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

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at the subject property in Park Ridge, Illinois. The analysis identifies key development risks, opportunities, and recommended next steps to determine project viability.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: Site access is a significant strength. The property is located at 1480 Renaissance Drive in a well-developed commercial office park. It has direct access to Higgins Road and is less than a mile from the I-294 (Tri-State Tollway) interchange. Access is via paved, public roads designed to handle commercial traffic, including semi-trailers. This is ideal for the delivery of heavy and oversized BESS equipment, such as battery containers, power conversion systems (PCS), and medium-voltage transformers.

Terrain Characteristics: Based on aerial imagery and the general geography of Cook County, the site is presumed to be flat and previously graded as part of the office park's construction. This significantly reduces the need for extensive civil work, lowering potential site preparation costs. The existing infrastructure includes paved parking lots and landscaped areas, one of which could potentially be repurposed for the BESS compound.

Heavy Equipment Feasibility: Access for heavy equipment, including a 100-ton crane for setting transformers and enclosures, appears excellent. The wide roads and likely open parking areas provide ample space for staging and maneuvering. No significant overhead line conflicts or tight turning radii are immediately apparent on the primary access routes.

Easement Concerns: As a developed commercial parcel, existing utility easements for power, water, sewer, and telecommunications are expected. A title search is required to identify these. A new, dedicated easement will be required for the generator lead line connecting the BESS to the point of interconnection (POI). The feasibility and cost of securing this easement are currently unknown and depend entirely on the POI location. This requires verification.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This is a critical data gap. Development within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A, AE) would impose significant constraints, potentially requiring all equipment to be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation, adding substantial cost. An immediate desktop review of FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) is a high-priority next step.

Wetlands Presence: The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is Unknown. A screening of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is required. Given the site's developed nature within an office park, the risk of wetlands within the target buildable area is likely low. However, verification is mandatory, as any wetlands would trigger significant setbacks (typically 50-100 feet) and potentially lengthy permitting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: Initial screening shows no designated critical habitats or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the parcel. This is a positive finding that lowers the risk of encountering state or federal endangered species issues that could delay or halt development.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The subject parcel itself is not identified as a brownfield. While there is a