Finland’s environmental regulator ordered Google’s local entity, Tuike Finland, to stop site preparation at its planned data centers in Muhos and Kajaani by October 23 until it completes the environmental impact assessments the law requires. The agency is investigating whether the company logged forest across hundreds of hectares, stripped topsoil, built roads and rerouted ditches without those reviews, and it wants an explanation and a plan by October 14 or it may start enforcement proceedings. A Google spokesperson said the company had fallen short of its own standards and would follow the regulator’s guidance. Finland’s environment and climate minister, Sari Multala, said the problems will likely delay the sites, which are part of the €13 billion buildout Google announced in September.
