⚡ 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 (1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the property located at 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL, for its potential as a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. The analysis covers key evaluation criteria, identifies significant risks, and outlines a clear path for next steps.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site has excellent access. It is located in a developed commercial office park with direct frontage on Renaissance Drive, a paved, public road. This road appears well-maintained and capable of supporting heavy truck traffic. Proximity to major transportation corridors like Interstate 294 suggests a straightforward delivery route for large equipment, including battery containers, inverters, and main power transformers. A formal transportation route survey is still recommended to confirm bridge clearances and weight limits, but significant impediments are not anticipated.

Topography & Site Preparation: The property is in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, which is characterized by extremely flat terrain. The site is expected to be level or have a gentle grade, which is ideal for BESS construction. This significantly reduces the need for extensive civil work and grading, lowering potential site preparation costs. The existing development as an office building implies the site is already cleared and graded in part.

Heavy Equipment & Easements: Access for cranes and other heavy construction machinery appears feasible directly from Renaissance Drive. However, a critical unknown is the presence of existing easements. A full ALTA survey and title report review are required to identify any utility easements, access easements for neighboring properties, or other encumbrances that could restrict the placement of BESS equipment and crane paths. The parcel size discrepancy noted in the data (35 acres vs. 2.97 acres from Regrid) must be clarified; this analysis assumes the 2.97-acre parcel is correct, which is typical for a single commercial lot.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone & Wetlands: The FEMA flood zone and wetlands status are both listed as Unknown. These represent significant potential risks. A desktop screening using FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) must be conducted immediately. If the site falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone AE), all equipment would need to be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation, adding substantial cost. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands would trigger setback requirements (typically 50-100 feet) and could require federal/state permits, reducing the buildable area and extending the development timeline.

Habitat & Protected Species: The data indicates no critical habitats or protected areas on or near the site, which is a positive factor. This is expected for a developed, infill commercial location. A formal review using the USFWS IPaC tool is recommended for confirmation, but the risk of endangered species constraints is considered low.

Contamination & Brownfield Status: The property is not identified as a brownfield, meaning it is not eligible for the 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder. The presence of a superfund site within two miles, combined with the site's current commercial use, makes a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) a mandatory diligence step to assess the risk of soil or groundwater contamination and establish a baseline for environmental liability.

Other Considerations: The site is not within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. The absence of oil and gas pipelines within a 3-mile radius is a significant