Fife is facing a potential environmental disaster unless action is taken to control rising water levels in its former coal mines, it has been claimed.
Fears have been expressed that contaminated mine water could seep into rivers and kill wildlife.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said the groundwater level in the east of the region was now at a point where uncontrolled breakouts were likely.
A spokesman for the agency said the pumping operation at the former Frances Colliery in Dysart was no longer enough to control the rising water.
One estimate suggests it has risen by more than 130ft in the last 18 years and is now sitting just 45ft below sea level.
The Coal Authority, which owns the coalfield, said it was aware of the situation and was taking steps to prevent a disaster.
Larger pumps are to be installed at Frances next month in a bid to stop the water from rising further. If that does not work, further contingencies are in place, including the possibility of a reed bed system being set up. This is a natural process in which organisms in reeds digest pollutants.
One suggested location for this is at the former Michael Colliery in East Wemyss.
However, concerns over coastal erosion have raised questions over its suitability.
Martin McGroarty, a lead officer in Fife Council’s planning service, said the situation was a legacy of the mining industry.
“It sounds awful but it’s a long, ongoing issue and something that Fife Council has been keeping an eye on,” he said.
“It’s not something that’s going to happen imminently. We’re looking at a couple of years away if nothing is done.”
Water was pumped out routinely when the pits were operating to ensure the shafts were clear when miners were working.
Although the pumps were switched off when the collieries closed, it was always recognised they would have to be restarted as the water began rebounding up the seams, picking up contaminants along the way.