New Hanover Regional Medical Center has asked state regulators for permission to open a satellite emergency department and move one of its existing outpatient offices.

NHRMC officials have submitted a request about the project to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ certificate of need section on the proposed $15.1 million emergency department in the Port City, according to a news release from the state.

Erin Balzotti, NHRMC spokeswoman, said Thursday plans are to construct a 30,000-square-foot medical facility at 9110 Market St. in the Scotts Hill area of northern New Hanover County. She said the planned facility would house 10 treatment rooms and one critical care room.

Balzotti said hospital officials would develop the satellite emergency department and relocate its the Porters Neck NHRMC Health & Diagnostics office – an outpatient department of the hospital that currently leases space at 8115 Market St. 

Pending approval, officials would break ground on the new facility in early 2014 with a targeted opening date set for October 2015, Balzotti said.

Hospital officials submitted the application June 14, according to state records.

A public hearing for the project is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at the New Hanover Public Library, 201 Chestnut St.