While much attention has been paid to actions taken by environmentalists and celebrities at the site of the Dakota Access Pipeline in defense of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the full ecological impact of the protest is now in the spotlight.

On Tuesday, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgumto accelerate the cleanup at the Dakota Access protest camp before the snowmelt turns the area into an “environmental disaster,” according to the Washington Times.

“With near-record high temperatures expected later this week and significant meltwater flooding already occurring, the situation grows increasingly unsafe by the day,” Burgum said in a statement. “Immediate action is needed to protect human life and prevent any further pollution of the Missouri and Cannonball rivers.”

In a piece for Forbes, energy sector contributing writer David Blackmonnotes that left behind by the protesters at the Oceti Sakowin camp.

At a Glance

After months of protests, the Dakota Access Pipeline site has become a safety hazard.The Oceti Sakowin camp is littered with mounds of garbage, human waste and abandoned vehicles, which threaten area waterways.The Army Corps of Engineers has set a deadline of Feb. 22 for the cleanup and evacuation of the camp.

After months of snow and ice, a dangerous quagmire has been left behind, with piles of garbage, human waste, as well as dozens of abandoned cars, buses and trucks, threatening area waterways, Blackmon notes.

"There is, of course, no national media uproar condemning the protesters who have created the current mess, or the conflict groups that helped to organize them, raised millions as a result of the conflict, but are contributing nothing to the cleanup," Blackmon wrote. "Nor is there any negative media mention of the dozens of celebrities who have visited the site to get a little free publicity over the last several months, or drawn attention to themselves by supporting the cause on social media, but who also are doing nothing to help with the cleanup effort."

Equipment moving snow and trash in Oceti Sakowin Camp.

(North Dakota Joint Information Center)

Warm temperatures are causing snow to melt, flooding parts of the Oceti Sakowin camp.

(Bureau of Indian Affairs)

According to KFYR, Morton County officials say only 25 percent of the garbage left behind has been hauled away from the camp.

Last week, the Army Corps of Engineers approved a final easement allowing the completion of the pipeline and has set a deadline of Feb. 22 for protesters to clean up and evacuate the site.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM:Army Corps of Engineers Denies Dakota Access Pipeline Route

People celebrate at the Oceti Sakowin camp after it was announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers won't grant easement for the Dakota Access oil pipeline in Cannon Ball, N.D., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/David Goldman)