Thanks to Gwen, who pointed me in the direction of NPR's 3-part series on the impact of the Yangtze's Three Gorges Dam. Episode 1 details the concern over the rising waters in the reservoir, which are expected to reach their maximum height during 2008. There's an 8 minute audio download associated with the article.

Beijing has long touted the dam — the biggest hydroelectric plant in the world — as a way to stop flooding, increase river shipping and generate clean power.

But in September, officials publicly admitted that the project could lead to environmental disasters, prompting speculation that China's leaders wanted to distance themselves from the project.

See NPR: Concerns Rise with Water of Three Gorges Dam for more information.