Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board Meeting

Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board Meeting Recap: May 8, 2025

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Board convened on May 8, 2025, addressing a range of issues impacting air quality and environmental sustainability in our community. The meeting, attended by all board members, focused on budget adjustments, recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, and ongoing operational matters. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents to stay informed.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around assisting residents affected by Hurricane Helene. The Board unanimously recommended approval of a proposal from Buncombe County Commissioners that would modify permit fees for those impacted by the storm. This “Reduce to Rebuild” initiative aims to ease the financial burden on residents as they rebuild, with a focus on ensuring accurate FEMA damage assessments are considered. A special meeting is scheduled for June 17th at 4:00 PM to formally approve this proposal, following a required public notice period. Residents are encouraged to attend or check the county website for updates.

Beyond immediate recovery efforts, the Board approved both the FY 2025 budget amendment (addressing unexpected costs for a previously purchased truck) and the FY 2026 budget. Notably, adjustments were made to the FY 26 budget reflecting the elimination of a planned internship position. The Board also approved an adjustment to Title Five tonnage fees, calculated based on EPA guidelines that account for changes in the Consumer Price Index – a standard practice ensuring fairness and alignment with federal regulations. Finally, they approved a recommendation from the advisory committee to award Clean Air Excellence Awards to Eaton and The Footprint Project, recognizing their contributions to environmental stewardship.

Discussion also revolved around the agency’s ongoing move to 35 Woodfin Avenue, with Director Ashley providing an update on progress and challenges. The agency is currently experiencing a high volume of demolition permit requests related to FEMA’s recovery efforts, necessitating close coordination with various entities. The Board also discussed the use of air curtain incinerators for storm debris removal, emphasizing the importance of tracking their usage. A motion was approved to donate surplus ozone monitoring and push equipment to institutions like UNCA, pending approval from the Board of Commissioners.

While there were no public comments during this meeting, it’s important to note that the Board adheres to a strict protocol for public participation, requiring advance sign-up and time limits.

Looking ahead, the Board identified several key action items. Amy will draft updated bylaws incorporating recent suggestions, and the agency will continue coordinating with FEMA and Buncombe County regarding demolition permit processing. Recognizing a need for long-term financial stability, the Board discussed addressing funding challenges and will schedule a retreat in the fall to explore potential strategies. Finally, they’ll continue monitoring the status of an EPA grant for air quality sensors.

This meeting demonstrated a commitment to both immediate disaster response and long-term environmental planning, impacting residents through fee adjustments, recognition of local sustainability efforts, and ongoing agency operations.