⚡ 83 MILL GLEN RD

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Team

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for 83 Mill Glen Rd, Winchendon, MA (APN: 343 11 0 209)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the subject property's suitability for a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The analysis concludes that while the site possesses exceptional grid proximity, it is encumbered by significant zoning and environmental risks that must be addressed before committing significant development capital.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The 9.11-acre parcel has direct frontage on Mill Glen Road, a two-lane, paved local road. Based on aerial imagery, this road appears adequate for standard construction traffic. However, a detailed route survey is required to confirm its suitability for oversized and overweight vehicles, such as a low-boy trailer carrying a main power transformer or pre-fabricated battery enclosures. Key points for verification include turning radii from major highways, bridge weight limitations, and overhead utility line clearances along the final approach.

Terrain & Site Preparation: The site is heavily wooded and appears to be relatively flat to gently rolling, which is typical for the region. This topography is generally favorable for construction, minimizing the need for extensive grading. However, the dense tree cover will necessitate significant clearing, grubbing, and stumping activities, which will be a notable line item in the site preparation budget. A geotechnical investigation will be required to determine soil bearing capacity and suitability for equipment foundations.

Heavy Equipment & Easements: Access for heavy equipment from Mill Glen Road onto the site itself is feasible, but will require the construction of a new gravel access road from the public right-of-way to the proposed BESS pad location. As the property has direct road frontage, no third-party access easements are anticipated. A utility easement will need to be established for the generator lead line running from the project to the point of interconnection (POI); given the short distance to the substation, securing this should be straightforward.

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. A formal Flood Zone Determination is an immediate priority. If any portion of the planned development area falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A or AE), it could render the site financially unviable due to costly mitigation requirements or prohibit development entirely.

Wetlands: The presence and extent of wetlands are also Unknown. Massachusetts has stringent wetlands regulations