An environmental group is hoping the sprawling former BAE Systems site in Westover, which was destroyed in the 2011 flood, will be turned into a solar power plant.

The Sierra Club Susquehanna Group is pushing the Town of Union to approve a proposal for a five megawatt solar plant that has been submitted by Gay Canough of EMT Solar works.

The Town of Union resident says the idea is to tie the solar power facility to the former AES Westover plant that used to produce electricity by burning coal.

The Sierra Club says the proposed solar array would produce enough electricity to power Binghamton University, the Town of Union municipal buildings and 800 homes.

The Town of Union is currently soliciting ideas about what to do with the former U.S. Defense Department facility.  Suggestions can be offered online at www.thereunionproject2020.com or by calling town officials at (607) 786-2900.  Proposals have also been accepted during town board meetings.

The U.S. Air Force owns the manufacturing facility and plans to demolish the building.

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM