Finland Halts Google Data Center Work After Forest Clearing Precedes Environmental Review

Google has been ordered to halt preparatory work on two data center sites in Muhos and Otanmäki, Finland, after clearing approximately 530 hectares of forest before completing mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs). The Supervisory Authority for the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (LVV) issued the halt order on October 6, 2026, requiring work to cease by October 23, 2026, and remaining in effect until the EIAs are finished.

The deforestation, which occurred between March and September 2026, involved clearing about 330 hectares in Muhos and slightly less than 200 hectares in Otanmäki. Google stated its actions were based on its understanding of Finnish law, citing Article 109 of the Construction Act, which it believed allowed for preparatory work before formal construction permits were obtained. However, the LVV disagreed, asserting that large-scale land-use changes and deforestation for non-restorable purposes necessitate the completion of EIAs.

According to the Finnish Nature League (SLL), an estimated 250,000 trees were cut in Muhos and about 150,000 in Otanmäki. Finnish law generally requires EIAs to be completed before permanent land-use changes or clearing exceeding 200 hectares. The LVV also noted that the forest law’s obligation to replant does not apply to data center construction, as the land will not be restored to its original state.

The LVV initiated an investigation on September 18, 2026, following a report by the Finnish News Agency STT concerning allegations made by the SLL. The authority admitted it became aware of the Muhos clearing only in late August, as forestry centers typically report large-scale clearings only if protected species are present, not solely based on the area cleared.

Google reported on October 11, 2026, that it would comply with the halt order. Google’s Finland Country Manager, Antti Järvinen, issued a public apology on October 13, 2026, for the situation. Minister of Environment and Climate Sari Multala stated on October 9, 2026, that Google would not face sanctions under current EIA law, acknowledging the situation as an oversight. However, a preliminary investigation has been initiated by the police at the Muhos site following a citizen’s complaint.

East Finland University Professor of Environmental Law Ismo Pölönen believes Google violated EIA law in both locations. The LVV has stated it may review its supervision process.

In Otanmäki, a resident reported that wolves had entered the village after the trees were cut, displacing wildlife. While the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Luke) estimates the total wolf population in Finland was approximately 610 in November 2025, and wolf observation records on the Tassu platform showed a 27% increase from the previous season to the period of August 1, 2025, to March 15, 2026, a direct causal link between the deforestation and the wolf presence in Otanmäki remains uncertain.

Other reported environmental concerns include stream water turning brown and the displacement of three-toed woodpeckers. The exact number of trees cut and the precise duration of the halt order, pending the completion of EIAs, are among the uncertainties surrounding the case. The potential for future legal consequences, particularly with upcoming environmental crime legislation, also remains a point of consideration.

Why This Matters

The materials describe a narrow update: Google cleared about 530 hectares of forest for two data center sites in Muhos and Otanmäki, Finland, before completing mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and obtaining formal building permits. The exact number of trees cut in Muhos and Otanmäki.

Broader Context

Source materials place the factual news in this context: Microsoft data center construction site was hit with acidic water balloons, accelerating steel corrosion, indicating a growing anti-AI movement in Europe.