Finland investigate Google over destruction of 250k trees

The Oulu Police Department in Finland has begun a preliminary investigation into potential environmental damage at a Google data centre construction site in Muhos. This comes after the Finnish Supervisory Agency requested the probe, citing five separate requests for investigation. The construction work is part of Google's €13 billion investment in Finland.

Police allege that there have been irregularities in the drainage and water management at the site, run by Google's local subsidiary Tuike Finland. They note that other possible charges may become clearer as the preliminary investigation progresses. The police say the investigation, which is expected to take several months, will focus on the environmental damage allegations.

The Finnish Supervisory Agency ordered Tuike Finland to halt construction at the Muhos and Kajaani-Otanmäki sites due to incomplete environmental impact assessments. The agency found Tuike Finland's water management plans to be insufficient for controlling water-related environmental impacts, especially considering the area's heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and acidic black shale soils.

The firm was given until 5 November to submit a detailed water management plan, including structures, timelines, and independent water monitoring. Failure to comply could result in formal enforcement measures, including a conditional fine.