⚡ 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 O'Hare"

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 covers key evaluation criteria from site access to regulatory hurdles and financial incentives, concluding with a suitability score and actionable next steps.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site has excellent access. It is located within a modern office park directly off Renaissance Drive, a wide, paved public road. This road connects to major thoroughfares like West Higgins Road and is less than a mile from the I-294 (Tri-State Tollway) interchange. This proximity to major transportation corridors is ideal for the delivery of heavy and oversized equipment, including battery containers, inverters, and main power transformers.
• Terrain Characteristics: Based on aerial imagery and the general geography of the Chicago metropolitan area, the site is exceptionally flat and appears to be graded as part of the existing office park development. This lack of significant topographical variation will minimize civil engineering costs associated with site preparation and foundation work.
• Heavy Equipment Feasibility: Access for cranes, concrete trucks, and transport vehicles is considered low-risk. The existing road network is designed to handle commercial traffic. A detailed swept path analysis will be required during the engineering phase, but no immediate barriers are apparent.
• Easement Concerns: Requires Verification. As part of a larger office complex, the parcel is likely subject to existing Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and cross-access easements. A full title report review is critical to ensure there are no restrictions prohibiting utility infrastructure or creating access conflicts with neighboring properties.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown. A desktop review using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center is a critical next step. Given the developed nature of the area, it is anticipated to be in Zone X (area of minimal flood hazard), but this must be confirmed to avoid significant design changes or project viability issues.
• Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. A preliminary screening using the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory mapper should be conducted immediately. While unlikely on this developed parcel, nearby drainage features could exist. A formal wetlands delineation will be required if initial screening indicates potential presence, which would trigger setback requirements and potential permitting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The provided data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the site. This significantly de-risks the project from a federal Endangered Species Act perspective.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property itself is not identified as a brownfield. While there is a superfund site within a two-mile radius, it does not directly impact the parcel. This means the project is not eligible for the 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder. However, the absence of on-site contamination is a major advantage, reducing potential remediation costs and liabilities. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is still recommended as standard practice.
• Pipeline Proximity: No major gas transmission pipelines are identified within a three-mile radius, mitigating risks associated with pipeline-related setbacks, safety protocols, and potential easement conflicts.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

• Nearest Substation: Requires Verification. While the provided data is incomplete, a desktop review identifies the likely point of interconnection (POI) candidate: the ComEd Park Ridge Substation #12, located approximately 0.7 miles east of the site. The voltage class is unknown but is likely a distribution-level asset (e.g., 12.47kV or 34.5kV). The proximity is favorable, but available capacity on the relevant bus and feeders is a critical unknown.
• Transmission Line Proximity: A 138kV ComEd transmission line is 1.5 miles away. This is too distant and at too high a voltage to be a cost-effective POI for a ≤5MW project. This site is viable only as a distribution-connected asset.
• Recommended Interconnection Voltage: Distribution level, targeting a 12.47kV or 34.5kV feeder from the nearby Park Ridge substation.
• Estimated Cost & Timeline: The sub-mile distance to the likely substation is a positive indicator. However, costs are highly dependent on feeder capacity, required utility upgrades, and whether the line extension is overhead or underground. A preliminary, wide-ranging estimate is $750,000 - $2,500,000. The interconnecting utility is Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), which operates within the PJM RTO. The PJM interconnection queue process is notoriously long, and timelines from application to commercial operation can often exceed 24-36 months.
• Feeder Configuration: Requires Verification. The local feeders are likely a mix of overhead lines along major roads and underground lines serving the office park. A formal interconnection pre-application is required to obtain a feeder map and capacity data from ComEd.

4. Regulatory & Zoning Analysis

• Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): The City of Park Ridge is the primary AHJ for zoning and building permits. Cook County may have limited oversight.
• Zoning Compatibility: The current zoning is "O" (Office District). BESS is not a defined or permitted use in this district. This represents a significant permitting challenge.
• Recommended Permitting Pathway: