Buncombe County Air Quality Council Meeting | September 22, 2026

The Buncombe County Air Quality Council meeting held on September 22, 2026, focused primarily on administrative and operational updates related to air quality management and grant funding. Key procurement-related discussions included the transition to a new grant management process aligning with federal fiscal years, specifically for EPA Section 105 and 103 grants, with an approximate grant match budget of $350,000 approved by county commissioners for FY27. The council discussed challenges in grant timing and budget alignment due to the transition and the renaming of the air quality program. Additionally, updates were provided on air curtain incinerator permitting and compliance, including the issuance of general Title V permits and pending EPA rule changes that may affect future permitting requirements. The council also reviewed monitoring program audits, new monitoring site developments, and ongoing compliance enforcement actions. No new contract awards or vendor selections were reported, but the meeting highlighted procedural changes that could impact future procurement and grant management activities.