Gunpowder is a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulphur and it
quickly loses it's explosive properties in the environment. Gunpowder
doesn't usually offer a toxicological or explosive risk on sites of this
type.
However, we have records of at least two former gunpowder factories in your
borough. One of these was operated by a company called Curtis and Harvey
at a time when it was manufacturing the new 'chemical' explosives at some
of it's other factories. The explosives that superceeded gunpowder in the
late 19th century are much more stable in the environment and can offer a
toxicological hazard at low concentrations in soil and water.
Desk based research can determine whether there is a possibility of
explosives other than gunpowder to remain on the site.
Paul Harris
Site Assessment Manager
BAE Systems Environmental
01296 652105
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