⚡ 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 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the property located at 1480 Renaissance Drive in Park Ridge, Cook County, Illinois. The analysis evaluates the site's suitability for a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project based on key development criteria.

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property benefits from excellent physical access. It is located in a well-developed commercial office park with direct frontage on Renaissance Drive, a paved public road. Based on aerial imagery, the road network appears robust and capable of supporting heavy truck traffic required for BESS component delivery, including semi-trailers carrying battery containers, inverters, and pad-mount transformers. The general topography of Cook County is exceptionally flat, and this site is expected to be level with minimal grade, significantly reducing earthwork and civil engineering costs. Heavy equipment access appears feasible, though a detailed logistics plan should verify turning radii from the main road into the specific project area and check for any overhead utility line conflicts.

A key concern is the potential for restrictive easements. As part of a larger commercial development, the parcel is likely subject to easements for shared access, utilities, or stormwater management. A preliminary title report is essential to identify any recorded easements that could constrain the BESS footprint or prohibit the intended use. The discrepancy between the "Total Acres" (35.02) and "Parcel Acres (Regrid)" (2.97) must be resolved via a survey or plat map to confirm the exact developable area.

2. Environmental Constraints

The environmental profile presents both known low-risk factors and critical unknowns. The site is not located within any designated critical habitat or protected areas, and there are no oil or gas wells in the vicinity, minimizing ecological risks. Proximity to pipelines is also not a concern. However, several key data points require immediate investigation:

• FEMA Flood Zone: The flood zone status is listed as "Unknown." This is a critical data gap. A preliminary desktop review using the FEMA Map Service Center suggests the property is in Zone X, an area of minimal flood hazard. However, this Requires Verification with a formal report. Any designation other than Zone X could add significant cost (e.g., elevating equipment) or render the site undevelopable.
• Wetlands: Presence of jurisdictional wetlands is "Unknown." While the site appears to be in a developed, disturbed area, a National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) screening is a necessary first step, followed by a formal wetland delineation if any indicators are present.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The presence of a Superfund site within two miles is noted. This poses a potential risk of contamination migration and will necessitate a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). It is unlikely to be an advantage, as the 10% IRA Brownfield tax credit adder requires the project site itself to be a designated brownfield, not merely near one.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

This is currently the weakest aspect of the site's profile due to significant data gaps. The viability of any BESS project is fundamentally dependent on a cost-effective interconnection. The nearest identified infrastructure is a 138kV transmission line owned by Commonwealth Edison