⚡ 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 O'Hare"

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

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Feasibility: The site benefits from excellent public road access. Located on Renaissance Drive within a well-developed commercial office park, it is situated immediately adjacent to major transportation corridors including Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) and Higgins Road. The existing road network is modern, paved, and designed to accommodate commercial vehicle traffic, including semi-trailers.

Terrain & Equipment Access: Based on regional geographic data and satellite imagery review, the site is exceptionally flat with minimal grade, which is typical for the Chicago metropolitan area. This topography is ideal for BESS development, minimizing earthwork and site preparation costs. The wide, well-maintained roads leading to the parcel can readily support the delivery of heavy and oversized equipment, such as 40-foot battery containers, medium-voltage transformers, and switchgear. No significant logistical challenges for equipment delivery are anticipated.

Easement Concerns: As a developed commercial parcel, the site is almost certain to be encumbered by existing utility easements (power, water, sewer, communications). A full ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey and a Title Commitment are mandatory to identify the location and restrictions of these easements, which will directly impact the final site layout and buildable area. There is a notable discrepancy in the provided data regarding parcel size (35.02 acres vs. 2.97 acres). The 2.97-acre figure from Regrid appears more consistent with the surrounding parcels and must be verified immediately, as it is a fundamental project parameter.

2. Environmental Constraints

Flood & Wetlands: FEMA flood zone and wetlands status are currently marked as Requires Verification. A preliminary desktop review suggests the property is likely in FEMA Zone X, an area of minimal flood hazard. However, a formal Flood Hazard Determination is required. Similarly, while significant jurisdictional wetlands are unlikely on this developed "infill" site, a desktop screening followed by a formal wetland delineation will be necessary to confirm the absence of regulated features, such as drainage ditches or small isolated wetlands, which could impose setbacks.

Contamination & Brownfield Status: The property is not a listed Superfund site, but data indicates one brownfield site is located within a two-mile radius. This presents both a potential risk and a significant opportunity. The risk is potential contaminant migration from the nearby site. The opportunity is the 10% ITC adder for projects sited on a qualifying brownfield. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a critical next step to assess historical land use, identify any Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) on our parcel, and determine if the site itself could qualify for the IRA brownfield bonus.

Habitats & Other Constraints: The site has no identified critical habitats for endangered species or protected areas, which is a significant de-risking factor. Proximity to O'Hare International Airport may trigger a need for an FAA Glint and Glare study, although this is more common for solar projects. The absence of pipelines within a three-mile radius is a major safety and design advantage, eliminating concerns related to pipeline setbacks and explosion risk.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

Grid Proximity: This is a key strength. While specific substation data is missing, satellite imagery analysis reveals a likely Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) distribution substation located less than 0.5 miles south of the parcel, near the intersection of Higgins Rd and I-294. A 138kV transmission line is also located 1.5 miles away. The proximity to this infrastructure is highly favorable.

Interconnection Strategy & Cost: For a distribution-scale project (≤5MW), the clear strategy is to interconnect to a local distribution feeder from the nearby substation. The likely voltage would be 12.47kV or 34.5kV, common ComEd distribution voltages. A 138kV transmission tap is not economically viable for a project of this scale. The likely point of interconnection (POI) would be an overhead or underground 3-phase line along Renaissance Drive or Higgins Road.

Estimated Costs & Timeline: Assuming a viable distribution feeder with available capacity, interconnection costs could range from $750,000 to $2,500,000. This is highly dependent on the required feeder upgrades, protection scheme, and whether the line is overhead or underground. The ComEd interconnection queue, managed under Illinois Commerce Commission rules, can be lengthy. A