interstate to the site, but initial assessment shows a low risk of access constraints.

Easement Concerns: While access to the site via public roads is secure, the parcel is located in a developed area. It is highly probable that existing utility easements (power, water, sewer, telecommunications) cross the property. A title report and ALTA survey are required immediately to identify any easements that could conflict with the proposed BESS equipment layout. There is a notable discrepancy in listed acreage (35.02 vs. 2.97 acres); the 2.97-acre figure from Regrid is assumed to be more accurate for this specific parcel and is sufficient for a ≤5MW BESS. This must be confirmed.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This is a critical data gap. A determination must be made immediately using FEMA's Map Service Center. If any portion of the buildable area falls within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone AE), it could necessitate costly mitigation (raising all equipment pads above the Base Flood Elevation) or render the site undevelopable.

Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is Unknown. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step. Given the developed nature of the area, the risk of federally protected wetlands is moderate to low, but drainage features or human-made wetlands could still be present. If the NWI screening is positive, a formal wetland delineation will be required, which could introduce setbacks and constrain the buildable area.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitats or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the site. This is a low-risk category due to the site's location in a dense suburban environment. A desktop review should still be performed to confirm no state-level species of concern have been recorded in the vicinity.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property itself is not listed as a brownfield. Therefore, it does not qualify for the 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder. The presence of one Superfund/brownfield site within two miles is a minor risk, potentially raising public perception issues during permitting. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is mandatory to ensure no unrecognized environmental conditions exist on our target parcel from historical use.

Pipeline Proximity: No major gas transmission pipelines are identified within a three-mile radius. This is a significant advantage, as it eliminates risks related to pipeline safety setbacks, which can be a fatal flaw for BESS projects.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

Nearest Substation & Feeder: This is the most significant and concerning data gap. The location, name, and voltage of the nearest distribution substation are