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Alert

Due to a lapse in appropriations, the NRC has ceased normal operations. However, excepted and exempted activities necessary to maintain critical health and safety functions—as well as essential progress on designated critical activities, including those specified in Executive Order 14300—will continue, consistent with the OMB-Approved NRC Lapse Plan.

Decommissioning

The process of safely closing a nuclear power plant (or other facility where nuclear materials are handled) to retire it from service after its useful life has ended. This process primarily involves decontaminating the facility to reduce residual radioactivity and then releasing the property for unrestricted or (under certain conditions) restricted use. This often includes dismantling the facility or dedicating it to other purposes. See SAFSTOR. For additional information, see Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities and Find Sites Undergoing Decommissioning.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, February 15, 2023