Asheville Buncombe Air Quality Board Meeting

Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board Meeting Recap: January 23, 2025

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board convened on January 23, 2025, for a meeting focused largely on managing the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene and recognizing a retiring long-time employee. The meeting, attended by existing board members and welcoming new member Caitlin Corsett (bringing expertise in climatology from UNC Asheville), provided updates on ongoing air quality initiatives and outlined key next steps for the agency.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring Betsy Miller, a beloved and respected employee who is retiring at the end of January. Board members shared numerous stories highlighting her decades-long dedication and positive impact on the agency, demonstrating a deep appreciation for her service. Beyond this recognition, discussions centered around the substantial challenges presented by storm debris management following Tropical Storm Helene. Director Ashley Rhodes reported that the county is currently dealing with an estimated 10 million cubic yards of debris, necessitating numerous open burning and air curtain incinerator permits. The agency is actively collaborating with the EPA to secure regulatory relief for these incinerators operating in disaster-declared areas, and is closely monitoring the Riverside Stump Dump site due to its proximity to a regulatory monitor.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting. The board unanimously approved both the agenda and minutes from their previous December 2nd meeting. A notable appointment was made, with Ned Chapman selected as the new chair of the advisory committee and Caitlin Corsett joining as a member. Permits were also approved for Hardwood Home for Funerals, Mission Hospital, and Tulco – standard approvals processed as part of the board’s regulatory oversight.

Beyond storm debris, the meeting touched on several other important initiatives. Plans for a new ozone monitoring site at AB Tech campus were discussed, leveraging state collaboration and available grant funding. The board also considered options for surplus ozone monitoring equipment, with a plan to list it on GovDeals to explore potential sales or donations to UNCA. Finally, the agency is actively working on website updates to improve content and align with upcoming changes to the county’s permitting system, alongside promoting Radon awareness through free test kits available on their website.

Looking ahead, the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board has several key action items on its plate. The agency will continue managing open burning and air curtain incinerator permits related to storm debris, with a particular focus on closely monitoring the Riverside Stump Dump site. Discussions were initiated regarding increased outreach efforts to inform residents about open burning regulations, potentially through collaboration with the Post-Hollene Community Neighborhood and Built Environment Group. The agency will also list surplus ozone monitoring equipment on GovDeals, continue website updates, schedule a meeting for the advisory committee in February or April, and finalize plans for their move to a new location later in March.

This meeting underscored the Air Quality Board's crucial role in protecting Asheville-Buncombe County’s air quality, particularly during times of natural disaster and ongoing regulatory oversight. Residents can expect to see increased information on the agency's website, as well as potential outreach efforts regarding open burning regulations. The board’s commitment to managing storm debris and supporting community engagement demonstrates their dedication to a cleaner, healthier environment for all.