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.

Loss of coolant accident (LOCA)

A potential accident in which a breach in a reactor’s pressure boundary causes the coolant water to rush out of the reactor faster than makeup water can be added back in. Without sufficient coolant, the reactor core could heat up and potentially melt the zirconium fuel cladding, causing a major release of radioactivity.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, February 15, 2023