DENVER - Federal and state authorities are trying to contain an oil spill that was discovered near Parachute in western Colorado.

David Ludlam, director of the West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association, tells The Denver Post that industry contractors preparing a site for construction along Parachute Creek discovered the liquid hydrocarbons coming up from the ground March 8.

Ludlam says the Environmental Protection Agency has assessed the scene four miles north of Parachute, and no hydrocarbons have made their way into the creek. The source, quantity and nature of the spill remain under investigation.

Ludlam says numerous industry parties are involved, but he declined to name specific companies.

Work crews made the discovery as they were searching for underground pipelines, a standard practice before construction.