⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Team

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: 09221100050000)

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 analysis identifies significant opportunities, primarily related to IRA incentives, but also flags critical risks concerning grid interconnection and local zoning that must be addressed before committing further resources.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site benefits from excellent public road access. It is located in a modern corporate office park with direct frontage on Renaissance Drive. The surrounding road network, including Tri-State Parkway, is well-maintained, wide, and appears designed to accommodate commercial traffic. This infrastructure is highly conducive to the delivery of heavy and oversized BESS equipment, including battery containers, power conversion systems (PCS), and medium-voltage transformers via flatbed trucks.

Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for the Chicagoland area, the site's topography is expected to be flat to gently sloping. This is ideal for BESS development, as it will minimize the need for extensive civil engineering and grading work, thereby reducing site preparation costs and timelines. The existing development as an office building suggests the site is already graded and stable.

Heavy Equipment Feasibility: Access for construction equipment, such as cranes required for setting transformers and switchgear, appears to be straightforward. No immediate obstructions like low-clearance bridges or tight turning radii are apparent from a desktop review. Requires Verification: An on-site visit or detailed route survey should be conducted prior to any equipment mobilization.

Easement Concerns: While road access is not an issue, the parcel's location within a developed commercial park makes it highly probable that existing utility easements (e.g., for water, sewer, gas, telecommunications) cross the property. A title report and ALTA survey are critical to identify any such encumbrances, as they could significantly constrain the final buildable area for the BESS array.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This represents a critical data gap. If the site is located within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone A or AE), development costs would increase substantially due to the need for elevated equipment pads and potential for restricted use. A location within a floodway would likely render the site undevelopable. This must be investigated immediately via FEMA's Map Service Center.

Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is also Unknown. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is a necessary first step. If potential wetlands are identified, a formal wetland delineation would be required, which could lead to significant land-use restrictions and setback requirements, reducing the buildable acreage.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the site. This is a positive finding, suggesting a low risk of encountering issues related to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A preliminary check with the USFWS IPaC tool is still recommended to formalize this finding.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property