Storm in Finland: 250,000 trees felled for Google - police investigating

A storm in Finland: approximately 250,000 trees were felled in forest areas in the north of the country for a Google server farm project, before environmental impact assessments were completed. Authorities ordered a halt to the work and police opened an investigation on suspicion of environmental damage.

A storm in Finland: approximately 250,000 trees were felled in extensive forest areas in northern Finland as part of a Google project to build a server farm, before environmental impact assessments were completed. The Finnish supervisory authority ordered a halt to work on October 8 at two sites – near the town of Muhos, where a forest area of about 3,300 dunams was felled, and near Kajaani, where trees were felled on an area of about 2,000 dunams. On October 29, the Finnish police opened a preliminary investigation on suspicion of environmental damage, after irregularities were discovered in drainage and water management systems. Google was required to submit a detailed plan by November 5. The investigation is expected to conclude during 2027. The article notes that some of the felled trees were transferred to the timber industry, and if felling is determined to be illegal, it could lead to financial losses.