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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