⚡ 50 WHITMAN ST

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Investment Committee
FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst
DATE: October 26, 2023
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for 50 Whitman St, Bridgewater, MA (APN: 042 24_2_0)

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property exhibits excellent characteristics for site access and buildability. Located directly on Whitman Street (MA Route 104), a paved two-lane state highway, the site offers direct and unobstructed access for all phases of construction and operation. Based on aerial and street-level imagery, the road appears well-maintained and capable of supporting heavy haul trucks required for delivering battery containers, transformers, and switchgear.

The topography of the site and the surrounding area in Plymouth County is generally flat to gently rolling, which is ideal for BESS development. The parcel itself is previously developed and graded, currently operating as an auto repair facility. This existing level surface will significantly reduce civil engineering and site preparation costs. Heavy equipment access is considered low-risk; the current commercial use ensures the site can already accommodate large vehicles. A key diligence item will be confirming the load ratings of any culverts or small bridges on the primary haul route. No immediate access easement concerns are apparent for the property itself, but an easement will be required for the gen-tie line to the point of interconnection (POI), which is approximately 0.5 miles away. Securing this right-of-way will be a critical path item.

2. Environmental Constraints

The environmental profile of this site presents both significant risks and a potential key advantage.

• FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA designation is currently unknown and must be determined immediately. Any location within a 100-year floodplain (Zone A/AE) would likely render the site undevelopable or require costly mitigation measures like elevating all equipment.
• Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of wetlands is unknown. This region of Massachusetts contains numerous wetlands, and a formal wetland delineation study will be necessary. The presence of regulated wetlands could significantly reduce the buildable acreage due to state and local setback requirements.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The site's current use as an auto repair shop, coupled with a known Superfund site within two miles, creates a high probability of on-site contamination (e.g., hydrocarbons, solvents). While this poses a risk of cleanup liability and potential project delays, it is also a critical opportunity. If the site can be officially classified as a brownfield, the project may be eligible for the 10% Brownfield ITC adder under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a mandatory, immediate next step to assess this risk and opportunity.
• Critical Habitat / Protected Areas: The provided data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on or near the parcel, which is a significant de-risking factor.
• Pipeline Proximity: No major gas pipelines are located within a 3-mile radius, eliminating safety and setback concerns related to this infrastructure.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

The site's proximity to grid infrastructure is its most compelling feature. The nearest substation, TAP135395, is only 0.5 miles away and has a maximum voltage of 115 kV. A 115 kV transmission line runs parallel to the substation at the same distance.

• Interconnection Voltage: For a distribution-scale project (≤5MW), a 115 kV transmission-level interconnection would be prohibitively expensive. The strategic approach is to interconnect at the distribution level. It is highly probable that the 115 kV substation steps down to a distribution voltage (e.g., 13.8 kV). Street-level imagery confirms the presence of a 3-phase overhead distribution line running directly along the property's frontage on Whitman Street, which likely originates from this substation. This is a very positive indicator.
• Interconnecting