[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6496637,"mediaKeyId","5590749-5af3c4fe9bed88388cff4958fd16971a","parentId",5590749,"title","Solid waste staff outline C&D diversion, compost pilot and mixed‑load enforcement; bear‑resistant carts tabled for further discussion","audioSeconds",960,"startMs",1523000,"endMs",2483000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5590749-5af3c4fe9bed88388cff4958fd16971a&start=1523&end=2483","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5590749-5af3c4fe9bed88388cff4958fd16971a/thumbnail_1523000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6496637/Buncombe-County/North-Carolina/Solid-waste-staff-outline-CD-diversion-compost-pilot-and-mixedload-enforcement-bearresistant-carts-tabled-for-further-discussion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496637-46c4f657cb5b8c06f86d5cd1f88917d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771000182&Signature=GJl~j8bks-y2IzihDLGIHIyzlpQCB2GAQDbFCjW-DVYvM0s0HuBFWrwgS4CLyc~gyTy3kQ8erOklM0O0wQzJDhQ~4ISuUstzBm02VuhtpgDW5~nW8eNuFc292Pc4md4lvQJEdQhJ1RE~qq1SKZwbMppqzW6WFSVXcdYbjZjpQ5rwuzSJrLnwDJiprbp4U-p1dBtdjAwZlDcHhhqAushRXbDVc6PGjflE1A32ebrstTePkS4ASqaD~TGLN4uGyF3xR0PZAPdbmTLScDhC1MjZCuw9k10QBsOCM9V8Uaqr0vCE83unq9ML2qW7wZi6DFTs8l6ScKJnY0ggVkQ4sp0Anw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Buncombe County, NC","date","2025-08-16T03:25:03Z","article","Solid‑waste staff updated Buncombe County meeting attendees on efforts to increase construction and demolition (C&D) recycling, advance a pilot composting facility for food scraps and strengthen enforcement of the county’s mixed‑load ordinance.

Kristine (representing the county solid‑waste department) said staff completed several preparatory steps since last year, including hiring an inspector, reducing daily C&D acceptance at the transfer station to encourage diversion to the landfill recycling side, and increasing tip fees for undesirable mixed loads. She said the county will run a three‑day on‑site visual waste characterization at the C&D landfill, then sample the municipal solid waste (MSW) side and the transfer station to identify materials arriving as mixed loads and to inform future program focus.

Staff presented current diversion figures and benchmarks from New Hanover County’s C&D recycling facility, which opened with capital costs reported by staff at about $1.8 million and achieves higher recovery rates through a hand‑sort conveyor. Kristine said the county’s current average diversion rate is roughly 12–13% under present programs, and that C&D side phase 8 is the last horizontal expansion — with an estimated 4–5 years of remaining capacity on the C&D side from the planned expansion and roughly 17–19 years of capacity countywide on the MSW side, per the department’s annual capacity estimate.

On composting, staff reported a pilot, aerated static‑pile system is in place; it is sized to accept local food‑scrap collection from libraries and other collection points on a regulatory‑limited, pilot scale. The department said the initial feedstock will be the county’s separate food‑scrap collections and that compost product would be used on site, primarily as a soil amendment for landfill slopes; staff said a full‑scale facility would require additional capital and market development.

Materials staff singled out as opportunities for market development included clean lumber, cardboard, metal and yard waste; shingles and sheetrock currently lack reliable local markets and would require external outlets or new facilities. Staff said a future C&D recycling facility or sorting process could be considered but would require capital investment and market commitments.

Staff also led an extended discussion on bear‑resistant carts after commissioners and members raised neighborhood concerns. County staff outlined the local bear‑resistant cart program and the vendor pricing and lease options currently available through the collection contractor (FCC). Staff said bear‑resistant carts cost roughly $235–$320 per unit depending on purchase/lease options and noted significant manufacturer lead times; they cautioned that no cart is completely “bear proof” and stressed the importance of timed setouts and public education to reduce attractants. Staff and commissioners discussed targeted education, heat‑mapping complaint locations, and whether a countywide ordinance would be appropriate; staff said some jurisdictions implement targeted requirements only in areas with persistent bear activity.

Appointments and administrative items: The committee moved and seconded a motion to reappoint two people to the committee; the motion carried on an oral vote (ayes, no recorded opposing votes). Staff said the appointments will advance to the full board for formal approval.

Ending — follow-up tasks: Staff listed near‑term action items: run the C&D waste audit and analyze the data, evaluate potential laydown areas or outlets for recovered materials, continue mixed‑load enforcement, and return with options and cost estimates for compost expansion and any sorting/capital proposals. Staff also committed to working with partners on targeted outreach and heat‑map data for bear activity before the county’s October presentation from FCC.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Environmental and Energy Stewardship Subcommittee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Solid‑waste staff updated the committee on plans for a C&D waste audit, pilot composting of food scraps, and stronger enforcement of mixed‑load rules while commissioners and staff discussed outreach and targeted responses to bear activity.","taxTitle","Buncombe County, North Carolina","taxId",3914,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6496641,"Renewables Solar urges Buncombe County to adopt CPACE resolution to spur commercial clean‑energy projects",226,35000,261000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5590749-5af3c4fe9bed88388cff4958fd16971a&start=35&end=261","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5590749-5af3c4fe9bed88388cff4958fd16971a/thumbnail_35000.jpg","/articles/6496641/Buncombe-County/North-Carolina/Renewables-Solar-urges-Buncombe-County-to-adopt-CPACE-resolution-to-spur-commercial-cleanenergy-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496641-efcaa2871ea71d8e0bc6b5b37b8d07b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771000182&Signature=OsACuKoH47fSUISCqqqAbLdWaLR67gLi2W7vCHhP9l~ScuQ~qAHP5UDlVeHIRrx1STEw2uNb1lKmPOEynnVKz7nrY5JqnYLvt0gnrMNcO4CVnZ-23PmQmjY29kWTzPN1Dtf1zzL7HUEWta8NIPjQtUR93Jm27tZocDAbzFwUw5g5bK0yn~-OpJEW44VhPnhAdERMxHiXrv~SXGaqdQbMeNDYVq9bhf21lOyljJ1lm6JY~Ry3tsWTK2BpCfEbiF6Pxik7MNwN-aqm6KfTodeKdHrmPJiItVuh2TKZPDFQHcm4te0AUoHSznedsZAivkXQFAmp0dXrks7GQwvzxV5eDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A solar company owner told Buncombe County meeting attendees that Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) financing could accelerate commercial solar and multifamily clean‑energy projects in North Carolina, and urged county consideration of a future opt‑in resolution.

Nick Welsh, an owner of Renewables Solar and Electric, said he has worked on commercial solar projects in several states for 15 years and described CPACE as “a program that I’ve seen really be a driver for commercial solar development in other states.” Welsh said he and several potential clients were monitoring the program’s rollout in North Carolina and would be prepared to develop projects quickly if the county opted in.

County staff present described CPACE as a state‑administered program that requires jurisdictions to adopt a local resolution to opt in. Staff said the county’s role would be limited under the model resolution and that most program administration and financing arrangements would be handled at the state level. The presentation referenced an early CPACE project in Gaston County, where CPACE financing reportedly was used to refinance an original construction loan on a multifamily property.

Staff recommended returning with a draft resolution at an upcoming meeting once the state’s rollout guidance — including roles for local governments and any financial partners — was clearer. No formal resolution or vote was taken at this meeting.

Ending — next step: County staff asked to check back with potential implementers before the next meeting and to present a draft boilerplate resolution and any recommended implementing language when state guidance is available.

","A solar company owner urged the county to opt into a state-administered CPACE financing program; county staff said the next step would be a boilerplate opt‑in resolution once state rollout guidance is finalized.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6496646,"RiverLink reports 133 rain barrels distributed to cut rooftop runoff in targeted Buncombe County watersheds",608,635000,1243000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5590749-5af3c4fe9bed88388cff4958fd16971a&start=635&end=1243","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5590749-5af3c4fe9bed88388cff4958fd16971a/thumbnail_635000.jpg","/articles/6496646/Buncombe-County/North-Carolina/RiverLink-reports-133-rain-barrels-distributed-to-cut-rooftop-runoff-in-targeted-Buncombe-County-watersheds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496646-4e44249b8ee02fd3f9bfa87c0b193b75/orig.mp4?Expires=1771000182&Signature=UZ56ltxJ15VQQd0L133F0xKcElHWnpPy6O884O7FGm0zr0o3VptS9rl228VAw3IkW4tcF0i66Jo6fB3cbBs92yklBKgmEA4YSV-vBpubbbHRFj7ibBkRQE9YtH4bvO9FR85AgGZUcfWdhpBFmUV2NY4QpsJVM~D64rJmTAEQksaMj1SE8cioJhHZXqnE~p69SoBLYe4BrMWk~uYr9lJFfOaYts3CsBr2gvqH-CIe7cXwBbkNHiIXEoxkrGrmEMb802QuScgYH~xhq22c4iNfaLu05Kg0sehwUkLIVQry88yQb85LVnWqx4Y017NZ5MdMMjiULO8~7FRhFbwREGEGAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","RiverLink told Buncombe County meeting attendees that a county-funded Clean Water Fund grant helped the nonprofit distribute 133 rain barrels, disconnect roughly 123 rooftop downspouts and install two rain gardens in targeted impaired watersheds.

Renee Porter, RiverLink’s director of programs, said the project targeted streams listed as impaired on the state’s 2022 303(d) list and focused outreach on neighborhoods draining to Smithville Creek, the Upper Swannanoa and two streams identified in the presentation as part of the Central Asheville watershed. “We distributed 133 rain barrels to residents in those impaired watersheds,” Porter said.

RiverLink said the county provided $25,000 from a Clean Water Fund award and the project received a $50,000 match from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina to fund a public-awareness campaign and the rain‑barrel program. Organizers mailed 500 postcards to residents in targeted areas, offered free barrels to low‑income households and a 50% cost share to others (the presentation stated that participants paid about $35 for a barrel with retail value of about $125).

Porter described the program steps: interested residents completed an online form, staff conducted site visits to confirm gutters and whether a downspout discharged to a hard surface or storm drain, and RiverLink staff offered installation help. The presentation said the team’s target of 100 rooftop disconnections was exceeded.

Why it matters: County watershed action plans cited in RiverLink’s presentation identify stormwater runoff from rooftops, streets and parking lots as a major source of pollutant loads — including sediment and bacteria — to streams in Buncombe County. RiverLink estimated that rooftops contribute millions of gallons of runoff in Buncombe County annually and presented the rain‑barrel work as a low‑barrier approach to reduce that volume where residents are willing and able to participate.

RiverLink also described outreach and logistics: eligibility used a county community‑index map to prioritize low‑income census tracts within the targeted watersheds; residents were encouraged to disconnect barrels for winter to avoid freezing damage; the vendor replaced a pallet of barrels that was lost in a storm; and the nonprofit referred residents outside the target area to other local sellers and partners.

Porter said the grant work wrapped in June 2025 and that the program distributed 133 rain barrels, installed two rain gardens, and completed about 123 rooftop disconnections. She thanked the county for funding and invited future consideration of similar grant requests.

Ending — next steps and questions: County members asked about seasonal maintenance and geographic distribution of participating homes; Porter said RiverLink planned to break out participation by watershed and could report more detailed site data in a subsequent presentation. The county did not take formal action on the item during this meeting.

","RiverLink told Buncombe County officials it used a $25,000 Clean Water Fund grant and matching funds to distribute 133 rain barrels, disconnect roughly 123 downspouts and install two rain gardens in impaired watersheds to reduce stormwater runoff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Solid waste staff outline C&D diversion, compost pilot and mixed‑load enforcement; bear‑resistant carts tabled for further discussion

Renewables Solar urges Buncombe County to adopt CPACE resolution to spur commercial clean‑energy projects

RiverLink reports 133 rain barrels distributed to cut rooftop runoff in targeted Buncombe County watersheds