THE SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council will consider taking action against contractors who allegedly allowed bitumen to contaminate Rosenthal Creek south of Warwick a fortnight ago.

A council spokeswoman yesterday confirmed an investigation had been launched into the incident after a council officer discovered and reported what appeared to be a contamination.

"The council's environmental health officers are actively investigating an incident near Rosenthal Creek," the spokeswoman said.

"It appears that works done by a developer to prepare for asphalting a road may have created pollution run off into Rosenthal Creek.

"The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has been notified of the situation by council."

DERM regional services director Ed Donohue had conducted an investigation alongside the council

"The incident involved a bitumen product, used for road surface preparation, being washed into Rosenthal Creek on Homestead Rd in Warwick following localised rain," Mr Donohue said.

"Council staff responded quickly and placed a barrier to contain the contaminants in the immediate area of the spill. The natural flow of the creek, however, did cause the spill to be dispersed outside the containment line."

Mr Donohue said DERM officers visited the site and determined the environment impact of the spill was low.

"The council is cleaning up the area and the department will be taking no further action, he said.

"It appears that works done by a developer to prepare for asphalting a road may have created pollution run off into Rosenthal Creek.