RAVENNA, Mich. -- An oil and gas company from Houston wants to start fracking for natural gas in a small Michigan town.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is another way to get natural gas out of the ground.

It is being credited for helping America become less dependent on foreign fuels but some long-time residents in Muskegon County are worried about the effects if the company's permit gets approved.

"I've lived on this farm all of my life. Sixty eight years I've been here." said Jack Link.

The process involves blasting huge amounts of water, sand and chemicals sideways into wells to release pockets of natural gas.

Some residents are concerned about where all that water would come from.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has 50 days to approve the permit.