Finland Investigates Google’s Forest Clearing. The Impact Assessment Has Fewer Trees To Assess.

Google has found a way to simplify an environmental impact assessment: remove a substantial amount of the environment first.

Finnish police announced a criminal investigation Thursday into possible environmental-law breaches at the company’s planned Muhos data centre. Authorities allege Google’s subsidiary cleared and drained 330 hectares of forest before completing the required assessment. An inspector hoping to examine the trees may now need the before photos.

Google’s country manager has apologised, while saying the company acted on its best understanding of the legislation. A challenging explanation from a company whose main product helps people look things up.

Authorities had already stopped work at Muhos and another site. Police are examining drainage and water-management shortcomings; an investigation is not a conviction. The forest does not have to wait for the verdict to be gone.

Finland’s government welcomed the investment. More than 93,000 people have since signed a petition seeking tighter data-centre rules and compensation for environmental damage. That’s a considerable number of residents discovering that “the cloud” arrives with excavators.