Finland Opens Criminal Probe Into Google Datacentre Forest Clearing
Finnish police are investigating possible environmental-law breaches at a Google datacentre site in Muhos, where 330 hectares of forest were cleared and drained.
The story in focus
Finnish police have opened a criminal investigation into possible environmental-law breaches at a planned Google datacentre site in Muhos, northern Finland. The Guardian reports that subsidiary Tuike Finland cleared and drained 330 hectares of forest before required environmental impact assessments were completed.
- Police are examining possible breaches of Finnish environmental law at the Muhos site
- Subsidiary Tuike Finland allegedly cleared and drained 330 hectares of forest
- Authorities ordered work suspended at Muhos and Otanmäki earlier this month
- Google's Finland country manager apologised and cited its understanding of the law at the time
- Campaigners estimate 250,000 trees felled at Muhos and 150,000 at Otanmäki
Investigation and allegations
Finnish police announced the criminal investigation on Thursday, saying preliminary information showed ambiguities and shortcomings in drainage and water management at Tuike Finland Oy's datacentre project site. The inquiry is to examine circumstances around those issues, according to a police statement.
The Guardian reports that authorities allege the Google subsidiary cleared and drained 330 hectares (815 acres) of forest at the planned Muhos site before environmental impact assessments required by Finnish law had been completed.
Suspensions and company response
Earlier this month the Supervisory Agency, which oversees environmental permits and assessments, told Google to halt preparatory measures altering the environment at Muhos and at Otanmäki, about 100km to the south-east. Google's Finland country manager, Antti Järvinen, apologised for the clearings and said the company had acted on the best understanding of the legislation it had at the time.
Finland is attractive to datacentre builders for its geopolitical stability, available land and cool climate, which can cut energy costs. Authorities are considering applications for 145 new datacentres, including a €13bn Google artificial intelligence infrastructure project the company has called its largest investment in Europe.
Political context
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in September, when the plans were announced, that attracting investment was a top priority and the deal would deliver lasting benefits. The clearings have prompted national debate on datacentres' effects on communities, the environment and energy prices, an issue that could affect parliamentary elections due in April.
More than 93,000 people have signed a petition seeking more datacentre regulation and compensation for environmental damage. Jussi Kangasharju, a computer science professor at the University of Helsinki, was quoted as saying Finland gains no real benefit because the operators serve international customers.
What triggered the Finnish police investigation into Google's Muhos datacentre site?
Police are examining possible environmental-law breaches after authorities alleged Tuike Finland cleared and drained 330 hectares of forest before required environmental impact assessments were completed. Work at Muhos and Otanmäki was suspended earlier this month.
Sources & further reading
- Finland launches criminal investigation into Google’s clearing of forest for datacentre site ↗The Guardian
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