⚡ 6220 PUBLIC LANDING RD

Site Diligence Analysis: 6220 PUBLIC LANDING RD, Worcester County, MD

As a senior BESS site evaluation analyst for Sunland America Corp, I have performed a comprehensive diligence analysis for the property located at 6220 PUBLIC LANDING RD in Worcester County, Maryland. This analysis focuses on its suitability for distribution-scale (≤5MW) and utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) development.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access Quality & Equipment Delivery: The property benefits from "Public Road Access," which is a fundamental positive. However, the specific quality of Public Landing Road (e.g., paved vs. gravel, width, load-bearing capacity for heavy haul trucks) requires verification. Given the rural setting in Worcester County, it's essential to confirm that the road can accommodate oversized and overweight loads for transformers, battery containers, and other heavy equipment. Any bridges or culverts along the access route also need to be assessed for weight restrictions.
• Terrain Characteristics: The data indicates "Buildability: Great" and a substantial "Buildable Acres: 57.38" out of a total of 201.46 acres. This strongly suggests favorable terrain, likely flat or gently sloping, minimizing the need for extensive grading and earthwork. This is a significant advantage for construction efficiency and cost.
• Heavy Equipment Access: With public road access and "Great" buildability, it is highly probable that heavy equipment can access the site. The "POI Onsite" further simplifies internal site logistics as the interconnection point is directly accessible. However, a detailed site survey will be necessary to confirm internal access routes and laydown areas.
• Access Easement Concerns: No specific access easement concerns are noted in the provided data. However, as part of standard due diligence, legal review of the property title and any existing easements will be required to ensure unencumbered access for construction and operations.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone Designation: The FEMA Flood Zone is currently "Unknown." This is a critical data gap. BESS facilities cannot be sited in floodways, and siting within a 100-year floodplain (A or AE zones) would necessitate costly flood mitigation measures, such as elevated foundations, potentially increasing project CAPEX and complicating permitting. Immediate desktop analysis and, if necessary, a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) will be required.
• Wetlands Presence & Setback Requirements: Wetlands presence is also "Unknown." This is another significant environmental unknown. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands would trigger federal (USACE) and state (MDE) permitting, require extensive delineation, and impose strict setback requirements, potentially reducing the net developable area and causing project delays. A preliminary wetland screen and, if indicated, a formal delineation are essential next steps.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species Risk: The data indicates "Critical Habitat: None" and "Protected Areas: None." This is a strong positive, as it significantly reduces the risk of encountering federal or state endangered species issues, which can lead to substantial project delays, costly mitigation, or even project abandonment.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: "None within ~2 miles." This is favorable from a contamination risk perspective, avoiding potential remediation costs and liabilities. However, it also means the project would not qualify for the IRA Brownfield Bonus ITC adder.
• Chesapeake Bay Critical Area: The property is designated as "No" for Chesapeake Critical Area. This is a major advantage for a Maryland site, as Critical Area designation imposes stringent development restrictions, including significant impervious surface limits and 100-foot buffers from tidal waters/wetlands, which would severely constrain BESS development.
• Pipeline Proximity Safety Considerations: "None within ~3 miles." This is a positive for safety, as it avoids the need for extensive pipeline safety studies, setback requirements, and potential consultation with pipeline operators, which can add complexity and cost.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

• Nearest Substation & Transmission Line: The data states "POI Onsite" with an "IX Voltage: 69kV" for "Delmarva Power." This is an exceptionally strong positive. While "Nearest Substation" and "Nearest Transmission Line" distances are listed as unknown/none within 3 miles, the "POI Onsite" at 69kV implies direct access to a 69kV transmission line or substation on or immediately adjacent to the property. This significantly de-risks interconnection.
• Likely Available Capacity: The available capacity at the 69kV POI is "Unknown." This is a critical item for the interconnection study. While proximity is excellent, the line or substation may have limited available capacity, requiring costly upgrades.
• Recommended Interconnection Voltage: The specified "IX Voltage: 69kV" clearly indicates a transmission-level interconnection. This is suitable for both distribution-scale (if stepping down) and utility-scale projects, offering potentially greater stability and capacity than a distribution-level connection.
• Estimated Interconnection Cost Range & Timeline: Given the "POI Onsite" at 69kV, interconnection costs for new line construction should be minimal. However, costs could arise from substation upgrades (if connecting to a substation) or line upgrades (if connecting to a transmission line) to accommodate the BESS. A preliminary estimate could range from $500k to $2M+, depending on required upgrades. The timeline will be dictated by Delmarva Power's interconnection queue and study process, typically 12-24 months for transmission-level studies.
• Utility-Specific IX Process & Queue Times: Delmarva Power (an Exelon company) has a well-defined interconnection process. Transmission-level interconnections fall under PJM's queue. PJM's queue is known for its length, with studies often taking 18-36 months. Early submission of a robust application is crucial.
• Feeder Configuration: Not applicable for a 69kV transmission interconnection.

4. Regulatory & Zoning Analysis