Buncombe County Air Quality Council Meeting | September 22, 2026

Buncombe County Air Quality Advisory Council Meeting Recap Date: September 22, 2026

The Buncombe County Air Quality Advisory Council convened on September 22, 2026, to address the administrative transition of the air quality program from the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency to Buncombe County. The meeting focused on operational updates, budget adjustments, and regulatory compliance. The primary action taken by the Council was a unanimous vote to approve the signing of documents related to this administrative transition. A motion was made by Speaker 1 and seconded by Speaker 2, resulting in the approval of the necessary paperwork to formalize the shift in jurisdiction and authority.

Key discussions centered on the financial and regulatory implications of this transition. Staff explained the necessity of aligning the EPA Section 105 grant with the federal fiscal year (October 1–September 30) rather than the county’s standard July 1–June 30 cycle. This alignment requires a "shoulder year" budget for the period between July 1 and October 1. County Commissioners have already approved funding for the grant match, approximately $350,000, for Fiscal Year 2027. Staff noted that while the initial transition may be "a little bumpy," the alignment of grants and budget years should simplify reconciliation in subsequent years. Additionally, the Council reviewed internal policy updates, deciding to retain a specific non-discrimination policy tailored to EPA grant requirements rather than adopting the county’s general policy, based on legal consultation.

Significant operational updates were provided regarding air quality monitoring and permitting. Staff reported that ozone data completeness remains high at 94.3%, and particulate matter (PM) levels are well below federal standards, with a current design value of 6.3 micrograms per cubic meter. A new ozone monitor is nearing completion, with data expected by October, and a toxic air monitor for benzene is also being established. Regarding Air Curtain Incinerators (ACIs), staff indicated that a general Title V permit established in 2019 requires updating to match current rules. While the EPA is reviewing a proposal to remove Title V requirements for ACIs burning storm debris, permits remain required until that process is finalized. Legal counsel provided an update on a contempt motion scheduled for October 5 regarding a property at 960 North Fork, noting that the homeowner is likely entitled to a court-appointed attorney, which may delay the hearing.

Public comments addressed concerns regarding air quality alerts and staff workload during the transition. A community member questioned the frequency of "yellow days" (moderate air quality alerts) despite overall good air quality. Staff responded that the standard for PM2.5 was lowered from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter, meaning more days now trigger alerts even if air remains healthy by previous metrics. Staff clarified that verified yellow days constitute less than a third of total alerts, driven by sources such as wildfires, mobile emissions, and power plants. Another commenter asked when staff find time for actual air quality work during the transition; staff acknowledged they are "getting behind" but are managing permits to meet statutory deadlines, noting relief that no permit renewals are due until next year.

Several follow-up actions were identified to ensure accurate communication and administrative completion. Staff agreed to correct the new board member orientation document, which currently references the old name "Asheville-Buncombe" and an outdated interlocal agreement, and to provide a revised version at the next meeting. Staff also committed to submitting a ticket to update the Commissioner’s page on the county website with the new name. Additionally, staff member Ashley Featherstone stated she would follow up with advisory committee members who were absent from the recognition ceremony to distribute their certificates and intends to send a news story about the ceremony to the agenda mailing list for broader coverage.