Muhos says it gave Google no permits, will probe pressure claims

The municipality of Muhos says it never issued Google any official permits for its data centre project and will review claims that a building inspector faced pressure, Yle reports.

The municipality said Google had been told it could carry out preparatory work on the site under section 109 of Finland’s Construction Act. The work included removing topsoil, building access roads, drainage and excavation. Muhos said, to its knowledge, the work had followed that arrangement.

Google told the Regional State Administrative Agency (LVV) on Wednesday that both the agency and Muhos building control knew about the preparatory work and that it had been agreed with the municipality. LVV has said that allowing such work does not remove Google’s obligation to comply with environmental impact assessment legislation. Muhos said responsibility for environmental impact assessments lies with LVV and that it could not comment on other authorities’ actions.

The municipality also said stormwater from the Google site is sampled regularly. It said it had no information that water flowing into the Oulujoki River had caused environmental harm.

In a statement, Muhos said the municipal leadership had not been aware of the reported pressure on a building inspector, but would review the matter internally after hearing from everyone involved.

Yle reported on Tuesday that chief building inspector Jultuz Änwar faced possible dismissal after giving an interview to the broadcaster. The municipality has denied that claim. Technical director Mikko Kari said any possible termination would not be connected to the interview. Muhos said it could not comment on an ongoing personnel matter and that decisions concerning Änwar’s public-service employment are made by the municipal committee. Committee chair Jaakko Pellikka told Yle on Wednesday that Änwar had taken leave.