⚡ 218 BARKER RD

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for 218 Barker Rd, Wareham, MA (APN: 310 125_1008_A)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at 218 Barker Rd, Wareham, MA. The analysis covers key site attributes, constraints, and opportunities to inform a go/no-go decision.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access Quality: The site has frontage on Barker Road, which appears to be a two-lane, paved local road based on aerial imagery. While paved, it is a secondary residential road, not an industrial thoroughfare. The quality appears sufficient for initial access, but a formal road survey would be required to confirm weight limit restrictions and suitability for heavy haul trucks.
• Terrain Characteristics: The parcel is currently undeveloped and heavily wooded. Satellite imagery suggests a relatively flat topography, which is favorable for minimizing civil engineering and grading costs. However, the dense tree cover will require significant clearing and grubbing, adding to site preparation expenses.
• Heavy Equipment Feasibility: Access for heavy equipment such as cranes, transformers, and containerized BESS units appears feasible from a physical standpoint, assuming no low-hanging utility lines or restrictive culverts on Barker Road. The primary challenge will be community impact, as routing heavy industrial traffic through a residential area can generate significant local opposition during the permitting phase.
• Easement Concerns: A title search is required to identify any existing access, utility, or conservation easements that may encumber the property. Given the road frontage, a dedicated access easement may not be necessary, but confirmation is needed that access from Barker Road is legally established and unrestricted. The discrepancy in APN and acreage between data sources (3.44 vs 4.68 acres) must be resolved via a title search and survey.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is listed as "Unknown." This is a critical data gap and a high-priority risk. Any location within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A, AE) would significantly increase development costs due to requirements for elevating equipment above the Base Flood Elevation or could render the site undevelopable. Action: Immediate check on the FEMA Map Service Center is required.
• Wetlands Presence: The wetlands status is "Unknown." Massachusetts has stringent wetlands protection regulations (Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act). A preliminary review on MassGIS OLIVER often reveals state-mapped wetlands. Given the site's wooded nature in coastal Plymouth County, the presence of wetlands is highly probable. A formal wetlands delineation by a certified professional will be required, which could drastically reduce the buildable area due to mandatory buffer zones (typically 100 feet).
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitat on site, which is a positive initial finding. However, this must be verified through the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) database to ensure no state-listed rare species or priority habitats are present.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The site is not a brownfield. This avoids potential environmental liability and remediation costs. However, it also means the project is ineligible for the 10% ITC adder for projects on brownfield sites, a notable economic disadvantage.
• Pipeline Proximity: No major gas pipelines are located nearby, mitigating risks associated with pipeline-related setbacks and safety protocols.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

• Nearest Substation: The nearest identified point of interest is "TAP161819" at a distance of 1.8 miles. The provided voltage data is erroneous. Requires Verification: We must identify the actual substation name and owner (presumed to be Eversource). A 1.8-mile distance is substantial for a distribution-scale project and suggests a very high interconnection cost.
• Transmission Access: A 115kV transmission line is 1.1 miles away but noted as "NOT AVAILABLE." This confirms the site is only viable for a distribution-level interconnection, aligning with our ≤5MW project target.
• Recommended Interconnection Voltage: A 13.8 kV distribution-level interconnection is the only feasible path. We would need to identify the specific feeder from the local substation that serves Barker Road.
• Estimated Cost & Timeline: The cost for a 1.8-mile, 3-phase line extension will be a primary driver of project viability. A rough order-of-magnitude (ROM) estimate is $1.5M - $3.0M+, depending on whether the line can be run overhead on existing poles, requires new poles, or necessitates underground boring. The timeline for interconnection in Massachusetts within the ISO-NE territory is protracted. Following the Eversource interconnection process (ES-B.300) and the ISO-NE queue, a timeline of 24-36 months from application to commercial