Buncombe County Air Quality has taken over the former Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency’s work, with changes to who issues industrial permits and hears appeals. The program now operates within the county’s Permits and Inspections department, while residents can continue using familiar air-quality services.
County commissioners approved creation of the program in June amid challenges involving federal grant funding, according to a September 4 county announcement. The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission certified the restructuring, which took effect July 24, 2026.
The transition also changed the local air quality code and the former agency’s governing board. Updates to Chapter 1 address the new governing structure, and the board has become the Buncombe County Air Quality Advisory Council…