⚡ 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 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 regulatory and interconnection challenges that present substantial risks to project viability.

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property is located within a modern commercial office park, fronting Renaissance Drive. Road access is a key strength of this site.

• Road Access & Equipment Delivery: Access is provided via public, paved, commercial-grade roads (Renaissance Dr. off W. Higgins Rd.), which are designed to handle heavy truck traffic. Delivery of large, heavy equipment, including battery containers, medium-voltage transformers, and construction cranes, appears highly feasible. The proximity to Interstate 294 is also advantageous for logistics.
• Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for the Chicago metropolitan area, the site is expected to be flat with minimal grade. This topography is ideal for BESS development, as it will significantly reduce the need for extensive civil work and site grading, lowering overall construction costs.
• Heavy Equipment Access: Direct access from the public road onto the parcel appears straightforward. However, an ALTA survey is required to confirm turning radii and ensure no physical impediments (e.g., curbs, light poles, landscaping) would obstruct the delivery path for oversized loads.
• Easement Concerns: While direct access is public, the parcel is in a developed area. It is highly probable that existing utility easements (power, water, sewer, communications) cross the property. A preliminary title report is essential to identify these easements, as they may constrain the buildable area and dictate the final site layout.

2. Environmental Constraints

The environmental profile presents several critical unknowns that must be resolved. While no immediate fatal flaws are apparent from the initial data, significant risks exist.

• FEMA Flood Zone: The flood zone designation is Unknown. This is a critical data gap. The property is located approximately 1.5 miles east of the Des Plaines River. A review of FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) is a top priority. If the site is located within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone AE), development costs would increase substantially due to the need for elevated foundations, and permitting could become impossible.
• Wetlands: The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is Unknown. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step. Given the developed nature of the office park, naturally occurring wetlands are less likely, but engineered stormwater management features (detention ponds, swales) could be present and may be classified as jurisdictional waters, requiring setbacks.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on site, which is a positive. We must still run a US Fish & Wildlife Service IPaC report to screen for the potential presence of federally listed species, such as the Northern Long-Eared Bat, whose habitat could be impacted by any necessary tree clearing.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: There is one Superfund site within two miles