Finland's environmental regulator has called on Tuike Finland Oy, the company behind Google's planned data centers in Muhos and Kajaani, to suspend preparatory work that significantly changes the environment while the projects' environmental impact assessments remain unfinished. Its October 6 notice requests action immediately and no later than October 23. LVV notice

The big change

  • What changed: Environmental scrutiny of these two Google projects has moved from information gathering to a request to suspend specified site preparation. The agency is intervening before the assessment process is complete.
  • Why it matters: For communities around planned AI infrastructure, the timing of environmental review affects which choices remain open. LVV says extensive preparation can limit the alternatives an assessment can examine and the opportunities to prevent harm.
  • What to watch: Tuike's written response and the agency's next decision will establish how this request proceeds. Google's separate investment announcement offers no evidence that these two projects have completed their environmental review.

The work covered and the two deadlines

The Finnish Supervisory Agency, Lupa- ja valvontavirasto (LVV), calls its action a kehotus: a request or call to act. It seeks voluntary compliance and gives Tuike an opportunity to be heard before possible administrative enforcement.

The request covers tree and topsoil removal, excavation, rock excavation, crushing, earth moving, drainage, and construction of site roads and storage areas. It excludes planning, measurements, soil studies, and other work with minor effects that is readily reversible. Scope in the Finnish notice

Tuike's written explanation is due October 14, including whether it intends to comply. October 23 is the latest date specified for suspension, which LVV asks to last until the assessments are complete. If Tuike does not comply, LVV says it will consider administrative enforcement, potentially backed by a conditional fine. The notice does not announce an imposed fine or a court order.

Why the agency intervened

LVV opened its information gathering on September 18, asking Tuike, Muhos municipality and Kajaani city about permits and work at the sites. It said preparatory activities had begun and, in its assessment, might significantly affect the environment.

The agency described an environmental assessment as part of the projects' permitting process. Its purpose is to inform decisions while alternatives can still be considered. Preparation that changes a site can narrow those choices before the assessment has done its work. The regulatory concern does not by itself establish the extent of any environmental damage.

Google's response and its wider plans

In a company statement reported by Maaseudun Tulevaisuus on October 6, Google's Finland and Norway communications manager Sondre Ronander said the company had fallen short of its own high standards in this case and would follow the authority's guidance. He said Google had acted in good faith under the Forest Act, conducted nature surveys and taken steps to protect valuable natural sites.

Google's September 9 infrastructure announcement describes investment planned for 2027 and 2028 across Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala. Google says the infrastructure will support AI development and services including Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube. The October notice concerns specified preparations in Muhos and Kajaani; it provides no basis for treating Google's entire Finnish investment program as suspended.

Sources & further reading

  • LVV's October 6 notice, in Finnish. The original procedural wording establishes the scope and deadlines. Our translations retain the distinction between the present request and possible later enforcement.
  • LVV's September 18 information request. Earlier primary context on the agency's inquiry. Its discussion of reported forest clearing is not an independent measurement of cleared area.
  • Maaseudun Tulevaisuus on Google's response. Finnish reporting reproduces Ronander's company statement. BIG CHANGE did not receive that statement directly or independently verify the company's account of its conduct.
  • Google Cloud's September 9 Finland announcement. Primary evidence of Google's stated investment plans and their intended AI role. It does not establish environmental approval or delivered economic benefits.