So.. Liberty Pressure Pumping applied for an air quality permit... hadn't gotten one yet.. but that didn't prevent them from being in business ANYWAY.  TCEQ didn't have good answers, but I have to say that it's great that so many people turned out to express their concerns.

A big problem for locals was the fact Liberty has remained in operation since first opening its doors without the required air quality permit.

George McCormick, life-long Bluff Dale resident who said his family has been in the community since the 1870s, asked simple questions that elicited applause from his fellow residents.

“I am only interested in the health and safety of everyone here,” McCormick said. “And, I want to know, why you (Liberty) are just now asking for a permit? How have you been operating here for nearly two years without one? If I drive my car without a license or carry my gun without a permit, wouldn’t I face going to jail?”