CONFIDENTIAL - BESS SITE DILIGENCE ANALYSIS
Prepared for: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee
Subject Property: APN 03-23-200-010, Vermilion County, IL
Total Acres: 149.33
Analysis Date: October 26, 2023
1. Site Access & Topography
Initial satellite imagery analysis indicates the parcel is located in a rural, agricultural area west of Danville, IL. Primary access appears to be from N 1650 East Rd and/or E 1500 North Rd, which are likely two-lane, paved or gravel county roads. The quality and load-bearing capacity of these roads are unknown and require physical inspection.
- Equipment Delivery Feasibility: Delivery of heavy equipment, including multi-ton transformers, switchgear, and containerized battery enclosures, presents a moderate risk. The county roads may require reinforcement, temporary matting, or widening at turn radii to accommodate oversized and overweight loads. A formal transportation and logistics study will be necessary.
- Terrain Characteristics: The topography in Vermilion County is predominantly flat to gently rolling, characteristic of Midwestern farmland. This is highly favorable for BESS development, as it should minimize the need for extensive civil work and grading, thereby reducing site preparation costs. A formal topographic survey is required to confirm elevations and drainage patterns.
- Heavy Equipment Access: Assuming the public roads can be navigated, on-site access appears straightforward. The open, agricultural nature of the land provides flexibility in siting the project footprint to allow for crane pads and construction laydown areas.
- Easement Concerns: A formal access easement will need to be secured from the public right-of-way to the project footprint as part of the lease or purchase agreement with the landowner, Moran Farms Family LP. This is a standard procedure and is not anticipated to be a major obstacle.
2. Environmental Constraints
The environmental profile of this site presents a mix of significant opportunities and risks that must be addressed immediately.
- FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is a critical unknown. If the site is located within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone A or AE), it could be a fatal flaw or necessitate costly mitigation, such as elevating all equipment pads and control houses above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This is a top-priority diligence item.
- Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. A desktop review using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step, followed by a formal wetland delineation if the desktop screen indicates potential presence. Wetlands would reduce the buildable acreage and require significant setbacks, impacting project layout and economics.
- Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on site, which is a significant de-risking factor. This reduces the likelihood of lengthy and complex consultations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
- Brownfield/Superfund Status: The presence of five superfund/brownfield sites within a two-mile radius is a major concern. This necessitates a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) immediately to determine if there is a risk of migrating contamination