⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Team

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: 09-22-110-005-0000)

FINAL RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE

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 concludes with a "MAYBE" recommendation, contingent upon favorable outcomes from critical near-term due diligence. The site benefits from significant IRA incentive potential but faces substantial uncertainty regarding grid interconnection feasibility and local permitting entitlement.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access: The property has direct frontage on Renaissance Drive, a public road within a well-maintained commercial office park. Access from major transportation corridors is excellent, with I-294 located less than a mile to the west. This provides a clear and straightforward route for all phases of construction and operation.

Equipment Delivery: The existing road network appears adequate to support the delivery of heavy equipment. The roads are wide, with gentle turns suitable for flatbed trucks carrying battery containers, switchgear, and a main power transformer. No immediate overhead line or bridge clearance issues are apparent from a desktop review, though a route survey is recommended prior to any equipment mobilization.

Topography: As is typical for the Chicagoland area, the site appears to be exceptionally flat with minimal grade. This is a significant advantage, as it will drastically reduce civil engineering and site preparation costs. Extensive grading or earthwork is not anticipated.

Easement Concerns: As a developed commercial parcel, requisite access and utility easements are likely already in place. However, a title report is required to confirm that there are no restrictive easements that would impede the placement of BESS equipment or interconnection lines on the parcel. Internal site access to the proposed BESS footprint must be negotiated as part of the site control agreement.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA designation is currently listed as Unknown. A preliminary desktop review using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center suggests the parcel is located in Zone X, an area of minimal flood hazard. Requires Verification: This must be confirmed via a formal flood zone determination as part of a standard environmental report.

Wetlands: The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is currently Unknown. Given the site's location within a developed office park, the risk of significant wetlands is low. However, small, isolated wetlands or drainage features could be present. Requires Verification: A formal wetlands delineation will be necessary to confirm the absence of wetlands and associated setback requirements, ensuring the buildable area is not constrained.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The initial screening indicates no designated critical habitats or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the site. This significantly de-risks the project from a federal and state environmental permitting perspective, avoiding potential lengthy and costly biological studies.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: While there is a Superfund site located within two