⚡ 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 a potential distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at the subject property. The analysis identifies critical development risks, opportunities, and actionable next steps to determine project viability.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The property is located within a developed corporate park in Park Ridge, a suburb of Chicago. Primary access is via Renaissance Drive, a paved, public road designed for commercial office traffic. Based on satellite imagery review, the road network appears well-maintained and sufficiently wide to accommodate standard semi-trailers used for delivering battery containers, inverters, and medium-voltage transformers. Proximity to the I-294 Tollway is a significant logistical advantage for equipment delivery, minimizing transit through dense residential areas.

Terrain Characteristics: The site is situated in Cook County, an area known for its exceptionally flat topography. We can assume with high confidence that the parcel is level or near-level, which is ideal for BESS construction. This will significantly reduce civil engineering costs, as extensive grading and earthwork are unlikely to be required. The existing site is developed with an office building and associated parking, indicating stable, compacted ground conditions.

Heavy Equipment Feasibility: The existing infrastructure, designed to support a multi-story office building, strongly suggests that the access roads and the site itself can handle the weight of heavy equipment. This includes a fully loaded crane for setting the transformer (typically 50-80 tons) and the battery enclosures. A geotechnical study will be required to confirm soil bearing capacity for the equipment pads, but no major impediments are anticipated.

Easement Concerns: As an existing commercial parcel, direct access from a public right-of-way is expected. However, a full title report is required to identify any potential utility easements (for existing underground lines) or restrictive covenants associated with the corporate park that could limit development or dictate placement of the BESS equipment. Requires Verification.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This is a critical data gap and a potential fatal flaw. Any designation within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone A, AE) would introduce significant design challenges, requiring the BESS equipment to be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This would dramatically increase civil costs and could render the project non-viable. An immediate review of the official FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is necessary.

Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is Unknown. While the developed nature of the site makes large, jurisdictional wetlands unlikely, small pockets or man-made drainage features could be present. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step. If potential wetlands are identified, a formal wetland delineation would be required, which could trigger significant setbacks (e.g., 50-100 feet) and a lengthy permitting process with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The provided data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the site. This is a positive finding, reducing the risk of project delays or mitigation requirements related to the Endangered Species Act. A standard check of the USFWS IPaC database should still be performed to formalize this finding.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property itself is not identified as a brownfield. While there is one superfund site within a two-mile radius, it is not close enough to pose a direct contamination risk. This means the project is ineligible for the 10% IRA brownfield tax credit adder. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is still recommended as standard practice to ensure no unrecognized environmental conditions exist from prior land use.

Pipeline Proximity: The absence of major gas transmission pipelines within a three-mile radius is a significant safety and layout advantage. This eliminates concerns regarding pipeline-related setbacks, explosion risks, and coordination with pipeline operators.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

Nearest Substation & Feeder: This is the most critical unknown for the project. The data for the nearest substation (distance, voltage) is missing. For a ≤5MW BESS, interconnection