⚡ GRANBY RD

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for Granby Rd, Chicopee, MA (APN: 0119_00005)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the subject property located on Granby Road in Chicopee, Hampden County, Massachusetts, for the potential development of a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The analysis identifies significant opportunities, primarily related to grid infrastructure, alongside critical risks in the regulatory and environmental domains that require immediate investigation.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access: The site has frontage on Granby Road, which is designated as a public road. A preliminary review of satellite imagery indicates Granby Road is a two-lane, paved road capable of supporting standard construction traffic. However, a site visit is required to confirm road width, shoulder conditions, and the absence of any low-clearance bridges or weight-limited infrastructure between the site and major highways.

Terrain & Equipment Feasibility: Located in the Connecticut River Valley, the site's topography is anticipated to be relatively flat to gently rolling, which is ideal for BESS construction and minimizes earthwork costs. The "Buildability: OK" data point supports this assumption. Access for heavy equipment, including lowboy trailers carrying battery containers and transformers, appears feasible from Granby Road. A new crushed-stone access drive will need to be constructed from the public road to the project pad.

Easement Concerns: The "POI Onsite" designation implies an existing utility easement crosses or abuts the property. While this is excellent for interconnection, we must verify the terms of this easement. It may not grant rights for vehicular access. A separate access easement from the property owner may be required, and a title search is necessary to identify any other encumbrances (e.g., conservation or drainage easements) that could restrict development. There is a significant discrepancy in listed acreage (29.04 vs. 9.00888 acres) which must be resolved via a survey to understand true site constraints.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The flood zone status is currently Unknown. This represents a critical data gap and a potential fatal flaw. A FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) analysis is an immediate priority. If the proposed equipment pad location falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone AE), it would necessitate elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, significantly increasing civil engineering and construction costs, or rendering the site undevelopable.

Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is Unknown. Massachusetts has stringent wetland protection regulations (Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act), which typically enforce a 100-foot "Buffer Zone" from delineated wetland boundaries where development is heavily restricted. The potential presence of wetlands could severely constrain the buildable area. A desktop screening using MassGIS data is the first step, to be followed by a formal field delineation by a certified wetland scientist if the screening indicates risk.

Habitat & Species: The data indicates no critical federal habitat or protected areas on site, which is a positive initial finding. However, verification with the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) is required to screen for state-listed rare or endangered species whose presence could trigger time-of-year restrictions or mitigation requirements.

Brownfield/Superfund Status: The presence of 27 contaminated sites within a two-mile radius is a notable concern. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is mandatory to ensure the subject parcel itself is clean and to assess any risk from migrating contaminants. Conversely