Google faces scrutiny over forest clearing and sand work at Finnish data centre sites

Google’s data-centre projects in Muhos and Kajaani have been under fire for clearing large forest areas and conducting earthworks without finalized environmental impact assessments. The Muhos operation, involving 330 hectares of forest, was stopped after the Finnish Safety and Supervisory Authority (LVV) issued a cease-order, and photographs showed runoff water leaking from the site. In Kajaani, sand and rock were being moved on a site previously used for mining, with the lead building inspector noting that the work was aimed at managing surface water and that no abnormal runoff was observed.

Both municipalities have not granted binding zoning plans, meaning construction is generally prohibited, and the required landscape-work permits have not been issued. Google cited a construction-law provision that permits preparatory work such as tree felling, which local inspectors said they were not fully aware could be applied without proper permits. Environmental lawyers warn that the company could face violations of other statutes, including those protecting water and land resources, and that municipal officials may also bear responsibility for oversight failures.