⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Investment 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)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential acquisition and development of a distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, Cook County, IL (APN: 09221100050000). The analysis evaluates the site's suitability across key development pillars, including physical characteristics, environmental constraints, grid access, regulatory landscape, and financial incentives.

1. Site Access & Topography

Overall Assessment: Excellent. The site exhibits ideal physical characteristics for BESS development, minimizing logistical and civil construction risks.

• Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The property has frontage on Renaissance Drive, a well-maintained, multi-lane public road within a commercial office park. Its proximity to major highways (I-294) ensures straightforward access for oversized and overweight vehicles. Delivery of heavy equipment, including 40-foot battery containers, multi-ton transformers, and large cranes, is anticipated to be feasible with minimal logistical hurdles. A final route survey is recommended prior to equipment mobilization, but no significant impediments are expected.
• Topography: Consistent with the Chicagoland area, the site is presumed to be flat with minimal grade change. This is highly advantageous, as it will significantly reduce the need for extensive earthwork and civil engineering, lowering site preparation costs and timelines.
• Access Easements: As the property has direct public road frontage, a dedicated access easement is not anticipated to be required. However, a full title report is necessary to identify any existing utility or reciprocal access easements that may encumber the property and constrain the buildable area.

2. Environmental Constraints

Overall Assessment: Moderate Risk with Potential Upside. The site has several critical unknown environmental factors that must be investigated immediately. However, the potential for a brownfield designation presents a significant financial opportunity.

• FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown. Siting within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A, AE) would introduce significant design complexity, requiring elevated foundations for all equipment and potentially rendering the project financially unviable. This is a critical go/no-go diligence item.
• Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the immediate next step. If potential wetlands are identified, a formal delineation will be required, which could impose prohibitive setbacks and reduce the buildable acreage.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The presence of a superfund site within two miles is a minor concern for potential contamination migration, but the more important factor is the status of the subject parcel itself. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is mandatory to determine if the property has a history of contamination that would qualify it as a "brownfield" under IRA guidelines. If it qualifies, this would unlock a valuable 10% ITC adder, turning a potential liability into a major project advantage.
• Habitat & Protected Areas: The site is clear of designated critical habitats and protected areas, representing a very low risk for