North Dakota Pipeline: Protesters vow to stand ground

(CNN)The protesters fighting to block the Dakota Access Pipeline have vowed to stand their ground despite growing calls for them to leave and threats of prosecution from law enforcement.

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Since late summer, protesters have stood beside members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota who believe the $3.7 billion pipeline project, which would move 470,000 barrels of crude oil a day across four states, would affect its drinking water supply and place downstream communities at risk of contamination from potential oil spills.

In an interview with CNN's Chris Cuomo, Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault said the protest would continue even though protesters have been ordered tovacate an area where they have set up camp by next Monday.

"We are in for the long haul," said Chase Iron Eyes, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Pressure grows, protesters dig in

On Friday, the US Army Corps of Engineers warned that activists who refuse to leave could face arrest. Since the statement's release, however, officials have backtracked, saying they have no plans to forcibly remove those who stay.

Now, less than a week before the deadline, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple has ordered protesters to clear out immediately, citing a reason other than trespassing: harsh winter conditions.

In a statement, he said the protesters' temporary dwellings have yet to be inspected and approved, and failure to do so posed serious public safety concerns. He added that first responders would no longer be responsible for providing emergency services to those who remained.