ERIE — Angie Nordstrum is a longtime “fractivist” and has now won some recognition for her work.

Nordstrum flew into action when she learned that an oil and gas company planned to drill several wells near her son's elementary school.

Nordstrum started Erie Rising with three fellow mothers because she was concerned about the health effects of hydraulic fracturing. Also called “fracking,” the method involves pumping chemicals, water and sand into the ground to release natural gas.

“As we started learning more about the chemicals and some of the potential health risks associated with this new process, we got really concerned about the safety and welfare of the kids,” Nordstrum said.

She researched the drilling technique and found a study that showed Erie contained levels of air pollution associated with oil and gas development higher than Pasadena, Calif., and Houston. Her group asked the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientist who completed the study to present his findings to Erie leaders.

Shortly after, the Erie Board of Trustees passed a six-month moratorium on oil and gas drilling in the town to explore matters related to air