⚡ 91 FREDETTE ST

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for 91 Fredette St, Gardner, MA (APN: M22-11-7)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the property located at 91 Fredette Street in Gardner, Worcester County, Massachusetts. The analysis evaluates the site's suitability for a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project based on key development criteria.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access: The property benefits from direct frontage on Fredette Street, a public road within an established industrial park. Based on aerial imagery, the road appears to be paved and sufficiently wide for heavy vehicle traffic. This is a significant advantage for both construction and long-term operations and maintenance.

Equipment Delivery: The industrial setting suggests that local roads are designed to accommodate tractor-trailers, which is critical for the delivery of large, heavy equipment such as battery containers (e.g., Tesla Megapacks, Fluence Cubes), inverters, and the main power transformer. A detailed logistics survey will be required to confirm turning radii from major highways to the site and to verify the absence of low bridges or weight-limited infrastructure on the transport route. However, initial feasibility appears high.

Topography & Buildability: While a formal topographical survey is required, the site's location in a graded industrial park and the "Good" buildability rating suggest a relatively flat and stable parcel. This should minimize earthwork costs. The 2.12-acre size is adequate for a ≤5MW BESS, though the final buildable area must be confirmed after accounting for setbacks and environmental constraints.

Easement Concerns: Public road access mitigates the need for off-site access easements. However, a full title search is a critical next step to identify any existing utility easements (e.g., for the onsite distribution line), drainage easements, or other encumbrances that could conflict with the proposed BESS equipment layout.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone & Wetlands: This is a critical data gap. The FEMA flood zone and wetlands status are both listed as "Unknown." Massachusetts has stringent wetlands regulations (Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act) with