⚡ 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 APN 09221100050000 (Renaissance Drive)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, Cook County, Illinois. The analysis evaluates the site's suitability based on key development criteria, identifies significant risks, and recommends a clear path forward.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Feasibility: The site benefits from excellent public road access via Renaissance Drive, located within a well-established commercial office park. Initial desktop review using satellite imagery indicates that the roads are paved, wide, and appear capable of supporting heavy truck traffic. The proximity to major thoroughfares like I-294 is a logistical advantage for equipment delivery. However, a formal route survey is required to confirm turning radii for flatbed trucks carrying 40-foot battery containers and to verify that no weight-restricted bridges or culverts exist on the final approach.

Terrain & Equipment Siting: As is typical for a commercial office park, the parcel appears to be graded and relatively flat. This is a significant advantage, as it will minimize civil engineering and site preparation costs. The flat terrain is ideal for the precise placement of concrete pads for battery enclosures, transformers, and switchgear. A formal topographical survey will be needed to confirm elevations and drainage patterns, but significant grading is not anticipated.

Easement Concerns: A primary concern in a developed setting like this is the presence of existing underground and overhead easements. These could include utilities serving the surrounding office buildings, such as power, water, sewer, and fiber optic lines. The provided data does not specify Point of Interconnection (POI) access, which heightens this risk. A title report and an ALTA survey are critical next steps to identify any recorded easements that could encumber the property and constrain the buildable area for the BESS facility.

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 could increase substantially due to the need to elevate all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), or the site could be rendered undevelopable. A high-priority next step is to review the official FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for this location.

Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is also Unknown. A desktop screening using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is required immediately. If potential wetlands are identified on or near the parcel, a formal wetland delineation by a certified consultant will be necessary. Any jurisdictional wetlands would likely trigger significant setbacks (e.g., 50-100 feet) and could severely limit the usable project area.

Habitat & Species: The data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on site, which is a positive finding consistent with a developed commercial property. A check of the USFWS IPaC database is still recommended as a standard diligence measure to confirm no federally listed species have ranges that overlap with the project area.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property is not a listed Superfund site, but the data notes one brownfield site within a two-mile radius. This does not automatically qualify our subject parcel. However, given its commercial history, an investigation into whether this specific parcel could qualify as a "brownfield" under IRA guidelines is warranted. If it qualifies (e.g., due to perceived contamination from prior use), the project could be eligible for the 10% ITC brownfield adder. This is a potential financial advantage but must be weighed against the risks and costs of a Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and potential remediation. This is a key strategic decision point.

Pipeline Proximity: The absence of major gas pipelines within a three-mile radius is a significant safety and layout advantage, eliminating risks associated with pipeline-related setbacks and potential explosions.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

Substation & Grid Proximity: The provided data lacks information on the nearest substation, a major deficiency. Preliminary satellite imagery analysis identifies a large electrical substation approximately 0.7 miles east of the site, operated by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). The voltage and, critically, the available capacity of this substation are Requires Verification. For a ≤5MW project, the target would be a 12.47kV or 34.5kV distribution feeder originating from this substation. The 138kV transmission line 1.5 miles away is not a viable interconnection point for a project of this scale due to prohibitive costs.

Interconnection Pathway & Cost: The only feasible path is a distribution-level interconnection. The likely POI would be an overhead distribution line running along a nearby road. The cost will be highly dependent on the distance to a feeder with adequate capacity. A preliminary estimate for a sub-