⚡ 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 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, Park Ridge, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

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. The analysis covers key site attributes, constraints, risks, and opportunities to inform a go/no-go decision.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access: The site has excellent access. It is located on Renaissance Drive, a publicly maintained road within a well-developed commercial office park. The property is situated less than a mile from Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway), providing direct and efficient access to major transportation corridors for equipment and personnel.

Terrain & Equipment Feasibility: Based on aerial imagery and regional geographic data for Cook County, the terrain is presumed to be flat with minimal grade, which is ideal for BESS construction as it minimizes civil engineering and earthwork costs. The existing road infrastructure within the office park appears robust and capable of supporting heavy loads. Access for critical equipment such as mobile cranes, step-deck trailers carrying battery containers, and heavy-haul trucks for the main power transformer is anticipated to be feasible. Action Item: A route survey should be conducted to confirm turning radii and the absence of any low-clearance bridges or weight-restricted local roads from the interstate to the site.

Easement Concerns: The property is currently developed with a multi-story office building. It is highly probable that multiple utility easements (electric, water, sewer, communications) already encumber the parcel. A full title report and ALTA survey are required to identify the location and scope of these easements, as they could significantly constrain the available footprint for the BESS compound. The primary concern is ensuring a clear, unencumbered area of approximately 1-1.5 acres is available for the project.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This represents a critical and potentially fatal flaw. Development within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone AE) would trigger significant design modifications, such as elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, leading to substantially higher construction costs and potential permitting challenges. Action Item: An immediate desktop review of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for this location is the highest priority environmental task.

Wetlands: The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is Unknown. Given the developed nature of the site, the risk of extensive wetlands is likely low, but drainage features or small pockets of wetlands could exist. Any identified wetlands would necessitate setbacks (typically 50-100 feet in Illinois), further constraining the buildable area. Action Item: A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is required, to be followed by a formal wetland delineation if the screening indicates potential presence.

Habitat & Species: The data indicates no critical habitats or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the site. This significantly de-risks the project from a wildlife permitting perspective. A routine check of the USFWS IPaC database is still recommended for formal documentation.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property itself is not identified as a brownfield. There is one Superfund site located within a two-mile radius. This is a risk, not an advantage. The 10% IRA brownfield bonus would not apply unless the subject parcel itself meets the specific definition of a brownfield. The proximity to a known contamination site necessitates a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to evaluate potential liability and ensure no contamination has migrated to the property.

Pipeline Proximity: No major gas or hazardous liquid pipelines are identified within a three-mile radius. This is a significant safety and layout advantage, eliminating risks associated with pipeline-related setbacks and explosion