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Site Description

BRISK is a FREE tool I developed as part of my Environmental Studies work at the University of Kansas. I come from a background in logistics and computer science, and I’ve always believed that good decisions start with good information. The Blue River corridor is a complex landscape with decades of environmental history, and the people who work on these issues deserve tools that make their jobs easier. BRISK was built to support that goal.

Purpose of the Tool

The tool creates a single place to store and review information about parcels and industrial sites tied to the Blue River. Instead of jumping between spreadsheets, PDFs, and agency databases, staff can quickly access consistent and accurate information. The intent is simple: reduce confusion, reduce duplication, and make environmental review more efficient and transparent.

Key Uses
  • Search and filter parcels by ID, address, site name, program, or status.
  • View consolidated parcel profiles with regulatory, environmental, and land use details.
  • Add new records or update existing entries using a structured submission form.
  • Generate clean, standardized PDF summaries for reporting, presentations, or field work.
Data Sources

The tool relies entirely on publicly available data, including:

  • City of Kansas City, Missouri GIS datasets
  • EPA RCRAInfo and Superfund program records
  • Missouri DNR environmental and remediation datasets
  • Local parcel and land use data
  • Historical documentation and program files
Technology Stack
  • Backend: Python, Flask, Gunicorn
  • Database: SQLite (Mega Dataset)
  • Frontend: Bootstrap 5
  • Server: Linux with an Nginx reverse proxy
Why BRISK Exists

The environmental field depends on accurate records to understand risks, prioritize work, and support redevelopment. But much of the data that matters most is scattered across systems, buried in decades-old reports, or held in formats that aren’t easy to compare or update.

BRISK brings everything into one place. It supports transparency, consistency, and long-term memory. Things that are critical for environmental justice, planning, and community redevelopment. My goal is for the tool to stay simple, accessible, and free to use, so that anyone who needs this information can benefit from it.

Ultimately, BRISK reflects my interest in using technology to solve real problems, especially where better data can help protect communities and improve public decision making.

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Alex Boynton and Scott Schulte at Kansas University for their guidance and support.

Dr. Boynton reinforced the importance of communicating environmental issues and safety considerations in clear, practical terms. He emphasized that environmental knowledge must remain accessible and understandable to the communities and professionals who depend on it. His perspective strengthened my commitment to clarity and public relevance in environmental work.

Scott Schulte encouraged me to fully apply myself in environmental practice and demonstrated the value of hands-on experience. Through his support and example, I came to better understand how practical work can create meaningful impact. His guidance motivated me to pursue environmental work in a way that aligns with my own strengths and sense of responsibility.