The wild rivers of Patagonia may soon never be the same. Last week, Chile's Aysén Environmental Review Commission approved the environmental assessment of a five dam proposal on two rivers. The approval, however, is marred in controversy and has set off protests in many cities...Critics say the series of dams will destroy a largely untouched region of Patagonia...Clashes with police resulted in water canons and tear gas being used on protestors...Dozens were arrested...Before the approval and violent clashes, public opinion had turned against the project...Critics contend that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was hopelessly flawed and that members of the Aysén Environmental Review Commission—which passed the approval 11-to-1—had conflicts of interest...the dams would flood 5,600 hectares (14,000 acres) of forests, river valleys, and farmlands...The Chilean government argues it needs more power for its mining industry and rising energy consumption.