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Agency

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency is one of three local programs in North Carolina. The Agency enforces Air Quality regulations in Buncombe County and the City of Asheville. Regulations cover everything from open burning to asbestos demolition, as well as industrial facilities.

AB Air Quality is responsible for regulating all stationary and area sources of air pollution in Buncombe County and the city of Asheville. Regulatory activities include permitting, compliance inspections, and enforcement proceedings. Stationary sources are categorized into three groups: Title V facilities, synthetic minor facilities, and small facilities.

Other facilities that are regulated by AB Air Quality include gas stations and dry cleaners. Gas stations are regulated through the Stage I Vapor Recovery program, and Dry Cleaners are monitored and inspected annually.

AB Air Quality also has an air monitoring program that measures ozone and particulate matter in the county. The Agency is overseen by an independent board of five members, of which three are appointed by the Buncombe County Commission, and two by the Asheville City Council.

There is one ozone monitor and three PM2.5 monitors that are operated in accordance with EPA requirements. Air Monitoring is an important part of protecting the health of the residents of Western North Carolina.

Board & Schedule

Table: Boards & Commissions
DescriptionThe Air Quality Board's primary responsibility is to govern the overall operations of the Agency, including approval of industrial permits, oversight of the Agency budget, and final judgment on appealed Notices of Violation. In order to accomplish these duties, the Air Quality Board meets bi-monthly and at other times as warranted.
Positions5
Term Length6
Number of Terms10
Meeting Date2nd Thursday of every other Month Jan/March/May/July/Sept/Nov
Meeting Time4:00 p.m.
Meeting Location30 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801

Air Quality Meeting Schedule

Board Members

Table: Air Quality Board
Name Appointment End of Term
Ned Guttman Buncombe County 7/1/2028
Joel Storrow - Chair City of Asheville 7/1/2028
Karl Koon - Vice Chair Buncombe County 7/1/2026
Evan Couzo City of Asheville 7/1/2026
Garry Whisnant Buncombe County 11/1/2026

Documents

Board Agendas & Minutes

Annual Reports

Locate & Contact

Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency Advisory Board

Contact

Air Quality
Main Line
P: (828) 250-6777
F: (828) 250-6222

Open Burning Hotline
P: (828) 250-6767

Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency
30 Valley Street
Asheville, NC 28801

Find Parking

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2749
Asheville, NC 28802

Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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Air Quality Staff