⚡ 5127 BERWYN RD

Site Diligence Analysis: 5127 BERWYN RD, Prince George's, MD

To: Sunland America Corp. Development Team
From: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst
Date: October 26, 2023
Subject: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis – 5127 BERWYN RD, Prince George's, MD

This report provides a comprehensive site diligence analysis for the property located at 5127 BERWYN RD in Prince George's County, Maryland. The analysis evaluates the site's suitability for a distribution-scale (≤5MW) or utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, focusing on key technical, environmental, regulatory, and financial factors.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access Quality & Equipment Delivery: The property benefits from Public Road Access, which is a significant advantage. Berwyn Road is expected to be a well-maintained public thoroughfare capable of supporting heavy vehicle traffic, including the specialized transport required for BESS components such as transformers, switchgear, and battery containers. The "POI Onsite" notation further suggests that a clear point of entry and internal access for construction and operational vehicles is either existing or readily achievable. This minimizes off-site road improvements and associated costs.
• Terrain Characteristics: Given the Industrial (General) - Warehouse (IE) zoning and the "Buildability: OK" assessment, the terrain is highly likely to be relatively flat, previously graded, or easily amenable to grading. This characteristic is crucial for BESS installations, which require stable, level foundations for equipment pads. Minimal earthwork requirements will contribute to lower civil construction costs and a faster development timeline.
• Heavy Equipment Access: Based on public road access and industrial zoning, heavy equipment access for the delivery and installation of large components (e.g., 50-ton transformers, 40-foot battery containers) is considered highly feasible. The site's industrial context implies existing infrastructure and routes designed for such logistics.
• Access Easement Concerns: With public road access, primary site access easements are generally not a concern. However, internal site access for construction and operations, particularly if the BESS footprint is not directly adjacent to the public road, will require clear internal pathways. The "POI Onsite" suggests this has been considered, but detailed site planning will confirm internal circulation and any necessary internal easements.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone Designation: The FEMA Flood Zone is Unknown. This is a critical data gap. Immediate verification is required. If the site falls within a high-risk flood zone (e.g., Zone A or V), it could necessitate elevated equipment pads, specialized flood-resistant designs, increased insurance premiums, and potentially render the site unsuitable due to prohibitive costs or regulatory hurdles.
• Wetlands Presence: The presence of Wetlands is Unknown. This is another significant environmental unknown. A detailed wetland delineation study is essential. If wetlands are present, they would trigger federal (USACE) and state (MDE) permitting, require significant setbacks, and potentially reduce the usable buildable area (3.11 acres), leading to increased project costs and extended timelines for mitigation or permitting.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species Risk: The data indicates None for Critical Habitat. This is a positive finding, as it avoids complex environmental impact assessments, potential project redesigns, and significant delays often associated with protecting endangered species or their habitats.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The data states None within ~2 miles. This is beneficial as it avoids the environmental remediation costs and liabilities associated with contaminated sites. However, it