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[BUSINESS] · Finland · 5 sources

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Part of situation: Google data center environmental disputes in Finland (6 clusters)

Tuike Finland investigated for forest clearing in Muhos

Tuike Finland Google data center environmental impact assessment forest logging Finnish environmental law

Tuike Finland Oy, a subsidiary of Google, is under investigation by the Finnish Licensing and Supervisory Authority (LVV) for allegedly clearing forest land without a required environmental impact assessment (YVA).

Documents indicate that approximately 330 hectares of forest in Muhos were cleared for a planned data center. Although the LVV determined in May that an environmental assessment was necessary, satellite data shows logging continued until August. The clearing activities in Muhos and Kajaani reportedly began in early March.

In a response to the LVV, Tuike Finland stated that its actions were “entirely legal and proper.” The company argued that its approach was based on consultations with authorities and legal advisers. Google's subsidiary maintains that the work could be lawfully performed under the Forest Act and Section 109 of the Land Use and Building Act, which allows certain preparatory works like tree felling before a full building permit is issued.

Entities

Google · Kajaani · Lupa- ja valvontavirasto · Muhos · Tuike Finland Oy

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [● 2 SOURCES] The company believed logging could proceed under the Forest Act and Section 109 of the Land Use and Building Act while the environmental assessment was pending. demokraatti.fi · www.karjalainen.fi
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] LVV is investigating whether Tuike acted lawfully regarding the forest clearing. nordictimes.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Logging in Muhos and Kajaani began in early March. demokraatti.fi · www.karjalainen.fi
  • [DISPUTED] Tuike Finland Oy claims its operations in Muhos were entirely legal and proper. nordictimes.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Logging and preparatory work in Muhos covered approximately 330 hectares. nordictimes.com
  • [● 3 SOURCES] The Licensing and Supervisory Authority (LVV) determined in May that an environmental impact assessment was required for the project. nordictimes.com · demokraatti.fi · www.karjalainen.fi

Sources

Beaver blocks traffic in Finland [nordictimes.com]
Pääkirjoitus | Google hyödynsi luvanantajien höveliyttä [www.savonsanomat.fi]
Finlande : deux data centers de Google suspendus après le défrichement de plus de 500 hectares de forêt [www.epochtimes.fr]
Näin Google selittää hakkuitaan viranomaisille: ”Ymmärsimme, että…” [demokraatti.fi]
Google vastineessaan LVV:lle: Katsoimme, että datakeskusalueiden hakkuut ja valmistelutyöt voitaisiin toteuttaa yva-menettelyn ollessa vielä kesken [www.karjalainen.fi]