Buncombe County Air Quality Advisory Council Meeting

Buncombe County Air Quality Advisory Council Meeting Recap – August 6, 2026

On August 6, 2026, the Buncombe County Air Quality Advisory Council held its inaugural meeting, marking a significant shift in how air quality is managed and monitored within the county. This new council replaces the former Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency, transitioning to a structure directly under the Buncombe County government. The meeting focused on establishing foundational elements for the council’s operation and recognizing key contributors to ongoing air quality initiatives. Attendance included existing members of the former advisory committee, newly appointed council member Jim Neely (bringing extensive experience from Massachusetts), and county staff involved in the transition.

A primary focus of the meeting was establishing the council's operational framework. Members unanimously approved new bylaws, outlining how the council will function and make decisions. A brief discussion highlighted a need to refine procedures for formally communicating recommendations to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, with plans to address this in future revisions. The council also elected Joel as temporary chair until permanent leadership can be formally established, and welcomed Jim Neely to the council, acknowledging his valuable experience in air quality management. All members will soon be completing and submitting conflict-of-interest disclosure forms, a requirement under the Clean Air Act.

A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the success of the "Western North Carolina Postal Lean Air Quality Particulate Monitoring Project." This collaborative effort, involving partnerships with the Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA, has resulted in the installation of additional air quality monitors throughout Buncombe County. Numerous local organizations and individuals, including ArtSpace, local libraries, Fairview Elementary School, and several fire departments, were formally acknowledged for their contributions to this vital project. The initiative aims to provide more accurate and localized air quality data, particularly crucial during events like wildfires – a lesson learned from the 2016 wildfire season. The council also formally recognized the long-standing dedication of members from the Air Quality Agency's Advisory Committee, whose roles are being transitioned as part of this organizational change.

Beyond the celebratory recognition, Ashley provided an update on the official transition to Buncombe County Air Quality, noting July 24th as the date of the change. The agency is currently navigating a complex process known as "novation" related to federal grant funding, requiring the closure of existing grants and applications for new ones. Steve also gave an update on ongoing air quality monitoring efforts, including progress at the E-Tech monitoring site and analysis of ozone levels. The council established a meeting schedule for the coming months, with meetings planned for September 22nd and November 24th at 3:30 PM. Finally, the meeting concluded with a brief overview of public comment procedures – individuals will be able to sign up and share their thoughts at the end of each meeting.

This transition signifies a renewed commitment to air quality management within Buncombe County. The council's focus on improved monitoring, particularly during wildfire events, and its collaborative approach with state and federal partners will contribute to a healthier environment for all residents. Citizens are encouraged to attend future meetings, sign up for public comment, and stay informed about the council's ongoing efforts to protect Buncombe County’s air quality.