⚡ 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 (1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at the subject property. The analysis covers key site characteristics, constraints, and opportunities to inform a go/no-go decision.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site exhibits excellent logistical characteristics. It is located at 1480 Renaissance Drive in a well-developed suburban office park in Park Ridge, IL. Access is provided directly from a paved, public road. The property's immediate proximity to major transportation corridors, specifically the I-294 (Tri-State Tollway), is a significant advantage. This allows for straightforward and cost-effective delivery of oversized and overweight equipment, including main power transformers, switchgear, and containerized battery systems, minimizing transportation risks and costs.

Terrain & Site Conditions: Based on aerial imagery and the general geography of Cook County, the site topography is presumed to be flat. The parcel is currently developed with a multi-story office building and associated surface parking lots. This existing development suggests the site is already graded and stable. The paved parking areas could serve as an ideal location for the BESS compound, potentially reducing civil construction costs associated with grading and foundation work. A geotechnical study will be required to confirm soil bearing capacity for heavy equipment foundations.

Access & Easements: Heavy equipment access appears feasible via existing roads. However, a critical due diligence item is a full ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey and a Title Commitment review. The existing commercial development certainly has multiple utility easements (power, water, sewer, communications) that must be identified and mapped. The proposed BESS layout must avoid encroaching on these easements, which could constrain the buildable area. No issues with access easements are anticipated given the public road frontage.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This represents a critical and immediate data gap. A review of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) is a top priority. If the site is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A or AE), development would be severely restricted or require costly mitigation, such as elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation. Such a designation would likely render the project unviable.

Wetlands: The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is also Unknown. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step. Given the site's developed nature within an office park, the likelihood of significant, high-quality wetlands is low. However, even small wetland features could trigger significant permitting requirements from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois EPA, including costly delineation studies and potential mitigation. This must be investigated before committing further resources.

Habitat & Protected Species: The data indicates no critical habitats or protected areas on or near the site. This is a positive finding that significantly de-risks the project from potential conflicts with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), avoiding lengthy consultations and potential mitigation costs.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property itself is not identified as a brownfield. Therefore, it