⚡ 610 ALDRICH ST

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for 610 Aldrich St, Uxbridge, MA (APN: 304 048.0-3734-0000.0)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the subject property, a 6.07-acre parcel in Uxbridge, MA, for its potential as a distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site. The analysis identifies significant uncertainties and risks that must be addressed before committing further resources.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site has direct frontage on Aldrich Street, which appears to be a two-lane, paved public road. Based on satellite imagery, access seems adequate for standard construction traffic. However, a route survey is required to confirm the suitability for oversized and overweight loads, such as a main power transformer and battery containers. We must verify that the route from major highways (e.g., Route 146) to the site is free of low-clearance bridges, sharp turns, or restrictive weight limits.

Terrain & Buildability: The parcel appears to be largely undeveloped and wooded. Topography in this region of Worcester County is typically characterized by rolling hills. Initial assessment suggests the portion of the parcel fronting Aldrich Street is relatively flat, which is favorable for minimizing grading costs. A formal topographic survey is essential to determine the precise grade and identify the most suitable area for the BESS pad, which requires a near-level footprint.

Heavy Equipment & Easements: Access for heavy equipment like cranes and multi-axle trucks appears feasible from Aldrich Street, pending the route survey. A significant consideration is the major 345kV transmission line corridor located 0.4 miles from the site, which may have an associated easement impacting the property. The width and restrictions of any existing utility easements on or adjacent to the parcel must be determined through a title search. A new construction entrance and internal gravel access road will need to be engineered and permitted.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The property's FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This represents a critical data gap and a potential fatal flaw. If any portion of the planned equipment pad falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A or AE), it would necessitate elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, dramatically increasing civil engineering costs and potentially rendering the project uneconomical.

Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is Unknown but highly probable given the undeveloped, wooded nature of the site in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act imposes strict regulations, including significant buffer zones (typically 100 feet) from delineated wetland resources. The presence of wetlands