Yle reported on October 6, 2026, that Finland’s Licensing and Supervision Agency (LVV) directed Tuike Finland Oy to suspend preparatory work that significantly alters the environment at Google’s planned data center sites in Muhos and Kajaani-Otanmäki until their environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures are complete. The direction covers ground-changing work, while some planning and survey tasks may continue. Yle’s report also described the scope of the pause and Google’s response.

Which work the reported direction covers

The practical line is between activities that significantly alter the sites and lower-impact work. Yle reported that the direction covers:

  • Removing trees and stripping topsoil
  • Building work roads and storage areas
  • Changing ditches and culverts, and making stormwater arrangements

Planning, measurements, soil investigations and other low-impact, readily reversible actions fall outside the reported suspension. NeoTeo’s earlier coverage of the reported direction introduced the pause; these activity-level details explain what it means for work at the sites.

Yle also reported that LVV based its direction on information from the parties and publicly circulated drone images, and had not yet visited either site.

The EIA and local planning process

In a notice dated September 18, 2026, LVV said it had requested explanations from Tuike Finland Oy, Muhos municipality and Kajaani city about the projects, permits and work in the areas. The agency said both EIA procedures were ongoing. LVV’s notice also said local plans had been approved but appealed to administrative court, with building bans in effect. Under the conditions described by LVV, landscape-changing work may require a landscape-work permit.

The environmental reviews and local planning rules are separate parts of the process. The reported suspension applies to significant environmental changes while the EIA procedures continue; it does not cover every preparatory task.

Reported clearing figures and Google’s response

Yle reported that Google confirmed about 330 hectares of forest had been cleared at Muhos and slightly less than 200 hectares at Kajaani-Otanmäki. The figures are approximate and apply to separate project areas.

Google communications manager Sondre Ronander said the company had acted in good faith under the Forestry Act and carried out nature surveys. He also said Google had not met its own high targets and planned to plant trees on 130 hectares in Muhos. The planting is a company plan for that site.

Deadlines and possible enforcement

Yle reported that Tuike Finland Oy could submit a written explanation to LVV by October 14, 2026. The direction was to take effect immediately and no later than October 23, 2026. LVV said it could consider stronger administrative measures, including a conditional fine, if Tuike did not comply.