⚡ 13618 MARSH PIKE

Site Diligence Analysis: 13618 MARSH PIKE, Washington, MD

As a senior BESS site evaluation analyst for Sunland America Corp, I have performed a comprehensive diligence analysis for the property located at 13618 MARSH PIKE, Washington, MD. This analysis evaluates the site's suitability for a distribution-scale (≤5MW) or utility-scale BESS project, considering various critical factors.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access Quality and Equipment Delivery Feasibility: The property benefits from "Public" road access via Marsh Pike. Given its rural/agricultural setting in Washington County, MD, Marsh Pike is likely a paved county road, suitable for general traffic. The large parcel size of 80.02 acres provides ample space for maneuvering heavy equipment. This public access is a significant advantage for the delivery of large components such as transformers, battery containers, and construction materials.
• Likely Terrain Characteristics: The "Residential - Rural/Agricultural Residence" zoning and the "Great" buildability assessment suggest that the terrain is relatively flat to gently rolling. This type of topography is highly favorable for BESS development, minimizing the need for extensive grading and earthwork, which can significantly reduce construction costs and timelines.
• Heavy Equipment Access: With public road access and a large, buildable acreage, heavy equipment (e.g., cranes, flatbed trucks for transformers and battery containers) should have unhindered access to the site. The "Great" buildability rating further supports the ease of site preparation and construction activities.
• Access Easement Concerns: A critical flag is that "POI requires private easements." This indicates that the Point of Interconnection (POI) for the BESS project is not directly adjacent to the property or accessible via public right-of-way from the site. This necessitates the negotiation and acquisition of private easements from neighboring landowners for the interconnection line, which can be a complex, time-consuming, and potentially costly process, introducing significant project risk and delay.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone Designation: The FEMA Flood Zone designation is "Unknown." This is a critical data gap. Immediate verification is required. If the site, or portions of it, fall within a 100-year (AE or A) or 500-year (X-500) flood zone, it would necessitate significant engineering solutions (e.g., elevated equipment pads, flood barriers), increased permitting complexity, and potentially higher insurance costs. This could render portions of the site unsuitable or significantly increase project costs.
• Wetlands Presence and Setback Requirements: Wetlands presence is also "Unknown." This is another critical data gap. A professional wetland delineation is essential. If wetlands are identified, they would trigger federal (USACE) and state (MDE) permitting requirements, potentially requiring avoidance, mitigation, and significant setbacks, which could reduce the developable area and increase project costs and timelines.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species Risk: The data indicates "None" for critical habitat. This is a positive finding, as it significantly reduces environmental permitting risks and avoids potential project delays associated with protected species surveys and mitigation plans.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The data notes "1 site(s) within ~2 mi." While not directly on the property, the proximity of a brownfield/superfund site warrants caution. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) will be crucial to determine if there's any potential for off-site contamination migration affecting the subject property. This proximity does not offer an IRA brownfield bonus for the project site itself, as the project site is not designated as a brownfield.
• Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Implications: The property is designated as "No" for Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. This is a significant advantage, as it avoids the stringent development restrictions, impervious surface limits, and extensive setback requirements associated with projects within the Critical Area, simplifying environmental permitting.
• Pipeline Proximity Safety Considerations: "None within