⚡ 30744 PERRY RD

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Diligence Analysis for Site "Kings Creek" (APN: 2015000562)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project on a 6.78-acre parcel located at 30744 Perry Rd in unincorporated Somerset County, Maryland. The analysis evaluates the site's suitability based on key development criteria.

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property's access is listed as "Private," originating from Perry Road. This is an immediate point of diligence. While the rural location in Somerset County suggests the topography is likely flat with minimal grade—ideal for reducing civil construction costs—the private access presents a potential chokepoint. Heavy equipment delivery, including 80,000-lb transformers and 40-foot battery containers on lowboy trailers, requires robust, wide access roads with adequate turning radii and no restrictive weight-limited bridges.

• Road Quality: The quality of the private road is unknown. It must be assessed for its current condition (paved, gravel, dirt), width, and load-bearing capacity. Significant upgrades may be required, adding cost and complexity.
• Access Easement: A formal, recorded access easement granting perpetual, non-exclusive rights for construction, operation, and maintenance traffic is a non-negotiable requirement. We must verify the existence and terms of any current easement or negotiate a new one with the landowner and any other relevant parties. The scope must explicitly permit heavy commercial and utility vehicle traffic.
• Feasibility: The "Great" buildability rating suggests the on-site terrain is favorable. However, the route from the nearest state highway to the site must be surveyed for any potential obstructions like low-hanging utility lines or narrow passages that would impede the delivery of oversized equipment.

2. Environmental Constraints

The environmental profile presents several critical unknowns that must be resolved immediately. While the site avoids several major constraints, the data gaps represent significant risk.

• FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The flood zone status is unknown. Given Somerset County's coastal location, there is a high probability that portions of the property could be within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Development within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone AE) would require elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, substantially increasing foundation costs. Siting within a coastal high-hazard area (Zone VE) would likely be a fatal flaw.
• Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of wetlands is unknown. A desktop review using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step, but a formal wetland delineation by a certified consultant will be necessary. Any identified wetlands will trigger significant setbacks (typically 50-100 feet), which could severely constrain the 2.12-acre buildable area.
• Positive Factors: The site has several key environmental advantages. It is confirmed to be outside the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, which greatly simplifies stormwater management and buffer requirements. It is also clear of known critical habitats, protected areas, and nearby brownfield/superfund sites. The absence of a brownfield designation means we cannot claim the 10% IRA bonus, but it also avoids potential contamination liability. The lack of nearby pipelines is a significant safety and de-risking factor.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

The site's primary strength is its exceptional proximity to grid infrastructure. This is a top-tier location from an electrical perspective.