⚡ 4 BOSTON RD

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for 4 Boston Rd, Palmer, MA (APN: 227 3_6_1)

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property exhibits excellent characteristics for site access and buildability. Located directly on Boston Road (US Route 20), a major public thoroughfare, the site allows for straightforward access for all phases of construction and operation. Delivery of heavy and oversized equipment, including multi-ton transformers, switchgear, and containerized battery enclosures, appears highly feasible via standard tractor-trailers without the need for complex last-mile navigation. The "Public" road access designation eliminates the need to negotiate private access easements for entry.

Based on aerial imagery and the "Good" buildability rating, the site's topography is presumed to be relatively flat with minimal grade changes, which will significantly reduce earthwork and civil engineering costs. The parcel appears to be a mix of cleared land and wooded areas, providing flexibility in siting the BESS compound to optimize layout and potentially preserve natural vegetation for screening. While access appears strong, a formal route survey is recommended to confirm the absence of any low-clearance bridges or weight-restricted infrastructure on the anticipated delivery path from major highways. A preliminary title search is also required to ensure no unknown access easements or rights-of-way encumber the proposed development area.

2. Environmental Constraints

Environmental analysis reveals several critical data gaps that represent a primary risk to the project schedule and budget.

• FEMA Flood Zone: The flood zone designation is currently "Unknown." This is a critical flaw in the initial data. A high-priority next step is to review the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for this parcel. If any portion of the buildable area falls within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A, AE), it could necessitate costly mitigation measures such as elevating all equipment pads and control houses above the Base Flood Elevation, or it could render the site undevelopable.
• Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is also "Unknown." Massachusetts has stringent wetland protection laws (Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act), which mandate significant setbacks (typically 100-foot buffer zones) from delineated wetland resources. A desktop screening using MassGIS and National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data is immediately required, to be followed by a formal field delineation by a certified wetland scientist if any indicators are present. The presence of extensive wetlands could severely constrain the buildable acreage.
• Habitat & Species: The data indicates no designated Critical Habitat or Protected Areas on site, which is a significant positive. However, verification with the MA Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) is necessary to confirm the absence of state-listed rare or endangered species whose habitats could trigger project modifications or time-of-year restrictions.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The presence of one Superfund site within a two-mile radius is noted. While not on the subject property, this necessitates a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to ensure no contamination has migrated to our site. This proximity does, however, raise the possibility of qualifying