BURNET COUNTY -- Plans for a rock crushing plant may go forward if a construction company has its way and gets the green light from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

“We’re here protesting against a proposed rock crushing plant here right across the street in our neighborhoods,” said Marble Falls resident Grant Dean.

The site falls just outside of Marble Falls jurisdiction meaning city leaders can’t put a stop to those plans. That could derail the city’s vision for economic growth along Highway 281 and County Road 403.

“If we can’t develop that then the city has invested millions of dollars in infrastructure that we’re never going to get a payback on. That’s huge for a small town like us,” said Marble Falls Mayor John Packer.

Residents say they’re pro-business but implore the company at the heart of the issue, Asphalt, Inc., to take their business elsewhere.

“We really would love to see them take a look at moving their operation someplace else that’s more appropriate than here," said Marble Falls resident Dale Seabaugh.

The site, on the southwest edge of Burnet County, already has wheels moving with plans for residential space but if the rock quarry gets built selling those homes may get complicated.

“Seven hundred homes. Nobody is going to want to buy a lot with a rock quarry in the backyard, wake up with your coffee and a little dynamite,” said Dean.

Activists say rock crusher operations aren’t just unsightly they also threaten the ecosystem.

“We have a limited water supply to begin with. Some estimate as little as 40 years-worth of water,” said Dean.

Air quality, they say, will also be compromised.

“Crystalline silica which is in the dust of all the rock around this area as it gets crushed and blown around—you breathe that in, it gets trapped in your lungs, and it potentially causes cancer,” says activist Matt Seabaugh.

“If this comes in, I’m going to be breathing in that dust and the dust is going to cause inflammation and inflammation will trigger my disease and I can’t stand for this. We have to stop it,” says Horseshoe Bay resident Judy Frazier.

In a last ditch effort, activists will appeal to the TCEQ for a so-called contested case hearing which could put the brakes on the rock quarry’s construction.

--How you can chime in:--

The commission takes public comment through Oct. 9. Online comments can be made online.

For a closer look at the affected area: Visit Cancer.gov.