⚡ 175 CIRCUIT AVE

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee
FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst
DATE: October 26, 2023
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for 175 Circuit Ave, West Springfield, MA (APN: 192_1635_0_3)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at 175 Circuit Ave in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The analysis evaluates the site's suitability based on key development criteria.

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property exhibits excellent characteristics for physical access and constructability. Located on Circuit Avenue within an established industrial park, the site is served by paved, heavy-duty roads designed for commercial truck traffic. Access from major regional thoroughfares, including US Route 5, appears direct and unobstructed.

• Road Access Quality: Access is provided by paved, two-lane industrial roads. A preliminary review via aerial and street-level imagery indicates no obvious weight-limited bridges, low-clearance overpasses, or challenging turning radii that would impede the delivery of heavy equipment.
• Terrain & Equipment Feasibility: The topography in this area is exceptionally flat, a significant advantage that will minimize civil engineering and site preparation costs. The existing grade appears suitable for the direct placement of concrete pads for battery containers, inverters, and the main power transformer. Access for heavy-lift cranes required for transformer placement and for flatbed trucks delivering containerized BESS units is deemed highly feasible.
• Easement Concerns: Requires Verification. A full title search is required to identify any utility easements (e.g., for existing overhead/underground lines) or access easements that could encumber the property and constrain the BESS layout. Given the industrial setting, such easements are common and must be mapped.

2. Environmental Constraints

The site presents significant environmental risks that require immediate and thorough investigation. While some aspects are favorable, critical data gaps in flood and wetland status represent potential fatal flaws.

• FEMA Flood Zone: Critical Data Gap. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown. The property's relative proximity to the Connecticut and Westfield Rivers elevates this risk. If the site is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone AE), development costs could increase substantially due to requirements for elevating all critical equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, or the site could be rendered undevelopable if located in a floodway. This must be verified immediately via the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
• Wetlands Presence: Critical Data Gap. The presence of state or federally regulated wetlands is unknown. Massachusetts has stringent wetland protection regulations. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is a necessary first step, to be followed by a formal wetlands delineation by a certified professional if potential wetlands are identified. Any wetlands on site would trigger significant setbacks and reduce the buildable area.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The presence of 28 known brownfield or superfund sites within a two-mile radius indicates a high potential for historical contamination in the area