Google says it halted work at two Finnish data centre sites

Google has told Finland’s Licensing and Supervision Agency that it stopped preparatory work at planned data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani after the agency’s request, Yle reports. The company submitted its notice of the work stoppage on Sunday, October 11.

In its response, Google said it had begun logging and other preparations based on its understanding of legal requirements, and believed the authorities knew about the work. The agency had called on Google to stop preparations on October 6, after extensive tree-felling and groundworks took place while environmental impact assessments were still under way.

A response signed by representatives of Google and its subsidiary Tuike Finland confirms that preparatory work stopped at both sites after the agency’s request. When Yle visited on October 7, work appeared to have already stopped.

Google said essential and appropriate stabilisation work might still be needed at the sites. The company said it would seek instructions and written approval in advance from the authorities to ensure the sites were properly protected and safe.

Google said it had contacted building control officials and the Finnish Forest Centre before starting work. It also said it had worked with planning and zoning advisers and had been in contact with the agency about the preparations and the ongoing environmental impact assessments.

The agency asked Tuike Finland to stop preparatory measures that significantly alter the environment at the planned data centre projects immediately, and no later than October 23. It also requested a written account from the company by October 14.