⚡ 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 "Project Renaissance"

PROPERTY: 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, Park Ridge, Cook County, IL (APN: 09-22-110-005-0000)

FINAL RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE

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 site presents a significant financial advantage through its qualification as an IRA Energy Community but faces critical, unverified risks related to grid interconnection and zoning entitlement. The current recommendation is MAYBE, pending the immediate execution of key de-risking steps outlined below. A go/no-go decision should be made within 60 days following the results of the initial feasibility studies.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site benefits from excellent public road access. It is located within a commercial office park directly adjacent to major thoroughfares and Interstate 294. The roads, such as Renaissance Dr, appear wide, well-maintained, and capable of supporting heavy truck traffic, including low-boy trailers for transformers and battery containers.
• Terrain Characteristics: Based on its location in the greater Chicago area, the site's topography is presumed to be flat. This is highly advantageous, as it will minimize the need for extensive civil work and grading, thereby reducing construction costs and timelines.
• Heavy Equipment Feasibility: Access for construction equipment, including a 100-ton crane for setting transformers and enclosures, appears feasible. Requires Verification: A detailed logistics plan should confirm turning radii from public roads onto the site and verify the absence of any low-hanging overhead utility lines that could obstruct high loads.
• Easement Concerns: As part of a developed office park, the parcel is likely subject to existing utility, access, or other restrictive easements. A full ALTA survey and title report are required to identify any encumbrances that could limit the buildable envelope for the BESS facility. The parcel size discrepancy between data sources (35.02 acres vs. 2.97 acres) must be resolved; we assume the 2.97-acre parcel is the target, which is adequate for a 5MW BESS but leaves little room for error.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This is a critical data gap. If the site is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A or AE), development could be prohibited or require costly mitigation, such as elevating all equipment pads above the Base Flood Elevation. A FEMA FIRM panel review is an immediate priority.
• Wetlands: The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is Unknown. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step. Any potential presence would trigger the need for a formal wetland delineation. State (Illinois) and Federal (USACE) regulations mandate significant setbacks from wetlands, which could severely constrain or eliminate the buildable area.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitats or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the site. This suggests a low risk for issues related to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This should be confirmed via a desktop review of state and federal databases.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The parcel itself is not identified as a brownfield. While a Superfund site is located within two miles, it is unlikely to impact the subject property. This means the project will likely not qualify for the 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is required as standard diligence to confirm the absence of on-site contamination.
• Pipeline Proximity: No major gas transmission pipelines are identified within a 3-mile radius, which is a significant positive. This mitigates risks related to pipeline-related setbacks, safety protocols, and potential co-location conflicts.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

• Nearest Substation: This is the