Overview
- The supervisory authority LVV ordered a stop to preparatory measures that could harm the environment at Muhos and Kajaani, a move announced on Tuesday while it opens a formal probe.
- LVV is investigating whether Tuike Finland, Google’s local representative, cleared hundreds of hectares without the environmental impact assessment required by law when permanent clearing exceeds the 200‑hectare threshold.
- The authority set firm deadlines: Tuike must notify LVV by October 14 whether it will comply and must end specified clearing and earthworks by October 23 or face coercive measures including fines.
- Google/Tuike has acknowledged shortcomings, said it will review and follow LVV’s recommendations, and has indicated willingness to cooperate with remediation steps reported by local media.
- The rulings put a brake on a planned at‑least €13 billion expansion that has divided small communities that welcome jobs but worry over energy, water use and loss of protected nature as citizens pressed government oversight.