Finnish Police Open Criminal Probe Into Google Data Center Forest Clearing

Finnish police have opened a criminal investigation into possible violations of environmental law at the site of a planned Google data center in northern Finland.

Authorities allege that Tuike Finland, a Google subsidiary, cleared and drained 330 hectares of forest in Muhos before the environmental impact assessments required under Finnish law were finished. Police said Thursday that preliminary information pointed to "ambiguities and shortcomings in the drainage and water management" at the construction site, and that the investigation would examine those circumstances.

Earlier this month, Finnish authorities ordered Google to suspend work at two sites, Muhos and Otanmäki, after the company failed to complete environmental assessments before clearcutting. Google's Finland country manager, Antti Järvinen, has apologized for the clearings but said the company acted on "the best understanding we had of the legislation at the time."

The case has fueled a national debate over what data center deals mean for communities, the environment and energy prices, and could affect parliamentary elections due in April. More than 93,000 people have signed a petition calling for tighter regulation and compensation for environmental damage.

Source: The Guardian