Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board Meeting

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

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board held its regular meeting on September 10, 2025, focusing heavily on the ongoing recovery from Tropical Storm Helene and the financial implications of federal funding changes. The board reviewed updates on storm debris management, air monitoring, and facility permits, while also addressing the uncertainty surrounding the agency’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Key Decisions The board took several formal actions during the meeting. Karl Koon made the motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0. Karl Koon also moved to approve the minutes from the July 24, 2025 meeting, a motion that passed 4-0. Additionally, Caitlin Crossett made a motion to approve the minutes, which also passed 4-0. Regarding facility permits, Karl Koon moved to approve the action to loan equipment to UNCA, which passed 3-0. Finally, Karl Koon moved to renew permits for Aproech Powertrain, LLC, Buncombe County Detention Center, and Mill Tek Toll Grind, a motion that passed 4-0.

Tropical Storm Helene Recovery and Air Quality A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Staff reported that approximately 30 demolition and asbestos removal permits have been issued, primarily in Asheville, Buncombe County, and Black Mountain. Concerns were raised regarding a potential drop in participation, as some property owners may opt for self-demolition or delay their efforts due to the complex payment logistics between FEMA, the county, and municipalities. The board also discussed the expiration of a temporary EPA assurance for air curtain incinerators used for storm debris. Three local entities—Asheville Affordable Tree Men, North End Stump & Brush, and Biltmore Estate—are seeking to continue using these incinerators. The EPA has issued rule amendments allowing larger incinerators to operate under specific conditions, requiring an eight-week extension request. The board will need to consider whether to grant these extensions while ensuring compliance with particulate matter modeling regulations.

Complaints and Enforcement The board addressed a significant increase in complaints, particularly concerning open burning and odors. Specific concerns were raised about Silver Line Plastics, a facility processing flood-damaged plastic that is generating dust emissions. The board agreed to monitor the operation and potentially require a permit modification to ensure compliance. Additionally, a mulch fire in Barnardsville that impacted air quality was discussed; however, it was noted that the Air Quality Board’s authority is limited in this instance, as the issue is regulated by Solid Waste.

Federal Funding and Rule Amendments A major discussion centered on the status of federal grant funding from the EPA. The board noted that it has only received 88% of its expected allocation for fiscal year 2025. Uncertainty surrounds funding levels for fiscal year 2026 due to potential budget cuts or government shutdowns. This situation may necessitate using the county’s fund balance, and a board retreat is postponed until clarity emerges. In parallel, the board is undertaking a review of over 300 air quality rules mandated by the state. The goal is to streamline this process by focusing on significant changes and providing clear guidance, with board members encouraged to review draft amendments on the board’s SharePoint site.

Monitoring and Community Milestones The board discussed the possibility of taking over Purple Air monitors currently on loan from the state to extend their use for ongoing air quality monitoring. Staff reported on participation in a wildfire summit and a heat wave/smoke exercise, highlighting the importance of inter-agency collaboration. The board also celebrated 10 years of Asheville-Buncombe County meeting state and federal air quality standards. An update was provided on the move to a new lab space, which is now operational, with staff working through equipment repairs and preparing for the installation of new ozone monitors at AB Tech.

Follow-ups and Next Steps Staff explicitly agreed to continue working with Asheville Affordable Tree Men and North End Stump & Brush to determine their plans for continued operation of air curtain incinerators. Staff also agreed to monitor Silver Line Plastics’ chipping operations to ensure compliance with air quality regulations. Furthermore, staff will continue to investigate the status of federal grant funding and report back to the board. Staff will work with the state to transition ownership of the Purple Air monitors. The board may consider a special meeting to address the Pratt & Whitney permit situation if necessary. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2025.