Nuclear Power Plants in Tennessee
The NRC lists 4 power reactor units at 2 plants in Tennessee.
Power reactors
| Plant | NRC location | Units (type) | Operator (per NRC) | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sequoyah | 16 miles NE of Chattanooga, TN |
| Tennessee Valley Authority | View |
| Watts Bar | 60 miles SW of Knoxville, TN |
| Tennessee Valley Authority | View |
NRC location text names the nearest city, which can be in another state. BWR means boiling water reactor and PWR means pressurized water reactor. Being on the NRC list shows a licensed power reactor unit, not that it is generating power today. Each unit's NRC page has its current status.
If you live near a plant
The NRC describes two emergency planning zones around a power reactor site, and says their size and shape vary by plant:
- About 10 miles (plume exposure). Plans aim to avoid or reduce dose, for example from breathing radioactive particles. Actions include sheltering, evacuation and potassium iodide pills where appropriate.
- About 50 miles (ingestion exposure). Plans aim to avoid or reduce dose from eating or drinking radioactive materials, including a ban on contaminated food and water.
To find out what applies to your address, ask your county emergency management office or the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. A plant in a neighboring state can also cover your area, so check plants near your state line too.
In a nuclear power plant emergency, CDC says you may be asked to get inside a building and shelter rather than leave. Follow the instructions you are given. See what families should know and what FDA and CDC say about potassium iodide.