Google has been ordered to temporarily stop work on two data centers in Finland after failing to conduct the required environmental impact assessments (EIA) for its construction sites. The planned data centers in Muhos and Kajaani are part of a €13 billion (£11 billion) project across multiple locations in northern Finland, driven by significant demand for online infrastructure.
Reports indicate that Tuike Finland Oy, the company representing Google, cleared 330 hectares (815 acres) of forest in Muhos without completing an EIA. In Kajaani, logging has occurred on just under 200 hectares (494 acres) of land. The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation stated that the sites have been significantly altered, attributing the situation to an overheated market for new data centers.
On Tuesday, the Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV) issued a notice to Google, requiring the company to “immediately suspend” any preparatory measures that significantly change the environment of the two sites by 23 October. Google has until next Wednesday to provide a written explanation. The ongoing EIA is expected to be completed later this year, but Google has already undertaken extensive preparatory measures, including tree removal and road construction, according to LVV.
Tommi Muilu, head of the environmental department at LVV, emphasized that the actions taken will alter the environment and that identifying and assessing these impacts is a key objective of the EIA process. If Google does not comply with the order, LVV may consider enforcement proceedings and impose fines.
In a statement, Google acknowledged the concerns and admitted to falling short of its standards, stating it would review LVV’s findings and adhere to their guidance. The company claimed to have acted in good faith under the Forestry Act, conducting nature surveys and implementing measures to protect high-value areas. Google also mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance landscaping and biodiversity, including tree planting across 130 hectares (321 acres) in Muhos.
Tapani Veistola, chief operating officer at the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, described the issues at the two sites as indicative of a systemic problem, noting that the Muhos site has been transformed into a sand area. He attributed the rapid developments to the high demand for data centers in Finland, which pressures companies to expedite processes, often overwhelming small municipalities.