Contaminated water is still rising in Fife’s former coal mines despite efforts to control it.
Pumping could soon be reintroduced at the defunct Michael Colliery in a bid to prevent the rebounding mine water breaking ground and causing a potential environmental disaster.
The Coal Authority is to begin tests at the East Wemyss pit, which closed in 1967 following a disastrous fire that killed nine men.
Pumping has not been carried out there since 1998, when new pumps were introduced at the former Frances Colliery in Dysart. However, it has emerged the action at Frances is not enough to control groundwater levels.
Fears were expressed last year that minewater polluted with red ochre could seep into rivers and kill off wildlife.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said the groundwater level in the east of the region was at a point where uncontrolled breakouts were likely to occur.
One estimate suggested the water had risen by more than 130ft in the last 18 years and was sitting just 45ft below sea level.
Larger pumps have since been installed at Frances and a borehole was created at Leven to provide an overflow for the water.
While this has slowed the rising water, it has not stopped it. Councillor Tom Adams, chairman of Levenmouth area committee, said further measures were now needed.
“Pumps could be installed at the Michael Colliery where the old mine shaft is still intact,” he said.
“The Coal Authority is in the throes of looking into that at the moment.
“The pumps at Frances are still pumping away and the water is not rising so quickly but it’s still rising.
“The threat of environmental disaster is not as imminent as it was but more needs to be done to stop it.”
He added: “I think the pumps need to start going in now so it’s ready because they will have to start pumping sooner or later,” said Mr Adams.
Sepa confirmed the pumps at Frances were working at the maximum rate but more were needed.
A spokesman said: “Sepa understands that the former Michael Colliery has been selected by the Coal Authority as a suitable site for additional pumping to help control groundwater levels and prevent surface overflows of polluting mine water.
“Sepa have been notified that the Coal Authority do plan to undertake a pumping test in the coming months.
“The pumping and discharge from Michael will be authorised under a Controlled Activities Regulations licence issued by Sepa and will enable the Coal Authority to determine the requirements for a long-term mine water treatment scheme at this location.”
The Coal Authority said the situation was being monitored and was under control.
The pumping of water was carried out routinely when the pits were in operation to ensure the shafts were kept clear.
The pumps were switched off when the collieries closed but it was always recognised they would have to be restarted as the water began rebounding up the seams, picking up contaminants along the way.
If it is allowed to rise unchecked, it could break the surface and pollute rivers with red ochre which kills off plants and affects the local food chain.