⚡ 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 the property located at 1480 Renaissance Dr in Park Ridge, Cook County, Illinois. The analysis evaluates the site's suitability for a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project based on key development criteria. The site presents a compelling opportunity due to its location and valuable IRA incentives, but faces significant, immediate challenges related to grid interconnection and local zoning.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site benefits from excellent public road access. Located in a suburban office park directly adjacent to the I-294 (Tri-State Tollway), the property is served by Renaissance Drive, a well-maintained, multi-lane commercial road. This access is more than adequate for the delivery of heavy equipment, including semi-trucks carrying battery containers, medium-voltage transformers, and switchgear. No obvious obstructions such as low-clearance bridges or tight turning radii were observed during a preliminary desktop review.

Topography & Site Conditions: As is typical for the Chicago metropolitan area, the terrain appears to be exceptionally flat with minimal grade change. This is highly advantageous, as it will significantly reduce civil engineering and site preparation costs. Extensive grading or earthwork is not anticipated.

Easement Concerns: While road access is not a concern, the property's location within a developed office park makes it highly probable that multiple existing utility easements (e.g., for power, water, sewer, and telecommunications) cross the parcel. A title report and ALTA survey are required to identify the location and nature of these easements, as they may constrain the final BESS layout and buildable area.

2. Environmental Constraints

Flood Zone & Wetlands: The FEMA flood zone and wetlands status are currently Unknown. This represents a critical, potentially fatal flaw risk. Immediate action is needed to pull the relevant FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and conduct a desktop National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) screening. Any portion of the site within a 100-year floodplain (Zone A/AE) or designated wetland area would trigger significant permitting hurdles, costly mitigation (e.g., raising all equipment pads), and extensive setbacks, possibly rendering the project infeasible.

Habitat & Protected Species: The data indicates no critical habitats or protected areas on or near the site. This is a positive factor that simplifies the environmental permitting process.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: While a Superfund site exists within two miles, the status of the subject parcel is unknown. This presents both a risk and an opportunity. If the site itself qualifies as a "brownfield" under IRA guidelines (due to prior use or perceived contamination), the project could be eligible for a 10% ITC adder. Conversely, if significant, unremediated contamination exists, cleanup liability and costs could be prohibitive. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is strongly recommended to clarify this status.

Other Considerations: The site is not within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. The lack of pipelines within a three-mile radius is a significant safety and design advantage, eliminating the need for specialized setbacks and safety studies related to pipeline hazards.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

Nearest Substation & POI: This is the most significant data gap and risk for the project. The data provides no information on the nearest distribution substation. A desktop review of satellite imagery suggests a potential substation approximately 0.75 miles east of the site, but its voltage, capacity, and ownership are unverified. Without a viable Point of Interconnection (POI), the project cannot advance. Identifying the serving utility (presumed to be Commonwealth Edison, "ComEd")