⚡ 1315 DOUGHTY RD

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for APN 0108_901_12 (Doughty Road)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the property located at 1315 Doughty Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, for its potential as a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. The analysis covers key development pillars including site characteristics, environmental constraints, grid infrastructure, regulatory landscape, and financial incentives.

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property is a 6.72-acre vacant parcel fronting Doughty Road. Initial desktop analysis indicates Doughty Road is a two-lane, paved local road. The quality and weight-bearing capacity of this road are critical unknowns and require verification via a site visit and consultation with the township engineer.

• Equipment Delivery Feasibility: The site benefits from relative proximity to major transportation corridors like the Atlantic City Expressway. However, a detailed trucking route survey is necessary to ensure the final-mile delivery path along Doughty Road can accommodate oversized and overweight loads, such as a main power transformer (MPT) and prefabricated battery enclosures. Potential obstacles include tight turn radii from main roads onto Doughty Road, low-hanging utility lines, and potential road or bridge weight restrictions.
• Terrain Characteristics: Located in the Atlantic Coastal Plain region of Southern New Jersey, the site is presumed to be exceptionally flat with sandy, well-drained soils. This is highly advantageous, as it will likely minimize civil engineering costs associated with grading and site preparation. A geotechnical study will be required to confirm soil bearing capacity for equipment foundations.
• Heavy Equipment Access: Assuming Doughty Road is structurally sound, direct access from the road to the buildable portion of the site appears feasible. The 5.5 buildable acres provide ample laydown area and maneuvering room for cranes and delivery vehicles during construction.
• Easement Concerns: Requires Verification. A full title report is a critical next step. We must identify any existing access, utility, or conservation easements that may encumber the property and restrict the placement of BESS equipment. The legal and physical access from the public right-of-way to the planned project footprint must be clear and unencumbered.

2. Environmental Constraints

Environmental factors present the most significant uncertainty for this site. Given its location in coastal New Jersey, a thorough investigation is paramount.

• FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The flood zone designation is unknown and represents a potential fatal flaw. A FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) analysis is an immediate priority. If the site is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone AE), development costs will increase substantially due to requirements for elevating all critical equipment above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), potentially rendering the project economically unviable.
• Wetlands Presence: Requires Verification. Southern New Jersey is characterized by extensive wetlands. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI