Finnish authorities have ordered Google to suspend work at two data center sites after the company cleared hundreds of hectares of forest without mandatory environmental impact assessments.

The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV) has ordered Google to immediately suspend all preparatory work at planned data center sites in Muhos and Kajaani. The agency issued the directive after determining that Tuike Finland, the company representing Google, cleared land and altered the environment without completing mandatory environmental impact assessments. Google has been given until October 23, 2026, to halt these activities and must provide a written explanation to the agency by October 14.

Scope of Environmental Concerns

The LVV reported that extensive preparatory measures have already occurred at the sites, including the removal of trees, stripping of topsoil, construction of site roads, and the alteration of ditches. According to the agency, these actions significantly change the environment and bypass the objectives of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. Reports indicate that over 300 hectares of forest were cleared in Muhos, with some sources citing up to 330 hectares. In Kajaani, logging has reportedly taken place across nearly 200 hectares. The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation has criticized the actions, with officials describing the sites as having been reduced to sand and suggesting the oversight indicates a systemic issue.

Google's Response and Future Outlook

Google acknowledged the concerns and stated that it had fallen short of its own standards. A company spokesperson maintained that Google acted in good faith under the Forestry Act and had implemented nature surveys and protective measures. The company noted it is advancing biodiversity plans, including a project to plant trees across 130 hectares in Muhos. Finland's Minister of the Environment and Climate, Sari Multala, stated that the projects will likely face delays due to the assessment failures. If Google fails to comply with the suspension order, the LVV may initiate enforcement proceedings and impose fines.