⚡ 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 O'Hare" - 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential acquisition and development of a distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the subject property. The analysis is based on preliminary data and identifies key risks, opportunities, and recommended next steps.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site benefits from excellent road access. It is located in a modern office park directly adjacent to Interstate 294. The property has frontage on Renaissance Drive, a wide, well-maintained public road capable of supporting heavy truck traffic. Delivery of large equipment, including battery containers, power conversion systems (PCS), and main power transformers, appears highly feasible. The proximity to major highways is a significant logistical advantage.

Topography & Site Preparation: Located in the Chicago metropolitan area, the site's topography is presumed to be flat to gently sloping, which is ideal for BESS development. This will likely minimize the need for extensive civil work and grading, reducing construction costs and timelines. A formal topographic survey is required for confirmation, but significant terrain challenges are not anticipated.

Heavy Equipment Access: Access for construction equipment, such as large cranes required for setting transformers, appears straightforward. However, a detailed logistics plan must verify turning radii within the office park and check for any overhead utility line conflicts on the final approach to the specific buildable area.

Easement Concerns: While the parcel has public road frontage, it is part of an integrated office park. A title search and ALTA survey are required to identify any potential access easements, utility easements, or restrictive covenants associated with the office park's master plan that could encumber the proposed development area.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This is a critical data gap. Any designation within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone A, AE) would introduce significant design challenges, increase costs for elevating equipment, and could be a fatal flaw if located within a designated floodway. A high-priority next step is to perform a FEMA flood map review.

Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is Unknown. This represents another major environmental risk. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is required immediately. If the NWI indicates potential wetlands, a formal wetland delineation will be necessary. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands would trigger significant state and federal setback requirements, potentially reducing the buildable acreage to an unviable size.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on or near the site. This significantly de-risks the project from a wildlife and ecological permitting perspective.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property is not a designated brownfield. While a Superfund site is located within two miles, it is unlikely to impact the subject parcel. A standard Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is recommended to confirm no Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) exist. It is important to note that because this is not a brownfield, it is not eligible for the 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder.

Pipeline Proximity: No major gas transmission pipelines are identified within a three-mile radius. This is a positive safety and permitting attribute, eliminating risks associated with pipeline-related setbacks and hazard analyses.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

Nearest Substation & Feeder: This is the most significant and critical unknown for the project. Data on the nearest distribution substation (distance, voltage, available capacity) is completely missing. Without a viable Point of Interconnection (POI), the project is not feasible. Given the dense commercial setting, it is highly probable that a 3-phase distribution feeder from Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) is located along Renaissance Drive, either overhead or underground. Identifying this asset and its capacity is the highest priority.

Transmission Infrastructure: