# Buncombe County Air Quality Council Meeting | September 22, 2026

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — Buncombe County Air Quality Advisory Council
**Date:** September 22, 2026 3:33 PM EDT (2026-09-22T15:33:41-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3173

## Summary

The Buncombe County Air Quality Council convened on September 22, 2026, to discuss ongoing transitions within the county government, grant management, policy updates, and specific compliance matters. This meeting marked a significant step in the integration of air quality responsibilities under Buncombe County, impacting how residents experience and understand air quality regulations.

A major focus of the meeting was the ongoing transition from the former Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency to Buncombe County's oversight. The Council is actively working to align its budget with the county’s fiscal year, particularly concerning EPA grant funding totaling approximately $350,000. While navigating a complex initial process due to differing grant timelines between the Council and the county, they are collaborating closely with county budget and grants staff to ensure a smoother process in future years. The Council is also diligently communicating with the EPA regarding grant approvals, aiming for formal awards before October 1st.

Beyond budgetary matters, the Council addressed several key policy updates. They confirmed that the existing civil penalty policy will remain unchanged, reflecting its alignment with state and local models. A decision was made to retain the Council’s own non-discrimination policy, a requirement stemming from specific EPA grant stipulations. In an effort to streamline operations, the Council voted to retire its appeals policy, incorporating relevant requirements into their broader rules. Finally, discussions are underway regarding updates to other policies, including the civil penalty policy. 

The Council also dedicated time to discussing rule submissions and their integration into the State Implementation Plan (SIP). This process, requiring review by both the state and the EPA, is crucial for ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The Council acknowledged complexities related to their agency name change and is actively working through these issues with the EPA. 

During the meeting, a citizen raised concerns about the increased frequency of "yellow air quality days." Council members clarified that changes to EPA standards have contributed to more frequent alerts, although the underlying air quality hasn't significantly worsened. This highlights a shift in how air quality is assessed and communicated, prompting residents to pay closer attention to alerts.

**Looking Ahead:** Several key action items emerged from the meeting, directly impacting residents and the Council’s operations. Staff will revise the new board member orientation document to correct outdated references, and a ticket has been submitted to update commissioner pages on the county website. A press release will be sent out recognizing recent air quality achievements, and the Council will continue pursuing a contempt of court order regarding ongoing violations at 960 North Fork. Finally, advisory committee members who missed the recognition ceremony will be contacted to ensure they receive proper acknowledgement. The next meeting is scheduled for November 24th, providing an opportunity to review progress on these action items and address any new concerns.



This meeting demonstrated the County’s commitment to maintaining clean air for Buncombe residents while navigating a period of significant transition and regulatory updates. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these changes and the Council's ongoing efforts through the county website and future public meetings.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPoN4E_WZeA
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2127/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPoN4E_WZeA)