Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board Meeting

Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board Meeting Recap: September 10, 2025

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board convened on September 10, 2025, to address ongoing challenges related to storm recovery, air quality concerns, and the board’s operational future. The meeting was attended by all board members and key staff, providing a comprehensive overview of current initiatives and future priorities.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. The board approved permits for demolition and asbestos removal, acknowledging the complex financial logistics involved with FEMA reimbursement. While this process is underway, concerns were raised about potential delays and reduced participation from property owners, highlighting a need for ongoing monitoring. A related discussion centered on temporary permits allowing air curtain incinerators to process storm debris, with three local entities seeking extensions. The board will need to carefully consider these requests and ensure compliance with evolving EPA regulations, including particulate matter modeling.

Beyond storm recovery, the board addressed a notable increase in air quality complaints, particularly regarding open burning and odors. Specific attention was given to Silver Line Plastics, a facility processing flood-damaged plastic, which is generating dust emissions. Staff will be closely monitoring their operations to ensure compliance and potentially require permit modifications. A mulch fire in Barnardsville, while falling under the jurisdiction of Solid Waste regulations, also prompted discussion about the board's role in responding to broader air quality impacts.

A major point of concern for the board was the uncertain status of federal grant funding from the EPA. Currently, the board has only received 88% of its expected allocation for fiscal year 2025, and potential budget cuts or government shutdowns threaten future funding. This situation may necessitate utilizing county funds, prompting a postponement of the planned board retreat until clarity emerges. Board members voiced concerns about these potential budget constraints and emphasized the need for contingency planning.

Beyond immediate challenges, the board is undertaking a comprehensive review of over 300 state-mandated air quality rules, aiming to streamline the process and provide clear guidance. They also discussed transitioning ownership of currently loaned Purple Air monitors, which would extend their use for ongoing air quality monitoring. Finally, the board celebrated a significant milestone: ten years of consistently meeting state and federal air quality standards.

Key Decisions & Votes: The board unanimously approved the agenda and minutes from their previous meeting. They also approved permit renewals for Board Water Corporation and a modification to Pratt & Whitney’s permit, addressing concerns about hydrogen fluoride emissions. A change in the November meeting date was also approved, moving it from November 13th to November 20th.

What's Next for Residents? The board’s work directly impacts the air quality we breathe. Over the coming weeks, residents can expect:

• Increased monitoring of Silver Line Plastics: Staff will be closely observing operations to ensure compliance.
• Continued review of air curtain incinerator permits: Decisions on extensions will be made in accordance with EPA regulations.
• Updates on federal grant funding: Staff will continue investigating the status of these crucial funds and report back to the board.
• Opportunities for public input: Residents are encouraged to review draft rule amendments on the board's SharePoint site and provide feedback.

This meeting highlighted both immediate challenges stemming from storm recovery and longer-term strategic priorities for the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board. The board’s commitment to addressing these issues will continue to shape the quality of air in our community.