Google’s forest clearing raises questions over Finnish oversight

Google’s extensive forest clearing and ground preparation for data centre projects in Muhos and Kajaani have raised questions about the company’s actions and the response of local authorities, Yle investigative journalist Kirsi Karppinen writes in an analysis.

Environmental impact assessments for both projects remain unfinished. Google does not have the building permits required for the data centres, and appeals have been filed against local plans for the areas. Yet imagery from the sites shows extensive work, prompting questions about whether the company acted knowingly or mistakenly and whether authorities carried out their oversight duties.

Agency began inquiry after news reports

Google announced in March that it would clear forest on land it owns in Muhos and Kajaani. Satellite images from Muhos show that logging progressed quickly, including between March and May. The work drew widespread attention only in September, after reports by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation and the news agency STT.

The Permit and Supervisory Agency began investigating a day after the logging became news. Yle’s reporting found that, at a worksite meeting in August, the agency had noted that work was under way in Muhos that should not have been carried out. The agency’s unit head, Sari Myllyoja, told Yle the matter was discussed internally, but no investigation began at that point.

The agency has said Google should not have cleared forest on such large areas in either municipality while the environmental impact assessments were still under way. Ismo Pölönen, a professor of environmental law at the University of Eastern Finland, said he believed the company had broken the law governing environmental impact assessment procedures. He said it was widely understood in the industry that large projects could not begin ground works before the assessment process was complete and permits had been obtained.

Google says it acted in good faith

Google has said it carried out the logging, which began in March, in good faith and under the Forest Act. The agency has said that logging under the act entails an obligation to restore the area by planting new trees. Google’s plans for the land, however, are to build data centres rather than restore the forest.

The actions of Muhos municipality and Kajaani city are also under scrutiny. After the logging, Google asked building control authorities in both municipalities for permission to carry out preparatory work before construction. In May and June, the authorities allowed the company to begin measures permitted before construction under Section 109 of the Building Act. By then, extensive logging had already taken place in Muhos.