⚡ 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 Renaissance"

PROPERTY: 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, Park Ridge, Cook County, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE

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 in Park Ridge, Illinois. The site presents a compelling financial incentive through its Energy Community status but carries significant, unmitigated risks related to grid interconnection and regulatory approval. The following analysis details these factors and concludes with a "MAYBE" recommendation, contingent on the successful resolution of critical unknowns through the outlined next steps.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site has excellent public road access via Renaissance Drive, situated within a well-maintained commercial office park. The location is proximate to major highways, including I-294, facilitating straightforward logistics for equipment delivery. Roads appear wide enough to accommodate low-boy trailers for transporting battery containers, transformers, and other heavy equipment.
• Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for Cook County, the terrain is exceptionally flat. The subject parcel is fully developed with an existing multi-story office building and associated surface parking. This indicates the site is already graded and stable, which significantly reduces earthwork and site preparation costs.
• Heavy Equipment Accessibility: On-site access for cranes and delivery vehicles appears feasible through the existing parking lot. However, the project would likely be sited on a portion of this parking area, requiring careful logistical planning to minimize disruption to existing tenants of the office building. The load-bearing capacity of the asphalt and sub-grade would require geotechnical verification.
• Easement Concerns: Requires Verification. A preliminary title report is necessary to identify any existing access, utility, or drainage easements that could encumber the property and restrict the developable area for the BESS. Given the developed nature of the site, underground utility easements are highly probable.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown and represents a critical data gap. A review of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is an immediate next step. If the site is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A or AE), it could necessitate elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, adding substantial cost and complexity, or potentially rendering the site non-viable.
• Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. While the risk is considered low on a previously developed and paved site, a National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) screening is required. Stormwater management features on the property could potentially be classified as wetlands and would require appropriate setbacks.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on or near the site. This is a significant positive, as it removes the risk of lengthy and complex consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The subject parcel is not identified as a brownfield. While there is a Superfund site within two miles, it is distant enough not to pose a direct environmental risk to this project. The lack of brownfield status means the project is likely ineligible for the 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder, which is a missed opportunity rather than a risk.
• Pipeline Proximity: The absence of major gas or hazardous liquid pipelines within a three-mile radius is a major safety and design advantage. This eliminates concerns regarding pipeline-related setbacks, safety protocols, and potential co-location conflicts.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

• Nearest Substation: Requires Verification. This is the most significant unknown and the highest-risk item for the project. Data on the